Tempers and Secrets

"No."

"What?" A fearsome growl escaped Erik's lips as his bright eyes became amber slits. Instead of retreating as she had done before, Christine stared back at him, her own eyes flaring. A new courage made her forget about any possible consequences.

"I won't sing for you." She took a step closer so they were only inches apart. He stood silent, curious about what she could have to say. "You hunt me like an animal, make me fear for my life, and you expect me to obey you?" Erik felt his hands clench at the way he was being spoken to. Not many would speak to him this way, and she would regret it. He moved forward, forcing her to step towards the wall. She showed no fear though, and continued to rant, her voice trembling with unsuppressed emotion. "No more. No more will you or anyone look down at me like an object! I did not risk everything to become imprisoned yet again. Why the hell would I ever s-" Erik roared and shoved her against the wall, holding her wrists above her head.

"Why the hell would you sing for me?" He snarled, his fingers digging painfully into her arms. His face was so close Christine could feel the growl that vibrated in his throat, and slowly she raised her gaze. "Oh, Christine." He laughed cruelly, his iron grip not loosening. Christine felt just how large Erik's body was, and shifted uncomfortably at the close contact. "You will sing for me, or I will take everything you have ever loved." Her eyes shot up to his, defiant and filled with rage.

"Everything I have ever loved is gone, your threat means nothing." Christine nearly spat, struggling helplessly against him.

"IS THAT A CHALLENGE?" Erik pushed her against the wall harder, eliminating all of her movement. Dangerously, he leaned close to her ear, whispering softly. "There is so much I could take from you, Christine." He pulled her away from the wall in one movement, both surprising and scaring her as she was dragged to the middle of the room. With one swirl of his long cape, the candelabras went out.

Christine gasped as the room went dark. After a few seconds, the last flickers of light on the wicks faded, and the blackness became unbearably thick. She shivered as she heard Erik laugh once more, not sure where the sound was coming from. "Light." Her breath hitched as his voice echoed in her left ear. "Without light you are a helpless child, groping blindly in my world of night." Erik's voice echoed in her right ear, and she stumbled forward, trying to escape the tremulous voice. "See how you tremble in fear."

"I'm not afraid." Christine tried to sound sure of herself, but she wasn't fooling anyone.

"Oh really? No fear whatsoever?" He could only laugh as she tried to back away from him, only to grow closer. "You could live without light? Without the warmth sunshine brings? I highly doubt it, but if you insist, we will continue." This was a nightmare, Christine was sure of it. She felt Erik's hand brush her shoulder and let out a scream. "Shhh..." He whispered, placing one hand over her mouth. She quickly retaliated and pushed him away.

"Stay away from me." He did not answer, but she heard him sigh. "What is it you want from me?" Christine screamed, her voice choked with fear. "Why must we play such games?" At this he went to her, his strides quickening until he stood before her.

"I won't stay away from you." He growled. "Not now, not ever. I have waited far to long for you, my dear. See reason!" He grabbed her shoulders, resisting the urge to shake sense into her. "Sing for me and I will give you anything you desire! I will protect you from anyone who means you harm, and your life will be filled with music and in time, happiness." Christine looked so overwhelmed, he doubted she even felt his rough grip.

"Will you grant me my freedom?" Erik growled softly, warning her to be careful. "Answer me. If I sing, will you promise to release me?" She was calm and he could see the hope in her eyes.

"No." He said, holding tightly to the fabric of her chemise. "I will never let you go."

"Then you have my answer." The sound that escaped Erik's lips was that of an animal, not even remotely human. He practically dropped Christine, and flew from her side. She heard the sound of the piano opening, before he snarled loudly.

"Then you leave me no choice."

It was a beautiful day at Chateau Daae, but Meg felt no joy. Scrubbing the floors gave her so much time to think, and the more she did that, the more alone she felt. Christine leaving had been bad enough, but now her mother was gone as well. Isabel had become colder than ever, and it was only a matter of time before she sent others out after her dear friend. "Oh Christine." She whispered in despair. Meg flinched at a scream coming from down the hall. She recognized the voice as her cruel mistress, and hesitantly she got up to see what was the matter this time.

"Madame, he sends his apologies and-" The man stopped as a young girl with blonde curls entered the room. She looked up at him with wide blue eyes, hoping she had not interrupted something important.

