Over the course of the next week, Sonia found herself working extra hours to pay for the extra extravagance of the gown, as well as working on it in what little free time she had. Erik would join her for meals and Mary often came over with her own materials so that they might work together. Mary was clearly excited for the ball, chatting endlessly about the man who asked her to attend with him, and Sonia couldn't help but smile. Her friend managed to build her own excitement for the evening, and as the night approached, she could feel butterflies in her stomach. Two days before the ball, Mary stopped by after dinner as she was wont to do, surprising Sonia with a set of intricate masks for the event. Sonia's glittered with the small gems adorned in it, and she was worried about how much her friend had spent. With a secretive smile, Mary had assured her that it was no trouble at all, and didn't even cost her much. It was with a tremor of excitement that Sonia now put on the mask, smoothing her hands down over the crimson of her gown. Mary had assured her the color would look marvelous, and as Sonia took in her appearance in the mirror, she couldn't help but agree. The gown was off-shoulder, modelled after the current high fashion in Paris, with a full skirt and intricate beading. Her hair was curled and fell past her shoulders, gently tickling the skin wherever it touched, and her make up was minimal. A part of her wanted to show Erik, to see what he thought, but she put an end to those thoughts quickly. It would do no good to ruin her night before it even began. Instead, she headed right for her living area, unsurprised to hear a knock at the precise time Johnathan had offered to pick her up. They rode together making quiet small talk, and it was clear the man was in shock at her appearance. They arrived at a perfectly reasonable time, with Johnathan swinging her around the floor for the first dance. She found herself enjoying it all immensely, happily accepting her date's offer of a drink. As he made his way towards the beverages, she felt a gloved hand tap her shoulder, turning to see an all too familiar dark man behind her.

"Good evening, my lady. May I have this next dance?" If Erik knew who she was, he certainly didn't let on, and she felt herself nodding before she could really think over the offer. Gently, he took her hand and guided her into position, easily swinging them into a waltz. He didn't stop smiling down at her, and she felt her cheeks heating. "You look exquisite tonight. By far, the prettiest here." Though her heart wanted to sing at the praise, she had to remind herself that he'd never seen her like this. Likely, he didn't even know it was her. As they spun, she caught a brief glance of a confused looking Johnathan, a goblet in each hand. Too soon, it was gone, and she realized Erik had been waltzing them closer and closer to the balcony. As fresh air hit her face, she managed to pull away, putting a respectful distance between them. She could feel the flush on her face and wondered just how much the mask truly covered. He tilted his head, giving her a curious look, but she remained silent. "Are you afraid of me?" His voice was softer now, and she found herself shaking her head. She'd never been afraid of him, even when he'd lost himself over that soprano, Miss Daae. He took a step closer, watching her carefully now. "Then why do you not speak?" He would know in an instant if she opened her mouth, and it would all come crashing down. She wanted this moment to last as long as possible; something for her to remember when it inevitably ended. She nearly missed it when he took another step forward, towering over her. He reached up to brush a hand along her cheek, his glove soft against her skin. "Please…" She nearly gave in right there.

"Miss Sonia?" Johnathan's voice cut through the haze in her mind, and she saw Erik's eyes harden for a moment. She turned to see her date looking much like a lost puppy, and she moved to his side quickly. In a hushed tone, she explained that she'd had a wonderful time with Johnathan, but that she would need to go home and retire. Erik stayed blessedly silent, and Johnathan was quick to lead her away on his arm and take her home. Her words weren't exactly a lie; her stomach turned with the memories of what had happened, and she was still lost in thought when they arrived at her home. Johnathan walked her to the door before placing a chaste kiss on her cheek, promising to come calling the next day to ensure she was alright. She gave a small smile and a nod before stepping inside, sighing as she closed the door behind herself. After a few moments, she made her way to her room, closing the door behind her and tossing her mask on her bed. She knew she would not sleep well tonight; things were too fresh, too surreal. She didn't hear the door open behind her as she looked out the window.

"Sonia…" Erik's voice seemed deeper than usual, and she spun around in shock at his entrance. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, usual mask in place. Though he'd discarded his jacket, the rest of his dress clothes remained, and she couldn't help but admire him.

"Erik, I-I didn't hear you come in." There would be no point in hiding herself now; he would surely recognize her easily, and the idea had her dropping her gaze to his boots. She heard him step closer, watched as he approached slowly as though she may run.

"Sonia, may I ask a question?" She gave a nod, and heard him sigh. Carefully, he pressed against the bottom of her chin, bringing her eyes up to his. There was doubt there, and uncertainty, things she'd never seen on him before. "Why did you leave me tonight?"

"I didn't want you to know it was me…" His brow furrowed with confusion, but she didn't pull away. If this was the end, she would be sure it was spent to it's fullest.

"Of course I knew it was you. How could I not?" She blinked and he continued. "No one else could have looked quite as beautiful as you did tonight. As you still do." Her breath caught in her throat at his praise. He'd never made a remark on her looks before. Slowly, he stepped even closer, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body. Giving her a chance to pull away, he leaned down to press his lips against her own gently, wrapping his arms around her figure as she almost instantly melted against him. The kiss was languorous and sweet, and truly she never wanted it to end. Too soon, however, it did, and she was left to give a confused and star-struck look to her friend.

"Erik?" It all seemed too good to be true, even as he gave a small smile and caused a fluttering of her heart. His hand brushed along her cheek as he looked down at her. Thoughts and questions flew through her mind faster than she could comprehend, and she only managed to keep a hold of a single thought. "Why?"

"Why what?" His own brow furrowed, though he didn't move. Sonia was finding it more and more difficult to think with him so close, a scent so specifically his own surrounding her. She took a shaking breath, forcing herself to maintain eye contact even as she blushed.

"Why now?" She shook her head slowly. "We've been living under the same roof for some months now, and have been friends far longer. Why would you choose now?" Erik kept quiet for a moment and she realized he was thinking of the proper answer.

"I think...because I'm finally escaping the darkness." The answer was so simple, and yet so important. The darkness had been a constant friend and comfort for him his entire life. If he was deciding now to turn away from it…

"So, you want to escape it...with me." Sonia knew she sounded hesitant and foolish, but tonight was a lot to take in all at once. Erik nodded, and she blew out a breath. "I see." He nodded again, his gloved hand taking her own.

"If you'll help me, Sonia. Please, teach me about the light."