The Point of No Return- COMPLETE

Chapter Ten


Three Months Later-

Christine stared at the letter in her hands as she sat on the divan. Wanting a few moments to herself, she was surprised when the letter arrived addressed to her. Now she wished she never opened it at all. Sighing heavily, a deep sense of foreboding settled in the pit of her stomach and refused to go away. She pushed a stray curl out of her eyes as she stood up, the rose colored crushed velvet dressing gown she wore swishing behind her. She walked over to the fireplace, clutching the letter in her hand. Tonight was the night and Raoul be damned. A part of her heart hurt at feeling such anger at her childhood friend. Yet she knew he wasn’t thinking of her when he made his decisions. Just as she prepared to drop the letter into the fire, the dressing room door opened.

Madame Giry, complete with an armful of costumes, walked into the dressing room. Peering over the mounds of silks and satins, she raised her eyebrows as she glanced first at the fire and then at Christine. “Am I interrupting anything?” She asked as she closed the door behind her.

Christine shook her head. “No. In fact you can be my witness to the end of my friendship with the Chagny Family.” She tossed the letter into the fire. Staring into the bright flames, she watched as they licked their way over the paper, consuming it. “How could I be so wrong about Raoul? Ambition and greed were his fathers tools, not his. Not until he came to the Opera.”

Putting the costumes down, Madame Giry approached Christine as she put her hands on the young woman’s shoulders in a motherly way. “What happened Christine?” She asked gently. She felt Christine sigh, and then turned her around. “Tell me.”

“Raoul is furious that Erik went ahead with the grand opening of the opera against his wishes.” Christine frowned. “He cut his trip to England short and is returning. He will be here tonight.”

Madame Giry sighed as she shook her head. When Raoul took off he had told them that he was attending to family business. When in truth he didn’t want to see Christine or Erik together or happy. Putting the Opera back in working order hadn’t been easy. Yet Erik managed to do it all on his own, with his own money. Raoul was barely a fleeting thought in their minds over the months. Then came the letter demanding that the opening be held off until Raoul returned, another two months. Even now she cringed when she thought back on Erik’s reaction. He flew into a rage that not even Christine could calm him out of. After waiting long enough, Erik readied the Opera himself for tonight’s opening. “Does Erik know this?”

Shaking her head, Christine looked back at the fire. “No. The letter came addressed to me. Besides with his mood of late, I wasn’t sure how to tell him.”

“Tell me what?”

Both Madame Giry and Christine whipped around as Christine gasped in surprise. In the doorway stood Erik. Tonight he was dressed like the lord of the manor. Christine couldn’t hold back the small smile as she noticed he was dressed exactly the same way he did on the first night he took her down to the lair. The black jacket stretched across his broad shoulders as the blue silk vest he wore stretched over his muscular chest. Black leather gloves accompanied the outfit as well as the white mask. His raven hair was slicked back and a pair of sensual green eyes stared across the room.

Christine swallowed hard as she moved away from Madame Giry. “Hello. I wasn’t expecting you until just before show time.” She gave him a nervous smile.

Erik cocked his head as he tried to read his wife’s expression. She was nervous about something. “You thought I would not come to see you before you make your debut?” He closed the door behind him as he walked over to her. “I thought you knew better, Ma Cherie.”

“If you excuse me, I will make sure that everything is ready for Christine.” Madame Giry gave a tight smile to Erik as she brushed past him. She knew Erik was going to force Christine to tell him the truth. She felt a pang of sympathy for the young woman. Even she knew it wasn’t wise to cross Erik when he was angry.

“Give us ten minutes. Then you can help her dress for tonight.” Erik’s voice came out with the soft command. He turned his eyes on Christine as a proud smile tugged at his lips. He reached out and stroked her cheek, the leather brushing against soft skin. “We want the Queen of the Opera looking her best tonight. After all, she is why I do any of this.”

Christine smiled warmly as she nuzzled against Erik’s hand. Her heart swelled as she took his other hand in her own. She knew that he had sacrificed so much for her as it was. The fortune he had amassed during his time as the Opera Ghost was now put back into the opera he loved so much.

