Chapter 5 Without regard to life or consequence
Erick, reaching over slipped his hand under Christine's neck, cradling her in his arms. As he shifted her torso, he heard a sudden rush of air come from her throat. Her chest heaved forcefully as she gasped for breath. Erick grabbed her shoulders, lifting her into his arms as he knelt in the straw. She was limp, her breathing shallow, but there none-the-less.
He looked down at her now resting in his arms. Her eyes opened slightly. To see the glimmer of ocean blue beneath her lashes was all he could hope for.
Her lips shuddered as she tried to speak, Erick shook his head and whispered to her "shhh…hush now…I'll bring you some relief, try not to speak, it will only drain you further my dear." She rested her cheek against his bare chest.
In one swift motion he lifted her completely into his arms and he was on his feet. There was much to be done, and he feared little time to do it. No doubt the Vicomte would already be looking for her, if he hadn't lost his life in the fire.
XXXXXX
Madame Giry led Raoul by the hand quickly to the back dressing room. One wing of the theater that hadn't been touched yet by the hungry fire. In the confusion, no one seemed to notice the two slip in the door and lock it behind them.
Madame Giry's breath caught in her throat, she was about to expose one of Erick's main travel corridors. She was nervous knowing that if he had survived, this would make him vulnerable, findable. Breathing deeply, she looked around to make certain there were no others in the room hiding. "I am taking you to a place very dark, which scarce few dared venture. You will have to adjust your eyes to see in the failing light as there is none there to guide you. There are many twists and turns and secret passages that may hold more danger than you ever imagined. The soul that you seek guards his privacy ferociously, and without regard to life or consequence. If you agree to do this, you must never pass this way again, or share its location with anyone." She looked sternly into Raoul's eyes, silently demanding an answer before she would move one step further.
Raoul looked at her, confusion on his face. He hurriedly agreed, not really knowing an alternative, or understanding why it must be secret now. Taking him by the hand again, she slid the mirrored door to the side. Raoul's eyes grew wide at the thought of the secret panel and transparent mirror. How many times had that beast gazed on his Christine unaware?
The thought of it made him even more determined to press on through the darkness. He clenched his jaw and stepped through the doorway with madame Giry. He was now past the point of no return, and he wasn't coming back without Christine.