The lively sounds of a tiny orchestra, the way the chandelier's light sparkled against my skin, the taste of the champagne, all were things I would never forget from that night.

When I had exited my room and began to descend the staircase, the musicians had begun to play a glorious tune, and the guests all clapped enthusiastically. All of their faces blurred into one set of admiring eyes, shocked mouths and flushed cheeks at the sight of me. I paused at the foot of the steps and smiled at the crowd. I had begun to recognize those standing closet to me. After a moment, my father appeared at my side and whispered, "Belle, you are truly beautiful. I am so proud of you for doing this, and I know your mother will be incredibly pleased."

He took my gloved arm and led the crowd to a his rarely used ballroom. There was another set of musicians seated in the corner, already playing a song familiar song. "Here is the lady of the night, my lovely daughter- Bellisima Dawier!" My father led me to the front of the room and toasted to me in front of the audience. Servers had just passed out crystal flutes of champagne, and everyone drank to me. The toasting over, servants recollected the empty glasses and the first brave couples began to dance. I walked over to a well-lit corner and watched them twirl around the floor.. I was not left alone long, many a curious girl and fawning young man visited me. The boys asked me to dance, and I politely refused them, promising to dance later in the night. I denied them for two reasons, one being that I dreaded to bring my clumsy self out and ruin the elegant facade I had been withholding, and the other being that I enjoyed watching others be so graceful.

"Belle! Belle, you look ravishing!" I heard Meg's high voice well before I saw her. The petite, beaming blond finally emerged from the twirling crowd. She was dressed in a gown of demure pink silk with white feathers trailing across the floor and adorning her hair. The innocent effect contained more then a little irony though, since her beaded neckline was rather low-cut and Meg's white breasts seemed to explode from the top of her gown. "Meg, you look more then a little ravishing yourself!" I whispered, and we shared a laugh.

"Is there someone who has caught your roving eye?" I asked, and she smiled mischievously in return. "Do tell!" I enthusiastically said, placing my gloved hand on her arm. "Oh, Belle, you'll hate me for it," the ballerina replied, biting her little lip and looking away. "Never would I hate you." I insisted and she looked up at me hopefully and said, " Oh, I am so glad to hear you say that! I-....I had thought we were growing distant, Belle." I gently tightened the hand I had resting on her arm and leaned in closer, whispering, "We are still confidantes, Meg. I have just been busy these last few days. Do not doubt my friendship." We smiled at each other, then Meg quickly glanced around the room.

"Alright, I must tell- I believe I am in love with Edward Cullen!" Her words seemed to burst out in one excited flow, and it felt like my heart froze. Edward Cullen! The boy who had so fascinated me when I first arrived....who I had obsessed over till the Angel granted me his presence...I felt so defensive after just hearing Meg say his name. He was not mine to own, but yet I felt as if he and I were one and the same. "Edward Cullen?" I repeated dumbly. The dancer nodded joyfully, lost in her love, and murmured, "He has been seeing me for the last couple of days at the opera. And, miracle of miracles, I have been able to actually talk with him and not just mumble nonsense!" I mustered a weak smile and told her I wished her the best of luck with him. Then, thank God, the son of one of my father's close friends appeared at my side and requested a dance. I accepted, and he led me to the center of the floor. We danced, and with his lead, I managed to not trip over my long skirt and train. Once our dance ended, I returned to my corner, which was now occupied by some gossipy debutantes I was not particularly fond of.

I daintily chatted with the girls for a bit, then stood back and let them do the talking. I'm sure my presence greatly annoyed them, since I was most likely their choice discussion topic. I was vastly amused to just show enough attention to let them know I was listening but that I didn't care to contribute to their weak conversation. A few moments into this torture, a hand gently tapped my bare shoulder. I turned and my heart nearly stopped beating with surprise.

"Bellisima? Could you be the girl from my childhood?" His voice was low and friendly, and his hand had drifted from my shoulder to clutch my hand. I managed to find my voice and answered, "If you are the boy by the sea, then I am the girl from your youth." His charming features broke out into an unrestrained grin and he said, "I never dreamed I would find you again!" I smiled in return, murmuring, "We used to ride on the shore every morning."

"And at night, we would huddle in the attic and tell dark stories of the north." he answered, and we both leaned in closer to each other. "Grandfather would tell the most beautiful stories....."

"I would tell myself that I wouldn't grow up, for I never wanted those days to end....But now we are together again!" And he brought my hand up to his lips gently, his hazel eyes never leaving mine. "Jacques," I murmured. I had not seen him since I was a girl, and things suddenly seemed much more intense. Staring into my eyes, he whispered, "Now that we are together again, I do not intend to lose you." I took a shallow breath and broke the eye contact. His serious demeanor suddenly vanished and he laughed, "Come and dance with me!" And so he pulled me to the center of the floor and we danced as if all the problems in the world didn't exist. The light, lovely music that we spun to ended, and the standing couples clapped politely for those who had danced. Jacques gallantly led me to a bright spot near the grand staircase. "Well, I cannot expect to keep the most beautiful creature here all to myself for the night. I shall seek you out again!" With that, he headed over to a group young gentlemen. I stared after him, completely in a daze. Slowly, I left the ballroom and went to a back room that was empty.