“Yes, Erik.” Madame Giry nodded as she quietly slipped out of the room.

Turning his full attention on Christine, Erik took her in his arms as he pulled her to his chest. He thread his fingers through her curls as he brought his lips down to hers. The kiss started out as gentle but as soon as their lips came together the passion was intensified. Their tongues met half way and quickly responded to each other. As the kiss broke, Christine opened her eyes to find Erik staring at her. “What?” She licked her lower lip, savoring the taste of him.

“What is going to make me angry, Christine?” Erik raised his visible eyebrow.

Staring into his eyes, she sighed. She knew it would be foolish to hide it from him. She placed a hand on his chest as she spoke. “Raoul is returning tonight for the opening.” She braced herself for the explosion she knew was going to happen.

There was a moment of silence as Erik stared at Christine. She could feel the tension in his body, as the muscles became rigid under her fingertips. He realized he was gripping her shoulders too tight when he saw her begin to wince. Loosening up his grip, he frowned. “I see. What is the reason he is coming back? We certainly don’t need him tonight.” He reached up to stroke her cheek again. “Tonight is your night. The night I’ve promised you for a long time. The Vicompte will do nothing to ruin this for you. I guarantee that.” There was a hint of anger in his voice.

“He is angry we disobeyed him. He is rushing back from England.” Christine chewed her lip nervously.

“Let him come.” Erik threw back. “As I said, he will do nothing to interrupt tonight’s performance.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. “Tonight is your night, my love. You are the queen of this opera and of my heart, Christine.” He kissed her softly.

“But Erik-“

“No!” He replied sharply. When he saw the look on her face, he softened his voice. “Let him come tonight. After all he is still the owner. That will change tonight. Do not worry, mon ange.” He hugged her lightly. “Nothing will ruin tonight.”

Just then there was a knock on the door. Madame Giry entered and gave an apologetic smile. “I must dress Christine now.”

“Of course.” Erik stepped away from his wife. He smiled gently at her as he took her hand and brought it to his lips. Brushing them over her knuckles, he whispered to her. “I shall see you tonight after the show. I will be watching you from above in Box 5.”

“I shall be looking for you.” Christine nodded. “Now I must go and get into the dreadful tight corsets.” She laughed softly. “I’ve grown too fond of hiding out in the lair not wearing them.”

Erik smirked as he boldly ran his leather clad fingertips over the bare tops of her breasts through the robe. “Yes, but they are quite enhancing don’t you think?”

Christine smiled nervously at him, knowing all too well the true reason for the change in her bosom. Standing on her tiptoes she gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. “Go now and I will see you later.” She quickly changed the subject.

“Until later, my wife.” He found he couldn’t get enough of calling her that. He flashed her a smile as he turned to walk towards the door.

Christine caught the eyes of Madame Giry. The older woman raised her eyebrows as Erik left. When he was gone, Christine walked towards her. “Well let’s not waste any time.” She began to untie her robe. She could feel her friend’s eyes on her as she undressed.

“You seem nervous. Are you alright?” Madame Giry grabbed the colorful corset that Christine would be wearing in the show. “You seem flighty.”

Adjusting the lacy chemise she wore, Christine shook her head. “I’m fine. Just a little nervous, that is all. I don’t want to let Erik down. This opera is very special to him. He wrote it for me.” She winced as Madame Giry stood behind her and helped her into the corset. Christine grabbed the back of a chair.

Madame Giry pulled on the corset strings hard to tighten them. Christine grabbed the back of the chair until her knuckles were white. Her face seemed to match, only going a shade paler. She sighed. She had been watching Christine for a long time. With no mother to guide her, she felt a bit guilty at not having come forward sooner to help the young woman. Pulling the ties to the corset a bit gentler this time she cautiously asked, “When are you going to tell him?”

“Tell who what?” Christine gasped as she tried to breathe. She swallowed hard as she felt Madame Giry tying up the strings, signaling she was done. She put a hand on her stomach as she turned around to face the accusing glance of Madame Giry.

