Disclaimer: I don't own Phantom, unless you count delusions and daydreams. . . Author's Note: I think I'm humoring you guys; it's 12:18 and I start classes tomorrow. I'll stop complaining now, who needs sleep anyway? You guys are awesome just for reading this story, and I left you with a terrible cliffhanger, so this is a terribly short resolution to what was left unfinished in Chapter 8. (I KNOW it's short, I just wanted to absolve the cliffhanger. The next chapter will be normal length) As always, much love and many thanks to my reviewers, and do enjoy the phanphic! Feedback: Please! *Christine's POV* "Oh my God. . ." I heard myself whisper in the distance. I could feel the look of shock spread over my face, even though, in all truth, this was no shocking turn of events. I could almost feel his nervousness through my own, the fear of rejection that still lingered in his soul. Before me, he looked surreal in the darkness; his cloak rustling slightly in the breeze as the mask he still wore in public glinted slightly, giving him an undeniably angelic aura. I marveled at that for a moment, before my attention was stolen away by his movements. As I sat wordlessly, he pulled a small black box out of some pocket that was hidden in his cape. He opened it, revealing a simple gold ring, and as he attempted to speak, the words caught in his throat. He took a deep breath, and slowly, the words came, "You know I love you, Christine; that much has always been clear. All I have to offer you is my heart, my music and my undying devotion, but, if that's enough for you, I would be honored and elated beyond words if you would be my wife." He looked inherently vulnerable in that moment, his heart - his life - was in my hands. I knew it would be unspeakably cruel if I let him languish in limbo for too long, but still, I couldn't find the power to speak. I closed my eyes, and smiled as sweet emotions washed over me. Renewed; I said, "Of course I will marry you." He stood, and this time, he pulled me up to stand beside him. No more words were needed then; more sentiment would have clouded the moment. He simply pulled me into his arms, and I melted into his strong embrace. I could hear the chirping of birds, the rustle of plants, all the telltale signs of the coming day. After a few minutes, Erik stirred. "We must return to the house before dawn," he sighed. "I know," I whispered, pulling his cloak around me tightly as I spoke, and I felt him kiss the top of my head. "Come," he said softly, wrapping an arm around me as we began to walk out of the park. A carriage waited for us by the gate, and when we had reached it, Erik helped me get in. After the door was closed behind us, the carriage rocked slightly and we began to the journey back to the house by the lake - back to our home. |
| Light in the Darkness |