this feels like the beginning of the literary re-telling that I always felt this story deserves.

I THINK I LIKE THIS STORY A LOT IT IS VERY INTERESTING! UPDATE SOON please.

Cool chapter. The mystery behind the messenger turns each time more interesting. But now I kinda want to know what will happen with Christine singing once again on stage. Hope to see more of this story.

Wow Carlotta is going to be SO delighted to see Christine is back huh.

Just read the first chapter and come to say, you're amazing! It's a pleasure to read your words, which are so elegantly combined together. And just a side note, the pyramid of Louvre started building on 1984 and finished on 1989, which makes it impossible for Christine to see it at 1964.

What a fantastic chapter! I always feel like I'm on the edge of my seat with this story!

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS FIC! The way you write Christine’s anxieties is so realistic that I can pinpoint where I see my own in them! And having Samir reveal Erik’s name to Christine is such an interesting and unique way to introduce that Leroux part into the ALW verse! I can’t wait for the next update!

There are several excellent bits in here-where she's wondering if she will ever have anything truly her own, her debate on if she should reorder her counting of "days since," how she wants to redirect her anger, how she is thinking Erik is still so difficult and unknown even now, and that very brief mention of the jacket Madame Giry lends her. That phrase "threadbare smile" was wonderful.

That was an interesting way for Christine to learn Erik's name, and I appreciated Ayari's amusement at the grandiose titles he'd given himself. Carlotta having tantrums in the background of this chapter was an amusing addition. Loved seeing Christine's sudden determination to take control of her situation by returning to the Opera.

Excellent update. I am really interested in this story and where it's going!

I'm afraid to admit I still feel a bit unsettled by this 'Nouvelle Vague' approach to writing - all snippets, broken emotions and disjointed plotlines.
However, I'm sure it's carefully engineered to reflect Christine's mental state, so I'll keep reading.
And there are gems, eg "It felt inevitable in the way only a building could feel like destiny."

Man, I am always so happy when one of these chapters shows up! I love the world you are building, and your writing is *kisses fingers like a parody of an Italian chef*
And now she gonna sing again! Yes! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

AAAAAA YOU UPDATED
I WAS NOT EXPECTING IT AT ALL YOU SNEAKY WOMAN

Anyway. I loooove how you've written the complexity of Christine's feelings toward Erik at this point, and I've probably said that before but I don't even care, it's so deep and precise and ugh. This Christine is incredibly sharp and self-aware and in a believable way, and just a perfect counterpoint to the amazing Erik you're writing, and I love them both so much that the slow burn is literally going to murder me. My death will be on your conscience.

Really loved the meeting between Christine and the Daroga, and her learning Erik's name. And that ending! Just wow. I liked the mention of the Chagall frescoes too. Will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

Nice story so far!

*Very* nicely mysterious and James Bond-ish with that meeting. Pass codes and side doors, gatekeepers and other fun. I loved it. Nice to see the Persian and Darius in these new roles. Loved his line on "what fresh horror have you brought upon yourself?" Made me laugh. I liked that undercurrent of conversation, the words they would not say to each other. I liked Erik's antipathy toward the sun and temporary longing for the man he'd been and the place he'd hidden, and his realization that Christine was no longer a girl but a woman. I'm not sure he's quite thought that one through yet and what it might mean, though. Nice analysis of what the lyrics and their related operas might mean. Erik's comment on trying to think who didn't want him dead was a nice touch, and the closing comment about decent tea made me, a tea lover myself, grin in agreement.

Great update! Sorry it took me so long to comment. I'm enjoying this tale and look forward to more updates!

Erik POV oooof. so much emotions. so many good good lines here. She is the music. kill me.
Your flow never ceases to amaze me...
"A nod once more to Darius (and a faint acceleration of his heartbeat)..." teehee