6 Underground secrets

Chapter 6 Underground secrets Backstage, Christine stared at the madness in terror. As she watched, a black cloak whirled around her and she was swept away.

She tried to scream for help, but her cries were muffled beneath the cloak. Blindly, she stumbled down a flight of stairs and along a maze of twisty paths. The air around her became colder and damper as she struggled to get free.

Finally, her captor released his grip. She opened her eyes and blinked. Underneath the opera house was another world. She saw a misty lake, with stony tunnels leading off in different directions. Huge candles flickered and wax dripped down the dark, dank walls.

"Don't be afraid, Christine," said a deep, melodic voice. "You!" Christine gasped, spinning around. "My angel of music!" But he wasn't what she had imagined. She came face to face with a man in a mask... It was the Phantom of the Opera.

She took a step back, afraid. "Don't be scared," he said. "I'm your friend. Please trust me!" He took her shaking hand and led her onto a boat, which sat on the mysterious lake. The boat began to float away. Christine couldn't help but be enchanted. It's incredible...

"I am the voice you hear. But I'm no angel." He turned his masked face towards the shadows. "You are! You've been so kind to me." She paused. "Why do you hide down here?" "It's safe. No one can laugh at my face," the Phantom said sadly. What do you mean? I'm too ugly.