The Phantom's grip was firm as he guided me through the tunnels beneath the opera house. The torches against the cobweb-infested walls being the only light cutting through the darkness.

I stumbled slightly over the uneven ground, but he caught me, his eyes looking at me up and down, before continuing.

My mind was beyond confused, not knowing where he was taking me to. All sorts of scenarios whirled through my mind, none of them good. I had no trust in the Opera Ghost, he may say that he's my protector, but the events of the night before would prove otherwise. Why would he suddenly change his mind?

Unless there was an alternative motive.

The thought struck me and sent a shiver down my spine as we approached a grand door. Phantom placed his hand on the golden door knob as he turned it.

The door creaked open to reveal a chamber I had never seen before, the air thick with mystery and a hint of something sweetly floral. It was a stark contrast to the damp, musty corridors we had just traversed. The Phantom's lair was a sight to behold: velvet drapes, gleaming chandeliers, and a vast collection of musical instruments. It was clear that he had spent years crafting this hidden sanctuary.

It was very different from the last time I had been here.

The Phantom led me into his sanctuary with a gentle tug of his hand. His eyes never left me as we moved deeper into the chamber. The grandeur of the place was beautiful, almost magical. The candles on the walls casting flickering shadows that danced across his masked face, making his features seem to shift and change like the man himself.

The Opera Ghost motioned to a couch that looked as if it belonged in a palace rather than the undergrounds of an opera house.

"Sit," He said, his voice echoing softly against the walls.

I obeyed, my eyes darting around the chamber, taking in every detail, I couldn't help but be mesmerized.

"Don't touch anything." He said, noticing curiosity.

"I won't, I'm not nosey," I said.

He gave me a look of disbelief.

"The events of last night would prove otherwise."

"You kidnapped my friend, I was just trying to help her," I retorted with a frown.

"I did not kidnap her, that would require taking her against her will, she willingly came here," the Phantom said with a hint of defensiveness in his tone.

I realized he was right as I thought back to the memories of that night, there hadn't even been a sense of struggle when me and Raoul entered the room. I had only assumed that was what happened.

I wasn't about to admit he was right though.

The Phantom turned away, but not before giving me a smirk of victory,walking towards a grand piano that was nestled in the corner of the room, his cloak trailing behind him like a shadow.

He sat down, his fingers poised over the ivory keys and began to play a melody that was eerily beautiful, filling the chamber with music that, despite my dislike towards him, I couldn't help but love.

The Phantom's eyes closed as he played, and his masked face seemed to relax. The tension in the air dissipated with each note, and for a moment, I saw him not as a ghost but as a man.

As the music swelled, I couldn't resist the urge to speak.

"What exactly is the plan, am I supposed to just stay here?"

The Phantom's eyes opened, his hands hovering over the piano keys.

"Your uncle will not be looking for you here, no one knows of my sanctuary except for me and Daroga." He said without looking at me.

"Daroga?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

The Phantom nodded.

"He's a....companion of mine, he's been with me ever since I came to this opera house and even longer."

"Why are you helping me?" I asked.

He turned to look at me from where he sat behind the piano.

"I already answered this question."

"And you expect me to believe that?" I said incredulously.

"Which part?" The Phantom challenged.

I took a deep breath and decided to voice the part that had been piercing my thoughts the most.

"Why would you save me from my uncle? What could you possibly gain from this?"

The Phantom's expression remained unchanged, his eyes still and unyielding as he studied me as if thinking.

"I have my reasons, Susanna."

"And those reasons are?" I pushed, not about to let this question drop easily.

He let out a breath as if annoyed by my questioning, but I was determined to be insistent about it being answered.

"You want an answer I shall give you one, but it's not as simple as you think, your uncle is a man of power and influence, but he is also a man of greed and darkness. He seeks to control the very essence of this Opera House. He would see it crumble before he lets anyone else succeed. In saving you, I am ensuring that there is hope for this place. Hope that one day, it will be made into true artistry, not turned into some sort of playground for his desires, which I am sure you are aware of." The Phantom said, his voice taking on a softer tone.

I knew of my Uncle's cruelty better than anyone else, having experienced firsthand what he was capable of and I knew that what the Opera Ghost said was true.

"Does that answer your question?" He asked his voice low as he spoke.

I nodded, not knowing what else to say.

The Phantom turned back to the piano and began to play a soft melody as I studied him, half of me was still suspicious of him but the other half was slowly starting to trust him.