Raoul stayed in the Communard's dungeon for a long time. When Erik, after his marriage with Christine Daae, released him, he was heartbroken but he knew that Christine was far happier than she could ever be with himself.

"Christine, darling," said Erik one day, fishing on the underground lake with his wife (he never thought he could possibly persuade her to share his favorite pastime, until she protested "But Erik, I love fishing! Especially if it's with you.") "as I have no surname, what shall become of yours? I've heard that it is customary for women to change their surnames to that of their husband's after their marriage."

Christine stopped baiting her hook for a moment, and replied.

"I have no need for a surname. You are my Erik and I am your Christine, and that," as she leaned forward in the boat to kiss him, "is all either of us need."