Isabel glared at her, and Meg shrunk back in fear. "What are you doing here!" She shouted at the servant girl, ready to backhand her for entering without permission. However, the man stepped in front of Meg, protecting her from her mistress. Isabel let out another scream, having a tantrum that would make a young child proud. Unable to deal with things not going her way, she stormed from the room, smashing things as she went.

"Are you alright?" He asked sincerely as the frightened girl nodded. "Good. I'm sorry to ask this of you, but would you be so kind as to lead me to the door. This is a very large Chateau, is it not?" Meg smiled at him, liking the way his boyish face looked warm and kind.

"I would be honored, monsieur." Her gaze dropped to her hands. "Thank you, for stopping her." He looked down at the servant girl, wishing there was more he could do for her.

"Please, call me Michael. I am sorry about that, back there. I should have broken the news to her more gently, though my master should have warned me of her temper." He sighed and rolled his green eyes. Meg chuckled at his expression, before covering her mouth with her hand. It was very inappropriate, and she began to apologize. "Don't be sorry for thinking something is funny. Besides, it would be a shame to hide such a pretty laugh." Meg blushed slightly at this, but her smile grew. "Mademoiselle, may I ask your name?" Michael asked, still intrigued by the maiden.

"Meg." She said sweetly, as they began to walk. Cautiously, she began to restart the conversation. "What news were you telling Madame that made her so angry?" She asked, hoping she wasn't crossing a line and that he would answer. Michael felt no reason not to tell her, it really wasn't a secret.

"My master has decided to not continue with the job Madame Isabel hired him for." Meg looked at Michael with confusion, and he began to elaborate. "I'm sure you remember a young servant who ran away recently? Christine, her name was." She paled. This man knew of her friend.

"I-Is she alright?" Michael saw the concern in her eyes as she began to fiddle with the fabric of her skirt. "I just... Please tell me she's alright. I'm so worried about her." He placed a hand on her shoulder, wishing he could tell her exactly what had happened to the girl.

"She was your friend, wasn't she?" Meg nodded, not trusting herself to speak for fear of crying. "Monsieur was the one Isabel asked to find her, but he now refuses." He leaned very close and whispered. "Christine will be fine, don't worry about her. As far as I know she is safe." A tear fell down Meg's cheek as she threw her arms around Michael.

"Thank you Michael!" She nearly sobbed. "You don't know how bad it would have been for her had she been returned." Michael frowned, wondering what horrors existed in this Chateau. He returned Meg's embrace, glad she had gotten over her hesitation. She let go of him and wiped away her happy tears as they approached the gate. "Goodbye Michael, and thank you for everything. Give your master my gratitude, and I wish you a safe journey.

Truthfully, Michael did not want to leave, but Monsieur Desslar would be furious if he stayed away. "Goodbye dear Meg. I hope we see each other again." He kissed her hand and gave a daring grin before mounting his horse. Meg felt a blush continue to stain her cheeks as she watched him ride away. Her mind buzzed as she returned to her bucket and rag. She had more to think about than ever before.

Suzanne heard Erik begin to play and sighed. "Good grief! He'll wake mademoiselle Christine if he keeps that up!" She walked to Erik's chambers, flinching when the music took a violent turn. The master did not play this kind of music often, but when he did no one would go near. He could make you weep of sadness, or laugh with joy, but this music seemed to light you on fire. It was agony to bear the emotions he created with such genius.

She knocked on the door loudly, hoping to be heard over the piano downstairs. "Mademoiselle?" She asked, hearing no response. Slowly she opened the door, finding it difficult to see at first. When she saw the room was empty, Suzanne became fearful. Would the girl have run off? Erik was in the midst of very passionate playing, and though she would hate to disturb him, his temper would be greater if she did not tell him of Christine's disappearance.

Suzanne had searched the entire manor, save the music room, and Christine was nowhere to be found. With great hesitance, she approached the room where Erik played. Her heartbeat increased as she gripped the handle. How furious would he be? She wondered, trying to push aside her cowardice. She hesitated once more before throwing the door open, only to find the most disturbing sight.

Erik immediately stopped playing, and turned to see his servant Suzanne staring intently at Christine. The young maiden lay in the middle of the floor, her hair a wild halo. She was quaking with fear, and Suzanne could see her breathing hysterically from the spasms of her back. She flew to her side, only to hear the master growl. "I did not give you permission to enter, Suzanne." His voice was dangerous, but she would not leave Christine to suffer.

"I apologize, my lord. I shall take my leave." She reached down and began to help the girl to her feet. "Shh, it's alright, my dear. You're alright, there we go." The woman cooed as Christine managed to stand.

