I

The most peculiar occurrence happened today.

As per usual, I needed to assure myself rehearsals for the new production were coming along and, as I was about to take my place in box 5, I felt a presence within my sanctum. Had those foolish managers been wooing a new wealthy patron behind my back? Their eyes must have a disease of some kind, as they cannot read "box 5 is to remain empty at all times." Next time, I should underline that line and engrave it into their narrow minds.

No matter. I should cast the intruder away like I had done to those who assume they could use my box without permission.

I opened the door with a light touch and moved into the space carefully and alert. I had not managed to make a sound and yet, as if I had a bell around my neck, a girl looked up from her floored position.

The girl cocked her head sideways, our eyes beguiled on one another. It felt like a hundred years were passing between us as the silent grew. I knew I had to move or say something, but it was as if my feet were cemented to the ground.

I found myself mesmerized by the girl's eyes. They held the most gorgeous, unknown shade of brown with a hint of gold to them. I felt it a sin to be caught in her hypnotic gaze. She was petite with a pale complexion, her long, straight hair was like the night sky. I wanted to smile at how untamed it looked as opposed to those girls in the company who adorn their hair up with posh pins.

It was her who broke our trance when she smiled politely with those pink shade lips. She then rose quietly. "Apologies, monsieur," she curtsied, "I know I'm not supposed to be here, but it was the only isolated space I could find."

I said nothing as my words were caught in my throat. Her soft voice was, like her, bewitching. I felt my heart pound erratically within me. What was this feeling?

"Do you need me to go?" She asked with a small pout.

I shook my head. "N –" I cleared my throat, suddenly realizing I must have seemed like a stupid plank, "No, it's fine." I closed the door behind me and tried my best to portray the phantom that I was. "You are here because…?"

"Oh," She again smiled and looked down at the parchment papers spawned on the floor. "I was working."

I bent down and picked up a paper. She was making music. The girl was composing a song. I looked over the piece and it was no novice work. "This is yours?" A blush began to form, too telling with her pale skin. "It is good." I complimented. I squatted down and felt her mirror my movements.

"Ah, please don't look." She jerked the paper away from my hand and tried to gather the other papers as quickly as she could. "Th – they are not to be seen."

"Ever?" I chuckled.

She shook her head.

I sat down properly and helped her gather her composition. "This is an opera. Music is to be made here with no shame."

"Mu – music can also be made in private if you hum a tune while sitting on a bench or whilst cleaning cobwebs from a banister. You do not need to be in an opera house."

I gave her the last of her papers. "That is true." I smiled. Again, our eyes met. "May I ask your name? I have been gone far too long it seems as I have not seen you before."

As quickly as she opened her mouth, she had closed it as if her name was a privilege to know. She leaned closer to me, making me lean into her in curiosity. "Do you swear it will remain a secret between us?"

"And how do you know you can trust me?" I teased.

She looked me up and down. "You seem trustworthy enough."

"Do I?" I pointed at the oddity of my mask. "Even with this?"

"Oh, I did not notice." She shook her head once more. "Was that rude of me not to notice? Would you like me to?" Her eyes began to examine the right side of my face.

I laughed at her peculiarity and leaned closer to her. I placed my hand on my heart. "I do so swear and in return, I'll intend to let you know who I am."

Perplexity was on her face. "Are you not the Phantom, monsieur?"

My body froze. No one had asked me so plainly before nor had they managed to deduce such a thing. "Is there a reason for such a thought?"

"Well," she assessed me once more, "no one enters this box so casually since it is said to be haunted and yet, monsieur, you entered like it was the front door of your own home. Second – hmm – you tried to be as quiet as air, failed you may have, but you did try."

This girl was something else and her presence was a delight. "Your musical ears, no doubt."

"Yes…well…unless you like to lurk everywhere you go, then you must be him." She bounced with enthusiasm like she had won some sort of game. "Stories of the Phantom came to my ear when I first arrived, and I thought to myself, surely it is only a man. For what kind of apparition needs comfortable lodgings to watch performances, in need of francs, and can write letters?

I stifled a laugh at her cleverness. "Ah, there you have it then. I should grant you a prize for your great detective skills."

She clasped her hands together. "I shall claim it now. My prize, that is." She stood and motioned for me to follow. "We shall have the pleasure of introducing ourselves properly."

"This is what you ask as a reward?"

"Of course."

Her lightheartedness was adorable and endearing. I pretended I had a hat, removed it, and tilted my head. "Delighted to meet you, mademoiselle. I am, what you say, a professional opera ghost."

She replied with a small curtsey like she had done before. "The pleasure is mine, monsieur Phantom. I'm Luna Elizabeth Knight. Though you may call me Elizabeth, or Lizzy, whichever suits you best but never Luna. At least, not out loud. Yes, Elizabeth is best."

"Any other requests?" I asked amused.

"Several," Elizabeth breathed, "but we shall start with this. May I be permitted to use your box when needed?"

"You may." I did not hesitate to answer. I had just met this odd girl and already I regarded her with such kind word. Elizabeth seemed no more than eighteen and yet, she had an aura of secrecy I wished to protect. At the same time, I wished to pry open those secrets myself; I wanted to know more of her.

I suddenly stumbled back when I felt her petite frame in my arms. "Thank you, monsieur Phantom." She hugged me tighter. "You are the kindest man of all men, I am sure."

Before I could correct her silly notion, Elizabeth arms loosen. "I must go. Rehearsals are almost done, and my dear friend Christine, will be waiting for me. I am to stay with her for the time being and I do not wish to make her dislike me in any way."

Elizabeth, still close to me, tiptoed and placed a peck on my exposed cheek. "Please, monsieur Phantom, do not haunt too late or you shall catch a chill. You are already as cold as the winter's snow."

My mind drifted and her voice echoed another goodbye. I must have lost track of time as when I came to, there was no light in the auditorium, nor the stage. I gasped in disbelief and turned to face the door.

"Was I – was I just…?" I placed my hand on my cheek where I could still feel the feathered kiss she had bestowed on me. I blinked in disbelief and my heart pounded like a horse winning a race.

I wished to see her again.