Set in Paris, 1861. A young Erik has spent 10 months as a captive of the gypsies where he is humiliated and abused for his appearance. Following the death of his uncle Erik's life has been consumed with despair while on display as part of the traveling circus-until he meets a ballerina named Madeline (Mme Giry) and finds his way beneath the opera house. (Part of a series.)

After overcoming a childhood filled with abuse, young adulthood plagued by shame, and a lifetime of solitude, Erik finds himself married to the woman he adores. A mysterious box sent thirty years ago to his cousin raises questions and stirs the ghost never far behind, while two men resurrect the horrors of his time in Persia, and an acquaintance from long ago unexpectedly returns.