“You must tell him. He will be worried about you.” The usual stern Madame Giry let a small smile spread across her face. “He will be a good papa.”

Christine’s eyes flew open. “How could you know? I just found out recently. The midwife just confirmed it last week.”

Madame Giry hugged Christine gently. “I know because I am a mother. A mother knows when something like this happens to her child. Even if I didn’t give birth to you, my dear. I consider you a daughter. I know what my own pregnancy with Meg was like. The first thing you notice is the change in your chest. Your breasts become heavy and tender.”

Christine gave a lopsided grin. “Over the past couple of weeks I almost wanted to cringe when Erik would so much as look at them.”

Madame Giry chuckled. “It was the same with me.” She stroked back Christine’s hair. “You must tell him soon. You will be showing before you know it.”

Christine nodded. “I will tell him tonight.”

Before Madame Giry could respond there came a knock on the door. Christine grabbed her robe and slipped it on as the older woman walked over and opened up the door. She gasped when she watched Raoul storm in, nearly knocking Madame Giry over. “Raoul! What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t that what you and your lover wanted?” Raoul all but snarled. He marched over to Christine and there was a raging fire in his eyes. “You forget who owns this theater, Christine!”

Instinctively Christine put a hand on her abdomen. “Raoul, you ran without any explanation. You knew that Erik wanted to make this grand opening special. Why not just sell him the theater?” She took a step back, feeling the wrath of Raoul’s anger.

“Don’t tell me what to do Christine!” Raoul threatened as he shook his fist. “Do you know what trouble you and your lover caused me by opening the theater before I asked you to?”

“Erik put his own money into the opera, Raoul.” Christine lashed back at him. “He asked nothing of you except the deed to the opera.”

“Why give him everything he wants?” Raoul roared. “He kills to get what he wants, taking it from who he wants. Why make it easier for him?”

Christine stared sadly at Raoul. “What has happened to you? We used to be such great friends.” She tried to reach out to put her hand on his shoulder, but flinched when he jerked away.

“You were mine, Christine.” Raoul’s voice came out hoarse. He took a deep ragged breath as he reached up to caress her cheek. “You were meant to be my wife.”

“Raoul, I love Erik!” Christine tried to explain. She stopped his hand before it touched her. “We will always be great friends.”

“Friends?” Raoul sneered. “God Christine, you are so naïve! We could have been great together. But no, you had to choose HIM!”

Suddenly the dressing room door slammed open and Erik’s impressive form filled the doorway. The slam of the door caused the women to jump from the loud crash. The expression on Erik’s face was pure rage. The instant he heard Christine’s voice raise as he neared her dressing room, he knew there was trouble. But the last thing he expected was to find Raoul here causing it. Now seeing the Vicompte here, Erik was straining to keep the murderous rage inside. “Get out of here.” There was an eerie calmness to his voice.

Both Christine and Raoul whipped around. There was relief on Christine’s face while hatred shone on Raoul’s. “So the Opera Ghost finally makes his appearance?” Raoul sneered. He pushed his way past Christine to face Erik. “What gave you the right to put on this gala? I am the owner of this theater. Do you know what trouble you caused?”

Erik raised a single eyebrow. “Does it look like I care?”

Raoul growled as he glared at the man before him. “I was in England on extensive business. You may think this little venture is my only concern, but I assure you it’s not. I had to cancel my business to rush back here.”

“I told you we would open in two and a half months. You chose not to believe me. I have waited for you and your little temper tantrum long enough. Tonight Christine will make her grand debut as the diva of this opera.” Erik threw back at him. “You will not ruin that for her. You lost the bet Vicompte. I love her, and she loves me. Hand over the deed.” Erik held out.

“I will hand over nothing!” Raoul yelled. He glared over at Christine and then Erik.

“You said if you could see how much we love each other, you’d give Erik the opera.” Christine protested.

“We’ll let tonight’s performance be the judge of that, now won’t we?” Raoul snarled sarcastically. “I will watch your performance tonight dear, and if its not up to snuff than you both shall suffer.” He glared at Christine as he stormed off.

