Prologue (part 2)
Five years ago, a series of demolitions occurred in several living areas of the cities in Manila and the surrounding regions of it. The reason? The current king of Spain has recognized the Philippines as a valuable asset, and in return, the king of Spain sent an enormous amount of gold, silver, and gems that cost more than what a normal person could ever dream of.
The government, together with the church and aristocrats of the Philippines, decided to make numerous statues of recognition as a sign of their "gratitude" to the king of Spain.
"I can't believe this! Where are we going to go?!"
"The least those puny politicians can do is shelter us for the time being!"
"You think that they will even consider something like that?"
It caused a ruckus among the common people who were affected by the decision; however, they could not fight back or speak their opinion as there was a punishment for anyone who even dared to do so.
They were forced to keep their mouths shut and suffer silently.
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When the biggest statue, located near the Malacanang place and the Pasig River, was almost done, many of the sponsors, politicians, and members of the church decided to host a ball commemorating this occasion.
As the nobles danced, entertained, and indulged in the glamorous party, they were completely unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows.
"To the wealth and prosperous future of the Philippines!"
"To the wealth and prosperous future of the Philippines!"
As if in response to the toast, the chandelier gleamed like a jewel in a forgotten jewelry box. Silks and satin clothes danced in colors, creating a kaleidoscope, and were accompanied by laughter and light and airy music. Suddenly, a tremor, subtle at first, ran through the ballroom floor. The musicians faltered, their melody fracturing. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as a colossal chandelier began to shudder.
Then, with a deafening crash, it didn't shudder. It shattered. A cascade of glittering shards rained down, with screams erupting as guests scrambled for cover. A hush, thick with terror, fell upon the aftermath. In the dust motes swirling in the fractured light, a figure emerged.
She was cloaked in shadow, a silhouette carved from midnight. Her laughter, unlike the tinkling amusement that had filled the room moments before, was a chilling rasp that sent shivers down spines. Slowly, she stepped forward, revealing a face that could have been sculpted from obsidian. One eye, a startling emerald green, gleamed with an unnerving intelligence.
.
.
The guests don't know who it is.
"Greetings, esteemed company," she drawled, her voice laced with a mockery that sent a collective frown across the room. The remaining chandeliers sputtered in protest, casting his form in an even more dramatic chiaroscuro. "Forgive the unorthodox entrance. But I couldn't resist adding a touch of flair to such a momentous occasion."
"And who might you be? " The gobernador heneral asked, signaling guards beside him to prepare for combat. "To dare disrupt the festivities of our success. " The figure threw her head back and laughed in mockery. "Your worst nightmare, oh, you're so respected royal highness," the figure declared, a glint of mischief flashing in her eyes. "The name that you must remember is Isadora. The one who will make sure that you go to the pits of hell."
After that declaration, it was followed by silence. The name hung heavy in the air as the remaining light flickered and died. Then, it was followed by an alarming scream from the treasurer.
"THE GOLDS IN THE SAFE IS GONE, GOBERNADOR HENERAL!"
.
.
.
It was a memorable day, but not in a good way. 20,000 pesos of gold were stolen from the safe, along with multiple artifacts and jewelry. That day, the government and the church decided to put a hefty bounty on Isadora's head, but alas, within the following years, she was not captured and roamed free in the cities of the Philippines.