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At first, when the famous New Year's Eve Masquerade ball of Opera Populairé came to be, the place got under a mysterious spell that nobody was able to describe. Don't get it wrong. The Parisian opera house was incredible any time of the year, however, the last night of the year made it so magical and more exquisite than it could ever be.
As the darkness fell upon Paris and the sky grew dark and empty, the nobles and the poor dressed up in their costumes and gathered for their midnight ball to dance their way across the Opera house as an old year changed thrones with a new one. It was something phenomenal to see. Glass towers full of champagne, music filling the halls, and excited chatter while waiting for the great firework to announce the big news. Not a single person could escape the joy and cheerful laughs while their bodies moved in the rhythm of the waltz.
Yet, with all this fun and celebration came an uninvited guest - a shadow that sent goosebumps to anyone who ever spotted it, even if it was just by the corner of their eye.
Hiding in the darkness, Erik grew up in solitude and fear, the masquerade ball being his only chance to be close to people yet out of their ways. Sneaking out of his lair, the phantom watched from the darkness how all of the guests celebrated down there at the hall, dancing across the dance floor in their magnificent costumes and masks.
It was so…so…tempting.
Over the years, Erik had multiple occasions to step out of the shadows and join the ball, yet his anxiety was tying his hands down, dragging his hurt soul deep down into the pit of sorrow. His face, although it was hidden under his mask, brought more than enough misery to his broken self. He was disfigured, monstrous in every possible way. Even his own mother refused to look at him with no mask on. If anyone would find out about who he was or tried to take off his mask during the ball… just the thought of it made Erik's heart beat fast in horror.
And so, he remained hidden in the darkness, being nothing more than just a ghost. A Ghost of the Opera.
That is… till he met her - Christine.
She walked into his life all by mistake, Erik hiding behind the chapel collum as the little girl escaped the party to pray to her dead father. The phantom could never forget how breathtaking she looked, her tears shining from the light of the nearby candle. Their fates crossed, and soon a red string was tied around their ankles.
He became her invisible companion and friend - an Angel of music, while she was Erik's greatest muse. Not once they had a chance to meet in person, but even so, the red string found its way to tie around Erik's heart as well.
With years passing by, Erik could no longer deny his love for a now grown-up Christine. Not only she had such an innocent kind heart, but the girl was also the most delicate flower in Aphrodite's garden. Whenever the Phantom saw her in Carlotta's dressing room through the secret mirror entrance, his knees would get all weak, a blush covering his cheeks. He was falling deeply in love, knowing all too well how risky it was.
To her, he was just a voice - a charismatic voice of an angel. If she knew who he really was, or what was hiding under his mask, Christine would run away… or at least Erik was sure of it. He was no prince Charming or a creature of Heaven. She, on the other hand, could not be called in no other way than the most gorgeous girl in Paris. And Erik was not the only man who knew that.
The new primadonna was barely able to accept all the gifts and flowers from her admirers because of how many of them tried to win her heart. Her talent, smile, and chocolate eyes enchanted too many minds, wishing for no more than to have Christine as their bride-to-be.
However, none of those admirers knew that Christine's heart was already wishing for love from someone else - from someone who she had never seen in person, yet their voice was sometimes more powerful than a warm hug.
Oh, if only her Angel of Music could change and show up to her, even if it was once in her lifetime…
*****
Christine hummed as she brushed her long silky locks, staring at the envelopes next to her. She received at least a dozen of invitations for the upcoming masquerade ball at the opera. Patrons, stage workers, or even just regular visitors of the Opera Populairé asked the primadonna to be her companion for the gala night - all sent with little gifts and bouquets as a sign of affection.
She sighed. Why did so many gentlemen try to win her over? She was no prize or a thing to buy. Yes, some letters were quite sweet and if Christine did not know better, she would consider accepting such an invitation, but she was already decided. No love mattered as long as she worked in this opera. It would only make her maestro mad and she-
“That's quite a lot of invitations, my dear.”
Phantom's voice echoed through the dressing room, Christine turning around in slight shock. She did not expect to hear her angel so soon, her singing lesson scheduled for later that day. “Did any of those get your interest?” He asked politely, seeing through the mirror as Christine put down her brush and picked up a baby pink envelope.
“Most of them- not really. Only this one - from Francois, the male lead ballet dancer. He is quite a nice boy and his letter seems honest and cute, unlike the rest of these invitations.”
