It was just like that night. The only difference from that time, however, was that right now he isn't drunk. His fresh-from-the-shower scent smelled so riveting, that it keeps on holding me back on my focus to struggle from his grip. His face is still beside my left ear that keeps on sending me a ticklish vibe as his warm breath prods on my skin. "Get off me," I struggled to order him.He raises his head before my face to answer me, "Is that what you really want?" the drippings from his damped hair is hitting my dry cheeks when he continued saying, "your body is struggling yet something in you is defying that." the mischievous grin on his face is back again. Yet to my wonder, I don't even find it horrifying anymore. For weird reasons, it was like he has somewhat right."That's why I am here," I told him that made him a bit startled.He grins and chuckled before getting back on his feet. "Those eyes of yours look very hungry for answers it seems," he said. He then picks up the towel
It has been few days that had passed, and the master never tried to call for my presence again. I never wish to attempt going inside his room again either. Leandro was considerate about the situation ever since I rejected talking to him when he tried asking about it. He never asked anything about it ever again.Leandro just often calls me after his master dines. And that has been a constant routine of mine after that incident inside the master's room. Like I always have to prevent the chance for our path to meet while inside this household. Until one time when I finally confronted Leandro who is currently overseeing the maids in charge of cleaning my bathroom. this time, I can no longer help myself from asking, "Leandro, is there a way you could actually ask your master if I can just go home?" which has been something I should have asked long before.The question somehow surprised him as seen visibly from the way his eyes grew a bit wide and lips that seemed to be frozen flat before
The true colors of that master finally went out from hiding. It's no longer wonder how can he easily threatens his servants because of the attitude he has. Will he really go as far as killing everyone here if I get to escape?Thinking about that possible outcome had I pursue with my plan to escape will just become a burden in my back that I will have to carry around if ever these people will perish because of me.A day after the master left for his visit in that place he called 'caldera', I decided to look around for anything I could do while I remain his prisoner here. At first, I decided to move around and tried out most of the rooms that could entertain me.After watching about three movies in a row varying from comedy, romance, and sci-fi, I then decided to quit it as sitting for nearly five hours straight made my bottom cramps like an old lady. When I was done with the movies, I then move to play around the arcade that I never tried even once. I was only fascinated to play one
The following day, I asked Leandro to take me to the artificial greenhouse and have some tea. Just like before, Leandro once again used his watch to access the sensors to open an elevator that leads to another floor. I don't want to attempt but perhaps, If I could get a hold of that watch then maybe I could discover other floors apart from the area where the artificial floor is. If I could remember it right the dome is one hundred fifty deep below sea level. If this is the case then that size can't just contain only the main floor where I'm staying and this floor that has the artificial garden. And if my hunches are right, I might also be able to use his watch to escape.The other day, as his master was about to leave my room, I remember how he ordered Leandro to make the necessary preparations. I wouldn't be so dumb that those preparations were just merely to prepare small things. I want to believe that Leandro and his watch hold most of the access in this household. And that respo
To be honest, this is too exaggerate for him to do. Did he even think about the money he wasted if these books were stock for long waiting for them to be read? What if termites and live around here? It would be such a waste if these books would end up being destroyed by those pests rather than consumed by the minds of a true-blooded reader.At this moment, I can't help but feel sad while looking at the massive inventory of books inside this place. I wish I have the authority to read all of them."Why would he build such a big library like this if he can only read a few only when he wishes to. It's a total waste." I told Leandro with full remorse."Actually miss Emalia, this library was built for you to use while you are here.""For me?"“Yes. My master wishes to convey that he wanted you to have something to entertain yourself while he is away. Perhaps books could be of assistance."I pick up a book among the shelves standing high before me and told him," I wonder how did he know I wa
