The last chapter ever... Enjoy!

16: Epilogue-

"Chantelle!" called Rohan from the dining room, "hurry dear or your meal will cool."

A small smile crept across Chantelle's features at the sound of her dear husband's voice as she stood gazing out the window of their magnificent Russian estate.

After her frightening incident with Erik, Chantelle had pleaded with her husband that they leave their life in France and make a new start somewhere far away. Although he had never fully understood why, Rohan had agreed, believing her fear of the Academy Ghost would drive her insane unless he took action.

They had settled in St. Petersburg, in a large mansion close to the towering snowcapped mountains and begun a new life, complete with two lovely children in close succession. Chantelle now felt free, the ghosts of her past resting thousands of miles away, and a happy existence stretched before her.

She was shaken from her thoughts by a small hand tugging at her burgundy taffeta skirts. A smile graced her features as the large cerulean eyes of her daughter of three summers shone from a perfect alabaster visage, a small smile on her petite pink lips. She was every bit the image of Chantelle, her long mahogany curls and porcelain skin, though the sky blue eyes were a gift from her father, forever shining and wonderful.

"Papa says you should come away from the window, you might catch cold." The little girl stated softly, only causing Chantelle's smile to widen as she took her daughter's hand and followed her to the grand dining room.

"Is that so? Well, I'll make sure to stand by the fire tonight." She knelt and placed a kiss on the tip of her daughter's nose, then received the same with a grin, before rising and going to her husband and lifting the baby boy from his lap and into her arms. She toyed with his golden locks as he grabbed for her necklace, his wide ice blue eyes glowing with happiness and she smiled to him, then to her family.

It was times such as these that she praised the Lord for that young girl with ebony hair and shadowy eyes that saved her that day, and had allowed her to achieve this ultimate joy in which she lived. Taking a seat at the polished mahogany table, she placed her son on her knee and began her supper.

-

Thus began a new chapter in the lives of Erik and Alyssa. They had wedded in the beautified depths of the underground cavern, the ceremony performed and witnessed by a trusted priest of Giry's prior acquaintance, Father Jean-Paul Bernard. He had blessed them, and they were bound under the eyes of the Lord, the kiss finally shared by man and wife more powerful than anything ever experienced by the pair. Father Bernard had also blessed the child growing within Alyssa, praying it may grow and prosper with devoted parents ever watchful.

"I am forever yours, Erik." Alyssa had whispered as they lay together on their wedding night, buried beneath layers of black and red silk, shrouded in darkness by the black gossamer curtain surrounding their bed. With a gentle hand, Erik had caressed his wife's swelling abdomen lovingly, the thought that she was carrying his flesh and blood still overwhelming, and murmured back, "there has never been a happier man alive than I at this moment. You complete me."

She had taught him to love once more, to set free his damaged soul and bind with another, releasing him from the shackles of solitude and bringing him into the light of wedded bliss. The secret she kept from him would be taken with her to the grave, a secret now she often pondered. He had tricked and deceived many people in his long life, and now without realizing, the one thought that kept him sane was no more than a vicious dream thought to have been fulfilled. For once he did not have the upper hand, yet he did not know it. What he does not know can't hurt, Alyssa would remind herself with a sly smile, and he will never know, I'll be sure of that…

She smiled as she felt his breathing become even and began to drift into sleep herself, lulled by the gentle lapping of the underground lake on its stone shore, and her child moving softly within her. They were one, and a whole, and they would be for many years. But for now they slept, peacefully and warm in their loving embrace.

In silence.

A/n: There it is, the last of my story. -cries- I hope it was worth it! And nothing is complete without thankyous:

To my reviewers - Youguys have been so good to me, your kind words (and condolances at times) have meant so much to me over the past eight months, so much that I cant begin to say. I am so glad I have been able to engage you, and write a piece that people actually enjoy! It has been a wonderful experience, and I hope for more to come! Once again, I thank you.

To my Editor, Nuffyrox: I wouldn't have gotten very far without you there reading every chapter closely, telling me what needed fixing or changing. You have been a wonderful help to me and I greatly appreciate it, though not as much as your friendship. I love you so much, and nothing I can say will ever thank you enough. I am just glad you have been here for me since the good ol' days :) -huggles- thank you Erin, for everything.

To all those who read anonymously: Its great to know that so many people give this a go, and I'm glad you guys did, even if you didn't leave a review. Thank you for taking an interest!

So thats all from me at the moment. I have posted some poems recently, you might like to take a squiz:)

I have had many other ideas for a new fic in mind, though it may take a while to get it to paper, if I begin at all. What do you think, do you want another story from my twisted mind? LoL let me know! But its bye for now, and I will answer every review/comment that I recieve. :)

Peace and love-

Eric :)