sA/N: Thanks for reviewing! You guys all rock!

I'm sorry for the delay in updating but my computer crashed and I've been really busy. Thanks for being patient and sticking with this story and hopefully I'll get better at updating on time. J

Disclaimer: I lay no claims to the Phantom of the Opera ors its characters. Though I wouldn't mind owning Erik. (Smiling to self and rubbing hands greedily)

Thanks so much GerrysLittleMissSunshine08 for being such a great Beta!

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Darcy's POV

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Many little changes occurred during the last three days. The biggest, at least to me, was the difference in Erik and Anna's attitude toward each other.

Anna went from being thoroughly frightened and hateful toward Erik, to being completely besotted with him. At night she would talk of little else. Of course, she found a willing listener in me, for I was as besotted as Anna.

Erik seemed entranced by the little girl, who was so like himself. I think their similar temperament and behavior drew him, not to mention that they resembled each other physically. I admit that they could easily have been taken as father and child.

I would often catch him staring at her when he thought no one was looking. But some of his fascination stemmed from Anna's strong, clear and sweet voice.

He would often request the girl to sing for him, while he played thunderous and passionate songs on his organ. Those two were magnificent together. I would watch and listen enraptured, while swaying gently on the edge of my seat. Those were the most enjoyable times I had ever experienced.

I knew exactly what Erik was thinking whenever his golden eyes alighted on Anna. Here was another protégée for him. Someone he could mold and work on and transform, until he made her what he wanted his former lover, Christine Daae, to be. A glorious soprano who would take Opera by storm.

Except he wouldn't fall in love with this one. Nor could he deceive her into believing he was some mystical Angel of Music.

Erik had taken advantage of Christine's naïve and trusting nature, as well as her strong belief that her father would send her the Angel of Music. For years, since she was a child, that poor, innocent girl actually thought Erik was her Angel of Music. I learned that much through all the gossip I heard upstairs.

Though Anna appeared delicate and easily swayed, I knew the girl had a good head on her shoulders. She was as shrewd and cautious as Erik himself. Anna was wise for her age because she had experienced a difficult time after her mother died, that much I was able to pry from her. One had to be treading carefully with those two for if they sensed you getting too close, they would withdraw into themselves.

As for myself, I had always thought I was the kind of girl that could keep her feelings in check and continue with life no matter what.

But ever since that day I found out Erik was my beloved Monsieur E, I started to doubt my disposition as my emotions threatened to drag me into a whirlwind passion and longing I couldn't control. I was actually quite surprised to learn about that side of my nature.

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Frustrated that I could not focus, I closed the book that lay on my lap. It was a gift from Erik, who told me it was written by an undiscovered writer.

When I questioned how he came in position of the book. He merely looked down his porcelain nose at me, saying he had his sources and I really shouldn't concern myself with them. I smiled at the thought for Erik was really quite conceited.

I placed the book on the writing desk and straightened out the simple navy blue dress I had selected from among the clothing Erik bought for Christine. A quick glance in the mirror assured me I looked presentable, before I went in search of Erik and Anna.

I found them in the main room; Erik at the Organ playing fiercely ; Anna standing nearby, trying to sing a impossibly high note.

Erik stopped playing and glared at Anna. "You are doing it wrong!" he thundered. "Stop trying to force it. Your voice is like a lover, it has to be coaxed and persuaded. Now try again."

Anna's shoulders sagged and she let out a huff. "I'm tired. I want to stop. I've been singing for two hours!" she held up two fingers for emphasis. "Two hours! I shall not have a voice to coax and persuade if I keep singing!"

" I don't care if you sang all day and night .You will not lose your voice over practice. You will not stop! How do you expect to ever be great if you give up? Now start from the beginning!!"

Anna put her hands on hips and fixed him with a threatening glare.

"Now!" he roared. "Do you want to be another La Carlotta?"

"La who?"

"Never mind."

I cleared my throat to catch their attention. Anna turned and flew into my arms with a sob. "He's mean!"

I kissed her forehead and turned toward Erik. "I think she should have a break."

He started to protest, but I interrupted. "You need one too, for that matter." I seized the moment to voice an idea I had. "Erik, I should like very much to take a walk outside. Not that I don't enjoy being down here," I said quickly as he frowned. "But fresh air will do us all some good."

He folded his arms across his chest. "No!"

"Erik! Why ever not?"

"I advise you not to question me." he said a little too calmly.

I threw up my hands in exasperation. "For heaven sakes! Are we to be your prisoners?" I regretted asking that question immediately.

Erik grimaced. "I did not ask you to follow me! I did not ask for your help! You came of your own free will. Your own free will! Like her!" His voice rose to a higher pitch. "She came of her own free will too! I swear I did not force her!" He turned and brought his fist down hard on his organ causing it to make a harsh violent sound that echoed through the room.

