Immortal Darkness (Phantom Diaries #3)

  Immortal darkness

  The Phantom Diaries: Book 3

  kailin gow

  immortal darkness: Book 3 of The Phantom Diaries Series

  Published by THE EDGE

  THE EDGE is an imprint of Sparklesoup Inc.

  Copyright © 2011 Kailin Gow

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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  For information, please contact:

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  First Edition.

  978-1597486804

  DEDICATION

  To my violin teacher who pushed me in my youth to discover the music in me. Her dedication, strength, and belief in me gave me the confidence to reach first chair in orchestra, to perform in music competitions, and to have the confidence to perform in public throughout my life.

  To my piano teacher who taught me to write and compose my own music. Thank you for teaching me discipline, a skill that has carried over to writing books.

  Thank you, readers, for keeping me on schedule. Your letters and emails are very much appreciated. I hope you enjoy this third installment to the Phantom Diaries.

  Prologue

  Annette’s Journal

  This trip to Paris has been full of excitement and surprises. While I fully expected to be captivated by this thrilling and exquisite city, I wasn’t quite ready for all the drama and romance Aaron threw my way. He’s put so much effort into making this trip special and I feel all the more guilty for not appreciating it all as I should.

  I’m not sure if I can manage to put to paper just how romantic he’s been since we’ve been in Paris, so all I will say is… he proposed.

  I should be ecstatic, thrilled and excited beyond belief. I’ll admit the little girl in me was immediately taken in by the notion; the shimmering lights of Paris, the perfectly handsome and successful young man whom I have grown very fond of, a dazzling diamond and a future so many little girls dream of… a future fit for a princess.

  But the woman in me, the girl who’s grown and matured, the woman who moved to New York City, who built a career and who has just had her first real taste of life…felt feelings that rebelled against my girlish dreams. I loved my life at the Opera House, regardless of everything that has happened. I just wasn’t sure if it was my love for the Opera House that endeared me to Aaron or Aaron himself.

  My recent absence from the Opera House has made me realize just how much I love to sing. I come alive when I get out on that stage and, despite those few mishaps and odd occurrences, despite a few questionable performances, I look forward to going back.

  Or am I just looking forward to getting away from everything here in Paris. Aaron’s proposal has left me with so many questions. For starters, am I ready to marry at all? I’ve just recently moved out of the home I’d lived in all my life. Having now been in New York for a while and having tasted the thrilling life of an independent young woman in a city like New York and Paris, I know now how sheltered and protected my life with Maman and Papa had been in Louisiana. Yet despite my independence, I still wanted to cling to the sensible and down-to-earth Annette from Louisiana who believed in true love and a happy ending. Maman had waited to get married, marrying her true love, my papa. Their marriage was a happy one and lasted years and years through strife and fortune. I wanted a marriage like that, even if I have to wait for it, even though I have to sort through all my jumbled feelings. I knew I needed time. I’ve just begun to live on my own, to discover who I am. How could I possibly be ready to give myself to someone else?

  In the past hours, I have to admit I’ve envisioned the perfect wedding; the long, elegant and immaculately white dress; beautiful flowers, a decadent and extravagant cake, marvelous guests from all over the world, gourmet food, champagne… there certainly was something enticing about it all, but…

  I can already hear Maman, so you have a grand and impressive wedding? Then what? And that was what I have to truly keep in mind. What would marrying Aaron do to my career? How would the public react to the news? Or worse still, what would the cast and crew think of our marriage? How long before they accused me of getting special treatment?

  On the other hand, if I turn Aaron down, how will he treat me once we return to New York? I know he has far too much business sense to make it difficult for me on the stage, or does he?

  Can his emotions override his business sense and smooth running of the Opera House? Would he actually go so far as to fire me? I’ve heard of young men going nuts and being unpleasant to the girl who turned them down. But Aaron is a mature man, a man of the world, a man who has seen so much. Surely he was capable of accepting and understanding the reasons why I could not accept his proposal.

  There is also the question of Eric. His part in all this brings on a whole other dilemma.

  It’s late and the day has been long. If I’m to wake up with a semblance of an answer, I need to get to bed. Hopefully the answers will magically come during my sleep.

  Chapter 1

  The grand manor was silent save for the distant and delicate clink of tea cup to saucer. I had hoped to be up far before anyone else rose, but the repetitive clinking of silver spoon against fine china made it clear someone had beaten me to the punch.

  I tiptoed down to the bottom step, set my suitcase silently on the floor and stood frozen in place. Feeling cowardly, I realized just how badly I wanted to avoid seeing anyone, least of all Aaron.

  The soft hush of early morning conversation reached my ears and I slackened my hold of the banister as I let out a relieved breath. Though distant and difficult to make out, the voices were decidedly feminine; most likely Francoise and a member of her staff.

  Still tiptoeing I made my way to the breakfast table set out on the back patio. Despite my desire to avoid Aaron, I felt I owed Francoise my gratitude and a proper goodbye. As I approached, I crossed my fingers and hoped I wouldn’t turn the corner to find Aaron sitting there with his mother.

