Disclaimer: I do not own the Phantom of the Opera; all elements belong to their respective creators.

Christine's P.O.V (point of view)

"You deceived me! I gave you my mind blindly!" I sang bitterly, hot tears sliding down my cheeks.

You try my patience!" The Phantom yelled. "Make your choice!" He pulled tighter on the noose around my poor Raoul's neck to emphasize his point.

I stood silently on the shore, heart broken, discretely fingering the cool metal of the dagger concealed beneath my "wedding" dress.

Madame Giry gave me the weapon before the performance, ordering me hide it beneath the folds of my skirt and use it if the time came. But despite her admonishments, I was terrified to make use of that wicked blade. Oh, God! I didn't want to be my "Angel's" killer!

But something dawned on me as I looked into this man's mad, hate filled eyes. This wasn't the same man who had patiently tutored me for the last nine years, that man was gone. I saw no trace of my former teacher reflected in those blue orbs, there was nothing but darkness. This wasn't my maestro, he was dead already, this was The Phantom. A man who was nothing but a vicious, rabid animal. There was no other choice; my decision was made.

I looked into Raoul's haggard face and felt the last of my fear fall away. I was ready.

Resolved with what must be done, I slowly stepped into the icy water.

"Pitiful creature of darkness..." I sang. "What kind of life have you known?" So far, my ploy was working. "God give me courage..." God, please do...! "...to show you, you are not alone!"

How I hated the betrayal I was about to commit! I was close to him now, moving in as though I was going to kiss him. His eyes softened and he leaned into me.

Closing my own eyes, I said a quick prayer that God would forgive me and I plunged the steel into his back.

I heard him gasp in pain before he collapsed against me. I immediately flung him off of me, turning my head away from his form as the body splashed into the lake. I heard him call out to me softly but I knew deep down that I could not bear to see him dying from the wound I had inflicted. It was bad enough that I I had to see his life blood swirl in the water at my feet.

Sobbing, I went quickly to Raoul and unfastened the bonds around his neck and wrists. As he pulled the last of the ropes away, Raoul gathered me into his arms and held me close as I wept.

"Oh, my Little Lotte... Shh...Its okay love..." He soothed, as I buried my face deeper into his shoulder, shuddering with my tears.

Now the blood is on my hands but mine, unlike his, will never truly be stained. With time it will be swept away and the pain will dull. But for now...let me grieve and let my tears begin to wash away my guilt.

Authors Note: Love it or hate it, if you think it is worth your time, please review. Thanks for reading.