The Masque of Paris ( Phantom of the Opera )

2022 Update!
(Previously titled Second Before the Sound )

"But just imagine-!"
A loud shout is barked up at us, interrupting him. The source of the disturbance is from a stout, heavyweight man - my supervisor this time instead of me being his - four stories below.
"Vincent! Elodie! Get down here and do your jobs!"

I felt the blisters on my feet ache from the order.
I couldn't help but to let a brief groan roll over my vocal chords, a little too loudly, because Vin's fiery glance catches me.
"The man's right, you know. We do have jobs, why are you complaining?"
"Because I want to only sit here and watch from above, not work- not dance."
Vincent had already risen from where he sat with me on the edge of a wooden walkway, hovering above the bustle.
It isn't as crowded up here as it is down there, although I love the hustle and bustle, I hate being in it. It's noisy and cramped and there's always human contact. Up on the catwalk, you can actually breathe for a minute.
The ropes that dance around us aren't as nosy either.

"You can do that when you're dead."

- And dead she shall be.

In 1877, six years before the fire, Elodie Benóit is a backstage hand and stage manager of the Paris Opera House. She hasn't performed in years, and intends to keep it that way. She adores being the silent creator of the backstage world. No one knew her by name, but instead knew her by her art.

One day, an opera ghost threatens the very balance of Elodie's theater. He's made Elodie a subject of his attention. Although she may hide from the audience, no matter where she goes, she can't hide from this phantom. When he begins to send Elodie orders, she begins to disobey him.
Thus the beginning of her haunting-