“Sounds like you've got yourself a date, then. Who would ever think my little muse would try to find a lover so soon.” Erik chuckled, although he felt a stabbing pain in his chest. For all those New Year's parties, Christine preferred to stay hidden and not go. Erik liked that because he could spend the whole night talking with her in her room, having all privacy with all her roommates having fun down there in the hall. She was his and only his, but now, as a new star of the Opera, she would leave him behind, find someone else instead…
“I've never said that I will accept it though. And I think I won't really.”
Those words got the phantom's attention right away. “Why not, my dear? You deserve a nice gentleman who would give you a good time at the party. You're a primadonna! Everyone is expecting to see you there so don't tell me you will be at the ball all alone. I know how much you hate being alone.”
“I know, I know,” Christine sighed once more, taking a deep breath. The girl was preparing herself to ask that one certain question for so long. Now it was her chance. Lowering her eyes, she whispered, “Just…I wish you could be the one to accompany me to the ball.”
Erik gasped in surprise, not sure how to react. Christine never asked to see him before - thinking he was just an invisible creature of Heaven. Did she know he was mortal? That he was real? Why did she ask him to be her partner? The man was not sure if she was mocking him or not, but just one single look at her told him that she was serious.
Oh, heavens…
“Me? Oh, my sweet Christine, I-I am honored to hear such a kind offer from you, but I am not sure if it's possible for me to come. I am an Angel of Music after all. I can't simply show up, although I would love to.” His shuttering was filling Christine's ears. Oh, how embarrassed he was! What a dilemma Erik had from this all.
Refuse the offer and stay hidden as her beloved Angel, or go with her and risk it all being ruined…
No matter what choice he would pick, either he or Christine would get themself hurt. Oh, why Erik had to just be a shadow? Why could not be normal for once in his life? If he was handsome then maybe he would be brave enough to ask her out. But being…well, him? No, he could not let her see his face…never.
“Why? Angel, why do you refuse to show up?” Christine kept asking, “You're the only person who understands me and cares about my well-being, making me happier than ever, wanting nothing in return. Angel, please, if it's possible, I wish to be with you at the ball.” Her words dig into Erik's mind, gentle and honest, not once stepping back. Her gaze locked on the stage costumes, thinking about how wonderful it would be to be together at the masquerade ball. “Everyone will be in costumes and masks. Nobody will tell that you're an angel, so please…consider it.”
At that moment, the red string around Erik's heart moved, words getting out of his mouth before his mind could even make them up. “Alright, if you desire to accompany you to the ball, then I shall grant you such a wish…”
Christine jumped from her seat when she heard that, smiling wide. “Oh, Angel! Thank you! I-”
“...but I have 3 conditions. If you break any of those, then I warn you that it will have serious consequences and you will never see or hear me again.” The phantom interrupted, biting his lip to keep his mind cool. He could not believe that she made him agree to that. He, with Christine at his side, dancing at the ball! It all seemed like a dream - a dream which could easily turn into a terror.
“First, you promise me that you will never tell anyone before, at, and after the ball who I am.” He started to name the conditions, the girl nodded at each of them as a sign that she understood. “Second, I will dance with you on the dance floor only once. As the firework announces the New Year, then I will disappear into the darkness. Less time I am seen in public, the better. And third…” His hand moved up to touch his mask, heart aching when imagining those soft female hands in his. “For the third and last condition, you will never dare to try unmasking me. I mean it. My face will never be known to you or anyone else. If you can accomplish all of this, then there's a chance I may show up to you again. If you break any of those rules, you will be punished hard. Do we have an agreement?”
She didn't need a moment to think it over.
“Yes, we do, my Angel.” Christine nodded excitedly, her bright smile sending Erik a chill into his bones.
It was all sealed - Erik had to overcome his fear once and for all…
*****
Phantom's heart clenched in fear as he got through the secret entrance to the hall which lead straight to the ballroom hall. Staring at that big wooden carved door decorated in gold with laughter and voices coming from behind it made Erik get cold feet.
So many people…all enjoying the party as best they could, with Christine being there as well…
Erik would most definitely turn around and rush back into his lair if a little voice in his head didn't scream at him to stop panicking and man up. He made his promise to be Christine's company for the night and he would not break his promise.
