The Shadows Grow Longer (slow): Der Tod

This is not the Shadows Grow Longer sung by Der Tod and Rudolf. This is the shorter, slower version that Der Tod sings earlier in the show. Just clearing up any confusion there may be. I hope you all are enjoying the story so far! I looked back at my first chapter of this story and realized the URL for the site where I got all of my information didn't show up. So here it is again (there's a synopsis, lyrics, CD reviews and much more!) w night was torture for me. I knelt there, holding her in my arms and listening to her sobs knowing that soon it would get much worse.

My heart had almost broken at the sight of Elisabeth's face as The Archduchess took her children away. The disbelief and sadness were clear on her face and I would have done anything to take that look away.

I had tried to tell her what was coming, tried to apologize or explain but nothing could be said. I could not bear to break her heart any more than it already was…but I could only wait for so long.

There is one drawback to my job: You have no say in who is taken next.

It began with a slight cold, Sophie started coughing but the doctor simply prescribed a normal medicine. But the coughing did not go away.

Soon the little girl had a fever and was sent to bed, worry beginning to show on the doctor's face as he examined Sophie. I stood in the shadows next to the bed, watching, hating that I had to this. I placed my hand on the little girl's head, increasing her fever slightly. I could see her small body shake when she coughed and I closed my eyes.

I would never get used to taking the children.

For another week Sohpie's fever escalated and she was placed under constant care. Elisabeth hardly left the room, refusing to listen to The Archduchess' warnings that the sickness may affect her as well. To be honest I think that would have suited the Archduchess' plans perfectly.

Franz Joseph visited often, as well and for once I did not take joy in seeing him suffer. No parent should have to watch their child die.

He would sit at her bedside, holding her hand and talking softly to her. Once, very late at night, I saw a single tear slide down his cheek, a soft sigh escaping the Emperor of Austria. I shook my head, silently cursing the universe for forcing me to put everything through this ordeal. I released my breath slowly, echoing Franz Joseph's sigh. It would not last much longer:

Tomorrow was the end.

I had stayed beside the bed all day, watching as people came and went, always staying hidden in the shadows and dreading the night. But soon moonlight shone into the room and I knew it was time.

Elisabeth and Franz Joseph were away at an important gala. They would arrive home very soon, so I had to work fast. I did not want Elisabeth to see the moment I took the life from her daughter.

I bent over the bed, my hand gently stroking the girl's hair. She looked so much like her mother. I felt her stir slightly beneath my touch and I sighed, slowly bending over her and touching my lips to hers. I felt her body shiver slightly, could feel her skin tingle as I pulled away, taking her life with me.

I regarded the empty shell a moment, relieved that I could finally end her sickness and suffering. Now, however, the suffering would fall on her family.

I heard a sharp gasp and I spun around, knowing that this moment would come and yet still dreading it. Elisabeth ran toward the bed, immediately sensing that something was wrong. Still invisible, I watched silently as she felt Sophie's head, called to her and attempted to find her pulse. Soon the realization hit her and she simply sat gazing at the little girl on the bed. She grasped the small hand between her own and kissed it, tears running down her cheeks.

I saw Franz Joseph enter the room and stop, slowly taking in the situation. I snapped my fingers and he froze, the room suddenly thrown into darkness except for the small pool of light that surrounded the bed and Elisabeth.

I saw her close her eyes a moment as I stepped into view my gaze falling on the bed and then returning to her.

"You…" her voice trailed off as she gently released her daughter's hand. I caught a glimpse of fire in her eyes before she suddenly stood and ran toward me, a cry of pain and anger escaping her. She stopped just in front of me, her hand raised as though she were going to strike me. I did not blame her.

"I am sorry Elisabeth…it was her time."

"How dare you…"

But her voice trailed off again as she slowly regarded me, the fire in her eyes replaced by sadness and suffering.

I reached out slowly, moved by her emotion, and gently stroked her cheek with the back of my hand as I spoke.

"Do you remember how we felt, as we drifted in the dance?"

Her eyes closed a moment at my touch, tears running down her face.

"You need me. Yes, you need me."

I felt my heart swell as I gazed at her, wanting to take her into my arms and console her. But instead I took a few steps backward, gesturing with my arm as another small pool of light illuminated Franz Joseph, still frozen.

"Admit that you love me even more than the man by your side. Ah!"

I held my hand up, palm facing her as she opened her mouth to speak. I slowly walked back towards her, holding her gaze with my own.

"And when you no longer shine for him, you'll be drawn into the night! The shadows grow longer! It will be evening before your day begins!"

I slowly circled her, placing my hand on her shoulder and gesturing with my other hand towards the small girl on the bed.

"The shadows grow longer! The world is disintegrating, it will not hold you close."

I slowly walked to the bed, gently cradling Sophie in my arms. Elisabeth simply watched. I nodded my head and Franz Joseph was free. He slowly walked over to Elisabeth, placing his hands on her shoulders. I saw her reach up and grasp one of his hands, but her eyes were still on me.

She would be mine, I was sure of it.