I fell into a deep sleep with you by my side and I dreamt. I dreamt of us, of our extraordinary past, of the sensual night we had just shared but most importantly of our future.

I saw it unfold before my sleeping eyes. You in a handsome tuxedo, me in that beautiful wedding dress you had showed me long ago, I started into your eyes melting in the love that clouded them. Together we stood holding each other's hands, waiting for those precious words to start our new lives. Wet tears of pure delight rolled slowly down my blushing cheeks you gently wiped them away, by instinct I nuzzled into your hand.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

With that we kissed with a hunger that caused earthquakes and fireworks to explode, the world around us fell away and faded into darkness.

Nothing was definite about us, nothing ever had been. All I knew for certain was with the world against us; faith had brought me to you yet again. I don't know how I knew you were alive; it was a feeling deep down in my gut…no in my soul. If Erik had died, a part of my soul would have died with him. Destiny guided me to your side and I should have left after I'd said my goodbyes but it was not to be. Instead you embraced me from the darkness and held me delicately, as if I would break in your hands. I should have said farewell but I couldn't bear to go. You kissed me then and my life was changed forever. You kissed me with such fire and passion I felt as if I was burning from the inside out and by the time the kiss ended the only thing left of us was ash. Nothing else was significant apart from that moment, that night.

I only realise now it's over that I had always loved Raoul but as a brother, I could never love him like a partner, like Erik. Nothing would ever compare to my Angel again.

I was no fool; I knew it wouldn't be easy. Considering Erik was a wanted criminal, a dead wanted criminal at that. And I was to be Victomness de Chegne soon. The chance of us living with no problems was tiny but as long as I am near my Angel I will be content. Together against the world, together until the day we die…

I was ready. Finally after so long I was ready to tell my Angel I loved him. To tell Erik that I was his endlessly.

"Erik I-"

I woke to find my darkest fears confirmed. Erik had gone. You'd left me your darkened rose; it was placed delicately into my hand. I rolled onto the side you'd been sleeping in, now cold and empty. With tears in my eyes I smelt where my Angel had once rested, inhaling the familiar smell of musk.

That morning I cried myself back to sleep clutching the only piece of you left.

I woke with a start. Tears were streaming down my face and I was shaking, my eyes throbbed in their sockets. I felt a tissue dry my tears and noticed Raoul looking at me concerned. I pulled him into a tight hug but it didn't feel right, it never did. From my position on his shoulders I looked through the window, outside the dark sky was empty devoid of stars and moonlight like a night not so long ago.