“Just act cool, behave politely and everything will be alright,” he told himself over and over. His gaze shifted from the door to the nearby mirror. The costume he made in those 2 months he had from their promise to the ball was more than outstanding. Erik literally quit everything he was working on at that time just to work on his costume to look as realistic as possible. Feather by feather, the phantom managed to create a pair of black moveable wings. The man was after all a talented man, music being not the only skill he had.
Wearing those wings, together with a black and gold toga with a golden silk sheet wrapped across his left shoulder and waist, he looked just like an angel. A fallen angel - to be more exact. It was the closest angel thing Erik could ever be and to be honest, he could never see himself dressed in all white while having his raven hair and golden eyes saying otherwise. It simply did not match. Being a fallen angel, however, made a good match. The black-and-gold porcelain mask hid most of his face, only letting his mouth and chin be uncovered. If he did not know better, the phantom would think of himself as handsome.
Slowly putting his hands on the door handles, Erik thought about the whole deal once more. He could not back out, his sweet muse was waiting. But what would she say when she would see him? Would she like how Erik looks? Would she still like to dance with him?
There was only one way to find out…
*****
Creaaaaaak…
Opening that door, Erik was swallowed by the crowd of people, the party mood hitting his mind like a strong poison. Seeing the masquerade from above, hidden in shadows, was great, but being in the heart of it was… something too incredible to describe. It was no surprise that everyone and I mean everyone from every walk of life, from every corner of Paris, came there. Rich aristocrats, poor workers of the Opera, retired singers, foreigners, servants, and maids… nobody could tell who was who when the mask was on. On that night, everyone was equal, dancing from the sunset to the dawn.
Seeing that nobody minded his presence, just two or three people complimenting his costume, Erik's fear of being judged quickly disappeared. Even as the Opera Ghost, he remained his appearance as a mystery so nobody could recognize him. What troubled him though, was that he could not see Christine anywhere around him. The night before the ball, Christine agreed with Erik to wait at the grand marble staircase, but when Erik managed to get there through the crown, he could not see her. Right away, he started to feel angry, thinking that it was all just a joke. “ You idiot, ” he cursed, “ Of course, she tricked you and lied about wanting you as a partner for the ball. You- ”
All of a sudden, a soft tapping on his shoulder got Erik's attention, being dragged out of his fury when a familiar voice asked. “Angel? Is that you?”
His heart froze when he realized who was standing behind him. Only one person sounded so sweet and loving. Turning around, he confirmed his theory, stunned and blushing at the same time.
Christine looked so out-of-this-world in that gown of hers. Her rococo-styled dress was made out of the finest violet-blue silk, mixed with pink and purple around. The torso part had a black corset on top of it with pink lacing, a light-blue rose resting in between her breast at the top, while her sleeves were a mix of puffy blue silk and tight pink. For the skirt part, the wide crinoline made her dress quite impressive, 2 lines of blue and 1 line of violet wavy silk cascading from the middle at the waist down to her ankles, light blue laces giving the hem of the skirt a sort of princess look. To top it all, she had on her neck a violet-blue choker and a blue semi-transparent veil to cover her face from half of the nose down to her chin.
Erik had lost his words. Being so close, her eyes staring at him, he was not sure if he was having a panic attack or simply too struck by her beauty. The man imagined himself meeting her in person almost every day in his life, yet, all of it happening now in reality, made his body turn into stone as if he was Perseus and she was his Medusa. “ Why are you staring at her like that? Say something, you dummy !” his mind was screaming, Erik finally speaking up.
“Wow, you look amazing, my dear. I apologize for being late, I, uh… had trouble getting here, heaven stuff and all.” He apologized, doing his best to act relaxed and polite in her presence. The man knew that it was a silly lie but saying the truth would be even more embarrassing and guessing by Christine's smile, the girl most like thought the same. “All forgiven. To be honest, I was afraid that you would not show up.”
“Me? Not showing up?” Erik raised his eyebrows, “I am a man of my word, or have you ever seen an angel lie?”
“Not really, considering I have never seen a real angel in the first place… at least till now.” The girl's eyes traveled from the head to toes of Phantom's, her stomach full of butterflies. Seeing the one who meant so much to her for the very first time, she could not help but look at him once more. It was quite impolite to stare at the man for so long, but she simply couldn't help it.
Tall and thin with wide shoulders, her Angel was nothing like she had imagined him. Christine's mind had him set up as a handsome young man with a long blonde mane and soft facial features with angelic blue eyes and rosy cheeks.