I walked over to a big window and let my gloved hands lean against the frame. The room, being rarely used and disliked by my father, only held a few dusty paintings and chairs . One lit candle let a meager amount of flickering light into the dim space. After I glanced about the room, I picked up my skirts and returned to the window. ` In the distance, I saw a flickering light. Every few moments, it would glow, sending out rays of jewel-toned colors. And it was beautiful. Of course, I had to know the source of the light. Quietly I left the room, heading out towards the servants' door in the kitchen. Thankfully most of the workers were also partying in their quarters. A few on-call workers curiously watched me exit the manor and walk out into the cold I used one gloved hand to hold onto my maroon silk skirts and the other I held out in front of me, as if to capture the light in the distance. The light always seemed to be just out of my reach. It captivated me with it's bright beauty.

Then the sound of haunting violins joined, and the strange duet between light and instruments seemed to reach a crescendo as it headed straight to the road away from the manor. I was in a state of agitated bliss. The music seemed to caress my very being, but the light remained just out of my grasp. Once the light went out to the road, I went to the stable. Peering over my shoulder, I saw the light patiently pause at the gate to the road. The one stable boy on duty followed my orders to saddle Whimsy, though he was very curios. He helped me onto the side-saddle, and the usual uncomfortableness of the seat was lost to my dazed, enthralled state. Once I was safely secured, I kicked Whimsy into a reckless canter and we charged down the road. The light also increased it's speed, and my mare followed the enchanting glow on her own accord. Since she was in control, my hands let loose of the reigns and raised towards it's glory of their own accord. The music continued to swirl around us in frenzied passion. Time was lost on me. After an amount of time that seemed like forever and yet nothing; Whimsy slowed then stopped.

I dismounted unto shaking legs, blinking in the sudden darkness. The light had left me. When my eyes had finally adjusted, I found myself on the steps of the Fourchette Opera. I gazed up at the building, with the only light coming from the clear night sky. Seeing the stars was a rare and glorious thing in Fourchette, due to the normally overcast skies. I turned back and found myself alone. Whimsy had also silently left me. I felt a stab of pain at my stead's stealthy abandonment. I was dazed and confused, and even briefly wondered why I was not at home at my party. "Hello? Is anyone out there?!"

In a short amount of time, I was terrified. Abandoned at the foot of an opera that resided in the middle of the woods at night, and dressed only in my ball finery. I tried calling out, only to hear my voice echo around me. I am ashamed to admit it, but tears filled my large eyes. "Please!" I tried one last time, my voice breaking pathetically.

"Wandering child; so lost, so helpless, yearning for my guidance...." Abruptly my sniffles and tears ceased. The great voice of my Angel had called to me! I rose from the steps and hesitantly gazed around me. "Angel, have you come?" Was the bright light really the Angel guiding me to our meeting place? "Too long you've wandered in sorrow, lost from my far-reaching gaze..." And his ethereal voice lured me up the steps of the opera, through the grand front doors (which had somehow unlocked), and to my unused dressing room. My dressing room was dark and filled with silvery mist. I was frightened and yet excited. "Wildly my mind beats against you, yet the soul obeys!" My voice was shaky with unrestrained emotion. The Angel powerfully called, "Then look at your face in the mirror, I am there inside!" And so I turned, and there was a man in my full-length mirror! The Angel had appeared before me at last.

"Angel of Music, guide and guardian, grant to me your glory! Angel of Music, hide no longer! Come to me, strange Angel." In a music-induced daze, I ecstatically sang. In the three days that I had known the Angel, he had always denied me sight of him. In a commanding tone, he echoed, "Come to me...." My arms raised in front of me, and I slowly walked towards the misty mirror. As I got closer to it, he became more clear. He was dressed in black tails and a magnificent cloak, with a black fedora on his elegant head and black gloves on his long hands. His face was handsome and regal; with full lips, a roman nose and piercing silver eyes. Though perhaps the most striking bit of his appearance was the stark white porcelain mask that closely hugged the right side of his face. He held out his hand, and I hesitated. Then I decided, and placed my own similarly gloved hand into his. I magically stepped into my mirror, and the most powerful of chords seemed to trumpet my decision. The music that surrounded us was dizzying in its simple majesty. He led me down a hall that was glorious with golden candelabras and mist. His captivating eyes never left mine, and I was quite taken with him. Further beneath the opera house we walked, the music gaining in power and the halls around me growing darker. Occasionally I would turn my head to glance behind, and his hand would tighten around mine. When I felt my legs grow weary of walking so much in my heavy gown, we stopped at a small alcove. Out of the darkness stepped a truly magnificent Arabian stallion, who had a ebony coat and a proud head. Effortlessly, the Angel lifted me unto the horse's back, and he proceeded to lead me again.

