Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

No Easy Way	By : secretlysecretly Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 7568 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Chapter 02

Erik was riding proudly on a black purebred stallion, his long dark brown hair waving in the soft breeze. Two long years had gone by since the fateful performance of “Don Juan Triumphant”, and he was finally feeling an unfamiliar sense of freedom and peace wash over him. He had come to enjoy his rides and long walks around his vast estate.

After riding for a while into the woods within his grand property, he took a turn on the main way; and there, amongst the big trees, saw his beautifully situated house. When he had first seen the house, he knew it was one of the best choices he had ever made.

At the boundaries of the estate was an artificial lake which glistened under the rays of the setting sun. A river marked the eastern boundaries of his estate, while on the west side fields extended between his territory and the vast neighboring estate. Fine-looking bridges connected the garden with the manors beyond the river.

Entering the eastern part of the garden, he slowed down his pace. He looked to his left and saw the labyrinth he had created during the past months.

“Perhaps the weather will permit me to continue my reading there today”, he thought.

He preferred reading either in the labyrinth or in his magnificent library. There were some parts of his new house that reminded him intensely of his previous one beneath the Opera House. He had constructed these parts similar to the old ones on purpose. If he was bound to live alone forever, he would at least spend the rest of his days as he had always dreamt he would. This was his chance! Here and now.

His need to get out of his lair had been imperative. He had felt that everything was suffocating him in that tomb of his own making. Every corner of his so-called house had been filled with memories. Memories of her. The first time he had brought her into his lair, the first time he had held her and thought he really stood a chance to win her. All the music lessons he had given her after that. And in the end her betrayal.

Erik had gone to great lengths trying to block all memories of Christine from his mind, but somehow it seemed futile. Her face kept coming back to him. That beautiful face that at one instance was staring at him with such passion and longing, and the next was full of pity as she ripped the mask off his face and ruthlessly revealed him to the world for what he truly was; a monster.

He shook his head trying to vacate his mind of her treacherous smile, but it was impossible. Fury consumed him whenever he thought of her pleading eyes as she looked up at him; as if she were asking for his forgiveness for this ultimate betrayal. Fury that was much similar to the one he had felt that night when he cut the cords that held the chandelier in place; the same chandelier that had crushed onto the front seats of the Opera House; the chandelier that killed so many, so unjustly.

That need had driven him to escape from his past. He had found this secluded estate in the French countryside and had restored the house and gardens in a manner that suited his extravagant taste. He was fortunate enough to find a real estate agent that proved trustworthy and had made short work of finding this grand house for him. The agent of course was rewarded amply for his effectiveness. He had also helped Erik to get out of Paris and into the French countryside making all of the necessary arrangements in utmost secrecy. Thus, a few weeks following to that tragic night, Erik was leaving behind him his Opera House, never to return.

He had taken with him everything he could save. His precious Persian carpets and other objects he had collected from all around the world. A small trunk had been placed in front of him in that run-away carriage. It contained his most precious belongings: a few of his books as well as the few music scores that had been saved from the rage of the mob were first; his favorite violin was fortunately intact; the copy of Dante’s “Divina Commedia”; his music box; Christine’s veil and the diamond ring she had returned to him.

His first decision after purchasing the house had been never to allow himself to forget. Only that way could he ensure himself no more suffering. Thus, after settling into the house, he had made a few changes. His garden would have a large labyrinth, but not like any other as it was fashionable at the time to build in France. The design was his alone, representing in his eyes the subterranean labyrinth of the Opera House.

The major part of the house had been redecorated to reflect his own personal taste. The furniture, paintings and various objects were of an exquisite taste, matching his extraordinary sense of style. The strangest yet most superb room of the house was the Music Room. It was an immense room on the second floor. Opening the tall curved doors, the first thing one would see across the room was a magnificent organ. Its pipes were climbing up to the high ceiling, glooming when the numerous candles in the room were lit. Its keys were made of the highest quality of ivory. There were few other furniture; a large bureau filled with his compositions. The room was always kept in darkness. Heavy velvet black drapes covered the windows. He found that this was the only way he could compose his music. Darkness would always be a part of him; it became him. In a way it matched his soul.

“Good afternoon, monsieur”, greeted him Vincent, his butler.

“Good afternoon, Vincent”.

