Chapter Eight

Menacing Monster

Christine covered her face with her arms when Erik came storming into the room. No! Let him leave, let him leave me alone! She pleaded to God. She did not want to go through what she just had with him. When the room became quiet Christine looked up hesitantly.

Erik was in the doorway, staring at her with what looked like regret. Then she knew, he was going to kill her.

A sob wracked her small frame as she stood and began backing away from him. He could not do this, she did not deserve this! She would tell no one about what she had seen if he would only let her go!

"P-please…let me go!" she whispered. He stepped toward her and Christine took a step back, a whimper echoing in the room. He said nothing and continued walking toward her.

"I will do anything…I promise I would never say anything to anyone! Just…let me go," Christine said.

She swallowed when her back pressed against the cold, stone wall. He continued advancing on her until she could touch him, he was so close. Christine stared him in the eyes, to afraid to look away.

Something in his eyes was familiar to her. She had seen that look before but she could not think of where. It was lonely and hurt, abandoned and melancholy. A sob rose in her throat when she recognized it. it was the same look in her eyes every time she looked in the mirror.

This man had been hurt before. She did not know how and she did not know when, but she knew that it had changed him, probably made him this cold monster. Her experience had left her shy and afraid; a man like this would not allow that to happen to him. No, he would show anger and fear to anyone who dared try to hurt him again.

Hurt him like she had. By taking off his mask she had left him exposed to a world that had been unkind to both of them. He had every right to be mad at her as he was, what she had done was wrong.

"I am sorry," she whispered. The apology seemed to vibrate in the silent room, weighing down on both of them. Once more he said nothing but he studied her face intently. With a weary sigh he looked away.

"Your apology changes nothing. You will remain here," he said. Christine gasped in disbelief. He turned from her and without thinking Christine grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Stop, please!" she said. Erik's head turned slowly to look at the small hand she had on his sleeve. Christine swallowed and pulled her hand away hastily.

"Please do not do something we both will regret," she whispered. Erik did not reply and Christine stared at his retreating back as he left the room.

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Damn Christine Daaé to hell! Her face was still firmly planted in his mind. The way her eyes had held his, studying him. He had seen the recognition that had dawned in her blue depths and he knew she saw his pain. He had seen it in her eyes as well.

Something had happened to this woman and it had hurt her badly. Well he knew what pain was and he would not let her leave and tell everyone she saw about the dreadfulness of his face.

God, but she was beautiful! As he had looked at her he had been really aware of the fact. So beautiful and innocent. He was hurting her by forcing her to stay here and though he knew it was wrong his stubbornness would not allow her to leave. She would never come back if she left.

She was playing havoc with his thoughts and he needed a drink and a long horse ride to clear his mind. Pulling on a cloak Erik headed for the stables.

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A/N: Sorry this chapter was so short but I just wanted Christine to recognize what it was that caused Erik to act the way he does. I hope I am not boring you all with this story! I promise more things will happen in the upcoming chapters! i am so glad that everyone seems to like this story so much because i am really enjoying writing it, and if you have not noticed i am sort of going for a medieval feeling.Please review!