Only Through Love
Part 2
"Erik!" Christine ran to him and helped him up.
"Christine, we must hurry before the fog wears away." He led her to his bedchamber, and stood before a large mirror. He began to finger the mirror as it clicked open.
"Erik, where are we-….." He silenced her with his finger upon her lips. Erik led Christine into the darkened room before them. Once inside, he carefully closed the mirror. Just as he did so, the mob could be heard coming ashore, followed by the rants and crashing of breakables. They sat in the far corner of the room, in each other's arms. Christine could feel him tense up as the chaos outside went on. Suddenly a loud roar came from Erik's prized organ. Tears began to fall as he held her close to him.
"Take what you want. There's no one here, lets go." One of the men said. As the final sounds of footsteps faded away, Erik let out a relieved sigh, then winced as his shoulder throbbed in pain. Both cautious as whether or not to leave, they waited a while longer before emerging from the secret room.
Upon seeing the destruction that was his home, Erik collapsed, tears of anguish pouring from his soul. Slowly, Christine knelt before him and cradled him in her arms. They sat in silence for what seemed like eternity, until he spoke.
"We must leave, for I fear they will be back soon." He went to retrieve his mask, but it was nowhere to be found. After his frantic searching, he settled for his black one instead, noting to make a new one.
Christine was patiently waiting for him on the chaise lounge when he appeared.
"Are you ready mon amour?" Erik took one last sweeping glance over his lair before responding.
"Yes, I think getting away from this hell would do me some good." She smiled at him took his hand as he led her down the dark corridors. Soon, they arrived at the charred stables, or what was left of it. Erik clicked his tongue, which was followed by the neigh of a horse. A beautiful black Arabian stallion came into view. Erik saddled the horse and strapped down the luggage. He gracefully mounted Cesar with cat-like agility. Without a thought, he effortlessly pulled Christine up to sit in front of him. She immediately settled into his warm embrace as they rode off into the night. He stopped at an inn on the outskirts of Paris for the rest of the night. Christine was sound asleep in his arms as he carried her inside.
The desk clerk immediately took notice of Erik's mask.
"May we please have a room for the night? My wife and I are very tired." The clerk looked from Erik to the woman in his arms, then motioned for them to follow.
"Yes, right this way." He hurriedly led them to a vacant room on the top floor. Once inside, he placed Christine on the bed and lay down next to her. Even in her sleep she cuddled up next to him. Erik lovingly wrapped his arms around her and fell asleep.