"Christine? I am frightened..." Meg whispered as they ran. Christine turned to the girl beside her and slipped her hand into the blondes. Meg smiled in gratitude. Christine knew that she was not the only one who might lose someone she loved, Raoul was there and though it had happened quickly Meg was in love with him, and visa versa. The trees were now in sight and Christine found herself quickening her steps. She had noticed rather quickly that Nadir was carrying a pistol and she prayed to God that he would not have to use it. Christine felt the distance that was slowly coming between her and Erik like a knife was slowly making its way into her heart. One of her hands had yet to leave her stomach because the baby growing inside was her only connection to Erik for the moment being.
"Further inside!" Nadir demanded when they reached the thicket of trees. Christine shook her head. She had to be able to see the house, she would not go any further into the trees. Nadir grabbed her by the elbow, trying to pull her back more. She shoved him off.
"No! I have to be able to see the house!" Christine explained, praying that he would not argue. Nadir hesitated for a moment before answering, clearly thinking what Erik would do in such a situation.
"I really must insist-"
"You are not in control of me, Nadir, no one is, I will stay here," Christine interrupted.
"Your husband put your life in my hands-"
"And I thank you for wanting to protect me, but I refuse to move," she said. Nadir sighed and shook his head, but he relented. Christine knew that with the trees around them and their dark cloaks no one would be able to see them from the house, it was nearly impossible. From her position she could clearly see a light from several of the rooms where candles had been lit. She could not see anyone moving around inside and wondered what in the world Erik planned on doing.
"Oh, my God," Meg whispered. Christine turned to look in the direction the young woman was looking and she felt the blood drain from her face. Approaching the cabin from the dirt road at a rapid pace were at least ten men on horseback. It seemed Michael would not be fooled this time, he meant business. Christine found herself nearly springing from the trees, trying to make a dash for the house. She had to help Erik, he and Raoul were now completely outnumbered and she knew there was no way they would make it out of this alive. Nadir and Antoinette grabbed her by the arms and dragged her back to safety, kicking and pleading. Meg had sat down against a tree, drawing her legs to her chest and covering her face with her arms.
"I have to go to him!" Christine pleaded when the two refused to let her go.
"You will get yourself killed, dear!" Antoinette said. Christine continued to struggle.
"I do not care! I cannot lose him again!" she sobbed.
"Erik is a smart man, he will figure something out and he will come back to you," Nadir assured her, although he was not to sure about that anymore. If anyone should go back it was himself, they needed as much help as they could get. Christine's thoughts were not very optimistic either. Erik had almost died from one man coming up behind him, how would he ever survive ten? When Nadir and Antoinette judged it safe they slowly let Christine's arms go. She slumped to the floor, staring at the house. As she watched, the lights that they had seen clearly so went out one by one, and Christine knew they might never be lit again.
Erik roughly pressed the head of his pistol against the man's head, feeling the body tense up against him. He could hear them coming up the road but this man was early, and he would die for it. He had never expected Michael to bring as many men as it sounded like. Although no Delauney had ever wanted to play fair, and this man was no different. He wanted Erik dead and he would do anything to see that happen.
"Damn it, Erik, do not point that thing at me!" the man growled. Erik frowned and immediately let the man go, muttering several curses under his breath when he saw Christine's brother standing in front of him. This was unexpected, but not totally unwanted; he could use Anthony's help. Although Erik would never admit that to Daae, it would only go to his head.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Erik demanded. Anthony smirked. He had not expected open arms from this man, even under the circumstances.
"Nice to see you too," he answered. Erik snorted.
"I am thrilled to see the pistol you have at your side, Daae, that is one more to help in my cause," he said, clearly saying that he did not need Anthony's help, although he was in desperate need of it.
"I am not here for you, Desslar, I am sure you are aware of that. I want only to spare my sister the agony of losing you a second time, it has nothing to do with any feelings of fondness I have for you, which do not exist," Anthony answered. Erik respected this man, though pride would never allow him to say so. He was a brave man willing to do what was right for those he loved, even if it meant his life, something they both shared in common.
"Your sister is the only reason I am here as well, Daae," Erik said softly. Anthony studied the mask man for a fleeting moment, finally realizing something. This no longer had anything to do with revenge.
"You are not doing this to spite Michael, are you?" Anthony whispered. Erik sighed and shook his head, not meeting the other mans gaze.
"It has not been about revenge for a long time. It has and always will be about Christine. I wish I could say it was for your mother, but Emma, sadly, is long gone, she does not need me to avenge her, it would do her no good. But her daughter is here now and she is carrying my baby, they are who I am doing this for. Only them."
"Erik, they are coming closer-"
Raoul broke off in surprise when he saw his good friend and the two young men embraced. Raoul admitted that he had never been happier to see Anthony Daae in his life. He knew very well that they were outnumbered but Anthony being there made things feel a little less dire.
"We have no time for your sweet reunion, blow out all of the candles and take a position at the windows facing the road, we might be able to level their number from here," Erik said dryly. The two broke apart and rushed to do as they were told; knowing Erik might be the only thing between them and death