Under His Shadow
Book 1: In the Crossfire
The city was alive with noise—horns honking, feet stomping, the relentless hum of the underground pulse that fed into every street. But in the quiet corners of the city, in the places most people never dared to look, the world was darker. More dangerous. And tonight, Ivy Salazar was about to step into that world.
Ivy’s fingers trembled as she gripped the glass of water in front of her. It was just a business dinner—something her father had insisted she attend. And yet, the tension in her shoulders told her this wasn’t just about a simple merger. It never was with him.
Hector Salazar (Ivy’s father)
Everything will be fine, Ivy
He was sitting across from her at the table in one of the city’s most prestigious restaurants, a place where money and power merged seamlessly into one. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The door had barely closed when a strange sense of unease wrapped itself around her. The air felt thick with anticipation.
Suddenly, the silence in the room broke—too quickly, too harshly. A single gunshot.
Her father’s body slumped forward, his forehead pressed against the table in a puddle of crimson. Ivy screamed, but it was swallowed by the chaos as bodies moved, a blur of shadow and death.
It was only when the attackers were gone that she realized the full weight of what had just happened. Her father, the man she thought she knew, was dead.
She was alone now, surrounded by strangers who didn’t care about her—only about what she could offer. The silence that followed her father’s death felt worse than the noise. His secrets, his enemies, his business, it all became hers in an instant. Ivy had no choice but to face the reality her father had protected her from.
A cold voice broke her from the haze.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz
Miss Salazar.
She looked up, meeting the eyes of a man whose gaze felt like ice piercing her soul. Raizo Dela Cruz. The heir to one of the most powerful mafia families in the country. His presence was suffocating, his power undeniable. She’d heard his name whispered in hushed tones—always accompanied by fear.
But it wasn’t just fear she felt when their eyes met. It was something darker. Something that stirred beneath her skin.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz
The death of your father wasn’t random
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz
You’re in the middle of something much bigger than yourself now. And unless you want to end up like him
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz
*glanced at the still form of her father* you’ll have to work with me
Ivy’s breath hitched, her grip tightening around the edge of the table.
Ivy Salazar
Work with you?
Ivy Salazar
What do you want from me?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz
*leaned in* Everything
And just like that, Ivy’s world was no longer hers to control. She had entered a world of shadows, where every move she made would be watched, and every decision would cost more than she ever imagined.
But Ivy Salazar wasn’t going down without a fight. She had no idea what Raizo wanted. Or why he wanted her. But she would find out. And when she did, the world would have to reckon with Ivy Salazar. Not the naïve daughter of a fallen businessman.
But a woman ready to rise.
Chapter 1 - School (Rael's POV)
At the mansion of the Dela Cruz family, I heard my mom and dad fighting over where I should study. Their voices echoed through the halls, mixing with the tension in the air. My mother, always so poised and confident, argued that I should attend the prestigious university, where I could learn new things and be the person who had freedom in every aspect of life. She painted a picture of endless possibilities, of breaking free from expectations and exploring the world on my terms.
Meanwhile, my dad’s voice, deep and commanding, argued for a different future. He wanted me to study at the Mafia School, a place where I’d learn everything about his world—loyalty, power, strategy, and the harsh truths that came with being part of the Dela Cruz legacy. To him, it wasn’t just education; it was a rite of passage, a way to prepare me for the responsibilities that came with being his son.
Don Ricardo Dela Cruz (Rael’s Father)
You don’t understand, Hon!
Don Ricardo Dela Cruz (Rael’s Father)
This isn’t just about education; it’s about survival. The world I’m preparing him for isn’t like the one you’re imagining.
Don Ricardo Dela Cruz (Rael’s Father)
This is the Dela Cruz legacy—there’s no room for weakness or hesitation.
Don Ricardo Dela Cruz (Rael’s Father)
He needs to understand how to hold power, how to protect the family, how to make decisions that carry weight. This isn’t a decision about grades or titles. It’s about shaping him into someone who can lead our world.
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
And what world would that be, Ricardo?
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
A world where he is groomed to be ruthless, where loyalty means betraying everything that makes him human?
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
I want him to have a life of choices, a life where he can be more than just a pawn in a game of power.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*sat quietly in the next room*
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*glanced out the window*
The decision ahead of me wasn’t just about school; it was about my future, my identity, and the life I would have to lead under the shadow of two very different worlds.
In the end, I was going to the normal school. My mother had won this round against my father. Despite his firm beliefs and his relentless insistence, he respected her enough to step back—for now.
I could tell it wasn’t surrender. It was patience. A quiet warning that this decision wasn’t permanent, just postponed. But for the moment, my path was set.
The car ride to my new school was silent.
Elana sat beside me in the back seat, her gaze fixed out the opposite window. She looked calm—serene even—but I could feel the storm still swirling beneath her composed expression. That was how my mother operated: elegance masking fire.