  “Annette, ma chere. How lovely to see you this morning.” Francoise set her cup and saucer down and stood to greet me. “You look positively beautiful.”

  Dutifully kissing her on one cheek then the other, I softly said, “Bon matin, Madame Aragon, et merci.”

  “Isn’t that the dress Aaron helped you pick out?”

  “Yes,” I said with a quick glimpse back at the doorway. Hoping to camouflage my sudden glance back, I twirled and held out the light and airy skirt. Delicate and elegant, the dress was tastefully flirty with a fun and youthful floral print. “He has impeccable taste and an eye for what really suits me.”

  “Indeed he does.” Gesturing to the chair beside her, she resumed her own chair then quickly clapped her hands. “Estelle,” she called out. “Please bring out some coffee for Annette.”

  “I hadn’t really planned on breakfast. I have an early flight and just wanted to…”

  “Don’t be silly.” She waved away my intentions. “You’ll have plenty of time for a quick coffee and pastry.”

  Not wanting to snub her hospitality, I sat down. Within seconds, Estelle set a cup and saucer before me.

  “Thank you.” Admittedly, the fresh, rich brew smelled rich and aromatic. “I guess I can take a minute or two to take a few sips.”

  She’d been so good
to me, so understanding, the least I could do was indulge her a few quiet moments of conversation before leaving.

  “Actually, I’m glad I have a few moments alone with you before leaving.” I glanced back at the doorway. “I wanted to thank you for everything. I’ve had a wonderful time in France.”

  She smiled knowingly. “You’re a dear for making your stay here sound so wonderful. I know it’s not been easy. I only wish I could offer more… more wisdom. I know it mustn’t be easy for you. My son can be quite persuasive when he sets his mind to something, and it’s clear he’s set his mind on you.”

  The gulp of coffee, so delicately sipped and savored for all its rich flavor, remained lodged in my throat for an agonizing moment before trickling down to my empty stomach.

  “He’s certainly given me plenty to think about.”

  She set her hand, pleated yet regal, over mine and held my gaze with secret knowledge. “I’m sure time will lead you to the best possible answer.”

  I glimpsed the doorway once again, increasingly nervous of Aaron’s arrival. I couldn’t face him. I couldn’t stand here and tell him I wasn’t ready to marry. I didn’t even feel I could wear his ring.

  “I understand your reluctance to face him,” Francoise said.

  I shot her a guilty gaze, the heat of a blush so quick to make it to my cheeks, the heat from my coffee was suddenly intolerable. Shaking my head, I wanted to defend myself, to deny something as awful as my intention to leave without so much as a goodbye to the man who’d asked for my hand. He’d deserved better than that, but I couldn’t face him. If I did, I knew I might hesitate and change my mind… he was everything a girl could ask for, yet why did I feel such a heaviness in my chest when I thought about the prospect of marriage?

  Francoise gestured to the doorway and grinned.

  “I’m sorry. You must think I’m just awful.”

  “Nonsense. I was young once. I know the heart doesn’t always make things easy. Your jitters and desire to run off before Aaron makes his way down here are very understandable.” She looked at me with a knowing gaze. “It takes a strong woman to marry an Aragon…a woman who knows what it is to carry on the name, a woman who knows what it is to have to answer to duty…” She paused. “I admire you for recognizing this responsibility for someone so young. But you will make a fine Mrs. Aragon, no doubt.”

  “Thank you,” I said softly, almost regretting my choice. Francoise was everything I dreamed of in a mother-in-law. She was understanding and we felt a bond, and an easy camaraderie. I glanced at my watch and pressed my lips together.

  “Go, dear, go.” She shooed me away with a cunning grin. “Aaron can be testy at times when he first awakens and seeing the uncertainty that is so clearly written all over your face would probably not bode well.”

  I stood, grateful for everything.

  “I can have a car bring you to the airport.”

  “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. A cab should already be waiting out front for me by now.”

  With all the grace of a queen, she pushed back her chair and stood to face me, an appreciative grin on her lips. “I admire your independence, ma chere. Just another reason Aaron fell in love with you, I’m sure.”

  My conflicting emotions collided. “I sincerely wish I could stay longer.” I brushed a final gentle kiss to her aging cheek.

  “Perhaps next time,” she said with a wise wink.

  I held her gaze for a moment and turned to leave before I changed my mind. Entering the main hall I glanced up at the grand staircase; still clear; still no sign of Aaron.

  With more force than necessary, I grabbed my suitcase and hurried to the door just as the gentle tapping of footsteps sounded.

  No, I silently mouthed. I’m so close to making it out.

  The footsteps stopped and my breath halted with trepidation.

  “Bonjour Mademoiselle et bon retour.”

  The feminine voice brought a smile to my tightly pursed lips. I turned to face one of the many young staff members who’d made my stay at the Aragon estate so appealing.

  “Bonjour et merci.”

