The Phantom's Revenge

Chapter 10: The tunnels

The hallucinations had grown worse. I had given up on life. They had run out of ways to torture me. I would receive regular beatings, which I had grown accustomed to. Christine would even use the riding crop on me every now and then. I couldn't open my eyes without a great effort. Lifting my head took all the strength I had. Someone was coming towards me. I couldn't distinct between them anymore. I opened my eyes to see both of them. There was a glowing light.

"Hello Monsieur.

Raoul.

Christine, Monsieur...

We've made a decision that greatly effects you Raoul. We've decided to set you free."

The way he said it, there had to be a catch.

"Now, if you try to fight as we unbind you, we will keep you here without food and drink. Do you understand?"

I nodded and he put the lantern down. He unbound me and I fell to the ground. My wrists and ankles felt wonderful. I looked up at them, the pitiful creature that I was. I wanted to beg for forgiveness from both of them.

"Come, we must go to the boat. But first wash yourself in the lake. I don't want human waste in it."

I obeyed him, thankful for my freedom. The water was freezing, but it felt good to get a thorough washing. When I was done we all climbed into the boat. First I, then Christine and then him. We swiftly crossed the lake. I exited the boat and he held me the lantern.

"Good luck Monsieur Vicomte!

What? What do you mean?

You didn't think we were going to guide you through the tunnels did you?"

I stared blankly at him.

"But Monsieur!

No buts! Go, now!"

I started to leave.

"Monsieur. If you get out and let anyone know about this you'll have wished I'd killed you."

I nodded and made my towards the tunnels. My memory wasn't the best right now. I craved food and sleep. I had been through the tunnels once when I had rescued Christine, but I had Madame Giry to show me the way. I took a turn left into a dark passage and it led me nowhere. my head started spinning. I needed a break, so I sat with my lantern. Besides sitting in the boat it was the first time I had sat in almost two weeks. It felt wonderful. I nodded off. This was the most comfortable I had been.

When I woke, the candle in the lantern was half gone. Ugh, now what if I needed more time? I hopped up and started through the passages. Nothing. Just darkness. Would I ever find my way out?

"Why dear God? Why me?"

Just then I heard a dark chuckle. Was he watching me make a fool of myself? I held my lantern out.

"I know you're there! I heard you! Leave me be you demon!"

I shouted and ran through the tunnels.

I kept running towards nothing. The ghostly voice laughed again. This made me anxious, so I ran faster.

After running for I while I stopped. There was no more laughter. I needed to save my strength. The candle in my lantern was close to going out. No. Not now, I was nowhere near exiting the building. I trotted down the passages turning left and right. They grew darker and darker the deeper I went. I was hopelessly lost. They knew this would happen. This was their last form of torture. I punched the wall and watched as my candle slowly went out. It was pitch black, I couldn't even see my hands in front of me. I sat down and waited to die, because I knew I was close to death. I knew I would never leave the tunnels. I wanted to die.