For the third day since the master—whom pathetically, I still don't know the name—left to depart and see that Caldera which Leandro didn't continue telling me whatever is in it that needs further observing, despite how dangerous it might still be. I dedicated a whole new day inside the gigantic library that Leandro said was meant for me to use and entertain myself while that ill-tempered master is away. And I have to be honest I'm pretty much enjoying myself here. I never left since the break of dawn. Leandro provided me a duplicate of that smartwatch which is used to access the elevator for the library. This makes me wonder if I ever use it with the other doors, will I ever access them and get my way to find the exit from this place. I have to think about my next steps using this and then plan carefully about my brisk escape.Most of the books in here are quite the vintage if not first editions. I find it quite hard to manage which one to read first. I don't think I'll be able to re
And so, as I reach the main hall. I instantly studied the two empty walls contrary from the secret doors leading to the library and the other floor where the artificial garden is located. Two secret doors remain a mystery for me what lies beneath it. In my case right now, I could only choose one because when I use this sensor, Leandro might actually notice it already and I could no longer change my decision had my first option is a failure. I have to think about whether to take the right-wing or left-wing. I have a complete hunch about the left-wing but something tells me it should be the right one. I have to think like the master of this household. If I were him, which door would I actually choose? My hunches were too strong enough to keep me from choosing the right one. I have to follow my hunch and pick the left one instead. Even my time is too limited now, I have to think quickly before Leandro comes to cease me.And so, I stand before the left-wing and followed the same steps
CHAPTER 28I've never been this scared for my life—like never. But while I am anticipating my apparent death from that approaching sea monster or whatever creature it is, I began to recall a life I had back before I got in this god-forsaken place. I saw a glimpse of myself playing with my younger twin sisters, especially those times when I was still fetching them after school. They were still very tiny back then. I then saw my mama Celia, a picture of her in her favorite place inside the house which is the kitchen, and her over. I guess I would never get to taste her baked Bibingka again. the sequence switch to my Papa, who always provides me with everything I need even if I don't really need them. I've been spoiled by my Papa but I try not to get it in my head as what he has been always telling me. I miss him so much, I believe I won't be able to hear his words of wisdom again. My Grandma loves giving me sweets and cooking me local dishes every time I drop by to visit her. I suppose
Now that sounds really suspicious. But I know I can’t just argue with her about it. Taking that step might just make her harm me or take back the antidote from me. I have to pretend like everything is okay from my end.In this situation I am in, I have to make it appear before Magindara’s eyes that I totally agree with her suggestion. Somehow, there are points from her statement that really do convince me but a greater picture doesn’t deny me the intuition that she might be trying to take me in as tool for her ulterior motive.I don’t know what it really is but I have to be vigilant and ready about it. Ready in a sense that I at least could handle the situation even if I am not aware what kind of battle that I am about to face here.“I’ll see what I can do.” I just replied.I believe that would be the safest thing to say for now.“Do you have any other question so far?” Magindara asked me. I wonder why she suddenly came up with that question.Did she find or somewhat noticed it from m
“Nothing that involves you or Florante.” I told him that shut him up quickly.This time, I didn’t wait for Leandro to act on my request to withdraw the troops away from Magindara. And so, I yanked my head to their direction and yelled, “All of you! Lower your weapons and withdraw from her at once!”“You can’t do that, Miss Emalia.” Leandro tried to protest.“And why can’t I?” I retort back.“Because I am the one leading them, Miss Emalia.”“Very well.” I said with full pride facing the troops, I then added, “As your master’s bride, I also hold the highest command alongside your master. Deny me of this and you shall be severely punished by your master.”And it was like a fearing statement, all the troops begin to withdraw from Magindara and not even Leandro was able to stop that.Magindara still hasn’t remove her barrier but I saw on her face that she is convinced that I did this so that we’re somewhat even for keeping me alive. I nod at her as I make my exit from the cave.As the gua
It makes me feel regretful though but a tinge part of me has become quite the curious as to how the image from the translucent pearl just keep on showing Florante when I am so focused to see my mother?My inquisitive thoughts have been rattling me once again and this just makes me frustrated as I know I won’t set myself aside without trying to know the reason why. But apparently, it seems that Magindara doesn’t have the answers for me as well and this bugs me.“I feel bad for this but do you still wish to try it again?”Though deep down within me says I would prefer to, I think it would be better off if I won’t pursue trying again. It’s kind of scary trying again and then Florante will just be the end result of it.And so I told her, “No. We’ve done it twice already. If it’s not meant for me then it’s okay, but what I just don’t understand it that, why does it keep on showing Florante no matter how I try to concentrate to see my mother? Do you perhaps know a deeper thought about it?”
