Today's prompt: dread/anticipation/bait

Today I have yet another short, musical-based one shot! I hope you all enjoy!

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I took in a deep breath as I waited from the left wing. My stomach was twisting with anxiety. My hands were sweating profusely. My heart was pounding in my chest so loud that I could have sworn everyone else could hear it too. Needless to say, I was in quite a state.

However, if anyone else had noticed, they showed no evidence of it. Everyone was busy going about this way and that, trying to make sure every detail of the Phantom's opera turned out perfect. It was rather obvious that they all were just as nervous as I was. Every person in the room was terrified of inciting the Phantom's delicate temper.

Personally, though, I was more concerned with what his plan was. I knew the things Erik was capable of, and I was anxious about the prospect of him taking me.

I knew that he would never lay a hand on me, though, and that brought me a small shred of comfort. He was always very gentle with me and always very loving. If I were to be completely honest, spending the rest of my life with him didn't sound like the worst thing in the world. I knew that Erik would do anything to ensure my protection, no matter the cost. I would have been safe with him.

And yet, somehow, I found myself dreading this performance. I would have turned and ran if it were an option, but I knew that it would not be a wise decision. So much was at stake. Besides that, I was literal seconds from going on stage.

I tried to think of my fiancé in my moment of terror, but it brought me no comfort.

Why was I doing all of this? And who was I doing it for? Was I doing it just because it was what Raoul wanted, or was I doing it because I truly thought that it was what was right?

I didn't have time to ponder any of these questions, for as soon as they had entered my head, I felt someone give me a gentle push toward the stage and whisper: "Christine, that's your cue. You're on."