Chapter 3 Descending hearts make others bleed
Through all of the confusion, Madame Giry stayed frozen in place, as if her feet were fused to the floor. She could neither help, nor alter the events that unfolded. She had rescued him all those long years ago. He'd known no life, no compassion outside of the little she had shown him. She had kept him clothed and fed. Delivered things he needed to designated places, kept his secrets hidden from the world.
She loved him as a brother but now wasn't sure if she could, or should protect him. Raoul knew now. She shook her head, the anguish obvious on her face. How could she ever forgive herself for telling him. He had convinced her that Erick's genius had turned to madness the night Joseph Buquet died. Now his identity was exposed and Raoul'l knew.
Raoul wailed, drawing his sword, raising it to the sky. "Why did I make her do this?" He lowered his hand, his body began to wrench as he sobbed. Madame Giry walked over to him. His anger swelled as he felt her presence. Reeling around on the heels of his boots, he flashed the sword, certain the Phantom had come back to vanquish him. "Madame Giry!" Raoul gasped.
Where has he taken her?" "Monsieur, I do not know." She replied. "Yes.. yes, you do. You found me that night of the masquerade when he used one of his trap doors. You must know where this one leads."
Madame Giry looked away, confused, afraid. "I cannot help you." She said, with doubt in her voice that was obvious even to her.
"Madame Giry, if you have ever cared for me, or for Christine, please help me find her. She begged me not to make her do this, she was afraid he would take her, and she was right." Raoul hung his head and staggered a few steps away. "I delayed to react when it was happening, and now she is gone. If I'd done what I promised, he would be dead by now and Christine would be back safely in my arms." Raoul sobbed, speaking through his tears he said "my hesitation gave that beast the opportunity to escape, for that, I'll not forgive myself. I promised to keep her safe, to guide her to guard her, and I have failed." Raoul began to cry bitterly now, dropping down first to his knees and then lurching forward on his hands, shaking his head as though he had been poisoned.
Madame Giry was confused. Turning away, she tried in vain to catch her breath. She paused, letting out one long sigh. If what he said was true, she would be condemning Christine to a fate she had not wanted. "I will take you to him…but you must always be on your guard and keep your hand at the level of your eyes."