Disclaimer: Don't own PotO… just Adrien and Isabella…

Chapter VIII – The Music of the Night

Isabella nearly screamed. ((But she did get in a good backwards kick – never mind.)) She spun around. Adrien had let go of her and was kneeling on the floor in pain. He shook his head, stood, and pulled her gently down the hall. (Erik, being in his own little musical-bubble as he was, noticed nothing.)

((Sorry, it was too perfect. I couldn't resist.))

When they had made it to another room, Adrien immediately collapsed in the nearest armchair. Isabella had covered her mouth with a hand after kicking him. "I-I'm so sorry, Adrien, I didn't know it was you. Are you alright?"

He sighed. "I suppose, but next time, try to show a little reflex control." She nodded, and heard Erik switch to a different song, with a more upbeat, dancy melody. "What did you want, anyway?"

"Well, you were standing in the doorway about to break his spell. What I mean," he added quickly, seeing the look on her face, "is that whenever Erik plays Music of the Night, he goes into a sort of trance, and then sometimes he starts playing other songs. If anything, any singing, talking, loud noise is around, he snaps out of it. I didn't want that to happen, because he can still sing wonderfully."

Indeed, the strains of Angel of Music now flowed to them, accompanied by Erik's rich baritone.

Isabella sighed. "I could listen to that voice forever."

Adrien smiled. "Most nights he plays until I fall asleep, and that can be pretty late sometimes."

She giggled, and they both got to their feet.

"Your room is just down the tunnelway. I'll show you." He disappeared again down the ladder, candle in hand. She followed, not wanting Erik's music to leave her ears.

They climbed a set of stone steps near the ladder, and ascended into a room filled with small tables and candelabras, which Adrien lit carefully. A comfortable bed with linen sheets stood in the middle of the room.

Isabella placed her new gown on a chair and went about examining this small domain. The candelabras gave an almost spooky effect, casting shadows on the walls in time with Erik's music.

Adrien moved to leave. "My room is the next ladder up," he said. "In case you have need of me. Bonne nuit." And he left.

Isabella quickly put on the dressing gown and snuggled under the covers. It was a little chilly, but she didn't mind. After spending so long without a proper bed, she was thankful for anything. A haunting, horror-like melody floated through the walls, and Erik sang as if his heart would break again: "Sing once again with me, our strange duet…"

Isabella fell asleep with the Phantom's anthem in her mind, heart, and soul.

I sincerely hope that those of you reading this have a basic knowledge and grasp of the French language, but for those of you who don't, here's a translation:

Bonne nuit Good night