" I swear I did not force her." he repeated slowly as a sobbed escaped his lips and he buried his masked face in his hands.

I felt Anna cling to me from behind as my heart fluttered painfully and hot tears stung my eyes. I was emotional where Erik was involved.

Erik looked up and noticed my tears as he made a visible effort to calm himself. " You and the child are not my prisoners. I shall take you back up, if you wish. It is oblivious you no longer want to be here with pitiful Erik."

I un-wrapped Anna's arms and rushed over to Erik. I dropped down beside his bench. He looked down at me, his golden eyes cold.

I grasped both his hands and searched his face. "Listen to me Erik, I would never leave you. I would not want to leave you." I replied as I placed tender kisses on his hands and felt him shudder. "But please Erik, I miss the sunshine, the fresh air, the sights and sounds of the above world. I am not asking you to make an appearance in broad daylight, a night stroll will be fine. I want you to go with me so I can be near you."

Erik didn't say anything, but I could tell he was warring with himself. He finally shook his head. I heaved a sigh of defeat, deciding I would rather be with him, than lose him, though at the moment I felt like strangling Erik with his own lasso for causing me such much turmoil. "If go out it makes you unhappy, then I shall be content here. I-" I paused as I couldn't bring myself to say how I felt since I was unsure of his feelings.

"I want you to be happy." I confessed as rubbed his hands against my cheek.

He pulled his hands away and cupped my face. "You have made Erik the happiest of men! No one, not even my poor own mother, have said sweeter words to me. Erik shall do whatever you ask, even die if you command it."

A warm pleasant feeling washed over me. "Oh, Erik!"

He gave me slight smile. "We can go tonight. Yes, it shall be such a fine night!"

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Erik POV

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I was in a state of euphoria. Every movement, every word, every look seem to be a dream, a dream that I was afraid I would awaken from at any moment, only to find myself still lying in my God forsaken coffin. Alone. After having indulged myself in the delights of company, the thought of being alone frightened me more than I expected.

But I was not dreaming. I was not alone. The warmth and pressure from Darcy's hand and the soft steps of Darcy and Anna echoing in the dark tunnel as I led them out told me I was not dreaming. The woman I loved more than anything in this world was mere inches away, clinging to my hand as if I were her lifeline.

The tunnel we traversed led to a back alley, were we would not be conspicuous. I opened the door and stepped out into the clear, crisp night. Darcy and Anna stepped out behind me.

The alley, lighted by the full moon, was completely empty except for us, as I knew it would be.

I spun around. "Wait here. I'll bring the carriage around." I left them to fetch the carriage I had prepared earlier.

As I brought the carriage round, a sickening thought it me. What they weren't there waiting? Even though I had sensed an attraction between us, I was also painfully aware that she only remained in my home because she did not know the way out.

Perhaps her kindness and attention had been no more that some vile feminine trick to make me trust her. And I had fallen right into it! Fool! my mind then shouted. You actually thought she could love you?

I had thought it and hoped and dreamed it. And I had allowed myself to do what I vowed I never would. I fell in love, with a woman who had the power to reduce me to nothing. If she was not there I knew I would sink into a hell from which I would never recover.

I pulled behind the alley and stepped down. A large cloud now covered the moon, darkening everything. I could just see the outlines of objects.

"Darcy? Anna?" My voice echoed. I waited. No answer. My heart was now pounding fiercely against my chest. This couldn't be happening! It has. She has left you because she could no longer bear your horrible presence. My mind tormented me with those horrible thoughts.

Tears suddenly blurred my vision has I stumbled toward were I left them.

Suddenly I was caught in an embrace. Arms wrapped tightly around my waist, a warm body pressed deliciously against mine and lips gently skimmed my neck. This isn't happening, surely Darcy hadn't just purposely thrown her arms around me.

It was the first time I held a woman in my arms. My heart nearly stopped and my breathing became erratic. Unsure of what to do, I carefully placed my arms around her and allowed myself to experience the delightful sensations of holding someone you love so close.

"I must be dreaming." I murmured, holding her an arms length away.

"Your not." she whispered correcting me.

The moon appeared again, its light casting a gentle glow on everything. I could now see her face more clearly. She was flushed and her eyes downcast.

"What happened?" I managed to ask. I was sure something must have frightened her badly to force her into my arms.

She sighed at the ground. " it is nothing."

I shook my head in disbelief. "You cling to me as if I were just resurrected from the dead and nothing happened?! You'd better speak the truth."

Darcy chewed her bottom lip, eyes still downcast. "I…well… just missed you, that's all."

I stared at her dumbly. Surely I hadn't heard correctly. "What?"

