Adellade looked around at everything, seeing that it had all been packed up, the furniture covered with heavy cloth. They would be leaving soon, and he had stored everything away, intent on taking on the essential items with them until they knew how long they would be gone.
A throat cleared and she turned, seeing Nadir standing there. "Am I interrupting something?"
She shook her head. "Not at all."
"It is good to hear you speaking again." He looked around. "I had come to offer my congratulations, but…."
"He had a few more things to see to. I don't think he even wants to think about it."
"If the number of times he's been at my house has been an indication, then I think we can both assume he would rather not."
"Who would rather not do what?" Christine called out, leaving the room to join them. "Nadir! It's good to see you."
"And you as well, Madame Destler." He kissed her hand.
"I haven't married yet!"
"With Erik? The idea is enough of a commitment."
"He has a point." She sighed. "How many times has he moved the date?"
"Twice."
"He loves yet refuses to settle down to anything at all!" Nadir turned to Adellade and hugged her. "Do care to write."
"I will. As long as you leave out the details of your reputation in your responses."
"I've half an idea that Sorelli has kept me from my reputation. Perhaps I shall make an attempt to visit you soon? Or would Erik run off at the very idea."
"I'll be certain to tell him that you're only visiting and not checking up on him."
"And if you ever need any advice, I am always willing to help," he added, turning to Christine. "Whatever problem you might run into regarding him."
"I'll let her know to keep you informed." She hugged him as well. "Goodbye, Nadir."
"And good luck to you." He turned to leave. "Do give my farewells to Erik, would you, Adellade? Oh-and this." He took the locket out and placed it in Adellade's hands. "I thought you might miss this when you leave. Found it in the opera house."
"Thank you."
"And consider this an eventual wedding present," he added, handing something to Christine. "I found these as well."
She unfolded the parchment to reveal some music sheets. "Nadir, I-"
"You might want to take a look at the composer. I've found him to be a collector of several works over the years. I thought these particular ones might interest you."
"My father's?" she whispered. "Thank you. Truly, thank you."
"I thought you might wish to be reunited with those." He sighed. "I shall take my leave then, I suppose. And if you ever need anything at all, I am only a letter away."
He left them alone. Adellade fastened the locket around her neck, sighing as she felt the familiarity in it. Christine continued to read over her father's music, humming parts of it to herself.
She watched as a carriage pulled up. "He's here. Shall we?"
"We shall." Christine linked her arm through hers as they walked out together, the door closing behind them.
Adellade climbed into the carriage, watching as they drove away from the cottage. They were off to a new life-a life she could be happy about.
A life without fear, without monsters.
A life where a demon could finally be a man named Erik Destler.
DoctorPhantom: And we have officially reached the end of this story! Woohoo! Thank you for all of your reviews and reactions and all that stuff! Again: sorry for the emotions this has given... But hey, I left you guys on a good (better) ending, so that should make up for something, right? Anyways: thanks for reading! Bye! :)
Also: sequel is now up! A Phantom's Love. Go check it out!