IX. Madame Giry's Discovery

The dark tunnels surrounded Madame Giry as she carefully made her way to Erik's lair. She had heard a cry earlier and decided it was time to investigate. Zuri had gotten herself in trouble but she was only curious about Erik. He had no right to treat her like this. "Zuri!" She cried out when she finally reached the inner chamber.

"Madame Giry! I'm in here. In his bedroom."

Madame Giry rushed forward to check it out. She found poor Zuri bound on the swan bed with her skirts pushed up around her hips, her legs parted, and her hands bound. Rushing to untie her hands she lurched forward and grabbed the knot. "What has he done?"

Sitting up, Zuri cried out and hugged Madame Giry. "He's been keeping me down here. I have promised to keep his secret safe and he tells me that he will not allow me to see the light of day again."

"Come. We will leave." Madame Giry told Zuri then grabbed her hand and led her out.

"You're not leaving so soon are you?" A menacing voice said from behind her.

Gaping, the two women backed away from him. "I know you are not dumb Antoinette. Why are you taking her back?"

"She does not belong here."

"She promised to stay."

"You tricked me!"

"Shut up!"

"I will not be silent." Zuri cried out then slapped him hard.

Erik reeled back. No woman had ever dared to hit him before. "You wench." He growled then stepped forward to grasp her hand.

"No Erik. Leave her alone."

"Stay out of this Antoinette!"

"Try to escape. Go on. See how far you get."

"Run Zuri!"

Zuri nodded then ran down one of the tunnels only looking back to make sure he was not right behind her. Glaring at his companion he said, "Stay out of this. That girl is as good as dead."

"Erik no! You can't punish her. She didn't do anything wrong!"

Ignoring her, Erik went on to find his loose captive.

Author's Note: Sorry for the short chapter. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for the reviews.