The person in front of her was nothing like that. The man was at least ten years older than her for sure, guessing by his skin and posture, being a more mature adult than a wild adolescent in his 20s. He looked fearsome yet protective, as well as a proper gentleman. He was not what she had imagined, but also could not deny that she liked what she saw.
Those two stared at each other for a good moment till Erik decided to break the silence by picking up a champagne bottle from the waiter's tray. “Would you like a drink?” He asked nonchalantly, slightly bowing to show her lady all respect. Christine chuckled. “Yes, I got all thirsty from talking to all of those patrons and people around. You have no idea how troublesome it is to be a center of attraction.”
“Oh, I can imagine,” Erik watched as she took the glass, him taking another one for himself. “Although you should not be so surprised. You are the primadonna, the star of this opera. Who would not love to be around you? Especially if you look so ravishingly beautiful tonight.”
“Shush, sweet talker,” Christine blushed, his compliment making her feel butterflies even more than a few minutes ago. They both slowly sipped their drink, hiding next to the staircase while watching as everyone else dance. Christine was particularly talkative that night, Erik was not sure if it was because of the champagne or because she simply enjoyed his company. Either way, he felt delighted to know that she was having a great time.
Talking about nothing and everything, time slowly passed, and both of them forgot about the people around them. Erik felt less scared and Christine, on the other hand, felt more attached to her masked partner. Some guests whispered to each other, wondering who that stranger in angel costume was, but neither the phantom nor Christine paid a mind. Their gaze was glued on each other, talking till Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur André got their attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen! The upcoming year is right behind the door, so let yourself have fun, get on the dance floor, and enjoy this midnight waltz.”
The girl smirked at the phantom in front of her, knowing what this all meant. “Would you like to have a dance with me, my dear Angel?” With that, she offered Erik her white-gloved hand, and the man accepted it instantly. “It would be my pleasure, mademoiselle.” He replied, kissing her knuckles. It was just a little kiss, yet the feeling of his soft hot lips on her hand made Christine's heart skip a beat. The girl knew how bad it was to think about her maestro more than just a tutor-teacher relationship, but seeing his smile, his golden eyes on her… Something in Christine told her that the man holding her hand was not as immortal as she thought.
He was no true angel but a mortal man…
A man which she wished to ask to stay by her side forever.
Stepping out of the standing-by crowd, Erik used all his courage to get himself and Christine to the center of the dance floor. He had not had much experience when it came to dancing matter, but he practiced alone long enough to know what steps in which order to make, “Are you nervous?” Phantom checked his dance partner as he grabbed her by the waist gently with one hand while the other hand took Christine's.
She shook her head, a smile remaining on her face, “Not really. Not when I have you around. You're like a guardian of mine. As if nothing could harm me when you are near me, no matter if I can see you or not,” The girl was serious about that. Ever since her Angel came into her life, Christine never once had to be afraid again. Before meeting him, she was bullied by older ballet dancers and left in sorrow and loneliness afterward. They called her names and made fun of her as an orphan. Not once she broke down crying for those harsh words about her and her passed away dad. The girl missed her father a lot, yet her Angel of Music made her feel loved at the time she needed the most. That important he was to her.
“I just did my best to protect you, dear,” Erik argued slightly, “It's what we angels do.”
“Do not pull my nose, Angel.” the lass spoke with slight worry in her voice, starting to move in the rhythm of the waltz as the music began to play. “We both know that if you were truly an angel, then you would not show your wings to everyone around.”
In slight shock, Erik jolted at those words.
She knew.
All this time, Christine knew about his little lies. He was no longer her Angel of music, a creature of God's power. All he was to her was a mortal man, nothing more or less. Such information made the man miss a dancing step, lightly bumping into his muse. The girl did not mind it, seeing Erik's hands shaking.
She could tell how nervous he was.
Was it such a big deal for her to stop living in the lie? Christine had to admit she was a little mad about her Angel lying to her all those years. But at the same time, she knew that he meant no harm by it. The man in front of her deserved somewhat some empathy and a smile than yelling and accusations. Otherwise, there was a good chance the man would run away before the clock could announce midnight and never return.
Getting back into their dance positions, Christine sighed, “ I am no child any longer. I can feel your heart beating like any mortal's one would. Even I know that angels can't do that.” Moving her hand from Erik's shoulder up to his neck, she whispered in the most comforting voice possible, giving her man the reassurance he needed. “I do not ask you to reveal to me your identity. All I ask you is, to be honest with me, Angel.”
