Sofia glared at Erik, and crossed her arms over her chest.

"What do you want from me Erik?" She hissed.

"Oh my dear Sofia... Isn't it obvious?" he smiled cheerily.

She frowned at him in reply.

"A bride!" Erik exclaimed, walking over to a hope chest and pulling out a white gown. "A living bride..."

He retraced his steps and walked over to Sofia, holding the gown out to her.

"This dress, was for Christine... my Christine. But now..."

"I don't want to marry you Erik." Sofia replied softly.

"Why?" he frowned.

"Why? You murdered Joseph Bouquet. Besides Erik... I have to go home."

Erik frowned, shaking his head. "You are afraid of me... And yet I am not really wicked. Love me and you shall see!"

"You weren't even aware I existed until Christine left. I'm not your first choice. I do believe there is someone out there for you Erik. It's just this is so sudden."

Erik frowned and handed Sofia the Gown.

"You will love me... in time... Plenty of young people who did not care for each other before marriage, have adored each other since."

"Erik... Please let me go."

"Oh, I know what it is. I'm too ugly for you..." He seethed.

"Erik! That's not true."

"It's my face!!!" He roared.

Sofia stepped back, eyes wide.

"This face – the infection which poisons our love...
This face, which earned a mother's fear and loathing ...
A mask, my first unfeeling scrap of clothing ...
Pity comes too late – turn around
and face your fate: an eternity of this before your eyes!"

He exclaimed, placing the gown's matching veil on her head, and getting close to her face.

Sofia pushed him away from her gently. "This haunted face holds no horror for me now...
It's in your soul that the true distortion lies..."

Erik frowned at her. The tension palpable. When a soft splashing alerted him to Belle's presence.


An evil smirk curled at the edges of his cruel lips. "Wait! I think, my dear, we have a guest!"

"Belle!" Sofia let out a warning.
"Miss, this is indeed an unparalleled delight!
I had rather hoped that you would come."

"No!" Belle exclaimed.

Erik rushed to Sofia and wrapped a hand around her throat.
"And now my wish comes true – you have truly made my night!"

"Free her!
Do what you like only free her!
Have you no pity?" Belle exclaimed.


"Your dear friend makes a passionate plea!" Erik smiled.

"Please Belle, it's useless!"

"She's my friend! Does that mean nothing? she's my friend! Show some compassion!!!"

"The world showed no compassion to me!" Erik yelled.

"Sophie, Sophie...
Let me see her..."

"Be my guest, dear..."

He released her and Belle rushed to Sofia helping her off the floor. Belle nodded at her and she gave Belle's hand a comforting squeeze as they parted.

"And now we end this." Belle whispered, as she walked away from her.

"Madame, I bid you welcome!
Did you think that I would harm her?
Why should I make her pay for the sins which are yours?
Try to change the story now!" He taunted.

"Solve this problem with more lies!
Nothing can save you now – except perhaps Sophie..."

Erik did not go for the expected strangulation, instead he bound Belle's hands with the rope and began to tie her to a chair.

When he was finished, He walked back over to Sofia, gathering her in his arms. As Belle struggled against her bonds.

"Start a new life with me -
Buy her freedom with your love!
Refuse me, and you sentence me to my death!
This is the choice -
This is the point of no return!" Erik begged on his knees, as Sofia stared at him wide eyed.


"Erik!" Sofia exclaimed.

"Sofia, forgive me please forgive me...
I did this all for you, and all for nothing ..."


"Dear Belle my fallen idol, and false friend ...
We had such hopes, and now those hopes are shattered!"

"Too late for turning back, too late for prayers and useless pity!" Erik hissed.


"Say you love him and your life is over!" Belle warned.

"Past, All hope of cries for help; no point in fighting!" Erik growled.


Erik and Belle harmonized, "For either way you choose, he has to win/you cannot win!"

"So, do you end your days with me,
or do you send me to my grave?"

"Angel of Music..."

"Past the point of no return -"

"For pity's sake,
Sophie, say no!" Belle panted.

"...who deserves this?"

"... the final threshold..."

"Don't throw your life away for his sake!"

"I must show him mercy..." Sofia whispered.

"I fought so hard to free you ..."

Sofia fought back tears. "Angel of Music ..."

"We've passed the point of no return ..." Belle sang.

"You try my patience - make your choice." Erik frowned.

Sofia gathered her courage.

"Erik please stop this." She whispered. "Pitiful creature of darkness...
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you you are not alone..."

With that Sofia pulled the phantom into a tender kiss.

Erik was teary and shaking as she pulled away.

"Sofia I can't live without you. You've given me the first hope I've had in a long time. Please stay."

"Okay. I'll stay." Sofia smiled.

"What Sofia no! This was not part of the plan!" Belle exclaimed.

An odd sort of peace settled over Sofia and the Phantom "I know Belle, but I can't leave him alone. No, I could never do that to him."

There was a sudden glowing and a shimmering sort of portal opened up.

"Go home Belle."

"No. I can't leave you here with him."

Sofia walked over to Belle and undid her bonds.

Belle rubbed her wrist with a frown.

"You can't leave me here, but you don't want to stay... I'm sorry Belle. Finish my story." And with a hug, she shoved Belle into the portal.

Which promptly closed behind her.

"Sofia, I love you..." Erik who had finally found his voice sang softly.

"Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime...
Say the word and I will follow you..." Sofia sang.
Erik joined in with a teary smile. "Share each day with me."

"Each night,"

"Each morning..." They harmonized

"You alone can make my song take flight! -
it's over now, the music of the night!" Erik sang with a relieved sigh.

And they lived happily ever after.