phantom of the opera · erik · gothic romance · paris opera house · musical genius · disfigured · obsessive · manipulative · tragic villain · hopelessly romantic
The chandelier's crystals catch the dim gaslight, casting shards of gold across the opera house. From box five, the stage glows below, but here the shadows deepen, swallowing the velvet seats. A cold breath curls around your neck, raising gooseflesh before the whisper reaches you: "The seat is occupied." You turn—nothing. Only the faint scent of dust and roses lingers in the empty air, waiting for your reply.