"A Punjab lasso"

Erik sat quite still in the carriage as he ended his explanation of his days in Persia. The shaman gawked at him for a moment before speaking.

"I have heard of such an instrument before, but I didn't know anyone used them".

Erik growled as the carriage hit a bump, causing his head to ache again, "Well yes, It's not easily made" he rubbed his head as the carriage hit another bump "I became a professional at it though".

The shaman nodded, not knowing entirely what to say. Erik Destler was not your usual man. He glanced at the right side of the man's covered face, wondering what had happened to him to cause such scarring. Erik seemed to read his mind.

"I was born with a deformity" he explained, running a hand absentmindedly down his face. He sighed, "I'm not one to usually talk about it…. But I am sure you have already seen it, and I owe you so much for your kindness".

The shaman brushed him away, "It is what any man would have done". He looked out the window, "We should be arriving sometime soon".

Erik nodded; they had been traveling for four days, and they had been the most uncomfortable four days of his life.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"You told me I'd have her in my bed already, and I see not a sign of Christine Daae!"

Dominic Bonaire laughed inside, so little did the Vicomte know.

"It takes time Raoul, don't worry she will be pleasing you soon".

Dominic departed the DeChangny manor and headed to his own. He took a liking to the tiny singer and wasn't willing to give her up. He laughed out loud to himself, the Vicomte would never place his wealthy hands on her. Christine Daae was his.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Madam?"

The small maid that had been checking on Christine for the past couple of days entered the room she was occupying. Christine looked up, tear streaked eyes glaring at the maid in front of her. Dominic had bruised and weakened her in his attempts to take what he wanted.

"I don't want anything" Christine informed her in an icy tone.

The maid shook her head, "No but it seems someone wants you". She stepped to the side as Dominic entered the room. She shuddered as the maid left the room, closing the door.

"What do you want" She spat at him.

Dominic laughed, "Oh I could tell you what I want, and that shall be very soon". He eyed her body to the disgust of Christine, "Or perhaps now?"

Christine let out a fear stricken sob, clutching her body closer to her.

Dominic joined her on the small bed, "What's wrong beautiful?" He ran a hand down her slim waist, stopping just above the area that made her a woman.

Christine knew not to struggle; Dominic had threatened her life and had seemed close to taking it more than once. Bruises adorned her small body, all an ugly shade of purple. The only satisfaction she received was the black eye and stitches that adorned his. She was a strong woman and was not going to stop… until he threatened not only her life, but the Giry family as well.

He slipped a hand under her skirt, his hand grabbing her porcelain skin as he made his way up her thighs.

"Please…" Christine pleaded, she was weak…. Weak and broken.

"Please that you want it?" Dominic said as he thrust a painful finger inside her.

"No!" Christine pushed him away and scrambled off the bed. He got up quickly and pushed her violently against the wall, "I will kill you". He informed her.

She spat in his face, "It would be well worth it, I would be joined with Erik if I were dead".

Dominic laughed, "Then perhaps I won't give you the satisfaction of death…. I'll give you something better".

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Erik nearly jumped from the carriage as it pulled slowly into his drive; he walked quickly to the front steps and entered the main foyer.

"Nadir!" Erik shouted in the empty hall, no one seemed to be at home. Where was everyone?

The shaman rushed in after Erik, "You crazy fool! You're going to tire yourself running in the condition you are".

Erik half nodded as he searched frantically around the house. He made his way up to his bedroom first, hoping to see his love lying in bed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Did you hear someone?"

Maryanne stopped as she listened. Both women were taking a short walk through the rose garden, hoping the sweet fragrance would clear their minds of worry. Several days had passed since Nadir and half the staff of servants had gone on a search for Christine. No word had been sent and both females were becoming extremely worried.

"I think so… perhaps Nadir?" Meg said while walking back toward the house.

Maryanne perked up, "Perhaps he has Christine!"

Meg ran ahead of the maid, hoping for any sign of the Persian. Turning the corner she ran head strong into a man dressed in robes. Both fell on the ground, gawking at the situation.

Meg pointed at him as she scooted backwards on the floor. "Who are you?"

The man shook his head, "I am a shaman, who are you?"

Meg didn't answer his question, as she gazed at the figure behind him.

Maryanne came in shortly and dropped flowers she was holding from outside.

There behind the fallen shaman stood a confused, angry and tired looking Erik.

"Erik?" Meg asked meekly, wondering if her fall on the ground had been harder than expected.

Erik nodded as he helped the shaman to his feet.

Maryanne shrieked as both women ran over and embraced him, "We thought you were dead!"

Erik hugged both females close to him, letting them gawk and cry as they saw their fallen hero come back from the dead.

After a moment, both females separated themselves from him. Erik was the first to speak.

"Where is Christine?" he asked, worry filling his eyes.

Maryanne looked down for a moment when she heard the front door slam close.

Erik turned to see a surprised and haggard looking Nadir.

"I have not slept enough". Nadir informed the servant next to him.

"Nadir" Erik said in a friendly tone.

"H-How is this possible?" he asked, slowly approaching his friend.

Erik nodded at the man standing aside him, "A shaman Nadir, I have been spared".

Nadir laughed as he embraced his friend, "I thought I'd never see your frown again".

Erik laughed for the first time since his accident, "Well you have always been the cause of my frowning".

Nadir laughed for a moment more before his smile dropped, "I wouldn't be here now Erik if it weren't for you".

Erik scrunched his brow in confusion, "How so?"

Nadir continued, "I tracked your carriage, hoping it would lead me on to some information, it greatly surprised me when it showed up here".

"Continue" Erik urged.

"Erik… Christine is missing".

Anger crossed Erik's face as he felt his legs begin to weaken; Nadir steadied his friend with the help of the shaman.

"What do you mean?" Erik asked.

"She was distraught at the thought of your death. She couldn't eat, she couldn't sleep… all she could do was cry".

Erik nodded, feeling his own tears well in his eyes.

"She fled one night for a walk I am sure, but she has not returned… I fear she is in danger".

"As do I" Erik informed the Persian, "I believe that…fop of a boy had something to do with this".

Erik rubbed his head, "My attacker wore green… does that mean anything to you?"

Nadir stood still for a moment contemplating his question. "Raoul's man…"

"I fear Christine's life is at stake" Erik spoke while walking quickly to his quarters, Nadir followed not knowing what his friend intended to do.

Erik walked over to his desk and pulled out a larger box.

Nadir smiled as he realized what it was. Erik looked over as his friend as he took the object out of the box "Punjab" he said simply, along with a look in his eyes informing the Persian that the promise of death was coming soon for who ever harmed Christine.

I hope you guys are enjoying! Please review!

-AesSedia