Arrangement had indeed been made. Erik had secured Box Five for his use during opening night. The new managers were very aware of the consequences of displeasing the Opera Ghost. An empty box seemed a small price to pay in return for an intact chandelier and peace among the opera company.
Erik seemed to have wanted to make up for his unwillingness to take me in the first place. He insisted in preparing dinner and presenting me with a lavish gown.
"Where did this come from?" I asked with surprise.
"I saw it in a shop window many weeks ago. It was proclaimed to be the latest fashion. So I bought you one...for a special occasion." he admitted.
It was stunning and boarded on the edge of risky. It wasn't like any dress I had own or worn before. The fabric was blood red, trimmed with ruffles and lace of a deep burgundy that it almost looked black. The neckline plunged so that the top of it rested just above my breast. Once I had laced a corset, my décolletage seemed even more exposed. The bodice of the gown also had boning in it, pressing against my waist like a lock and chain.
Yards of the slick fabric twisted and pulled themselves into an elegant train the flowed behind me on the floor, but also clung tightly to my legs, letting me only take a small stride. Perhaps the latest fashion was not suited to me, but I dared not refuse Erik's gift.
As we had so many times before, Erik rowed us across the lake and we made our way into the halls of the opera house. It was surprisingly quiet for opening night and it was only later after Erik's explanation did I discover why.
"Unfortunately, due to my appearance, I've always had to arrive late to the performance." he smiled. "And with you at my side, I'm sure I would have attracted more attention that I would have anticipated." he added, leaning down to whispered right against my ear. "You are a vision, Christine."
The entrance to Box Five was left unattended. We entered without any obstacle and took our seats just as the audience was applauding a recently completed aria. I dared enough to glance out beyond the edge of the box, to take in not only the spectacle of the stage but of the auditorium as well. It was obvious why Erik had chosen this box as it was some of the best seats in the house. However Erik didn't seemed as interested in watching the performance as I was. He remained seated in the second row of chairs, his face concealed by the shadows.
"Did you not want to see the opera?" I asked with a tone of disappointment.
"To be honest Christine, until you started performing I had little desire to watch the performance." he admitted. "I am content to just listen."
I joined him in the back row, holding his hands and asking him several questions about the music. Even hidden by the shadows, I could see him smile and his eyes soften as I leaned closer to whisper another question or comment in his ear. Clearly, Rigoletto was not a comedy as I tried my best to pay attention to the multiple intrigues scattered among the plot. Erik was of course my helpful guide through it all.
The curtain closed signaling the second intermission. I stood up from my seat, stretched my arms and made several movements indicating my need to leave. Erik only looked at me puzzled and reached out to capture my hand in his.
"Is something the matter?"
"I need to leave." I stated. He frowned. A blush rose up to my cheeks. "Oh Erik, I'm sorry." I leaned over to whisper. "I need to use the ladies room." I explained with a little laugh in my voice. He didn't seem to react in any way to this.
"We can leave, if you need to." he suggested concerned.
"But I want to see the rest of the opera!" I protested. "I'll be back before the curtain comes up." He looked away from me uninterested. "What's wrong?"
He let loose a sigh. "I'm concerned about you being recognized, that's all."
I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I think mostly everyone here has forgotten about me."
"Wait till the curtain comes up." His instructions were brisk and his tone gruff. "Then you can leave the box."
"Erik..." I pleaded using my free hand to touch his cheek and bring his face to look at me. "I'm afraid this can't wait. Please, you are making this rather...embarrassing." I glanced down. "Let me have your pocket watch."
"My watch?" he asked stunned.
"Yes, I'll keep track of the time. I'll wait until the curtain goes back up when everyone is in their seats. Then I'll come back here, if that would ease your worries." I explained.
He reached inside his jacket coat and produced a heavy dark silver pocket watch, which he placed in my awaiting palm. "If you insist."
