Her Innocence || Phantom of the Opera

Chapter Eight

Phantom POV:

She was here, right next to me. I could smell her light floral perfume, a sent that I missed so dearly. If I wanted to, and trust me I did, I could reach out and touch her with my own greedy hands. But the Viscount de Chagny, her wedded husband, would surely have none of my presence. I'd be thrown in jail immediately if he even suspected me near.

I lead the team of horses around the block, taking a shortcut through the neighborhood. Ahead of us, the remains of the Opera, my once home, stood bleak and gray. After the fire, no one had encouraged the rebuilding of the grand landmark--too much time and money. Paris didn't seem the same without it.

"Driver," the Viscount's voice squeaked from behind, "let us off across the street. Stay with the carriage until we get back." I didn't say anything, but did as I was told.

Christine, my porcelain angel, was the first to get off, instantly followed by Raoul. I could spot Madame Giry and her daughter, Meg, by the front of the steps of the Populaire. Meg broke into a huge grin when she saw Christine, but Madame's eyes stayed glued on me, seeing through my disguise. She didn't loose her stare until both Christine and her husband were on the other side, hugging and shaking their hands.

I watched from a distance, as I usually had, and grimaced when Christine pecked Raoul on the lips. Instinctive nerves clenched my hands into two balls, imagining myself wringing the fool's neck. How much I wanted that to be me was almost too great. I may have stood to walk over there, until Madame Giry's knowing expression stopped my thoughts. I forced myself to relax.

After a few minutes, Christine whispered something in her husband's ear. He turned his head to look at her, almost in a confused way, but nodded. She smiled at her two friends and started walking away from the group, up towards the doors of the Opera Populaire. I knew why she was going inside, so making sure that no attention was drawn, I hopped off the seat of the carriage, first making sure the horses were secured, and disappeared behind a corner.

Christine POV:

I knew He would be here. I tugged at the doors, figuring they were locked, however, to my surprise, they swung open with ease. I looked back at Raoul, Meg, and Madame Giry, all deep in conversation to notice. I stepped into the shaded building, crossing over its threshold and stopping. I let my eyes adjust to the dark atmosphere, a huge difference evident compared to the last year I was here. All the bright golds were dulled and worn. The marble floors were paved in an inch of black ash. A rush of sadness evolved within my chest, and I had a difficult time holding back tears.

'Focus, Christine,' I told myself. I allowed to walk further away from the exit, toward the great staircase. I began to climb them, stepping over broken glass and other objects along the way. I just reached the top when an unexpected slam of the front door erupted behind. I spun around, stunned at the instant darkness that threatened to choke me. I wished to scream for help, and was about to before a gloved hand wrapped around my throat.

"Sing for me, Christine."