Of Masks And Roses

We Have All Been Blind

Erik and I began to make our journey back to the surface world, this time, though, taking a different route than usual. Erik led the way, reminding me to watch my step and be mindful of booby traps. This part of the catacombs were littered in cobwebs and filth, as if rarely anyone had ever ventured this far before. A few rats scurried around our feet as we made our way through, splashing through small puddles. I tried very hard not to think about what I was stepping in.

"I only go this way whenever I wish to venture outside, for instance, if I need food or supplies that the Opera Populair can't provide for me. It doesn't happen very often," He explained as we headed towards what seemed to be the end of the stone hallway, "I have plenty of tunnels that lead outside, a few that lead to the edge of Paris itself, but this is the only one that's the shortest route to the outside of the Populair. If it was under any other circumstance I'd have you just walk out of the Prima Donna room. But since Le Vicomte and Christine believe that you have been taken hostage and or murdered by me, they're going to ask questions if you just appear in the Opera House and no one had seen you enter from outside." Once we reached the end of the hallway he removed a stone from the wall, reaching a gloved hand inside the hole and pulling a lever. The wall swung open and I blinked at the sudden bright light, shielding my eyes as we made our way outside, the snow crunching beneath our shoes.

Erik continued as we inched along in an alley, "So, if they see you come from the outside, they won't ask you where I hid you since they found you outside the Opera Populair, and not within. Instead they will ask 'Are you alright, how did you escape?' The usual." We stopped walking once we reached the end of the alleyway and he turned to me, "You will answer that you're fine, that I let you go, and you had to walk or even hitch a ride on a carriage to get back here. It'll keep the location of my domain safe, and you won't be asked any revealing questions about me," he smiled, "No one will suspect a thing."

I grimaced and tilted my head, "Except maybe Madame Giry."

Erik paused, then nodded his head, "Perhaps. Then you will tell her the truth. That you were injured in the fight and I healed you. Nothing more nor less."

"I just hope she doesn't kick me out because of all this."

Erik shook his head with a small grin, "Ah, she won't kick you out. You are a crucial part in my Opera. Not even the Fop could remove you from this Opera House without my explicit permission."

I smiled, "Thanks, Erik."

I peaked around the corner and carefully stared into the courtyard of the Opera Populaire. Erik stood behind me, peering over my head to make sure that we weren't able to be seen. Paris had gone from quiet to bustling in only a few short hours. The Cafe across the street was already teeming with people, carriages passed us in the alley without a second glance and people milled about with bags full of fresh, baked goods. The sun was just barely peeking through the clouds, but it was still cold enough that my hands felt stiff in my gloves. Looking around, I spotted a large, red carriage with golden trim and white horses sitting next to the Opera Populaire.

"Hey, look. Carlotta's carriage is here." I stated nonchalantly.

Erik scoffed, "Old Toad."

I turned to him, "Oh, hush. You know, she's not really all that bad. And Carlotta would actually be a really good singer if she just," I paused, my mind going blank, "Sung like a human being." I blurted out.

Erik and I stared at each other for a second, then burst out into silent fits of giggles. I pinched my nose to keep myself from snorting our location away, and Erik held his waist, his face turned red from holding back his laughter.

I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself, "Oh, I shouldn't laugh!" I giggled, "It makes me feel bad! She is my friend, after all. I shouldn't make fun of her."