I leaned my face closer, having my forehead press up against his. "Honestly, I don't think anyone would recognized me." I pressed a kiss against his mask. I saw his eyes soften and his grip on my hand final relaxed.
My lips were drawn to his like a magnetic pull. I let my fingers once again roam to the skin below the line of his mask, memorizing the bones of his jaw, the slight stubble on his chin. My eyes closed letting me take in every other sense around us to remember him. The soft feel of his hair brushing like feathers against my skin. The strange intoxicating scent of the fabric of his coat mingled with the smells of candle wax.
This was the last time I was going to kiss him. Even my hatred for him was not strong enough to pull me away in this moment. I swore there that I would never allow myself to fall in love again. Having my heart broken over and over again was sickening.
Erik was the one who pulled away, stroking under my chin as he parted.
"Don't be too long." he instructed.
As soon as the door closed behind me, I turned away from the light in the hallway and buried my face against the wall. I gasped as I tried desperately to hold back my sobs, masking my face in my hands. Thankfully the hall way was empty so no one noticed me, crying in the corner. The cool metal of the pocket watch pushing against my face was my one call to action. I opened it and glanced at the watch face.
Fifteen minutes.
My feet moved as fast as they could carry me. Despite my restricted stride due to my dress, I was able to make it out of the hallways that lead to the grand tier boxes and down into the foyer. I charted my course to use the side hallways and corridors to avoid the crowds milling along the main staircase. I heard the sound of fabric ripping behind me and once I was completely out of the sight of the other patrons, I grabbed the train of my skirt in my left hand and ran, causing even more rips and tears. I recalled the entrance Erik has used on our way up, a hidden door located in an abandoned corridor near the dressing rooms. The slightest push on the wall seam would open it if the person knew what they were looking for. I slammed my shoulder into it and barreled on through.
I didn't check the watch again until I had made it back to the underground lake.
Nine minutes.
While cumbersome to use, the boat was essential to my plan. I rowed as fast as I could to the other side of the lake. Once there I used the paddle to push the boat away from the shore before then taking the paddle and flinging into lake as far as I could. I withdrew my key from inside my corset and opened the door.
I had placed my boots under an arm chair. I kicked off my shoes and stepped into the boots without even bothering to button them up. There wasn't enough time to change out of the dress. Concealed under a throw pillow, I had place one of my cloak as well as one of Erik's. I stuffed both under my arm before grabbing another hidden item. A bag with matches, food and other essentials stuffed between two book cases. I made my way to the piano and flung open the terrible box that contained Erik's keys. All of his keys it seemed. I threw them into the bag. In my haste, I knocked over the box as well as several other items from the piano top.
A small plain black bag fell onto the floor. I picked it up, felling its surprising light weight in my hand, despite the fact that it seemed very full. Once the cord was released, I found myself gazing at several folded franc notes. They were crammed into the bag.
"Idiot" I murmured out loud. I had forgot about money. Thankfully fate was kind to me once by dropping this at my feet. As I removed them one by one, I tallied quickly how much I would need for train fare, food, and shelter. Not too much, I reasoned feeling a stab of guilt for stealing it.
But then I recalled how Erik acquired his funds. He blackmailed people. All my clothes, luxuries everything was paid with this. This was nothing but dirty money. I wouldn't rob him of anything if I took it.
My fingers squeezed tightly around the bag as I placed it with the rest of my things.
Seven minutes.
Aware of how much time I was wasting, I left the house, grabbing one of the lanterns that rested by the door. My memory recalled the path Erik had taken when he left the house a few days earlier. Keeping the lantern to close to the wall, I mentally repeated the steps I had taken on this journey before, keeping a sharp eye out for the charcoal marks I had left on the wall.
The corridors were silent, void of any indication that hundreds of people where socializing on the floors above. The only wretched sound I could hear was the ticking of the pocket watch, still clutched tightly in my hand. I held my breath without being aware of it, listening as the ticking of the watch and the thumping of my heart almost lined up in time.