“Are you done with your horse back riding for the afternoon, monsieur? Should I call for the stable boy?”

Erik gazed over the fields that extended in front of him as far as the eye could see. He let his gaze wander over to the neighboring estate. It was as if something was calling out to him.

“Not yet, but thank you, Vincent. I will call on you later.”

He had taken a liking to the senior man since the first time he had laid eyes on him and decided almost immediately to entrust him with his house-keeping. Apparently he hadn’t made a mistake trusting his instinct. The elder man had proven himself trustworthy. Vincent had made the selection of the rest of the staff himself, having in mind only the particularity of his master.

It was the middle of June and the weather was quite hot, even though the sun would set in a couple of hours. He took off his jacket and his cravat, handing them over to the butler.

He needed to feel the fresh air across his face and body. He started to ride hard across the field and lost all track of time and direction. He was suddenly jolted back to reality when he noticed a cloud of dust rising into the air at a near distance.

At that very moment, a blood-curdling scream reached his ears coming right out of that cloud.

Erik steadied his horse abruptly trying to locate the owner of the shriek that had pierced through the air. Suddenly the figure of a horse leaped out of the cloud of dust, carrying a woman.

The horse seemed to be raging out of control, and the woman certainly couldn’t rein it into submission. He lunged forth without even giving it a second thought, galloping on their tail, trying to catch up with the wild stallion.

Not too long ahead, he could make out a cluster of trees and he knew that he had to reach the horse and rider before the pair entered the tiny forest. He galloped forth as fast as his horse could carry him and was able to put his arm around the woman’s waist, pulling her to him, effectively setting her stallion free and taking her into the safe haven of his arms.

His fierce pace died down, until slowly he pulled his horse to a halt. He dismounted and immediately his hands came around the woman’s waist to pull her on the ground in front of him. As he did so, he let her lithe body slide against his own.

He could feel her trembling in his arms and could only assume that her reaction was due to the shock she had undergone. However, as soon as her feet touched the ground, her hand made contact with his bicep. The little viper was hitting him!

“What the heck do you think you’re doing?” she screamed at him.

“Er… Saving you?”, he replied sarcastically.

“I don’t recall asking for your help!”

“I thought your hollering amply affirmed your need for my help Mademoiselle”, he answered, trying to keep his temper in check.

“Did you hear me calling for help? Did I even once cry out the word ‘help’ during all of this? Why do you men think that all women are fragile, pathetic creatures waiting for the big strong male to come and rescue us?” Her cheeks were starting to flush, and he was starting to get amused by the show she was putting on for him.

“Excuse me Mademoiselle, I had no idea that trying to rescue you would bring on this lecture on social graces” he said raising his eyebrow at her.

“Don’t you patronize me you… you freak!”

“Freak Mademoiselle?” He was starting to get angry now.

“What else should I call a man that wanders around on strange property with half his face covered on a June afternoon and meddling in business that is not his own?” As soon as the words left her mouth, she immediately wished she could take them back. His light green eyes stormed over as he fixed his feral gaze upon her.

“Strange isn’t it that while you accuse me of patronizing you, you are so quick to jump into conclusions about me.” he replied in an icy voice.

At his words she blushed crimson, but she couldn’t keep her mouth shut: “Still, I believe that anyone in my place would be alarmed to find a stranger roaming their property, Monsieur.”

“First of all, this is not your property. I am the owner of this land, and you are the one trespassing. Secondly, I was not the one meddling in your affairs; I simply followed my instincts and tried to help out a lady in need. Apparently, I was sadly mistaken as you Mademoiselle are no lady.” He turned on his heels and started mounting his horse again before he was cut short by her voice.

“How… How dare you!” she yelled at him.

“As much as our little encounter was amusing Mademoiselle, I fear I shall have to ask you to vacate my property the soonest possible. I find that ill-mannered girls are not to my liking.” He mounted his horse and at the last moment he turned around and bowed his head to her. “I hope you have an enjoyable evening.” and just like that, he was gone.

Marianne, not being able to stand it anymore, gave a frustrated cry after him, stomping her foot on the ground furiously.

Galloping away on his black stallion, Erik smirked, feeling invigorated for the first time in months.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Please R&R !
- 1
- 2
- 3
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

No Easy Way