The Phantom's Revenge

Chapter 2: In the Cold

I drifted in and out of consciousness. They hadn't fed or watered me since I had arrived. It had been a day now. My stomach rumbled. I needed a good nights rest. I needed to relieve myself. But I was trapped in a standing position. My arms and legs spread apart. I heard them laughing and talking, pretending as if I wasn't here. Their voices echoed through the chambers. Especially when they said things I didn't want to hear.

"Erik, how I've missed you." It made me nauseous. They started to giggle and I felt as if I would vomit whatever contents my stomach held. My head hung and I started to sweat. I didn't hear them come over to me. I jumped when I saw their feet.

"Hello Monsieur Vicomte."

He smiled at me.

"Are you thirsty Monsieur?"

I noticed Christine held a goblet it probably held water, or ever better wine. I nodded to them and looked at Christine. My Christine, usually so full of love. She truly did hate me now. I couldn't see why. I had given her everything she had ever asked for. Why me dear god? Why!?

"Christine, should we give him something to drink?"

He smiled evilly at her and she smiled back. God what has he done to my Christine!?

"Christine, go fetch him water from the lake.

Of course Erik.

Raoul. I must inform you, this water is nowhere near suitable to drink. Rats may drink it, of course they bathe in it and relieve themselves in it as well. And at the far end, where I imagine she is going it connects to the sewers."

He told me matter of factly.

"You bastard. What've you done to her!?"

I growled through my teeth.

"I've done nothing to her. I've just given her the means to get back at you. You've caused us both a lot of pain. We simply plan on returning the favor."

His tone was calm. His face expressionless. The sound of footsteps caught both of our attention. Christine had returned with the goblet. It was crystal, the water it held was a muddy yellow color. The though of consuming it made me sick.

"Christine, why are you doing this? Please, I can change. I can stop I can-

Oh, now when I'm in control you can change? I thought if I didn't like the man you were I was to deal with it. I am dealing with it Raoul!"

I could feel disbelief on my face.

"Christine! He's changed you! He's turned you into something you're not!

You changed me Raoul..."

She said nothing more. Her eyes had begun to water.

"Christine, why don't you give our guest a little drink hmm? Remember Monsieur Vicomte it's this"

He motioned goblet in Christine's hands.

"Or you go thirsty. Your choice."

He smiled deviously at me. I pointed my chin towards to goblet, signaling Christine to give me a drink. She came towards me with mudwater. I opened my mouth and she poured it down my throat. As soon as it hit my lips I hacked it back up. It smelled of sewage and decay. I coughed water all over myself and they both laughed.

"Remember this or-

Nothing. I understand."

I choked on my words,water was stuck in my throat. She brought the goblet to my lips and I forced the water down my throat. It was the most foul tasting thing I'd ever encountered. I quickly guzzled the whole thing, panting when I had finished. She pulled the goblet away and glared at me, I could see the hate in her eyes. What had I done to deserve this?

"Christine, w-why are you doing this?"

I whispered. Hoping she could find the old me.

"Why had you treated me the way you did?"

And with that she turned away and went to him.

"I'll never forgive you for this!"

I shrieked in anger, pulling against my chains.

"I will never forgive you for treating me as if I were nothing."

She wrapped herself in his arms. I couldn't bare to watch, but I couldn't bare to look away. He kissed her with every ounce of passion a person could kiss another with. This made me furious. I screamed as loud as my lungs would allow. I pulled on my chains with all the strength I had in me. It was useless. My throat ached from screaming and I wasn't able to break the chains. Still, they kissed as if I hadn't made a peep. He pulled away from her and led her to the other room. They left me in the dark. In the cold. With only my thoughts to keep me company.

As the night wore on my mind raced. Images of that thing touching my wife. My head hung and I sat there, waiting to fall asleep. For a moment, I thought I heard singing. I looked towards the little home he had made. I listened harder. Yes there was singing. It was him, he was singing her to sleep. I snorted angrily. I should be singing her to sleep. Of course, I hadn't done it since we'd first been married. But she was mine. No other man was to look at, touch, or talk to her! They were probably holding each other, keeping each other warm in this damp dark place. I was left in the cold. To dream. To wonder. To hate.