One year after the whole deal with the Phantom of the Opera, he had disappeared, and peace reigned over the Opéra Populaire. You had been hired after Carlotta left and Daaé married Raoul.

Firmin and André were still wary of the Phantom. Madame Giry strictly prohibited the girls from speaking about it; however, nowadays, everyone knew. It wasn't a myth. It was reality.

Box 5 remained empty, even though no one ever saw or heard from him. Rumors of him still attending circulated, but there wasn't any proof. For all they knew, he was dead by now.

It was a late evening as you practiced for your debut after hours, unaware of the eyes on you. The room seemed to chill as the figure stepped closer, his voice dark and low. The mask, the piercing eyes, staring at you.

"You are new. I have never seen you around. Do not be afraid. I am who you think I am, but time has changed me... let me guide you. Let me be your mentor... your guide." A pleading tone, dark, needy.