Erik was lost in the moment, the feel of his Angel's lips on his. The warmth of her hands on his cheeks.

Was this it? Was this the moment that he, the unloveable monster that he was, would finally find acceptance? He moved to hold her, to bring her closer to his heart, let her feel it beating for her. He stared at her face, eager to drown in her loving eyes.

What he saw instead tore his soul.

With her hands still oh his face, she stared at him with hopeful eyes. Hope, he noted, that was meant for another. There were other things too, none of which were love. He could see pity, anxiety, and fear. She feared him.

Was this what he truly wanted, to cage his songbird? Keep her locked here in exchange for the Vicomte's freedom? She could learn to love him though! Time would see to that!

Erik looked into her eyes and knew this would never be true. He moved away from her touch, feeling his heart shatter with each step he took. He knew what he had to do.

The moment he let her go was the moment he learned what true love was.