When the door slammed behind Raoul, Christine’s shoulders sagged as she willed the tears not to come. Just as she was going to break down, Erik was right there. He wrapped his strong arms around her, rubbing her back as he whispered. “Do not cry, my love.” He felt her trembling in his arms. “Christine, please. You’re breaking my heart little one.”

Raising her head, Christine had unshed tears in her eyes. “He promised Erik. He swore he would leave us alone.”

“He has proven he is a man of little character.” Erik all but growled as he kissed her forehead. “Do not fear. The Opera will be ours before tonight is over.” He crushed her against his muscular chest.

Christine’s head whipped up and her eyes filled with concern. “Erik, what are you going to do?”

“Nothing that you need to worry your pretty little head about.” Erik smirked as he kissed her gently. “Let me deal with the fop.” He rubbed her back. “You need to finish getting ready.”

Not liking the sound of that, Christine grabbed the lapels of Erik’s jacket. “Please do not let him force you to do anything. I need you now more than ever Erik.” There was desperation in her voice as fear clouded her eyes. “Please Erik?”

There was something in her eyes that Erik had never seen before and it frightened him. “Christine, what is going on? What happened before I walked in here?” He asked as his eyes searched hers.

Christine could see Madame Giry looking at her from her hidden position in the back of the room. She knew she had to tell Erik of her pregnancy. She was excited herself at the though of their child growing inside of her. But now was not the time. It was too rushed. She wanted the chance to sit down and talk to Erik, tell him slowly. After the show there was more than enough time. “Just be careful.”

Erik smiled at her as he kissed her softly. “I will. I must go now and make sure things are ready for tonight. I shall be watching.” He let his fingers slide over her shoulder as he turned to walk out the door.

Watching him go Christine couldn’t shake the deep sense of foreboding that filled her. She caught Madame Giry staring at her. “I will tell him. I swear.” She brushed past the older woman to grab her costume.

“I hope so Ma Cherie. I hope so.” Madame Giry sighed.”

* * * * * *

With his eyes focused on the stage, Erik was deeply enthralled into his wife’s performance. Christine’s voice was intoxicating. It called to the beast inside of him. He felt the wildness in him stir when she sang her aria. When he wrote the music, he knew it would be good. But having Christine’s voice bring it to life was a gift he never thought he would receive. Sitting on the edge of his seat, his eyes were on Christine as she sang. A proud smile tugged at his lips as he focused in on her.

Through the years he carefully crafted her voice to be what it was today. Through endless hours of lessons, he wasn’t sure that they’d ever reach this point. Hiding in the shadows the first years were difficult. It took forever to gain her trust. Then when he thought he had it, Chagny showed up and it was dashed all to Hell.

As if reading his mind, the bane of his existence walked into Box 5. Nothing could tear Erik’s attention away from Christine, well nothing but the arrival of his archenemy. He turned his head to watch Raoul stroll in like the King of the world. Erik gripped the arm of his seat and took a deep calming breath. “The owner’s box is across the way.”

Raoul smirked as he sat next to Erik. “The owner’s box is wherever I choose to sit.” His eyes moved downward to watch the opera. “She’s a star.”

“Yes she is. I made her that way.” Erik growled. He knew that if Christine heard that statement coming from his mouth she would be hurt. But with Raoul here he found that he could care less what he said to him. The truth was Christine was a star and that only came from within her.

“I would have made her a lady if she had chosen me.” Raoul stared down at Christine. Even though she pushed him aside, he found himself desiring her. His mother had repeatedly told him that Christine was nothing more than a musician’s daughter. He was told that Christine was not of his class and it was fortunate for him that the Phantom took her off his hands. It was one thing to play with a peasant as a child, but it was something else to marry one, his mother would say. Yet he would give everything up for Christine.

“She IS a lady.” Erik growled as his head swung around to look at Raoul. His green eyes were blazing with a dangerous fire. “Christine is a woman of great class and talent. No one says otherwise.” There was a threat in his voice, as he didn’t even bother to mask it.

