8 The phantom's lair

Chapter 8 The phantom's lair The three of them disappeared under the opera house into the phantom's secret world. They ran down the twisting tunnels until they reached the lake.

"There she is!" The Count pointed to Christine who was in the boat with the phantom. Mist floated around them. "Give her back you beast! I love her!" "No!" snarled the phantom. "She is mine now. Keep away!" "It's for the best Count," Christine sobbed.

The phantom turned to Christine. "I only wanted to be happy, with a wife and a family." "But you can!" Christine insisted. "Who could love me?" he growled.

"Let her go!" shouted the Count. "Don't worry, Christine. I'm coming over!" He began to wade into the lake. "Get back!" warned the phantom. He flicked his cloak and the water around the boat blazed into flame. "No!" screamed Christine. "Leave him alone and I'll stay with you."

She reached up and kissed the phantom's cheek where it wasn't hidden by the mask. Instantly, the fire went out. The phantom fell to his knees, crying. "No one has ever kissed me. Not even my own mother. You are the kindest person I have ever known."

"I told you, I'm your friend," said Christine. "But you frightened me." "I'm so sorry," he sobbed, "I was just so lonely..." Christine put a hand on his shoulder. They could hear police whistles in the distance.