My Angel of Music

Endless Night

At one point, as I slept, Erik must have come in and blown out the candle.  For when I woke, a muffled scream escaped my lips before I clamped my mouth shut in fear of attracting the maniac in the next room.  It was pitch black.  I could see nothing.  

It took about ten minutes to build up the courage to lift my head up again and think of my options.  I could either live with the darkness, or I could shuffle my away around the room until I found a match.  But one thing was for sure, I was not going to leave this room, or ask for Erik's help.

So, after thinking for several painfully terrifying minutes, I started to crawl along the cold floor, reaching my hand out for the desk that I knew was on the other side of the room.  Images of figures crouched in the corner kept popping into my head, and though I tried thinking of happier and brighter things, the darkness semmed to seep into my mind and snuff out each light thought that resided there.

finally, my shaking hand found the wooden object I was looking for.  I sighed in relief and held onto it for support as I stood, my legs shaking.  I opened each drawer and shuffled through the things, though each attempt was a failure.  I cried out in frustration and slid to the floor, accepting the fact that for now, the darkness would be my only companion.

***

For the next days, or weeks, I couldn't tell, I sat in the darkness, refusing to come out to eat or drink.  The only comfort was the absence of Erik.  But then again, I was utterly alone.  Alone with my thoughts, and my fears.  I considered talking to myself, but was afraid that it would attract unwanted attention to myself and lead to an unwanted confrontation with Erik.

I couldn't tell wether it was day or night, summer or winter, fall or spring.  I only knew that with each passing moment, i was getting hungrier and weaker.  I smiled for the first time in days, when I thought that maybe I would eventually die of starvation.  The prospect of death seemed so bright, so welcome now.  Anything was better than this living hell.

One day, I stood to go relieve myself, when a wave of dizziness overcame me, and I slumped back to the ground.  Now I couldn't even stand!  I giggled to myself for no reason and closed my eyes, waiting for the spell to pass.  But I hardly took a deep breath before the door cracked open and light flooded the darkness I had grown so used to.  

I groaned and covered my eyes with my hands.  I heard footsteps and used my last amound of energy to scamper to the oppisite side of the room, away from the deathly man.  But, that was no use, for as soon as I got to the wall, his thin hands wrapped around my wrists and pulled me up.  I cried out, my voice barely above a whisper from lack of use and hydration.  

I was suddenly being dragged into the light and out of the comforting black room.  I could hardly resist, hell I could hardly open my eyes.  

I was then placed in a wooden chair, my head baging against the table before me.  I moaned and clapped a hand over my forehead.  

"Eat.  It's been three days, Christine."  The Voice commanded sternly.  I cracked my eyes open to see a plate of fruits and breads before me.  The thought of eating it made my stomach churn.  so, I just stared at the repulsive food, afriad to speak or move.  Erik just stood beside me, waiting for me to do something.  But I stood my ground.

"If you do not eat, you are breaking your deal.  You promised to be my living wife.  And if you break your deal, I am allowed to break mine."  He said, sounding very cocky and pleased with himself.  I finally looked at him, my eyes filled with loathing.  

"You mean you would kill Raoul?"  I whispered, though I wanted to scream.  He nodded stiffly, his face an emotionless mask.

I had to.  I had to live, through the torture, for my love.  

So, I reached a shaky hand out for an apple on the plate and took a bite.  The juices were sweet, and I rejoiced at the thought of eating, but my stomach turned.  Yet, I forced myself to take bite after bite, spoonful after spoonful.

As I knew it would, vomit eased it's way up my throat and I grabbed the nearest napkin and retched onto the floor.  I let tears slip from my eyes as I thought of the whole situation.  Me, vomitting on the floor, Erik rushing to get a glass of water, Raoul who knows where.  

I could barely sit up before Erik was mopping my face with a towell and rasing a glass to my lips.  "Drink this."  He said, his tone softer and more comforting.  I wanted to revel in it and get lost in his comfort, but I refused.  I did as I was told though, and took the drink.  It was bitter, but suddenly my stomach was fine.  I nodded a thank you and he bent down to clean my mess.  It was his fault anyways..

He then gently took my arm and led me back to my room and laid me on the bed.  Oh, the repulsive bed that held terrible fears for me.  I darted under the covers as he lit a candle and looked over me.  I could see a blush creep into his lifeless cheeks and I squirmed under his gaze.  I wanted to scream at him to get out, but held my tongue in fear.  

But just as soon as he had some, he was gone, locking the door behind him.