“The question is how much of it you can handle, Christine. And trust me when I say that there are things you would never want to know about me.” Battling with his emotions, Erik found his words during the dance, slowly and elegantly spinning around the ballroom with her. Their bodies were pressed together, both feeling their fast-beating hearts pounding as if they were the one.
“Then enlighten me, Angel,” she whispered, “When my father passed away, I had a very bad time. I was picked on by other girls, making me pretty cynical about everything. But then there was you, the one who stayed by my side when I needed it the most. Same I wish to do for you. I don't care if your wings are real or not. What matters is your gentle self.”
“Now you sound like the one who's under Angel's charm.” Erik chuckled in irony, noticing that people began to count down the last minute of the year.
30, 29, 28, 27, 26…
“Maybe I am,” Christine spoke, her eyes telling more than her lips could ever do. So deep and full of hope and care - all with Erik reflected in them. He was not her reflection in the eyes.
He was her world.
Not sure if it was from the spinning, being close to Christine, or simply understanding what she was trying to say, Erik's cheeks turned red. The man was glad that the mask hid it too well, avoiding more frustration. His breath shortened, lips went dry, listening carefully to what the delicate flower in his arms wanted to say.
15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10…
“Maybe I am under a spell, Angel. Even after all that twist in my life, becoming famous, rich, and beloved, I wish for nothing but to be poor. All this golden life makes me sick, only one person being my cure for sadness. So yes, I am a fool but it's less painful for me to hope for something impossible than accept reality.” She slowly leaned closer to him, not once shifting her gaze away. And then…only a few inches away from his face, Christine touched his mask.
“All those bright precious things fade so fast and never come back. So please, Angel… Don't fade away from my life.” Was all she managed to say as she finally filled the space between them, with closed eyes moving forwards to Erik's lips.
3, 2, 1…
“ Happy New Year! ”
As the first firework lit up the sky, everyone began to clap and cheer up, making a toast to the New Year. However, when the girl opened her eyes, she did not find herself kissing those soft lips of her Angel, but his glove - put between them at the very last moment.
She wanted to kiss him, and he refused.
It was like falling hard from the stairs, her heart breaking as the man began to rush towards the exit door. “Angel!” She called out, but he was deaf. What did she do wrong? All that night, she could feel the strong chemistry between them - a connection that warmed her heart whenever he smiled at her. Yet, she was left there, rejected and hurt.
Most of the girls would take that personally and would either go home in tears or simply move on. However, Christine was not like other girls. She could not let him disappear again.
At full speed, she left the ballroom, seeing a shadow rushing further into the opera house. “Angel! Angel! Angel wait! Please!” Christine begged, following the shadow while the voices from the ballroom slowly faded into silence. Only the sound of her heels filled the corridor, a last painful call echoing through it, “Angel…please come back to me.”
“Why did you do it, Christine?”
Lifting her head up, her eyes met with those little golden gems, noticing tears in them. Her beloved angel was crying. The moonlight shone on him through the French window. All that confidence was gone, the man looking less like an angel and more like a scared cat. “Why did you say those words? Why? Why did you try to-” He sobbed, taking a step back.
“Because I love you, Angel.” She answered in soft sweetness, Erik not believing her. “Don't play with me like that, Christine. How can you say such words when you don't know who I truly am?! Tell me!” His yelling was more in pain than in anger, Christine, however, was not afraid no matter what. “I wanna know your true self, Angel. I really do! Do you think I've never thought of you, what your name is, what food you like?” She took three steps forward, Erik doing the same but backward.
“I don't care if you are poor or rich. Nor if you are noble or not. I like you for who you are, your sweetness being the thing that made me hope to be by your side, just as you did for me.” She continued, Erik moving into the darkness, the shadow being too dark to see him from there.
He took deep breaths, hating himself for showing his beloved Christine how weak he was. The man enjoyed every single bit of their dance, Christine's words about the affection making him want to stay by her forever. Yet, as her lips moved to kiss him, his mind kicked in fast with fear, stopping it before their lips could connect.
What was he thinking? He made her fall in love with a lie, not his true self. He was no lover, but a monster. Her feelings could not be real! He could not accept that. She had to be bluffing, making fun of him or…or…
“What if I was no angel but an ugly monster instead? So disgusting that everyone turned their back on him ever since he was born. Would you still be able to call me your Angel?” He mumbled, wiping off his tears.