"What do you think you are doing?" Erik snarled, having moved to be only a few feet before her. Suzanne turned to him and replied calmly.

"I am helping Christine to the kitchen, she needs to eat." He would have none of it though, and pulled Christine from his servant roughly. "Monsieur, please. I believe you are hurting her." The young woman remained silent though, as if she had forgotten how to speak.

"I will decide when she eats and leaves my presence. Do not meddle, I will not thank you for it." Christine tried to push away from him, but her movements were weak. Never had she been assaulted with such music, and her head was pounding loudly. Her whole body burned, and her limbs felt heavy and lifeless. Her appetite had disappeared with the first few notes he played, but she would do anything to escape his wrath.

"Please." She whispered, more to Suzanne than Erik. The plump woman looked to her master, hoping he would allow her to have a meal. Even his eyes softened at how shaky her voice was.

Christine watched gratefully as Erik waved is hand for them to leave, glad Suzanne was there to help her reach the kitchens. "Are you alright?" The woman asked seriously, not liking how pale she looked.

"I'll be fine." Her voice came out as barely more than a whisper, and Suzanne found herself quickening their pace. Hopefully food would calm her nerves, and her mind.

After Christine had eaten, Suzanne insisted on helping her dress, seeing as she still wore the same chemise she arrived in. No one had helped her undress since she was a young child, and Christine felt as if everything she knew had been turned upside down. As Suzanne undid the laces, she saw the girl grow very stiff. "What is the matter mademoiselle?" She asked, but Christine only shook her head. She slipped the thin material from her body and immediately heard the woman's gasp.

"Oh." Was all she could think to say as she stared at Christine's back. Slowly she reached out and placed her hand on the flesh. Never had she seen such scars, and a tear rolled down her cheek at the sight. They were marks of a whip, and Suzanne could not even imagine the pain this girl had suffered. "I-I I am so sorry for the pain you have endured. Is there any-"

"Do not pity me, Suzanne. And do not treat me differently because of my past." Her voice was surprisingly calm, which was a huge shock. "There is one thing I must ask of you though." Suzanne quickly agreed. "Don't share this with anyone. Not family, and especially not your master. Please do this for me, Suzanne."

"Of course Chri-mademoiselle." Christine laughed slightly at this, and it was truly a beautiful sound.

"Please use my name. And... Thank you for understanding." Suzanne smiled as she helped the girl into a tub of hot water, which Christine immediately sank into. This was certainly something she could get used to, but it could never be. One way or another, she would escape the insane man who resided here. Of that she was sure.

While the woman bathed, Suzanne fished through the wardrobe in the spare room she had been given. She selected a gentle blue dress that she was sure Christine would look marvelous in. The dress would show a few scars, but as long as she kept her hair down, there was nothing to worry about.

After Christine was done bathing, she dried her hair before walking into the bedroom. Suzanne helped her into the gown, still in awe at the girls beauty. When she had arrived, there had been dirt in her chemise and on her face, masking her perfection. Now she looked radiant with her creamy skin, full curls, and warm chestnut eyes. "Thank you Suzanne. All you have done means a great deal to me." Suzanne smiled and continued pinning her hair until she was satisfied.

"It was my pleasure Christine. Would you perhaps like to stroll the garden? The flowers here are spectacular, particularly the roses." She smiled at the thought of fresh air, and possibly an escape route.

"That sounds wonderful. Would you accompany me?" Suzanne nodded, not wanting to tell her she had been told not to leave her alone. Without thinking, her eyes slowly went to the girl's back, making Christine shift uncomfortably on the bed. No one would ever understand, she realized. As soon as they exited her chambers, they ran straight into Erik

Christine looked so beautiful, he swore his heart skipped a beat. All his thoughts seemed to vanish as he slowly looked her up and down. When his eyes found her lips, he forced himself to look away. Erik was saddened by the look of horror in her brown eyes. This morning he had gone way too far, scaring the girl out of her wits. "Suzanne, you may go." He said softly, not wanting to cause any more fear.

"My lord, Christine and I were off to the gardens." Erik sighed and repeated himself.

"I will escort mademoiselle Daae, once again, you are free to leave." He was losing patience, and was relieved when she took her leave. "Christine." He whispered, hating the way she looked at him, and hating the fact he deserved it. "Walk with me." When he offered his arm though, she did not move. Erik groaned and took her arm himself, knowing how many problems he had caused. This was going to be a long day.