It was distracting enough that I skipped a step on the first stairway and nearly topple over. An inhuman shriek greeted me as I fell to the floor, using my hands to catch myself. My lantern tipped over and a stinging sensation whipped across the top of my palm, followed by another and another. A soft scratching noise then multiplied around me. With a shrill shriek I realized what it was.
Rats! I jumped up in fright as I saw swarms of tiny bodies scurry away from the overturn lantern into the ensuing darkness. A sea of long black tails gliding over the stone surface. I brought my hand to my mouth and bit into it to stop myself from letting lose the horrified scream threatening to burst. My feet kicked wildly around me in an effort to chase away any other rats from around my ankles. Some still stood gathered around the hem of my dress, weighting it down. I trashed violently but still keeping silence. My fear that Erik was following trumped my fear of the rats. Still shaking I picked up the lantern and followed the rat deeper into the cellars.
The noise of my heart thundered in my ear, blocking out the ticking of the watch. I was doubting my plan, expecting at any moment to stumble into another trap or obstacle. My back tensed as if anticipating a hard jerk from behind as Erik discovered where I had disappeared to. The thought of Raoul, pitifully asking about me when he was locked up and left to rot was the only thing pushing me forward. I manged my way through the twists and turns until I reached the second stair case and the corridor full of cells.
I approached slowly, holding the lantern out in front of me while fumbling for the keys in my bag. The glowing light must have alerted me to their presence for I heard the familiar sound of chains rustling along the floor as I drew closer. The keys rested in my hand, clinking softly together.
"What do you want?" cried Raoul, his voice tense and gruff. I froze. While my mind was overworked with emotions, it paused to entertain the thought that Raoul would be upset to see me. That even after all I had risked to do this, he would turn his back on me. I could see a scene before my eyes of him pushing me away, telling me to leave him. To go back to Erik.
The keys rested in my hand, clinking softly together. I stood on tiptoe and brought my face into view of the cell door. Raoul was standing a few feet away, gazing intently.
"Christine?" His voice cracked halfway through speaking my name. And then he cried. I joined him, letting my tears of anger and joy finally fall freely upon my face at the sight of him.
"Raoul, I'm here. I've come to get you out!" I called, a little too loudly. My voice echoed back to me through the empty corridor as I tried each key in turn before opening the lock. Raoul rushed forward and held me in a tight embrace, taking the breath from my lungs with his grip.
"I'm dreaming..." he muttered.
I could have stayed there forever. Here in these arms, in Raoul's arms was where I belonged. Here I was truly safe, without any strings attached. No compromises or forced promised to be made to assure I would be protected and loved. I gave a cry that was somewhere between a sob and laugh. It sounded so bizarre.
"Here put this on!" I instructed, handing him Erik's cloak. I knelt down to his feet and tried to find the correct key for the shackle on his leg. They had both been chained to the wall, like animals. Once release, Raoul move to scoop me in his arms again. "We don't have much time." I hissed pushing him away. We turned our attention to Genny, who despite the commotion, was still sleeping huddled in the corner.
I cursed out loud as I examined the shocking condition she had been left in. Her glorious hair was almost completely matted and her flimsy costume hung on her tiny frame like a limp coat on a hanger. Using the same key, I removed her leg shackle. She only gave a soft moan as Raoul picked her up from the floor. I gently laid my cloak over her sleeping form. Raoul managed to grab one of my hands even as he held his sister.
"How did you find us?" he whispered.
"I'll explain later." I told him, shutting the cell door and throwing the keys inside through the opening. Raoul gave me a shocked look.
"Won't we need those?" he asked
"No," and I felt a gleeful expression spreading over my face as I spoke. "We are never coming back here!" I exclaimed, reveling in my cunning for a brief moment. I checked the watch once more.
Two minutes
I guided them up the stairs and once more through the winding passages. My fear and cation was now replaced with pure adrenaline. My only thought was that I would soon be free from this labyrinth of darkness. That I would live my life the way I intended too. If Erik had truly love me, he would have given me that. My arm held out the lantern like a jouster's lance, ready to strike at any obstacle that came between us and the door to the Rue Scribe.
