"Saya, time to wake up. Tell no one of this, our fantasies are ours alone," he said, planting a soft kiss on her lips, and tasting the tears that once rolled over them.

Saya wriggled awake, trembling and shocked at what just happened. It was not real, none of it was real. She solaced herself, not wanting to believe. Nonetheless, she knew parts of it were real; the music, his voice and hers singing together, and his teachings. It all was real, but...He was dead. Phantom had to be dead, she watched him die. But...but it all felt so real, it sounded so real, everything about that dream felt so real.

No, it couldn't have been. It had to just be a dream, and only a dream. It was nightmare and Phantom's apparition was coming back to haunt her. Just like it had done to her after her sister's murder.

She blinked; her eyes still glowing scarlet from the dream. They dimmed to their natural brown color. Saya got up and quickly bathed herself, wanting to remove the feeling of him on her skin. Once she finished, she dressed herself in a purple gown. She exited her chambers; it was time for Opera practice. She glanced at Solomon, who sat in one of the private booths, forcing a smile on her face.

"From the beginning then," the instructor said. Saya took her place on stage and began singing. It appeared that her singing had improved, seeing that she no longer had a reason to breathe. After all, she was the living dead. In the middle of the song Amshel and Joel interrupted.

"We have a letter for Ms. Saya, take a short break everyone," Joel said as he walked up to her. Joel handed her the letter and looked at her shamefully. Saya walked to the corner of the stage to read it the dark.

My Angel of Blood,

I had a wonderful time with you. Your singing has improved much since I turned you. Gladly, I can come and see this week's performance of Carmen. I look forward to seeing you play Carmen. And if anyone tries to take your spotlight I will silence them, my angel.

Your lover's companion has wounded me terribly, and because I am aged enough I can see you. I will see you soon, my darling belle. I do hope my teachings will come in handy on stage.

Sincerely,

Your lover and teacher

Saya quickly tore the letter up and panted in anger. It was not real! He was dead! He had to be dead! She ran up to Joel and Amshel.

"I resign," she said.

"What? Saya, you're our star. Even if you are..." Joel started.

"I don't mind playing bit parts, I don't mind getting paid less, I just don't want to sing in front of Phantom. Annemarie can have her fame back, I don't want it. Besides, I can still perform at smaller Opera houses," Saya begged. Amshel and Joel looked at each other.

"Very well, Saya. However, Hagi and Solomon informed Phantom was murdered last night," Joel said. Tears sprung into Saya's eyes and she panted softly in the sadness that was consuming her

"Oh, dear, has he...?" Joel asked.

"I don't know what he's done, I don't know if he's alive or not or if it was just a nightmare. But, I can't sing anymore, at least, not as the star. I can't play Carmen, perhaps that country girl, Micaëla, or a silent role, or non-singing role," Saya whimpered. She was going to get to the bottom of this; she was going to find Phantom to verify the truth.

"Very well, we'll put you in the role of the innkeeper, if that's what you want. Annemarie will play Carmen," Amshel said derisively.

"Fine, I'll go get the script," Saya said gratefully. The innkeeper was a spoken role. She wouldn't have to sing! And if she didn't she knew something would happen. And if nothing did happen...Well then...she is just having nightmares.

They had to be nightmares.

Round midnight Saya snuck out of the Opera House. She wore all black, to best cast her the shadows. Her appearance was much more vampire like in the moonlight and she didn't want anyone to see. She tried her best to remember what route Phantom took. It was confusing, all she knew was that it was by the ocean. She had no choice, she would have to use her wings. She pulled her hood over her face and ran into an alley. She concentrated, her wings emerged from the back. She soared into the night sky. She flew well beyond the clouds to assure no one would see her.

Her eyes locked on a great mass of water, and the land above it. She landed on the cliff and walked to the cliff's edge. She had a quick flashback of her and Phantom's arrival here and understood that this was his home. She flew down onto the beach and searched for the cavern. She wandered cautiously, despite how frustrated she was. She found the cavern-tunnel and entered; being very wary of her surroundings. She passed the blue roses and soon made it to the silver gates. She looked through them, touching them and pulling away quickly enough so she wouldn't get burnt.

Ohh,

My Lucifer

In which shadow you hide?

No answer. Saya stood silent for a moment, waiting to hear Phantom's voice again. There was silence and all but the burning of the candles could be heard.

Oh how dreams

Play cruel tricks on the mind

She turned around, preparing to leave as daunting laughter echoed through the cavern. Saya stood still, eyes wide and trembling. Then she shook her head and shut her eyes.

This is insanity and nothing more

She left, but deep down she knew that Phantom was still alive and watching her as she suffered.

I am using Lucifer as a poetic term. Satan's name is Lucifer, who was the head angel and in charge of Heaven's music (as some say.)

Anyhow, I hope you get the metaphorical analogy,