From Shadows to Starlight

Another World

Chapter 37

“You have come here, to the seat of sweet music’s throne, to this kingdom where all must pay homage to music…” –Erik

Another World

“Are you sure you want to go tonight, Erik?” Alana asked, watching as he slowly raised himself out of the chair and stood unsteadily on his feet.

“Yes.” He spoke with quiet determination. “It will be easier to reach the opera house unseen under the cover of night, even with the soldiers. I’ve done this before.”

Alana sighed and turned to look out the dirty window. They were staying at the hotel closest to the opera house, one of the few establishments that was still in operation. It was surprising to her how empty the streets were here, with many of the businesses closed down. It seemed like ordinarily, this would have been a nice part of town. The hotel they were staying at had once been grand, Cerise had told her, and though the furnishings and decorations were still beautiful, everything somehow seemed faded and sad now, slowly falling into disrepair. “It’s getting dark now,” she said, watching as the last few stragglers made it off the streets into the safety of their homes for the night. “I’m ready to go when you are.” She looked at their pile of luggage on the other side of the room. “Bringing those along might be difficult…”

Erik shook his head. “If you would, take the set of lockpicks and skeleton keys in my suitcase, but leave the rest. You can take a bag for yourself with a few things in it if you wish. You won’t need much. There will be plenty of supplies where we’re going.”

“Will you be all right here by yourself?” Alana asked Cerise as she went to pack her bag. During the carriage ride back they’d discussed everything, and Cerise had decided to stay behind when Alana and Erik went to the opera house. Part of it was her cousin’s fear of the dark and being underground. Alana didn’t mind; it would give her more time alone with Erik. They had so much to talk about, and with Cerise’s promised cover story of Alana going to Détente to visit Marguerite Durand, she would have the time they needed.

“I’ll be fine,” said Cerise. “Don’t worry about me. You two just stay safe.”

“We’ll try.” Alana pulled her cousin into a hug, holding her close. “Thank you so much for all your help. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

“You don’t have to thank me. We’re family. It’s my job to help you stay out of trouble,” Cerise laughed.

“Well, I’ll try not to get into any more,” Alana said. We’ve had more than our share.” She looked wistfully at Erik, who’d made his way to the door and was ready to leave. After a final goodbye, Alana and Erik left the hotel through a back door and began walking down the alley.

They walked side by side through the dark backstreets, with Erik still leaning on Alana for support, telling her where they needed to make turns. Every few seconds brought a supposed perception of movement somewhere in the shadows, or the sound of someone approaching, seeing them. Alana felt she would go mad with the fear of being sighted. She glanced up at Erik. She could see the pain he could not hide written on his face, but he continued to walk on. She couldn’t believe how strong he was, to keep on going like this, and his perseverance and presence close beside her made her stronger.

“Turn here. This is it.” Erik pointed to a final right turn that took them to the back of a building.

“It is?” Alana could see the gigantic opera house towering over all the other buildings, but it was still down the street a ways.

“Yes.” Erik let go of Alana and leaned against the wall. He was sweating visibly and his breathing was labored, but he wiped the sweat from the side of his forehead that was exposed, and held out a hand. “Lockpicks.”