Chapter Five: II Muto

The people of Paris were thrilled to see that El Carlotto would be returning to the stage after taking a week-long hiatus. Hundreds were waiting outside the Opera on the opening night of II Muto, hoping to receive tickets for such a prestigious gala. However, a large majority were asking themselves what had happened to the delightful substitute that filled in for Carlotto last week, Christian Daae. Sure, his voice wasn't nearly as powerful as Carlotto's, but it had quite a beautiful innocence to it. Surely he should have some part in this production!

However, Christian Daae would not be singing in tonight's performance. Instead, he returned to his usual place in the chorus: dancing during the show's intermission. Renee was watching from one of the balconies, occasionally glancing over to Box Five to try and get a glimpse of the Phantom. This proved to be difficult, because Box Five itself was placed at a rather odd angle and lit very poorly. Thus, it was hard to make out whether or not there was anyone or anything in there.

Maybe that's why the Ghost found it so appealing, Renee thought to herself. She had grown rather paranoid after receiving the Phantom's letter. It didn't help calm her nerves that Christian refused to tell her anything about what had happened that night, either.

After Act One's curtain call, the audience cheered in delight at Carlotto's unbelievable vocals. And when the dancers entered for intermission, the people cheered for Christian, too. Several people even shouted "Sing! Sing!" The Ballet moved and wilted across the stage, until suddenly, the lights in the theater went out. This was most unusual, for the only light source that the Opera used was candle light. The audience elicited several gasps, and for a long moment, everything was silent as the entire Opera House was cast in darkness. Then, the lights went back on.

There came a great scream from the audience as the people realized what they were seeing. Behind the dancers now, was the dead corpse of El Carlotto hanging from the rafters. It was a horrific sight, as the body swung back and forth across the stage. More and more people began to scream in terror, running away in panic and pushing past each other to flee the murder scene.

Christian and the other dancers ran backstage, horrified. Cast and crew members were stampeding around and trying to make sense of what had just occurred. Somehow, Renee managed to find Christian amongst all the commotion, and the two followed each other up the narrow stairs that led to the roof. It was just them now, alone on the rooftop of the Opera House as the moon shone down on them eerily.

They embraced each other. Renee looked up into Christian's fear-stricken eyes. "It was him, wasn't it? The Phantom of the Opera?"

Christian nodded. "Yes. He is real. I've seen him. And it was him, Renee. He was the one who taught me how to sing. Not an angel. A monster." He spat out the last word in disgust. It was now that, finally, all the anger and hate began to welt up inside of him. He had been manipulated and deceived by this man. This man that had killed.

Renee held Christian close to her. "Do not be ashamed, my dear. He is extremely cunning. Anyone could have fallen under his spell."

Christian remembered the way the Phantom had made him feel in the lair. It was such a submissive feeling, the way Christian was able to trust him so well. And the kiss. That was what scared Christian the most. This man was so charismatic and so deceitful, that he was able to convince another man to kiss him. And now his true colors were revealed. He was a cold-blooded, murderous psychopath.

But for some reason, deep inside, Christian knew that he liked it. There was something so provocative about a man who would kill to get what he wanted. And it seemed to thrill Christian to know just how much the Phantom wanted him.

No, he thought. That is insane. He is insane. Christian was so frightened by both the Phantom, and his own thoughts that he found himself shaking in fear.

"Christian, please!" Renee placed her hands on his face. "You are safe with me, Little Lotte." They stared into each other's eyes. She was a beautiful woman, with long, flowing dark hair and large, sea-green eyes. Suddenly, memories of their childhood began to flow back into Christian's mind. Warm, sweet, happy memories of the beach, and music, and Christian's father. Renee reminded him of all these things, and now Christian found himself feeling much more calm. Renee was his warmth, his home.

They kissed, softly at first and then passionately and with intensity. Finally, all of Christian's fears were forgotten, and he could breath at last as their bodies entwined. When the kiss ended, they did not pull away from each other. They stood very closely, arms wrapped around one another, and gazed lovingly at each other for a long moment.

Finally, Renee spoke. "Christian, I love you."

He smiled widely. They held their hands together and walked back down to the theater, no longer afraid. They were ready to confront whatever they were about to face, together. However, neither of them seemed to notice the ominous masked man, who had been hiding in the shadows the entire time…