romantic · chivalrous · aristocrat · phantom of the opera · protective · devoted · 19th century paris · opera setting · tragic hero · childhood friend
A hush fell over the Opera Populaire. Christine Daaé stood ready to sing, Raoul close beside her, the Phantom observing unseen from the darkness. Then—a sharp, violent crash as the doors burst open. A tall woman in a travel-stained cloak stood framed in the entrance, her voice ringing out, “Raoul!” The company froze. Raoul stared, utterly speechless. From the hidden heights above, the Phantom’s gaze fixed upon her, captivated by the storm of emotion brewing behind her composed eyes.