Early the next morning, Cecily heard a soft knock at her door. As much as she wanted to ignore the world and stay wrapped up in the comforting warmth of her blankets, she rolled out of bed and padded over to the door. There stood Mme Giry, a tray with two cups and all the makings for tea. Without a word, Cecily let her in.

Mme Giry went silently about the process of getting the tea ready. For Cecily, it was simple; she took her tea clear and strong. Sipping the steaming brew, Cecily bit back a new flow of tears. "Thank you."

Mme Giry smiled comfortingly and sipped from her own cup. "Everyone in this opera house has a past they want everyone to forget, including themselves. And no one can look down on tears shed in the face of one's greatest fear."

Cecily shook her head, unable to do anymore but cry. For a while the two women sat silently, waiting for Cecily's tears to subside. "Why did you cover for me yesterday?"

Giry smiled warmly. "Those of us with secrets like ours must stick together, my dear. It wouldn't do to leave you to fend for yourself."

"Like she had to…" Giry knew of whom Cecily spoke, and remained quiet for a moment while she grieved.

Another knock on the door was her signal to leave. "Should you need anything, my dear, do not hesitate."

Cecily made an effort at a smile, hugging Giry warmly. "Thank you. Thank you so much for everything."

Opening the door, Giry slipped out as Nicholai rushed in. He stopped suddenly, rolling his hat between his hands. "I take it you've heard then," she whispered fearfully.

A look of concern crossed his face, and he knelt down beside her. "Heard what? Are you all right?"

She didn't believe that he could have walked through the opera house without someone telling him all the wretched happenings of the day before, but he looked so completely unaware. "You haven't heard?"

He clutched her shaking hands in hers. "Apparently not, but what's wrong?"

"My sister is dead." She stated it plainly and without emotion, staring through him rather than at him.

His breath hitched. "What?"

"Someone killed her," she said, her voice gaining anger as she spoke. "Someone murdered my sister two nights ago!"

Nicholai wasted no time in wrapping the now-weeping Cecily in his arms and holding her tightly. He swallowed tightly and pulled her even closer. "Oh dear God, your sister," he breathed. "I didn't think…"

Pulling back she nodded. "Yes, I have a sister," she shook her head. "Had a sister. I had only just seen her for the first time in years, but I loved her so much." She bit her lip and wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her dress. "Nicholai, there's something else you should know," she said, sitting softly on the bed. He noticed the look of pain on her face and sat next to her. "Something I want to tell you before anyone else does…"