“Talent, yes.” Raoul smirked. Then he looked over at Erik with a curious stare. “You are quick to defend her. Tell me you aren’t thinking of still proposing to her are you?”

“This isn’t about her. This is about the opera. We’ve kept our end of the deal up. You can see how much she loves me. I once took you for a man of your word." Erik took his eyes off Christine to look at Raoul. “The deed, Vicompte.” He held out his hand. “I want it.”

Staring at the man across from him for several seconds, Raoul glared at him. He hated the cockiness of the half man that sat next to him. He hated how Erik ruled this place with fear. Why should he get everything he wanted? But tonight everything had to go according to plan. Finally he reached in his jacket and brought out a folded piece of paper. He handed it to Erik, practically shoving it into his hands. “The Opera Populaire is yours.”

Erik snatched up the deed greedily. He unfolded the paper and his eyes scanned over the contents. The deed stated that he and Christine were the new owners of the Opera Populaire. A shiver of excitement tainted with apprehension raced through him. His hand started to shake and he turned his head to look at Raoul. He could see something brewing behind the cool calm exterior he was presenting. “I thank you. Christine will thank you too.” He quickly stuffed the paper in the pocket inside his jacket.

Raoul nodded as he stared at Christine. The opera house never really mattered that much to him in all honesty. His parents were supporters of the arts. At least it didn’t mean anything to him until he found out Christine was here. Now the only thing that mattered was her. “I will be well rewarded with her singing.”

Erik nodded as he turned his head to watch his wife. Pride swelled inside him as he watched. The power of her voice shook him to the core. Christine was not only a superb singer but she was a wonderful actress. He was so proud of her. He felt hot tears sting his eyes as he caught her eyes. She smiled at him as she sang.

There was silence between Raoul and himself for quite awhile as they watched. Something bothered him about the handing over of the deed. He couldn’t put his finger on it but something was not right.

As Raoul watched Christine, his lips twitched with a smirk. Everything was working out beautifully. Of course he was upset that he had to come back early from his trip to England. But now things were falling into place to make sure that it wouldn’t be wasted. He saw Christine looking up to the box, seeing him and Erik. He blew her a kiss and chuckled. Things were definitely working out.

* * * * * *

Christine stared down at the unfolded note in her hands and couldn’t hold back the smile on her face. Tonight’s performance had gone exceptionally well and she couldn’t help but be a bit proud of herself. Reading the words on the paper she knew that her husband was proud of her also. Brushing her thumb over the printed words she read the letter over again.

My Angel-

Words can’t tell you how proud of you I am. Tonight I want to show you how much. Meet me in the stables after the show. I want to give you your just rewards for such hard work.

Forever Yours

Your Phantom


Pulling the cloak hood over her head, Christine opened the wooden doors and entered the dark stables. A faint light came from the lanterns that hung from pegs high above her head. At first it puzzled her why Erik wanted to meet her in the stables. Perhaps we are going for a midnight ride, she thought to herself. Walking in deeper into the stables, she began to look around. “Erik?” She called out tentatively.

The only sounds around her were the breathing of the horses that were housed there. Christine’s brows furrowed as she walked down the aisle of stalls. A chill began to slide down her spine as she walked out into the stable yard. The deep sense of foreboding she felt earlier was not returning in spades. She knew that something was wrong now. Quickly turning she intended to get back inside the opera house. She would find out what her husband was up to. Just as she was going to leave she felt a hand on her shoulder. She jumped and shrieked.

“Do not fear my angel.” The voice came out muffled and rough.

Christine whipped around and in the moonlight she saw a flash of white. “Erik?” She cried out. Immediately her arms wrapped around his waist. “Erik you scared the life out of me.” She chastised.

A leather gloved hand came up to caress her cheek. “Do not fear.” The voice said again.

“I would never fear you Erik, you should know that.” Christine cocked her head. Looking up at her husband Christine reached up and went to caress his cheek. Suddenly he jerked away from her. She snatched back her hand. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to touch you.”

“Come. I want to show you your surprise.” He grabbed her hand and began pulling her towards a waiting carriage.

“Erik wait!” Christine started protesting. “Where are we going?”