  Before another surprise came bounding down the steps I opened the door and shot out, breathing in the fresh air with relief the very moment the door shut behind me.

  The cab was there, just as expected. Eric had assured me he’d take care of our return to New York and I now wondered if I would find him sitting in that cab. It would be inappropriate, us leaving together. All we needed was for someone to spot us in the same cab and a scandal would quickly erupt. Francoise didn’t deserve that, nor did Aaron.

  Despite all those proper thoughts and admirable respect for others’ feelings, a little part of me secretly hoped Eric would be in that cab. I longed for his shoulder to lean on, for his strength. I needed his presence to remind me just how right I was to leave here; to turn Aaron down.

  I opened the back door to find an empty seat.

  “Just as well,” I muttered as I shoved my suitcase onto the seat and got in.

  “Pardon?” the startled driver said.

  “Aeroport, s’il vous plait.”

  The car rumbled to life and he pulled out of the lengthy Aragon drive. The beauty of the estate faded away behind me as did the countryside and the last remnants of guilt I felt for running away from Aaron.

  I was doing the right thing. Regardless of all Aaron had done for me, in my heart, I knew it was the right thing. I wasn’t ready and wouldn’t make him a good wife, not now.

  As I physically ran from one man, my thoughts ran to another; Eric. I was surprised by the intensity of longing I felt for him. So much had happened and we had so much to talk about.

  I turned to stare out the window as tears welled inexplicably in my eyes. Why was this so hard? I knew Aaron was a good man. I knew he’d make a wonderful and attentive husband, yet… And Eric… all I knew was how I wanted to be with him, to be near him. It was irrational, but it was there, too strong to deny.

  The airport came into view and my heart rate increased at the mere thought of seeing him. He’d said we’d take the same flight back. I saw us, sitting side by side, our elbows brushing against one another’s as we discussed our time in Paris… and our future.

  I was getting ahead of myself again and I knew it. My full attention should be on the direction the cab took.

  “I’ll get off at the main entrance, please.”

  He maintained the path he’d taken. “I was told to bring you to the gate leading to hangar eight.”

  “By Eric?” I whispered to myself. What was he up to? I smiled, delighted by the prospect of a surprise.

  After passing through customs, we pulled up to the hangar a few minutes later and the car stopped at the nose of an exquisitely elegant aircraft. Eric stepped out of the hangar and came to open my door.

  “I thought we were taking a commercial flight back to New York.”

  He took me by the hand and helped me out then grabbed my suitcase. “Too crowded for my liking. I think we both need a reprieve after such a tumultuous trip.”

  I looked at him, once again amazed at how well he read me; my thoughts, my feelings. Being alone with him was more than I’d even dared hope for.

  We boarded the plane and I was immediately taken in by the opulence and luxury.

  “This is a beautiful plane, Eric.”

  “I wanted you to be comfortable on your flight. I fear the stress and strain of the past days may settle in and affect your health. I would hate to see you return to the Opera House with the strain of this trip evident in your voice.”

  I turned to him with a teasing grin. “Okay, this is all to preserve my voice and has nothing to do with me.”

  Bringing his fingers to my cheek, he leaned in close, his eyes intense with emotion. “You know me better than that.”

  We settled in and before long we were soaring through the air. My troubles with Aaron and Kristine faded and became insignificant.

  “I can’t believe you went
to all this trouble.” The leather seats were more comfortable than any first class seat with any commercial airline.

  “And with the plane all to ourselves, we can relax and be ourselves.” He reached for my hand. “I’ve also arranged to have an excellent meal prepared, so I hope you’re hungry.”

  I thought of my few sips of coffee hours earlier. “Despite my delay this morning, I skipped breakfast and didn’t even have time to think of lunch, so, yes, I’m famished.”

  With a subtle wave of his hand, he caught the attention of the young steward standing at a discreet distance. “David, please tell Chef Gerard we’ll have dinner early.” He turned to me. “He has promised a meal to fill your senses and leave you with a true appreciation for fine French cuisine.”

  “I have no doubt I’ll love it.”

  He pressed his lips tightly together and gazed past me to look out the window. “For a brief moment, as I awaited your arrival, I feared you’d changed your mind. While I anticipated a slight delay at Customs, I hadn’t taken into account the possibility you’d be retained at the Aragon household.”

  “Neither had I,” I said reassuringly, though I caught the immediate crease of his brow as he brought his quizzical eyes back to me.

  “Aaron?” he asked.

  “No, Francoise. She’s been nothing but kind and generous and I couldn’t bring myself to just run out like a thief in the night.”

  “It could have been so easy for her to try to convince you to stay, to convince you to consider Aaron’s proposal.”

  “She’s wiser than that.” While I praised her great understanding of my actions, my thoughts caught on her last words.

  “And she’s certainly smart enough to realize how your conflicting emotions may come to affect your future performances.”

  I pursed my lips into a doubtful grin. Could Francoise be that cunning? To avoid a confrontation simply to avoid a bad performance on my part? I wasn’t really willing to believe that of her.