Well, It's been too long and I'm sorry. I got writer's block and it was getting the best of me. I need a few suggestions of what should happen in next chapter.

Chapter 3:

I trembled in fright as the heavy door of the Rue Scribe banged shut, surrounding us in darkness. The Daroga held my hand in his and never let go. He seemed nice enough but what if he wasn't and planned to do something horrible to me? I couldn't help but be wary of any man after what happened with Raoul.

Light was beginning to show ahead of us.

"We're almost here," The Daroga announced gently.

I squinted to see ahead. Erik wasn't anywhere around. Was this man even telling the truth? "Where is he?" I asked as the Daroga helped me into the gondola.

Daroga paused ever so slightly as he began to row.

Panic was starting to rise inside me. Why did he look so strange?

"He's dying mademoiselle." Daroga oared across the underground lake. "He's resting on his death bed as we speak."

Dying? That couldn't be…No! He couldn't die!

"No!" a scream flew out of my mouth before I could stop it.

"Silence girl! Do you want to cause his weak heart to have a heart attack?" Daroga hissed.

My face paled. Weak heart? Oh my poor Erik!

As soon as the gondola hit shore I jumped out in a blind dash. I was desperate to find Erik. How could he be dying? He was so strong and powerful when I left. How could a few weeks cause such a drastic change?

"Daae!" The Daroga cried out, scrambling out of the gondola to race after me.

I shrieked, tripping over my many skirts as I ran into the doorway of the bedroom with the swan-bed. I quickly began to sit up.

Arms grabbed me from behind and pulled me upright.

I struggled out of the Daroga's grasp and fell at the beside of Erik. I didn't know why I picked this room to run to but I found him and that was all that mattered right now.

Erik's eyes were squeezed shut but opened when he felt the bed move under my weight.

"Chri-Christine-," Erik wheezed.

He was so pale and his eyes were purple underneath. He didn't look like himself.

I held back a sob. His beautiful voice sounded gravelly. "I came back to you." I took his hand and kissed it.

Erik frowned as he looked over my face. "He's hurt you." His eyes sparked with fury and suddenly he looked like the old Phantom.

I bit my lip to keep from crying again. "I ran away because I wanted to come back to you. I love you, Erik. I'm so sorry I did this to you. I didn't know what I wanted until now. Raoul was a mistake Please forgive me." I gripped his hand tightly.

He began to cough harshly and I fought back a scream of horror as blood began to trickle out of his mouth.

The Daroga sprang to action and quickly grabbed a cloth for Erik to wipe his mouth.

Erik's mask was askew. He closed his eyes in pain and clutched his heart with his free hand. "Christine—listen to me." He wheezed.

"I'm listening," I held his hand against my cheek.

"Daroga?" Erik wheezed and motioned him to come over which the Persian instantly did.

"Daroga, I want you to take care of Christine. I'm trusting her into your care. Go to Persia and don't let Raoul find either of you. Keep her safe." Erik stroked my face ever so lightly. It was forced from him being so weak. Any little movement was hard on him.

"No, please Erik! Don't leave me," I begged. I didn't want this strange Persian to take me away. I wanted Erik and Erik alone. He couldn't die! It was unthinkable!

"Christine, you'll understand in time." Erik coughed again.

"No!" I cried. "No," I threw my arms around him in a hug before I even thought of my actions.

Erik seemed surprised but weakly touched my hair. "A last request..?"

"Anything," I sobbed into his chest. My ear was pressed against his heart. I could hear every slow beat and each skip it made. It wasn't long before it would give up.

"A kiss for your angel of music?" Erik said softly.

Daroga turned his back from us, allowing privacy.

With a shuddering tremble from a sob I leaned over to his face. My hand was pressed against his chest. I wanted to hear it beat as long as possible.

I pressed my lips softly against his. He responded weakly.

And then he smiled and the heart underneath my hand stilled.

I couldn't speak. I was so shocked I couldn't move.

Strong arms pulled me away from Erik's body and this time I let them.

I was defeated. The only man that ever loved me was gone. The man I had realized I loved too late.

The Daroga quickly ushered me out of the room.

I was walking in a haze and suddenly everything went black.

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