“Come!” His voice was sharp.

Hearing that tone, Christine knew something was wrong. She dug in her heels. “No, Erik wait. I need to tell you something.” She began to tug on the hand that held her. “Please?”

Instantly she was yanked to a hard chest as two dark eyes glittered with hate in the moonlight. A strong arm clamped around back, as hot breath assaulted her with angry words. “There is nowhere to run, Christine. You are mine! You always were.”

Her eyes opened wide as Raoul’s face swam before them. “Raoul? What are you doing her? Where is Erik?” She began fighting to get away from her former friend.

“Erik is gone! You are mine Christine. I gave him his precious Opera. Now I get you in return. That was part of the deal.” Raoul began dragging her towards his carriage. He grabbed her around her waist and yanked her hard, causing a scream from her throat. “Shut up! I swear to god Christine if you don’t come with me, I’ll make you and your lover pay for crossing me!”

“Let me go!” She began pushing against him. She had to get away from him. If anything happened to the child growing inside her, she would never forgive herself. “You are a beast! I would never go with you. I hate you! Erik would never make that kind of deal with you!” She seethed as she pushed hard against him.

“But you love HIM don’t you?” Raoul jerked her hard. “It was always about HIM.”

“He’s more of a man that you could ever be!” Christine screamed at him.

The slap came hard and fast, catching Christine right on the cheek. The force of it caused her to stumble back and fall onto a pile of hay that had been sitting in the yard. Tears formed in her eyes instantly as her hand went up to her cheek. She felt the heat on her skin from the blow as she glared up at Raoul through teary eyes.

“Never compare him to me Christine!” Raoul roared at her.

“There is no comparison.” Christine yelled back. When she saw his hand raise, she prepared for another blow. But it never came.

Without warning a loud roar came up from behind them. Raoul whipped around only to be knocked down hard into the hay on top of Christine. She shrieked as she tried to push him off of her. As she pushed him off, she looked up and froze.

There against the pale moonlight stood Erik. This wasn’t the Erik that she knew and loved. No, tonight this was something different. Standing before them was the Phantom of the Opera. Dressed in all black, Erik looked like a demon. The long cape he wore hung from his broad shoulders as the white mask carried a fierce expression on his face. His green eyes glared down at Raoul with all the fires of Hell. He had his sword drawn, the silver skull shining in the moonlight.

“I will kill you.” There was no hesitation in Erik’s voice, only certainty.

Raoul got up quickly, drawing his own sword. “You can gladly try.” He seethed as he glared at Erik.

Christine struggled as she got up. “No, please both of you stop this.” She protested. Moving in between the two men, she looked up at Raoul. “Raoul, don’t do this.”

“Get out of the way!” Raoul pushed her out of the way, sending her falling back down into the hay.

That was the only incentive Erik needed. He swung his sword with all his might, just missing Raoul’s head as the Vicompte ducked. “NEVER touch her again!” He roared.

There was a chilling sound of steel against steel as their swords met. Raoul moved quickly as Erik advanced upon him. Christine watched in horror as the two men moved further out into the stable yard. Raoul grit his teeth as he swung his sword over his head, aiming for Erik. Erik was quick, moving out of the way of the oncoming blade. He quickly returned the assault with a jab towards Raoul’s midsection. The tip of the sword grazed Raoul’s shirt, as a thin line of blood welled up, soaking the cotton.

A smirk graced Erik’s lips. But it was soon gone as Raoul growled, lunging forward. He swiped his sword diagonally over Erik’s shoulder, ripping the cape. The cape fell to the ground as Erik jumped to move out of the way. “I warned you what would happen if you crossed me, Chagny.” His voice was pure anger.

“She is mine!” Raoul screamed as he climbed on top of a flatbed wagon. “You are nothing, Opera Ghost. You are not wanted, you never were.” He glared down at Erik. “No woman wants you. Didn’t your mothers actions teach you that?” He taunted.

Anger rose up in Christine. How dare Raoul bring up such painful memories? She got up and proceeded to march over to him. “Enough Raoul!” She screamed. “Leave us in peace.”

