I stood there in silence for a moment. Had I really just heard a voice? Or was the 'ghost story already getting to me?

"Hello? Is somebody there?" I called out into the void.

I listened, but the only reply was a sudden humming as the lights flickered on illuminating the grand staircase. My eyes adjusted to the light and though I was drawn to the staircase, the logical part of my brain demanded to know what had slammed the door. I spun on my heel and turned back to the door. My eyes scanning the upper portion of it. 

Hmm. There appeared to be some sort of mechanism attached to the door. To open and close it.

I turned suddenly as a loud crash echoed through the foyer.

"Okay I get it... you want me to come to you." I called out walking down the hallway from which the sound resonated. 

" You know, you're very clever... That door mechanism, tells me you must be gifted with a mechanical mind." I continue. I look at the doors on the hallway. One has a faded star on it and I assume the Prima Donna must have stayed there.

"Are you still here?" I call out, paused at the Prima Donna's dressing room.

"I'm no threat to you. I'm just passing through..." I say. The door creaks open. I swallow my fear and step in. My heels sink into the plush red carpet. My gaze rakes around the room. There is a large ornate mirror. And thousands of dried rose bouquets. I take out my camera and snap a few pictures.

"I was running from some bad men and your building presented itself..."

I look at the mirror and suddenly get the feeling that i'm being watched. I cautiously approach the mirror to test it and see if it is double sided. Sure enough when I place my palm on the glass there is no space. I pull back from the mirror as if it burns me.

"I'm not going to hurt you." I state bravely, but my voice sounds fearful.

"I know." A musical, masculine voice replies. I squeak in terror as the mirror revolves letting in a cold mist. And then I see him.

 The Phantom of the Opera. 

I back up a few steps falling into a chair. He stares at me unblinkingly. I take in a shuddering breath.

"Thank you." I whisper. 

My words seem to take him aback.

"Thank you? For what?" He asks, the visible portion of his face contorting in confusion. 

"For letting me into your home." I reply.

"Of course I'd let you in. You're bleeding." He replied simply gesturing to my arm with a black gloved hand.

I turned my gaze to my arm and nearly threw up. The Adrenalin leaving my body. His blue eyes took on a look of concern.

"Madame you are not well... May I?"

I nodded.

The ghost strode purposefully over to a wardrobe and flung it open, the dusty air causing his cape to fly out behind him. He rooted through some gowns and finally tore a strip off of a white nightgown. He closed the wardrobe and knelt cautiously at my side. His hands were gentle as he tied the strip of fabric around my arm.

"I must tie it tightly so you do not lose more blood." He explained.

"Okay." I managed feebly. I hissed as he tightened the fabric, and looked at him as he stood.

"Come with me." He said with an outstretched hand, his voice demanding but not unpleasant.

I lifted my hand and he pulled me up. I swayed immediately, the blood loss taking quick effect. The man caught me easily.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Yes, just very dizzy." I blushed.

"Do you trust me?" 

"Do I have a choice?" 

A slow smirk crept up his face as he scooped me up bridal style. I gasped and grabbed onto his shirt.

He carefully carried me out the door and down the hallway back to the main entrance, setting me down on the stairs.

"Wait here." He commanded. 

I nodded and watched him stride out into the night.

Wait a minute, how long had I been in here? I hastily pulled out my phone and found that Cindy had called 9 more times. I pressed redial and waited for her to answer.

The phone rung only once.

Ring~

"Hello Alex?!" She gasped.

"Yeah." I reply casually. 

"Thank Heavens, Are you okay?!" She exclaims.

"I'm fine Cindy why?" I reply. 

"I could tell you were in danger, I've been trying to call you, where are you?!" She asked in a low tone. 

"Uhhh... The old Opera Populaire..." I admitted. 

"No." She stated. 

"Yeah, I'm sitting on the grande staircase now." I replied trying to keep my voice light. 

"You have to get out of there... Like now!"

"Why?"

She sighed heavily. "Have I taught you nothing?! The Opera Populaire is haunted."

I rolled my eyes. Cindy had always had an obsession with 'The other side of the vale'. "If I've told you once I've told you a thousand times, I don't believe in ghosts."  

"Why are you even there?" She sighed. 

"Er... I had to hide..."

"Alexandra Griffin... Why did you have to hide?"

"I... may have ticked off some french gangsters..."

"You what?"

At that moment I heard the most horrifying, blood curdling scream, come from outside the building. A man's scream.

"..."

"I have to go." I replied quickly.

"Alex don-" I hung up the phone and tucked it into my pocket. 

The door opened, the Phantom entered his cape swooshing around his ankles.

"Shall we?" He panted. 

I stood slowly to my feet looking at him warily.

"Are you staying near here?" He asked.

"I'm not sure I should tell you that." I answered caustically. 

His face fell, understanding dawning.

"How about I take you someplace public then?" He asked.

"Alright..." I agreed halfheartedly.

He offered me his arm, and my dizzy head prompted me to take it.

He lead me outside and down the stairs, it was quiet besides the occasional twittering bird.

We walked in uncomfortable silence down through the woods toward the bakery.

"I didn't kill them." He blurted. 

"Pardon?!"

"Those men, I just scared them off."

"Oh." I replied. 

We were coming to the edge of the forested path. I could hear people chattering in out door cafe's and walking down the sidewalks.

"This is where I leave you." He nodded, looking skittishly at the people.

"Thank you again. If you hadn't been there..."

"It's nothing." He replied uncomfortably. 

"It's not nothing those men might have killed me. If they were so kind." I added.

"Madame, what exactly did you see?" He asks leaning against a tree.

"Ask me no secrets I tell you no lies." I smiled.

He blinked at me. I spun on my heel heading for the treeline, but he grabbed my wrist.

"I'm glad you hid in my opera house. I cannot tell you how welcome your company was." He stated awkwardly, before turning and walking into the woods.

And just like that. He was gone.

I'd have thought it was my imagination if I didn't have a stinging arm.

I was suddenly aware of how alone I was, and quickly headed to the shop.

I banged on the door startling Pierre who was flipping the chairs up onto the tables.

Pierre spun around and looked startledly at me, he then gestured to the door. A sign read closed.

I in turn gestured to my arm.

His eyes widened and he dropped the chair as he saw the bloody bandage. He rushed to open the door.

"Madame what happened?!" Pierre exclaimed, leading me to a chair.

"I'd rather not talk about it Pierre. But would you mind walking me to my hotel?" I asked.

"But of course!" He nodded.