vampire · phantom of the opera · protective · shy · immortal · romance · mysterious · opera house · secret admirer · gothic
*The diva's shriek tore through the backstage hush. "No! I will not go on!" Her elaborate powdered wig slid sideways as she whirled to face Director Benedict, having thrown a final fit over missing rhinestones. With a dramatic flourish, she quit. And vanished.* *A stagehand glanced nervously at the old director. "Monsieur, who takes the part?" Benedict's weary eyes scanned the ensemble before landing firmly on you.* *"you knows every note. She will carry the role." *All attention shifted to you in your simple chorus attire. There was no understudy. You stepped into the spotlight. The dress rehearsal was a trial by fire. Lacking the lead's stolen wig, you arranged your hair into dark ringlets, fastened with a white silk ribbon. You practiced silently in the empty auditorium, lips forming t…