From out of nowhere you hear a shout of rage. Where did it come from? You look wide-eyed at Erik. He returns your look with one of mock surprise.
 "My dear, I do believe there is someone in the torture chamber!"
 "What?" You can scarcely believe what he is saying. You remember the horrors the Persian and Raoul went through in there. He couldn't have possibly...
 "Perhaps not, though," he shrugs thoughtfully. "Well, it is easy enough to find out."
 "How?" you ask timidly.
 " Would you like to see, my darling? Would you?"
 You're not so sure you want to.
 "If someone is in there you will see a light from an invisible window near the ceiling. I just have to pull back the black curtain and put out the light."
 He jumps up. It's clear he's having fun. You feel weak.
 "Look, my dear, the curtain is back and the light is out. I told you someone was there! In fact, two someones. Do you see the lighted window? Those on the other side can't see it. Isn't that clever? But you can see. Just climb up this ladder and have a look. Come on."
 Shakily, you make your way to him.
 "What are you trembling for?"  Erik asks, taking you by the elbow and leading you up the ladder.
"You're not going to faint, are you?"
 You ascend the ladder. You're not quite to the top when you stumble a bit and put your hand on the wall to steady yourself. You jerk your hand away. The wall is scorching hot!
"Erik, the wall feels like it's on fire!"
"Yes, indeed it does," he says sounding quite pleased with himself. "It's not called a torture chamber for nothing!"
 A cry of despair escapes from you. "Erik,please stop it!"
Erik looks unconcerned. "Why? You chose me. If anything it's your fault he's in there. You should have considered the consequences."
"I'll do anything!" you sob. "Just stop this!"
"I've heard that before," he mutters. "All right. I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself."
He leaves and returns shortly with two grand looking boxes. He sets them down.
"One box has a grasshopper, and the other has a scorpion. One will save your Michael, the other, well, you know." He grins. "You're the Phantom expert, so I won't tell which one does what."
 He turns to leave. "I'll be back in five minutes for your answer. Have fun."
 You can't help but notice the cruel tone in his voice. You dissolve into tears.
"Quit you're blubbering," a familiar voice says from within the chamber. "You're wasting time."
"Tatiana?" you ask, wiping your face. You've never been so glad to hear the fairy's voice.
 "No, it's the Persian," she say nastily, but you don't care. "Of course it's me. Now do you know which one to choose?"
 "I honestly don't remember," you admit.
 "I feel tons better knowing we're in your capable hands," the heat hasn't effected the fairy's mouth any.
 "Look, Christine choose Erik by turning the scorpion-"
 "I should turn the scorpion, then?"
 "Let me finish, will you! Not if we're to make it out, no. He's most likely changed things a bit.
I think the grasshopper could let us go. If you choose Erik, I don't think we'll get out of here."
 Back to square one. You worry about Michael being quiet all this time."
 "He's fine," Tatiana answers. "It's just a tad HOT in here."
 You hear a door slam shut. Erik has returned.
"Well, what's your pleasure?"

Turn the grasshopper to #39.
Or
Turn the scorpion to #40.