Chapter 9—Your Eyes Will Only Tell The Truth

"Erik, come quickly!" Meg said, tugging on his arm.

"Meg…you go."

"What?"

"You heard me—go! I…" he paused for a moment, and Christine froze in anticipation. "…I choose to stay."

She clutched at the back of a chair to stay in a standing position. She heard the sounds of Meg leaving, and more of him approaching her, and his singing.

"Masquerade! Paper faces on parade! Masquerade!

Hide your face, so the world will never find you!"

She didn't feel she could trust her sight any more, so she did not turn around when she felt his hands on her shoulders, and then his chest pressed against her back as he supported her with his hands around her waist.

"Christine, I love you…"

"Why didn't you go?" she asked him quietly. "She is fair. I am hideous."

"Mon ange, do you think I am that shallow?"

She realized that she had closed her eyes, and opened them again. Was it possible? Was she loved for herself? Or was there some hideous coincidence here that was causing her to go mad?

"What about the people?" he breathed suddenly in her ear. She became instantly tense before she remembered her defense mechanism that she had built, should something like this ever happen. She drew gently away from Erik and moved over to a wall, where she drew back a tapestry to reveal a hidden panel. She opened it, and inside there was a handle. With all her strength, she pushed it up all the way, and the sound of grating metal resounded. Erik went behind her again and rested his hands on her hips. She was grateful to be able to, finally, lean on him, and be surrounded in the warmth of his love.

"What was that?" he asked when the sound stopped.

"There are now four closed gates between us and them," she replied. "I am sure that they only know of the entrance through the lake, and it would take them a week of work to get through."

"So we are safe?"

"Yes."

"Good." His hands traveled lightly up her sides, and she shivered as they touched her bare throat. He bent his head and kissed her neck deeply. She felt her body relax, and she sang almost lazily.

"Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime!"

He lifted his mouth just enough to sing back.

"Say the word, and I will follow you!"

He pressed his perfect face against her deformity. Their voices joined together.

"Share each day with me each night, each morning..."

She felt his lips caressing her jaw line, and sang with all the love in her heart.

"You alone can make my song take flight!

Help me make the music of the night!"

As her solo voice died away, he raised his hand to her face and lightly turned it toward him before kissing her passionately. Her tongue met his willingly, and their breath mingled pleasantly. And Christine knew, she was indeed loved, and that she never would adore another as she did Erik.

All too soon, they broke apart. She had to stop herself from gasping with this newfound sensation. His eyes became starry pools of deep blue water that pulled her into their endless fathoms. They were tired eyes, and she realized how long he had been awake.

"You should sleep," she told him. "You must be exhausted."

"Aren't you coming?"

She couldn't believe how much she loved him. "I'll keep watch out here, just in case." She smiled at the slight disappointment in his eyes. "There will be many other nights," she said gently. He sighed resignedly and kissed her once more.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, mon ange"