“Christine, no!” Erik called out to her. “Go inside.”

“No! I won’t leave you!” She yelled.

“GO!” Erik roared as he took another swipe at Raoul. The Vicompte jumped, nearly losing his balance. Raoul swung back, the thunderous sounds of clashing steel filled the air. “I am ordering you! NOW!”

Christine gave him one last frightening glance before she ran from the stable yard. But she didn’t go far. Crouching behind a bale of hay, she watched the horrific sights in front of her. The tension between them had been at a breaking point for a long time. However now, things were turning deadly.

“She doesn’t deserve an animal like you.” Raoul screamed as he clashed his sword with Erik’s. “You will be the death of her. You kill everything that is good. Those are not my words, but Christine’s.”

Erik let out an animalistic roar as he lunged at Raoul. He quickly pulled back his fist and let it fly. It met Raoul’s jaw with a sickening crack. Raoul’s head flew back as he fell hard on the wagon. Erik reached down to grab him, but Raoul used his feet and kicked his enemy away. Erik stumbled back and that allowed Raoul to use his sword to slice Erik’s arm. The cold steel slid across the heavy muscle of Erik’s arm, blood began to pour out of the wound.

From her hiding spot, Christine’s hand flew up to her mouth in fear. Raoul struck again as he sliced his way over Erik’s chest, the white linen of his shirt now becoming a dark crimson color. She closed her eyes and shook her head. No, this couldn’t be happening. Opening her eyes quickly she saw Erik fight back.

Pushing Raoul away from him, Erik groaned in pain. He refused to let Raoul win. He wouldn’t let his wife fall into the hands of this man. He swung his sword with his injured arm, just barely missing Raoul’s hand. Hot white pain shot up his arm as his sword made contact with Raoul’s. Hissing he tried to take a step back.

Raoul smirked as he advanced on Erik. With one swipe, he sent the masked man falling back off the wagon to fall back onto the ground. Erik landed on the ground with a hard jolt. The hay did little to shield his fall. The sword flew out of his hands, landing just a few inches out of reach. Jumping down, Raoul went in for the kill. He towered over Erik, his sword poised for the final blow. Reaching down, he ripped the mask off and threw it towards the stable. “This is the end, Opera Ghost. You will lose tonight, both the opera and Christine. I will take her over and over.” He grazed the tip of his sword against the scarred side of Erik’s face, drawing blood.

“NO!” Christine sprung from her hiding spot. “Raoul, you can’t kill him!” She screeched as she ran into the yard.

“Why can’t I?” Raoul cackled as he glared down at Erik. “He is at my mercy. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill him. I will free you.” He looked up at Christine, his dark eyes glittering with anger.

“Don’t kill him Raoul, I love him.” She clutched the wooden column of the stable as she stared out at the two men. “You can’t kill my husband. He is the father of my unborn child.” Christine blurt out before she could stop herself.

Both men whipped their heads around to stare at her. Erik’s eyes filled with emotion as he looked over at his wife. His mouth felt dry and his body was wracked with pain. A shiver of fear ran down his spine. “Unborn child?” His voice was barely there. Christine was pregnant. She was carrying his child. That thought alone had him frozen as he stared at her.

“Your husband?” Raoul stumbled back as the news hit him. He looked down at Erik and then back at Christine. “When did this happen?” He lashed out. Staring at Christine, he shook his head. “No. This is a ploy to beg for my mercy. You wouldn’t marry him.”

Christine took a step forward. “It is not a ploy. I married him three months ago, Raoul.” She looked down at Erik and gave a shaky smile. “I love my husband. We are going to have a child.”

Raoul looked down at Erik and then over at Christine. He could see the way they were looking at each other. There was love deep in Christine’s eyes as she stared at her husband. Erik began to get up slowly, reaching over for his sword. Christine was right there, protecting him. She stood by him, wrapping her arm around him. “You married him three months ago?” He dropped his sword, all momentum going right out of his body.

“Yes, Raoul.” Christine slipped an arm around Erik’s waist. She looked over at her long lost childhood friend. “I have made my life with Erik. He is my life.” She put a hand on her stomach.
“He and my child are my life now.”

