Chapter 29: Scars That Bind Us

Evangeline's POV

As quickly and as secretly as possible, I carefully helped the two of us move between shadows until we reached my dressing room.

Even with the Red Death costume on, I could see that he was bleeding heavily and if we didn't get a move on, he probably won't make it!

We limped inside as I locked the door and opened the mirror entrance. Just then, I heard Erik give a soft groan as he began to slump over.

"Come on, Erik. We're gonna make it."

Thinking fast, I grabbed a cloth ribbon and wrapped it around his side.

"Erik, I need you to apply pressure to your wound, alright?"

He gave a nod, pressing his hand against the wound as we continued to walk to the exit.

"Evangeliene?" I heard someone call from the other side of the door.

I quickly sat Erik down behind my dressing screen, closed the mirror door, and I opened the main door to reveal Robert, an apologetic look plastered on his face.

"Miss McKenna, I just want to express my apologies for what happened back there in the lobby. Maggie didn't mean to offend you. And I'm sorry for saying what I said. May I come inside to talk?"

If there wasn't a masked man hiding behind the dressing screen that was presently bleeding out, I would have invited him inside to have a conversation, but that's not the case today.

"I'm sorry, Robert. I forgive you, but I can't really let you in right now."

"Why not?"

I had to quickly give a response or else he would get suspicious.

"I am getting dressed for bed." I replied, hoping he would buy it.

Which he did.

"Oh! Forgive me, Evangeline. May I talk with you after rehearsal then?"

"Sure." I said quickly, shutting the door and locking it.

As fast as a bullet, I reopened the mirror, helped Erik up, and made our way to the lair.

The two of us struggled as I half supported - half dragged him to the gondola and rowed us to shore, careful to not rock the boat too much.

By the time we had arrived, Erik has passed out from too much blood loss, meaning that I had to act fast.

I dragged him into my bedroom, got a first aid kit from the bathroom, and proceeded into taking off his hat, mask, and shirt.

As I took off his red jacket, I was able to see the white undershirt that was now drenched in blood, making me slightly panicked.

Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe it's not that bad. I thought to myself.

I gently peeled of the soiled shirt and was met with his scar-riddled, bare torso, the weeping cut more prominent than its rough, faded predecessors.

Poor Erik!

I wasted no time into cleaning the wound and fixing him back up, making sure that Erik was as comfortable as possible.

As I finished stitching the cut and wrapping bandages around him, I took one last look at him.

All the scars, although faded, were still visible to the naked eye. Many were long and raised while others were small little nicks in the skin. There were even ones that were shaped like bullet holes. Not only were there scars on his torso, but I noticed that many of those scars wrapped around to his back and on his arms and wrists.

In short, this guy looked as if he had been sent through hell and back.

I felt my own skin burn at the sight of the faded scars as I was reminded of my own.

Erik hates pity, but I can't help but give him some. If I find the folks who did this, we are gonna be throwing some rounds.

I left the room to make him some food before he woke up, leaving the door open to hear if he needed anything.

Erik's POV

I had fallen into a dreamless sleep for a few hours and I awoke on my angel's bed, shirt and maskless with my wound treated and wrapped and still fairly weak.

My heart quicken in a panic at the fact that I had become exposed and ultimately vulnerable until I heard the beautiful voice of Evangeline as she walked into the room, carrying a tray filled with food.

She had changed from her gala dress and into a plain, white, long-sleeved shirt and a gray skirt (A/N: outfit is above) and even then, she still looked like a beautiful creature of Greek mythology.

"Hey, Erik. How are you feeling?" She greeted, her voice edged in worry.

The kindness and care she shows to me is so overwhelming! I thought, momentarily forgetting my slight nakedness.

I felt her eyes wander to my scars and I immediately felt shame.

True, many of these were from the cruelty of others, but I must admit that some were from past attempts to rid myself of my life. From painful injections to slitting my own wrists, I had tried everything, but I was still unable to die. In fact, the one attempt that succeeded had also failed with my love's arrival.

My hands unconsciously hovered over my arms as she seemed to take notice. Sudden realization then began to show on her face as she proceeded to roll up her own sleeves.

I stared at her in curiosity as she sat on the edge of the bed, took my hand into hers, and placed it onto her skin.

My eyes grew wide as I started to feel the familiar ridges of scars across her smooth skin.

I retracted my hand as I stared into her doe-like eyes as she said,

"Don't worry, Erik. You are not alone."

A/N: Hello my fellow Phantom Phans! 😁

Thank you guys so much for the 33.1k views and the 2.32k votes! You guys are awesome! 💋

So, it seems that Evangeline has a secret of her own.

Will the two of the share?

Is the Evarik ship gonna take off?

Vote, Comment, and Share and I'll see y'all next time!

M'kay, bye! 😉