Christine shut the door behind her with a clang that seemed to shout a certain finality. Unconcerned, Erik didn't even glance up from the book he was reading. "Is something troubling you, dearest?"

"We can never go above ground again."

That got his attention. He set the book down and steeped his long fingers together. "What ever can you mean?"

"I mean, this coronavirus has completely blown up. They just announced they're suspending all performances for the foreseeable future. They have even offered refunds for already purchased tickets."

She expected outrage from a man who once spent all his time concerning himself with the ongoings of the opera house above their heads. Outrage, a little shouting, maybe a book thrown against the wall…

Erik placed the book gently onto the table beside his chair. "You seem greatly upset about this development."

He wasn't? She put her hand on her hip, frowning at the so-called opera ghost. "Well, yes. It's a great disruption to our schedule. Not to mention all the other things closing around the city."

He shrugged. "Mere inconveniences."

"You're joking."

"What's there to joke about?"

She stared at him in disbelief. "I can't believe you're not upset about this. At the very least, I thought you'd call the managers overreacting morons."

"Those fools aren't the brightest bulbs, but this is a decision I can agree with for once." He raised his one good eyebrow. "Would you like me to write them a note to that effect?"

"Of course not! I just thought…" she sighed. "I don't know what I thought."

"Come sit by the fire."

Without thinking, she obeyed, taking the offered seat on his lap and tucking her head under his chin. His arms came around her and held tight. For several minutes, it was just the slight crackle of the fire and the gentle sounds of their breathing. She felt it when he opened his mouth to speak. "I am not concerned with the coronavirus for a few reasons, my love. The chiefest among them being the fact that we do live five stories underground, with enough supplies to last us a few months if we cannot venture out. If the opera must close to protect the patrons and performers, then so be it. It will survive, because the audiences will return when we do reopen, of that I have no doubt. Your voice alone is enough of a draw to entice them."

She gave an unladylike snort at that.

"Aside from that however, the main reason I wouldn't mind being stuck down here for a while is quite simple." He glanced down at her, those yellow eyes that scared so many having nothing but warmth and affection for her. "I spent many years alone, isolated from the rest of the world that this is nothing new to me. At least now I get to pass this time with you."

Christine would have been lying if she said that didn't melt her heart a little. Reassured, she smiled up at him, and snuggled deeper against his chest. He was right. If they had to stay tucked away from the rest of the world, at least they were together.