The girl stayed silent for a moment, trying to process what she had just heard, but then finally answered.
“Yes, you still would be my beloved Angel.” She nodded. “There is millions of man who I could marry and love, yet not one made me as happy as you do. You make me the happiest woman in this Opera house. You may call yourself a monster, hiding your face from me, but let me reassure you that I will keep my promise if it means being with you.”
“I don't believe you.” Erik groaned. He was living in that cruel world too long to know how cruel women could be when it came to weirdness. “It's all like that story of Eros and Psyche. A beautiful wife who is forbidden to look at her loving husband. He gives her a home and anything she wishes for, yet, she still betrays him and looks at him.”
“Then let the time prove to you that I can keep my word.” She said firmly, “Stay hidden in shadows, don't see me ever again…just, please don't think that anything I said down there was a lie. You should know me well enough for that.”
It was hard to say that, but she had to. Doing her best to not cry, Christine was about to head back to the party. As she was to turn around, the Phantom's hand stopped her. He was still in the shadows, yet he was not trembling anymore. “Christine…” He begged in softness. “I'm so sorry. This is just…all so new and I am…”
“Yes?”
“I am… scared.” Erik finally admitted. “All my life, I was hated and beaten up. But then, you came into my life, giving me inspiration and the will to live. I composed music with you by my side, laughed, and shared the life of the opera. I still wanna be this way, although my heart says otherwise. I know I don't deserve you, so please, forgive me and forget about-”
He could not finish his sentence.
His face hidden in the darkness, Christine managed to grab the hem of the mask by touch, moving it away, while she pressed her lips on his. No glove was in their way this time, and her eyes shut closed to not see a bit of his face.
With that kiss… everything seemed to stop, getting all warm fuzzy while their eyes let out the last drops of tears. Not once Erik was kissed, not even by his mother. Feeling such softness on his lips, her hands touching his disfigured cheeks… Erik could not do anything but kiss her back, his heart screaming at full volume.
She loved him… and he loved her.
After what seemed an eternity, Christine separated their lips, stepping back into the light and finally opening her eyes as Erik placed his mask back on his face. Lips all strawberry red, she smiled widely, tears falling from her chin down on the floor. “We will make it work, Angel.” She said, “A new year, a new you. Let us live in joy in this Opera, no matter what we are or how we look like. All I ask in return is your love. Do you think you can do that?”
“I think I can,” Erik finally managed to respond, crying in happiness and hugging the girl with all passion he had. “I've never believed this day would come. And yet, here I am. You have made me the happiest man in the world.”
“Same to you, Angel.” She chuckled, her newly found lover unable to hold back and kissing her. The mask was slightly in a way, her nose bumping into black porcelain, but it still was so magical. No wonder people said, “ As you do on New Year you will do all year! ” They both wished to be it true.
Yet, their loving moment was disturbed by a faraway calling of Christine's best friend, Meg Giry. “Christine? Christine? Where are you? Mother is all looking for you!” She called, both Primadonna and her lover knowing it was time to say goodbye.
“Promise me you will show up soon,” Christine whispered to the man. “I promise.” He nodded, placing a gentle kiss on her forehand. He had to be gone unless he wanted to reveal himself to Meg, which he most certainly did not. The girl would ask Christine all sorts of questions and now there was no time for that. He was, after all, an Opera ghost.
“Goodnight, my dear,” Looking at his beloved Christine once more, Erik disappeared into the darkness, leaving the corridor through the secret door.
A second after his disappearance, Meg managed to find Christine. She swore that she heard Christine speaking with someone, but when she got there, she found nobody but her friend, all alone in a cold dark corridor. “Christine, why did you run away? We are all waiting to have a toast with you. Did you lose your mind?”
The only answer that Christine had was a blushing smile, her eyes full of sparkles as she sighed in love, “Yes, Meg. I think I indeed did…”
*****
Ever since the Phantom of the Opera had been running the Opera Populairé with his lover, the Opera house got more famous and great than ever before. The heart of Erik was no longer so cold and lifeless, the New Year's Masquerade ball changing the man forever.
His grace was apparent though his face was scarred, both him and Christine shining brighter and more exquisite than any star.
And every once in eternity, when the old year changes the throne with the new one, he finds her, for another dance…
The End