A/N: Hey guys... Sorry for the late update. Just started college a few weeks ago so life has been chaotic. A lot of changes. I'm still getting into the groove of things. Don't worry, I won't abandon the story but be understanding if my updates are a little delayed. Hopefully won't be as bad in the future. Anyways.. hope you guys like the chapter even if it is late. Love ya

Chapter Fourteen

Erik was strangely glad he had chosen not to wear gloves that evening as he led Althea by the hand. Though her skin was cold, the contact made his heart feel warm.

She followed with trust shining in her eyes. He wasn't sure he deserved it but he swore he would do everything in his power to keep it there. He had decided on a more direct approach then the boat. He found the hidden latch on the entrance that opened directly into his lair. When they stepped through, he watched her face as it lit up with awe as she looked around.

He tried to see the room through her eyes. It was rather cave like but candles placed around the room gave it a warm glow. Mirrors covered a good portion of the walls in this part of the lair and fabrics of deep vibrant colors were draped around the room. Several pieces of artwork graced the walls, many done by him. The lake stood still, looking more like glass than water and reflected the candle light. Then of course there was the centerpiece of the room, the organ. Several pieces of parchment rested on the stand, scribbled notes and words disrupting the white.

She looked back at him with amazement before she let go of his hand and walked further into the room as if walking into a holy place. He followed her a few paces behind as she took in her surroundings. He felt pride fill him as she looked around. It was quite obvious that she was impressed. She found the stairs that led to the rest of his home, including the swan room and his own room.

He stood in the doorway as she entered the swan room and walked slowly around, admiring the beautiful decorations. Not much had changed over the years, the only real difference being the complete absence of Christine.

Stepping back from the doorway, she continued down the hallway, stopping to look into a library, a small kitchen, a bathing room, and finally coming to the last door. She hesitated with her hand on the door knob, evidently guessing that this was his room and seeking permission to enter. He hesitated before giving her a small nod.

Althea turned the handle and slowly opened the door. The room was plain compared to the rest of the lair and rather dark. Black fabric was draped on the walls, the only furnishings being a bed with dark coverings, a dresser, and a large writing desk covered in paper. She closed the door without a word and made her way back into the main room, leaving Erik to follow behind.

"It's more beautiful than she said," Althea whispered softly, breaking the silence.

"She told you?" he said, matching her tone.

"Yes. I asked her about you." He expected her to continue but she didn't, instead wandering over towards the organ.

She looked at the sheet music there before playing just the right hand melody, doing very well at sight reading. "I didn't know you could play." It made sense though that she enjoyed music and had a good sense of talent.

"My mother insisted that I learned. I didn't mind lessons despite having a dreary teacher. Will you play this for me?"

He nodded and she stepped back slightly to allow him to sit at the bench. His fingers hesitated for only a moment before beginning to play the introduction. Erik felt the music draw him in as the melody flowed from his fingers. He played it flawlessly, that is until he heard a soft voice began to sing from over his shoulder. His fingers tripped but he hurried to catch up as Althea sang.

"Child of the wilderness

Born into emptiness

Learn to be lonely

Learn to find your way in darkness"

Her voice was soft and though not particularly unique, it was still very beautiful. It would never work for the stage but Erik found he enjoyed hearing it very much.

Who will be there for you

Comfort and care for you

Learn to be lonely

Learn to be your one companion

Never dreamed out in the world

There are arms to hold you

You've always known your heart was on its own

When they came to the end, they fell into silence again until Erik felt like he must say something. "It's not finished yet…"

"It's beautiful," she interrupted with a hand on his shoulder making him look at her.

"Thank you," he murmured. They stayed that way for a while before Erik reached up and pulled on the ribbon that held her mask in place. It slipped, before hanging from his fingers. He placed it on the keys before standing up and offering his hand. She took it without question and let him lead her to the water's edge where he helped her sit before settling down beside him.

Erik was trying to think of something to say when she sighed. "What's wrong?"

"Why did he have to die now? Things could have been so much better. We could have put the past behind us and lived in peace. I don't understand." Erik sighed. He didn't have an answer for her. He didn't know any better than she did.

"Sometimes things happen in life that we can't explain but in many cases, it works out better in the end. Or at least that's what I've been told."

She was silent for a while, just staring out at the water, before she spoke softly. "Is that what happened to you?"

Stunned into silence by her soft question, he nearly forgot to respond. "I'm not sure." She seemed to not have anything else to say after that and just fell back in to silence. They both sat silently, lost in their respective thoughts, until she yawned bringing Erik out of his. "I should get you back so you can go home to bed. You need to get your rest."

"I'm not going home," she yawned again. "I'm staying at the Opera House until just after New Year's."

"What?" he questioned, now on his feet.

"Most of the rooms at home are going to be repainted and then some redecoration. I'm not supposed to be in the house, especially in my state. Couldn't find somewhere else to stay so I asked the managers and they said I could. I am supposed to speak to Madame Giry as to which room and they said they would send for my things to be delivered." She yawned several times while she was talking and was now resting her chin on her knees. Althea looked positively exhausted.

Erik hesitated to offer but she looked so tired and if she had to go upstairs and get everything figured out, she would be up for probably another hour. She had already given up keeping her eyes open. He hated to force her to get up. She needed her rest.

"Why don't you stay down here tonight? You can use the swan room. I promise to not bother you at all…" he rambled quietly, trying not to freak her out.

"That sounds perfect. Thank you," she interrupted. He blinked a few times before her words registered. He scrambled to his feet to help her up when she started to stand up. She thanked him again and he led her silently to the swan room.

"You should be able to find anything you should need. I shall be down the hall if you happen to need something else. I'll take you back above tomorrow so you can make arrangements with Madame Giry."

"Thank you, Erik." She leaned up and kissed his bare cheek before entering the room and closing the door with a tired smile, leaving Erik standing completely and utterly confused.