Evermore

by Child of Dreams

As all fairytales do, this story begins with the simplest of words: "Once upon a time..." But that is where our story, a different type of fairytale, takes a turn. For this is not another tale of fair maidens and foppish princes... No, this is the story of two people drawn together under the most interesting of circumstances, a tale both as old as time and as fresh as a rose...

36. The Aftermath

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Aftermath

Erik flinched reflexively as he heard the gun go off, expecting to be hit - but to his surprise, there was no pain.
Patting himself down thoroughly, he realized that there was no wound - he was completely unharmed.
But then, what had the bullet struck?

Suddenly, he heard a pained whimper behind him and turned to see Christine staggering heavily, clutching her side.
His eyes widened in horror as they took in the crimson stain that was rapidly spreading across the yellow silk of her gown.
"No..." he choked out disbelievingly as the redhead finally collapsed, her legs unable to support her rapidly-weakening body.
He scrambled over to where she was lying, her eyes barely open, and pulled her into his arms.

"Christine!" he sobbed brokenly.
The redhead moaned weakly and lifted her head a few centimeters off the ground.
"Erik?" she whispered faintly.
The masked man could barely control his tears.
"Yes, Mon Coeur, I'm here. Erik is here."

Her head fell back to the ground again as she lost the strength to hold it up.
"I'm so sorry..." she murmured weakly.
"I showed them...the mirror...only way...to save...Papa..."
The redhead's eyes were slowly drifting closed.
"Hush..." Erik soothed. "It's not your fault."
"Erik?" Christine mumbled, her cheeks reddening slightly despite their growing pallor.
"I saw your face in the mirror...without the mask."
Before Erik could think of anything to say to this, Christine gave a soft sigh.
"I love you, Erik..."
Then she closed her eyes.

For a moment, all Erik could do was stare uncomprehendingly at the closed eyes and porcelain features.
Then the pain came.
He let out a scream of agony and despair, pulling the redhead's limp form to his chest and rocking her back and forth, her head lolling lifelessly against his shoulder.
"CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS-TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!"

At that very moment, the last petal that was on the enchanted rose wilted and fell away, floating gracefully to land at the bottom of the bell jar with the others.
The curse was complete.

A/N: Please review to unlock Chapter Thirty-Seven...