The Phantom Ascending |✔| [Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction]

Epilogue: A Charming Gala

Christine

"I can't believe everything was finished on time! It looks astonishing," I laughed, overjoyed, taking in the magnificent view of our newly opened, polished and decorated Rosier Theater. And even beyond it, the entire castle has now been renovated, retaining its archaic beauty but having all the comforts of new buildings.

"Of course we made it in time -- we had plenty of time," Nadir waved it away, "and enough investors to help us speed things up," he winked.

I blushed. Raoul, too, had been one of the minor investors, which was his wedding present, but he was tactical enough to never show his face here. Still, I was glad I made peace with him and that old part of my past.

"Paris seems like a childhood dream sometimes," I confessed to Nadir as we were overseeing the incoming guests from our vantage point high above. "And I haven't performed before large audiences since Venice. In the year and a half since my wedding, I've been taking things easy... Life here has been so nice."

"Marriage agrees with you," Nadir smiled. "Since even that insufferable husband of yours did not drive you insane, I must conclude that you have nerves of steel and will handle the premiere just fine."

I laughed. "I hope you're right, Nadir! As for my nerves... This place is so serene, it's almost magical."

"My castle in the clouds," he sighed. Knowing now the tale of his son, I understood his underlying sadness, but it was less pronounced now than a year ago. Nadir found peace here, too.

There was indeed something enchanting about Switzerland, especially in winter. Snow was already sitting firmly in the nearby mountaintops, and even here in the hills, the nature looked frosty, as if it was covered in icy lace. The entire Rosier was decorated for the Christmas season, and it was the cosiest home imaginable.

"I hope this will work, Nadir. I like it here. Having a successful theater of our own would be such a dream!"

Nadir grasped my shoulders in encouragement. "Christine, you will leave them speechless, just as you stunned all of us who've seen you in rehearsals."

"Thank you," I smiled, "Erik said the same thing."

"Speaking of which, where is he?"

"Getting ready, I believe. He shooed me away. I think he was more nervous than I am, despite pretending the very opposite."

"That man can be such a brat," Nadir remarked dryly. "I hope he won't murder us after the gala. If he asks, don't forget that the whole thing was your idea."

"Hush, he might hear you," I winked.

Erik made sure that the easternmost side of the theater wing was completely cut off from our own home in the east wing -- apart from a secret passage that only the two of us knew how to access. The same could be said about some of the backstage passes, so it wouldn't surprise me if he suddenly appeared before us as if conjured. That man made it difficult for us to talk about him behind his back. The thought made me giggle.

"My girl, don't tell me you're losing your composure now? You'd best go get ready," Nadir nudged me.

"Yes," I moved away. "Oh, can I tell you a secret?" I turned back and grinned, "I'm actually excited. I can't wait to sing to them, I can't wait to hear their applause!"

Nadir laughed and shook his finger at me.

"Mind the arrogance, lady -- makes it look as if you picked up some bad habits recently. You're spending too much time with that dastardly composer Dessler!" he chuckled, and I laughed back.