𝕸𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖓𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖐: 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕺𝖓𝖊

Unsettling Encounters (ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪʀʀᴏʀ/ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʜᴀɴᴛᴏᴍ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴘᴇʀᴀ)

Océane hurriedly made her way back to her room after the events of the electrifying performance of "Hannibal" at the Opera Populaire. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched. The mysterious voice that had reached her ears during the performance still echoed in her mind, sending shivers down her spine. Lost in her thoughts.

Just as she was about to set her violin down on the table, there was a soft knock on the door. Startled, Océane turned her gaze towards the door. "Who could it be at this late hour?" she wondered aloud. She cautiously approached the door and opened it, revealing a young woman with wide, doe-like eyes and brunette locks cascading down her shoulders. It was Christine Daaé, the gifted soprano whom Océane had admired during the performance.

"Christine! What a pleasant surprise," Océane exclaimed, a genuine smile forming on her face. "Please, come in."

Christine stepped into the room, her eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Océane, I couldn't help but notice your incredible violin skills during rehearsals and the performance tonight," she said, her voice filled with awe. "You possess a talent unlike any I have ever heard."

Océane blushed, feeling both flattered and humbled by Christine's words. "Thank you, Christine. Coming from you, it means a great deal," she replied, her voice tinged with sincerity. "Your performance tonight was truly enchanting. Your voice has the power to transport the audience to another world."

Christine's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as she looked down modestly. "Oh, Océane, you're too kind," she murmured. Christine's eyes fell upon the violin in Océane's hands, and a wistful smile appeared on her lips. "Your violin reminds me of my father," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "He used to play it for me when I was a child. I haven't heard the sound of a violin just like his, in such a long time."

Océane studied Christine, her curiosity piqued. "Your father must have been a remarkable musician," she remarked, gently placing her violin on the table. "I can only imagine the beautiful melodies he must have played."

A flicker of sadness crossed Christine's face, but she quickly regained her composure. "Indeed, he was," she replied softly. "But he passed away when I was young, and I've never been able to find the same magic in music since then."

Océane felt a pang of sympathy for Christine. She understood the power of music and how it could be both a source of comfort and a painful reminder of loss. "Music has a way of touching our souls," Océane said, her voice filled with warmth. "Perhaps one day, you'll find that magic again."

Christine smiled gratefully, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispered. "Your words give me hope."

As the two women sat on Océane's bed, an eerie presence lingered in the shadows, watching their interaction with intense interest. The Phantom, hidden from view, had been observing Océane since he first caught sight of her during the performance. Her talent and beauty had captivated him, and a strange desire to know more about her had taken hold of his heart.

From his hiding place, the Phantom listened to their conversation, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. The connection between Océane and Christine intrigued him, and he wondered if this newfound friendship could lead him closer to Océane. He was a master of manipulation and had honed his skills in the art of orchestrating events to suit his desires. Perhaps, he thought, he could use Christine as a means to draw Océane closer to him. But he shook those ideas away since it was Christine who he has obsessed over for the past 11 years.

Océane turned her attention back to Christine, breaking the Phantom's train of thought. "Christine, would you like to hear me play?" she asked, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "I could show you the magic of the violin, perhaps the same magic that your father once shared with you."