After handing over the small flask of my tears to her, Magindara went to her drawers and drop in some kind of a blue liquid into before she heads back in front of the translucent pearl once more.“Come closer. Now, as I drop your tears into the pearl, I want you to envisage the moment you wish to see.” She told me.It will be quite difficult for me to try and picture it out since it was the day I was born. I have zero recollection about it except for the stories that my dad often tells me.I wonder how on earth will I start creating such image in my head. But as Magindara head on to drop the liquid on the pearl, I quickly had to concentrate and think deeply about that moment when I was born. I could use my baby images to help me concentrate and it appears that it is working.The translucent pearl is beginning to glow and I couldn’t hide my excitement that I’ll finally get to see the image of my biological mother after twenty-seven long years.Even though Magindara has stop from singi
The beauty of the silver clam boasted as it spread itself open before us. It revealed a shiny pearl inside.“This is a translucent pearl. It can give you a mirror to reflect anything you wish to see from the present and past.”Could that pearl really be that powerful enough to see anything from the past?“Will I be able to see someone from the past even if I hadn’t got the chance to know them?”“Well, the pearl never misses anything the water could see.”“There is someone I’d like to see. Could it be possible thought…I wonder.”“Do you have anyone in mind you met while you are anywhere near bodies of water?” Magindara asked.I’m not sure if it’s okay to tell her a weak side of me. But I’ve been yearning to see an image of my mother. I wonder for real, if doing this will give me the chance to see her even for a short while.“I’m not sure. The last time I was with her was when I was born. My father says she died giving birth to me.”“I’m sorry about that but it seems like we have no oth
“You came back here for the purpose of knowing the truth. But your appearance in this era has made quite some changes in the present time without your knowing.” Magindara stated. She glides her way towards rock formation that resembles a cellar.Magindara gestured me to follow her and I followed. It’s such a surprise that I actually don’t find it scary following her. For some reason, I am just too confident or was it more like I find it normal.It never came into my mind that I am inside an enemy’s lair and a mythical creature that could easily harm me. was this boost of confidence because of the other half of the orient pearl residing inside of my chest?I held into my chest and tried to scrub it gently, I wanted to feel the pearl inside of me but when I find myself looking weird, I immediately stop.Magindara and I stop when we reach the ground where a lot of jars are kept. From different sizes and colors. The whole place appears like Magindara’s secret laboratory for me. I didn’t k
“Did you even try to talk to him again?” I asked. For some unexplainable reason, I really didn’t understand why on earth did I asked that. Was I really trying to torment myself further? I guess so.Magindara just looks at me with a serene face and answered, “A lot of chances came to me but I never push through.”My brow wasn’t able to control itself from rising up as I followed up to ask, “But why didn’t you?”There, Magindara just smiled shyly, “I came to the point of asking myself, if I ever ask for forgiveness and he forgive me. Then the two of reconcile, what would happen if Aman Sinaya will return and ask for the same question again. I’m scared that my loyalty for Aman Sinaya will only make Florante hate me too much that he would rather kill me to death than see me alive.” She said back.I wanted to strangle her. Deep in my thoughts I wish I could just slap her for once but who am I to do that even if I am Florante’s fiancé.Magindara is bound in her faithfulness towards Aman Sin
“Florante saved me once. When some fisherfolks tried to hunt me down, Florante came to my aid and wash them out using the tidal waves. I owe him my life, so I told myself that I would love him and care for him…”Hearing those lines from Magindara stiffen my nerves. This impulse is making me crazy. I am now being consumed by the jealous frenzy. And the feeling just got more intensified when Magindara added saying, “…and I was happy that Florante noticed me and my affection for him. Perhaps it was because he was longing for someone to value and take care of him that’s why he finally noticed me. For quite some time, I stayed in his dome and had the vision of being wed to him. I know it came to his mind that he would ask me to be his wife but something came up.”The sudden turn of events from statement made me more curious. I just have to find the right words to make it sound from my end as if I was just less interested yet at the back of my head, I am so eager to know.And so, I asked, “
There I realize that maybe that was the bargain they made for their only child. That in exchange for their child to live, they have to offer even their own lives. It’s a very noblest thing for his parents to sacrifice at such extent.I feel all the pain that the young Florante is currently experiencing right now as I see him nestled himself on the ground wailing in tears. I can read through the movement of his mouth how he tries to call for his parents but since they were stoned, apparently the poor boy won’t be able to receive the response he was yearning to hear from them.“In exchange for the boy to live longer, his parents made a deal with the sea God. They will offer their lives to be used as auxiliary life source so that Amanikable could transfer his mentala to the young boy. Florante’s state was so fragile that if it’s not done that way, Florante might not be able to handle to amount of mentala inside his body that he will soon perish to death quicker than they could even imagi