Mon Espion || Phantom of the Opera

Chapter 26 - You've Returned

Taking a short breath, Constance clutched her hand right over her heart as she fought to remain calm over her breathes. They both had arrived just a few hours ago to Paris and had made it underground to rest for a while before Constance decided to not put off her return any longer. Unwillingly, she let Erik lead her back to the double sided mirror, the one that had started his whole charade. It didn't take them long to get back to the surface, despite Constance practically being dragged back up there, but she couldn't will herself to just step back through the mirror, back to the place where she belonged. She sighed softly against the glass, feeling Erik's soft fingers wrap themselves around her waist, pulling her back against his chest as he kissed the top of her head affectionately. Neither of them spoke as they both stared through the mirror, watching as the maid finished dusting the room as if nothing had happened in the two months they were gone. The dressing room was the same, still the horrid pink décor with Carlotta's painted picture hanging on the far side of the room with the never-ending ruffles bordering all the furniture and windows. Constance didn't mind the decor however, especially since knowing that she would have to make an appearance sooner rather than later to the place she had dreamed of for so long, the room was the last of her current concerns. Constance closed her eyes softly, letting Erik's fingers trail gently around her shoulders as he tried to soothe her, perhaps even himself, from knowing that her reappearance into the world would only cause more confusion then it did peace. Her hands gently grasped onto his as he soothed her, wondering if this was going to be the last time the two ever had peace. Was he ever going to hold her again?

"My dear, she is gone," Erik whispered softly, causing Constance's green eyes to widen with anticipation.

Upon opening her eyes, she realized he was correct in that she had missed the maid leaving the room, leaving the pink room freshly cleaned for the prima donna. The only thing visible to her besides the room was their reflection. Erik was in his usual attire of a complete black ensemble and his infamous white mask while Constance wore a soft brown dress with tan accents that fell to the floor. She released Erik's hands from her own as a tear threatened to escape her while she turned back around to face him, facing the masked man behind her that she loved sadly.

"I shall see you again," Constance whispered more to herself then to him but the meaning behind the words would always be the same.

He closed his eyes to her words, nodding softly as he placed a gentle kiss on her flushed cheeks. Constance too had chosen to close her eyes, saving the feeling of his lips on her skin as he reluctantly removed himself from her once more. Erik did not respond vocally, instead he gently shoved her towards facing the mirror. With the help of his hands, she turned around and they both watched as the mirror opened to reveal the life that she was meant to live; in the world above. Constance took a timid step outside of the catacombs and before long her shoes were met with the soft rugs of the prima donna dressing room. The area felt different, lighter, even though the odor sent her hand pinching her nose. The perfume of the owner of the room filled the entire space as the mirror gently clicked closed behind her, making her heart immediately regret returning to Paris. Why did she have to return? What did it matter that the opera house would be ruined? All she wanted was to be with Erik, away from this place that condemned him and the curly brunette whom he had affections for. Her mind began to swim with all the memories of her and Erik in London, tears threatening to spill once more as she realized she would be facing these people without him, alone.

"Go my dear, please do not make me change my mind," she heard Erik plead from the other side of the door.

She turned herself around rapidly, knowing that she could not see him as she mouthed to him her affections one last time. She couldn't figure out why she was having such a hard time saying goodbye to him, knowing she would most likely see him again soon if not later that evening. The urge to run away with him once more however, was bringing life to her veins as she feigned from stepping towards the mirror once more. Before she could even reach the secret switch to open the mirror and return to her lover's arms, a gasp was heard from behind her. Constance turned around rapidly to the sound and found Meg sneaking into the very room she was standing in.