Suddenly the doors leading to the opera house burst open as policemen flooded the yard. Madame Giry came running out, following them. When she saw the scene before her, she came to a complete stop. Her eyes filled with worry as she saw the state Erik was in. “Is everything settled?”

Erik tightened his grip on Christine’s shoulders, using her as his support. He gave a curt nod as he swallowed hard. “Yes it is. The Vicompte was just leaving.” He nodded towards the police. He hugged Christine tightly to him as the pain began to throb inside his body. His shirt was soaked with blood, as was his jacket. Blood ran down the scarred side of his face.

The several policemen swarmed around Raoul. “I’m sorry but you’ll have to leave.” Two policemen grabbed Raoul’s arms. “You’ll have to come with us.” One of the policemen jerked Raoul as he tried to pull him away.

Raoul’s eyes filled up with sadness as he stared at Christine. “You do love him. You were meant to be his. Forgive me.” He swallowed hard as the police began to put shackles on his wrists.

“That won’t be necessary.” Erik put up a weary hand. “I don’t want to press any charges. Just let him go. Take off the shackles.”

The policemen stared at Erik for the longest time, and the nodded. “As you wish Monsieur Delacroix.” He unlocked the shackles around Raoul’s wrists. He looked at Raoul. “You are free to go Vicompte.”

Raoul rubbed his wrists as he winced. He looked over at Erik. “Thank you.”

Erik grimaced. “I only do this for Christine. I promised her a long time ago, no more death.”

Nodding, Raoul reached down and grabbed his sword. “You have your Opera and your wife. Don’t lose sight of what’s important.”

“And you have your life. Don’t waste it.” Erik returned as he hugged Christine tighter.

Christine huddled against Erik as she watched Raoul turn away from her. It was hard to see her old friend walk away like that. But after what he had done to Erik, her mind and heart only worried for her husband.

“Madame Giry, please see that the Vicompte makes it out of our Opera alright.” Erik commanded her with the power of his voice.

Madame Giry nodded. “As you wish, Erik. “ She turned to Raoul and motioned with her hand. “This way Monsieur.”

As the yard was clearing out, Erik turned to look down at Christine. She winced as she saw the blood on him. “We must get you inside. We need to stop the bleeding.” She grabbed his hand and tugged on it.

“Wait.” He raised a shaky hand to her cheek. “Unborn child? When were you planning to tell me?” He swallowed hard as he stared deep into her dark eyes. “You’re pregnant?” A million thoughts ran through his mind at once. Fear like he had never known raced through his body.

Christine nodded as she smiled nervously at him. “I just found out last week. The midwife confirmed it for me.” She took his hand and put it on her stomach. “We are having a baby.”

Erik felt his breath leave him as he slid his palm over her stomach. As much as he wanted to be happy about it, icy fear gripped his insides. “Mon ange, what if-“ He lost his voice, not being able to continue.

Staring up into his eyes, Christine knew instantly what he was thinking. She tightened her grip on his hand as she spoke fiercely. “Erik, even if our child is graced with the same fate as you we will love it no different. It is a part of you, and I will always cherish our baby and you.”

Hot tears stung Erik’s eyes as he looked down at his wife. “I am humbled by you, mon ange. Our child is going to have a perfect mother.” He lowered his head and kissed her softly. “I am very lucky to have you in my life Christine.”

“We have our whole lives to be together Erik. We have a chance for a fresh start.” Christine stroked his good cheek. “Our child is going to be the lucky one.”

“I’m scared Christine. For the first time in my life, I am terrified.” Erik admitted slowly.

“I’m scared too, Erik.” Christine took his hand and intertwined their fingers. “We are together. You once told me that we are soul mates.”

A painful smile tugged at his lips. “We are. It was destiny, my love.” He stroked her hair. “For the first time, I want to live the life I was given.”

“Then live for me and your child. Please?” Christine looked up at him, adoringly.

He smiled as he pulled her to his chest, ignoring the pain. “You never have to ask, mon amor.”