Okay, so I haven't actually written a full-out fan fiction in, like, forever. Also, if you go to my profile, you'll notice I'm mostly a one-shot girl and that this is my first time toying with Phantom of the Opera, so please forgive me if this sucks. It's Webber mixed with a splash of Leroux. Thanks! --April Rane--

PROLOGUE—THE BEGINNING

"Masquerade. Paper faces on parade… Masquerade… Hide your face so the world… will never find you…"

The tears were streaming from his eyes, now. He was nearly choking as he looked up at Christine. Her eyes were soft and her face sorrowful. He had nothing else to lose.

"Christine, I love you."

She reached out, taking his hand. In it, she placed the ring that he had taken from her, before restoring it back to her left finger. Raoul's gift to her. She turned from him, eyes almost loving as she looked at him.

For several long moments, he did not move. Then he followed her to watch her go, one last time.

For a moment they stared at each other. Then…

"Say you'll share with me one love one lifetime…"

She was singing to the boy.

"Say the word and I will follow you…" Raoul de Chagney. Unworthy wretch, perfect gentleman.

"Share each day with me, each night, each morning…"

The words slipped unbidden from his lips. "You alone can make my soul take flight."

Picking up a fallen candle stick, he roared out, "It's over now, the music of the night!"

Then he smashed the nearest mirror. Then the next. And then…

The last mirror smashed to reveal the tunnel that was his way out. Glancing back one last time at his home, Erik dropped the candle stick, stepped through, and began his new life.