The air that night had grown chilly even though it was only the end of summer. The light from the stars seemed to illuminate our great escape. The pocket watch was practically buried into my palm from how tightly I had clutched it.
Zero
Intermission was over and we had only moments before Erik realized something was amiss and went searching for me. I hoped the lack of the boat would stall us for time before he came racing after me like a demon. Raoul's steps slowed once we made out way from the cellar. His feet stumbled on Erik's oversized cloak but despite his exhaustion, I pulled him along.
A line of carriage loitered around the entrance to the opera as well as several handsome cabs eagerly waiting to collect a fare once the curtain had fallen on the final act. I approached one and called lively to the driver who appeared to have dozed off while waiting.
"Monsieur, I need to get to the railway station!" He looked at me and snorted in disgust once he took in my friend's tattered appearance.
"Go on." he muttered.
"I need to get to the railway station! It's an emergency!" I pleaded. I did not have the time to go from one coach to another.
"I'm waiting for proper customers!" he spat back. "Do I look like a charity?"
I could have taken delight in informing him that he would be carrying the heirs of the de Changy estate in his humble vehicle. Instead I reached inside my bag, and withdrew a large handful of bills into his line of vision. "Now sir, do I look like a charity?" Within moments, we were trotting away from the brilliant lights of the opera house.
We rode in silence. I finally took the time to button my boots. Raoul placed Genny down to rest on one of the seats and I curled up next to her on the floor, holding her hand. I stayed there for a long while still trying to comprehend what I had done. Raoul leaned over and offered me the cloak, but I refused it. I didn't want any reminders of Erik.
I was empty. I should have felt relief and triumph. I should have also been racked with guilt and remorse at my betrayal, but in that moment, I felt nothing. Not even the wind stealing through the window or the pain in my knees from kneeling for so long.
I didn't speak a word until we reached the train station. Thankfully, even at this point at night there were trains leaving for a variety of destinations. We found one that was heading to the Normandy coast that departed shortly. Raoul and Genny found an inconspicuous place to rest in the station, while I searched the stalls. Most of the vendors had closed for the evening, but a few small shops were open. I desperately wanted to change, but I was only able to find and purchase a few quilted blankets from a stall, which I draped around my shoulder.
The lights in the station were dimmed. Beyond them, framed by a wall of windows, the last lights of the city seemed to flicker on and off, just like the stars. Once I let my eyes closes half way, finally succumbing to my exhaustion. The shimmering lights blurred into a faint glow peeking beneath my lids.
I was back on the stage, with the lights of the auditorium dimmed. I stood alone and vulnerable, waiting for what I knew would happen next.
"Well done, Persephone..."
That other wordily voice, hypnotic and demanding. The memory of that voice seemed to pull at me, as if leading my steps towards it. Away from the train station and back to the calm yet spectral lights.
"Persephone..."
Back to the opera house.
"Christine..."
Back to the underworld.
"Mademoiselle?" This voice was different and it was accompanied by a tug at my dress. My eyes flew open and my body stiffen with a jerk.
I saw the withered hand of an old man, sitting in the shadows. He flinched backwards as I directed my gaze to him.
"Didn't mean to frighten you... I was wondering...could you spare." he stuttered more afraid of me than I was of him.
The train whistle signaled its arrival. His face fell as he realized he would not get any help from me. Instead I turned my attention back to him, with drawing another folded set of bills from my bag.
"Here." I offered it to him. He gazed in amazement, just touching the edge of the bills with his fingers. "And this." I handed him the pocket watch, placing it in his other hand. "I don't need them anymore."
"Bless you." he was crying at his good fortune. I turned to leave. "You...you are an angel."
I stopped, glancing over my shoulder. He looked stunned as if I would recollect my gifts from him. I only smiled.
"I am no angel. I am just...Christine."