I stared around in awe. The ceilings were towered high above me, and the candelabras had been replaced with life-sized statues of elegant human forms holding brightly lit candles. Soon he stopped the horse, I looked down to see that the mist had gotten much thicker. He helped me off that fine beast and picked me up. In my dazed state I didn't even protest. Then he gently placed me in a gondola, and I finally realized that the mist covered a lake. An underground lake beneath the Fourchette Opera! It truly was mysterious and magical, and I couldn't help gasping at the splendor. He seated me at the head of the elegant little boat, then stood in the middle, effortlessly rowing us forward. "Sing, my Angel!" His speaking voice was easily the most powerful, seductive sound I had ever heard. I leaned back to find myself resting against his legs. No words would fit that mystical moment, and with an out of feeling sense, I began to vocalize. My song was high and ethereal, and continued to sweep and rise as we progressed. Fully lit candelabras began to appear from the hazy water in front of us. Soon a cove of sorts also entered my vision. It was perfect. As I vocalized, my Angel commanded me to sing, his voice rich and all-powerful.

When we were just about to reach the golden cove, I sang my final note. I am a low soprano with a rich, sweet tone. That note I hit was so high I gave myself chills. The Angel gracefully got out of the boat and proudly gazed at me. I stared back at him, my expression surely giving away my dazed adoration. Tearing my eyes away from him, I looked about the glorious area, dare I call it a lair? In one corner was a giant shimmering organ covered with sheet music and candles. Everywhere was gold statues, large plush chairs and giant candelabras. The dark air seemed to glimmer. The high ceiling was supported with huge statues of mythed Gods and Goddesses. They were made of stone, and their faces portrayed the most life-like of expressions. Between the statues were little balconies with pieces of art hanging beneath them. Most were tapestries and paintings, and in a cluttered sort of harmony lay dozens of instruments. The vast space was surrounded by water, making an island of sorts, and truly was entirely splendid.

I brought my eyes back to him. He was still staring at me with the most intense expression. Silently he held out his hand, and I accepted, rising from my seat in the the boat and stepping into the magnificent lair. The train from my ballgown trailed behind me as he led me up a set of stairs. When we reached the top, I looked down to clearly see what used to be the murky waters of the lake. From the high view, the waters cleared and almost looked like a brilliant night sky! My eyes surely widened, as I leaned further on the balcony that separated me from the lower floor. Releasing my hand, he swiftly stepped down the stairs and went to a higher balcony before I could blink. My eyes went from the enchanting waters to the enchanting man. In a smooth, gentle voice he sang, "Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation..." With my eyes solely on him, he gracefully swept the fedora off his noble head. His hair was smoothed back, and was straight and black. In a highly sexual manner, he gripped the banister in front of him and continued, "Darkness stirs and wakes imagination! Silently the senses abandon their defenses, helpless to resist the notes I write...For I compose the music of the night..."

And I was lost in that music, it thrilled me with the seductive feel that only night can give. He slowly left the balcony, his cloak following behind. "Slowly, gently, night unfurls it's splendor! Hear it, feel it, tremulous and tender..." He gestured around his magnificent cave, then gracefully tore off his cloak and tossed it to the floor. Approaching me, he sang, "Hearing is believing, music is deceiving.." Then he came to me, and my hands reached out to him. Gently taking my hands, he seductively removed one glove, then the other, singing, "Hard as lightning, soft as candlelight. Dare you trust the music of the night?" I stepped closer to him, and he twirled me around so my back rested against his strong chest. He brought one cool hand up to my face and continued, "Close your eyes for your eyes will only tell the truth , and the truth isn't what you want to see!"

He gently caressed my face and I leaned against him. He skin was cold to my touch. "In the dark its easy to pretend that the truth is what it ought to be..." Suddenly he spun me away from him so that our faces were just inches apart, with our hips touching. I was facing him from an angle, and he looked quite alluring. "Softly, deftly, music shall caress you. Hear it, feel it, secretly posses you!" My hand tentatively reached up and stroked the smooth mask. Continuing to seduce me, he sang, ""Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind! In this darkness which you know you cannot fight; the darkness of the music of the night...."

He released me and stepped away. My hands were left to caress the empty air. I reached out for him. Giving me a secret smile, he slowly went down the stairs. Then he sang, "Close your eyes, start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before. Close your eyes, let my music set you free! Only then can you belong to me...."

My arms lowered to hold myself, and I obeyed, closing my eyes. I heard his words as if in a dream. The Angel's voice echoed around me in the cave, then I slowly opened my eyes. He stood at the foot of the stairs, gazing up at me. I went down to him, my crimson gown seeming to shimmer around me. When I reached him, he continued to walk further away. I followed blindly. "Floating, falling, sweet intoxication!" He reached a golden trellis, and caressed it, wrapping his arms through the grates. In an almost unbearable sexy manner he sang, "Touch me, trust me, savor each sensation!" And I just nearly ran to him, placing my hands on his chest and staring up at his face. "Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in...." His arms came from the trellis to around my waist. One hand held me to him while the other skimmed over my neck. "Listen to the power of the music that I write, the power of the music of the night!" My heart nearly stopped beating with his actions and words. He brought his head down and kissed my neck, the smooth porcelain of his mask cool against my hot skin. It proved to be too much, and I fainted away in his arms.