This time Darcy's beautiful green eyes met mine. "I said I missed you."

I was completely shocked. She had actually missed my horrible presence! I backed away from her until I reached the wall. "How could you? I was scarcely gone twenty minutes."

Darcy came toward me. She grasped my hand and raised it to her cheeks. "It seemed like so much longer."

Too many emotions assailed me at once. This was too sudden. I couldn't breathe, or stand, or even think for that matter. My mind was in a trance. My mouth moved, but it couldn't form one coherent sentence. I just continued to stare at her as if she were crazy. Slowly I slid down the brick wall, stopping only when I was firmly seated on the ground. I looked up at her. "You don't know what you are saying! You don't know what I've done!"

I rose up as my self-hate brought back renewed energy. "I have killed people! Do you not understand? I kidnapped a young woman and tried to force her to marry me! I threatened to kill her lover! If ever there were a great sinner on earth, it is I! How could you miss that?"

Darcy looked pained. She reached out and rested her hands on my sleeve. "Because I know the person behind the mask, Erik. And I want to know more about him, if only you'd let me."

I knew I had to stop her now, before she could invest more of her feelings into a monster not deserving of her love. And as much as I wanted to pull her to me, press her tightly against my body, and kiss those soft inviting lips, I didn't, because she deserved better ,far better than me. I almost laughed at the irony of it all. This was the second time I let someone I love go, I who had always been so selfish, who always got what I wanted, was now willing to let all I ever wanted go. And because she had offered herself willing, made me even more determined that I would not drag her into my hell.

I harshly yanked my arm from beneath her hand. "It is not wise of a woman to hint her feelings to a man who may not return them."

She gave me such a look of horror and misery that I wanted to rip out the cursed tongue that made her feel so. But I knew it was for the best.

"Erik, you surely don't mean…"

I cut her off. "I do mean every word I say. Now let that be the end of the matter. I wish to hear no more."

She turned her face away , not before I caught sight of the tears gliding down her cheeks, and walked over to Anna, who I realized had been watching the entire time. I felt ashamed of my behavior, but my mind was made up.

"If you still wish to ride…" I nodded toward the carriage.

She kept her back toward me. "Yes Monsieur. If it will not inconvenience you."

Our trip the gardens were scarcely the romantic image I had imagined. For the most part Darcy limited her conversation to Anna, addressing me only when she felt necessary. After a while I grew annoyed and chose to sit down while they continued their scroll.

The time alone was enough to make regret my hasty actions. Why was I turning my back on the one person who could give me the greatest happiness and joy I had ever known? 'Because she would only grow to hate you.'

I told myself. I couldn't bear to watch the tenderness I saw shining unguarded in her eyes turn to cold rejection and hatred. I buried my face in my hands and cried until I felt numb. My mind continued to play back those moments when she had kissed my hands, these cold murdering hands, her promise to be content in the opera bowels with me, her warm loving embrace.

Could I really bear to let her go? To spend the rest of my miserable life with her? This was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make.

After we returned back to my home ,Darcy immediately excused herself and went to her room. I headed for my organ, determined to relieve my feelings through music.

Anna followed me. As soon as I was seated she spoke, her voice accusing. "You have hurt her, you know. How could you?"

I turned towards her. "I'm not going to discuss this with you."

"I tried to warn her that you were no good," she heaved a sigh, "But she wouldn't listen."

I brought my fist down on the organ. "Just go away!"

"I hope you know you are a fool!" she spat. "You don't deserve her love, you horrible cold-hearted creature!"

I had enough. I sprang from bench, caught Anna by the arms, and ignoring the alarm in her wide eyes, proceeded to give her good shaking. "Listen you little brat, what I'm doing is for her own good. Do you understand? For her! For her happiness! She could never be happy with me. Never! You little ignorant fool! You'll never know the depth of my feelings!"

I couldn't hold the tears back now. "She means so much to me! So much!" I was choking on my tears, the mask was suffocating. "I have to let her go. There is no other way. No other way! Can't you see?!"

I released her. Anna looked up at me with golden tear-filled eyes. "I'm sorry!" she wrapped her arms around my waist and I didn't have the heart to push her away. "But please Erik, you must not let her go. We can all be together. The three of us. Please Erik!"

I gave her a gentle squeeze. "Good night Anna." I seated myself at my organ. Anna came and stood beside it. "I'm not tired. Besides I think Darcy needs to be alone for now. Perhaps I could sing a little."

"I am in no mood for your singing. If you wish you may go into the library and entertain yourself ."

She nodded. "Good night then Erik."

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Doesn't Erik make you want to slap him sometimes. I hope I've kept him character. So will Darcy give up on this difficult man or still attempt to find a way to make him accept his self and their love?

Don't forget to review and let me know what you think.