Chapter Twenty Four

Philippe growled and managed to step to the side, but not before the dagger sliced into his side, blood immediately beginning to flow. Christine stumbled to the floor and the dagger clattered away from her. She could not get up in time and Philippe kicked her forcefully in the side. She moaned and turned her head away, looking at Erik, who was facing her on the floor. That was when she noticed two things, both of which might be able to help them.

The dagger had landed directly by Erik's hand, and he had gently grasped it and hit it beneath him. Christine glanced at Philippe, but he was looking down at his wound and muttering curses as he tried to stop the blood. The other thing she noticed was little Jammes, hiding in the shadows out of sight by the door. She had something in her hand, though Christine could not see what it was, though she knew it could wound Philippe in some way.

Christine needed to get Philipp's back to that door and to little Jammes, without him noticing. Erik had noticed her as well but looked away, not wanting Philippe to notice. Christine's eyes pleaded with Erik to understand what she had to do next. Christine stood slowly, hoping Philippe would not kick her again. He said nothing as he looked at her, not really knowing what he wanted to do next. Taking a breath and praying that Erik would forgive her Christine went to her love's worst enemy...and kissed him.

Philippe's eyes rounded in surprise and she could hear Erik gasp. Christine had to ignore the sound and push back the bile that rose to her throat at the feel of Philippe's mouth. She used all the skill she knew how, dipping her tongue into his mouth and pressing herself against him. Philippe relaxed slightly and his fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her mouth almost savagely against his own, his tongue hot and invading.

Christine began to walk ever so gently toward Jammes, gently pushing Philippe in the process, his back to the other woman as he focused on the kiss. Jammes seemed to realize what Christine was doing and prepared herself. Christine ran her hands up and down his chest, trying to imagine Erik but failing miserably. He was going to hate her forever for doing this but she had no choice. This was the only way to get him to the door without him seeing Jammes.

It felt like decades before they reached the door, Philippe now completely caught up in what he was doing. There was the sound of a thud and shattering glass and then silence...

Christine dared to open her eyes, her breathing heavy and ready to cry. Philippe was lying at her feet among blood and broken glass from what had once been a vase. Jammes was trembling at she looked at him, realizing the glass in her dream had been this moment. Not allowing herself to cry Christine went to Erik, where he was fighting to remain conciousness. Bruises and blood caked both the good and bad side of his face. She turned to Jammes.

"Where are Erik's men?" she demanded.

"Riding the manor of the last of Philippe's men," she whispered, unable to look away from what she had done.

"Go and find Rupert, tell him to come here immediately," she instructed. Jammes left immediately. Christine gently laid Erik's head on her lap.

"C-Christine-"

"Please, Erik, do not say anything," she whispered, ready to break down. He looked up at her for a moment with cloudy eyes.

"I love you, Christine," he whispered. The tears did fall then, onto Erik's face like gently falling rain.

"I love you, too, Erik," she whispered. She watched him slowly slip into unconciousness.

xXx

"Philippe is dead, Mademoiselle," Rupert said softly. Christine nearly collapsed in relief.

"The blow to his head killed him," Rupert continued. They were both standing outside of Erik's door. Rupert and his the men who knew anything about medicine had helped to wrap and wash his wounds and only time would tell if he would live. She knew not what Rupert and the men did to Philippe's men and she decided not to ask.

Jammes had been brought to her room after Christine thanked her with tears running down her face. She was in a sort of daze, not believing she had killed a man, no matter how many times Christine had assured her it was out of self defense. Christine focused once more on Rupert who had continued talking. To her surprise he pulled her close and hugged her for a moment, in a type of brotherly hug.

"Do not worry, Erik is a strong man," he assured her. She nodded and thanked him before silently slipping into Erik's room, where he lay still on his large bed. On silent steps and heavy heart Christine went to him, gently lying herself beside him, careful not to touch anything that might hurt him. The deformed side of his face was facing her and she gently ran her finger across the uneven flesh.

"I love you, Erik...please do not leave me..."

A/N: I know this chapter is short but I wanted to leave it at that. Obviously it is not over, and I think there will be more chapters then any of you might guess, because Philippe is dead does not mean that Erik's and Christine's problems are over. I am so sorry for the sharp chapter and I told you all Jammes was going to play an important role in the story! No one saw that, I am sure! Please read and review!