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
You’ll do well here, Rael. This is a chance to build a life on your own terms.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*nodded*
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*hands fidgeted with the hem of my uniform blazer*
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
Your father’s letting this go for now
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
But you know how he is. He’s waiting. Watching. Hoping you’ll change your mind on your own.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*look at her*
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
And what if I don’t?
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
Then you’ll have to be stronger than both of us
That was the thing about my mother. She never sugarcoated the truth. Not when I was little, not now. I respected that—even if it made everything feel heavier.
The gates of Crestmont Academy came into view. Tall, sleek, modern. Nothing like the fortified buildings of my father’s world. As the car slowed to a stop, I took a deep breath.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*stepped out of the car, slinging my bag over my shoulder*
The sun hit my face as I stepped onto the school grounds, and for a moment, everything felt…ordinary.
Students milled about in crisp uniforms, laughing, talking, some rushing to their next classes. No one looked at me twice. No one whispered my name with fear or curiosity. I wasn’t Rael Dela Cruz, the heir to a powerful underground legacy—I was just Rael.
My mother accompanied me to the administration room, walking beside me with her usual grace. Her heels clicked softly against the tiled floor, and the staff greeted her with polite smiles, likely mistaking her for some elegant businesswoman, not the wife of one of the most feared men in the country.
Inside, the room smelled faintly of coffee and paper.
A woman behind the desk gave us a warm smile as we approached.
…
Good morning. You must be Rael
…
We’ve been expecting you.
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
*nodded graciously.* Thank you for taking care of him.
…
I’m sure he’ll settle in just fine *handing me a packet*
…
Here’s your class schedule, map, and student ID. You’re in Section 2-A. Your homeroom teacher is Mr. Navarro.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*took the folder with a small nod* Thanks
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
*touched my shoulder lightly* I’ll be going now
Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)
You know where to find me if you need anything.
I looked up at her, and for the first time that morning, I saw something flicker in her eyes—pride, mixed with worry. She wasn’t just sending me to school; she was letting go of control, even if just a little.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
I’ll be okay, Mom.
She gave me a faint smile, kissed my cheek, and walked out of the room without looking back.
Clutching the schedule in one hand and my bag in the other, I stepped out of the administration room and into the hallway.
The hum of conversations, squeaky shoes on polished floors, and the occasional classroom bell filled the air.
It was loud, but in a comforting way—normal, chaotic, alive.
When I entered the classroom, a few heads turned, but no one stared too long.
I could blend in here, I realized.
No tailored suits, no men in black trailing behind me.
….
*sliding into the seat* New kid?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
Yeah
Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)
I’m Theo *offering a fist bump* If you need help getting around or avoiding the strict teachers, I got you.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*bumped his fist* Rael
Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)
Cool name.
Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)
You’re in for a boring morning, by the way. Mr. Navarro talks like he’s narrating a funeral.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*chuckled under my breath*
Chapter 2 - Community Service (Ivy's POV)
She is at the garden cleaning it because she is doing a community service for having a lot of violations making it to major offense.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*sit on the bench and sighed*
…
Ms. Salazar, jumping over the back gate again?!
…
You’re not Spider-Woman!
Ivy Salazar (kid)
It was locked and I forgot my ID, okay?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
What was I supposed to do, teleport?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
💭Flowers are cute and all, but the sun?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
💭 Not so much.
She grabs a broom and starts sweeping half-heartedly again
Ivy Salazar (kid)
💭 I swear this broom is older than the school itself.
Student Passes By Laughing
….
Don’t get lost in there, Salazar! The bushes bite!
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*rolls eyes* Hilarious. Truly.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
💭Why do I keep messing up?
Mom’s gonna freak if she hears I got another major offense.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
💭Not like she listens anymore. Not like she’s ever home.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*Suddenly hears faint footsteps behind*
Ivy Salazar (kid)
💭 If that’s another teacher asking why I’m holding the broom like a sword—
Ivy Salazar (kid)
💭 I swear—
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*Turns around slowly*
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*standing silently at the garden entrance, eyes cool, unreadable*
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*raised an eyebrow*
Ivy Salazar (kid)
what?!!?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Lost your way to the building?
This isn’t the library, Sherlock.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
…
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
No.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Oh wow. A man of many words.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
So what then?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Here to report me for attacking this broom with bad posture?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
You’re loud.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*gasps* Excuse me?!
Ivy Salazar (kid)
You stalk up behind me like a ghost in broad daylight and I’m the problem?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
Didn’t stalk.
Just… walked.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
With ninja-level silence??
Ivy Salazar (kid)
You’re lucky I didn’t chuck this broom at your head.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*shrugs slightly* Would’ve dodged.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Tch. Of course you would.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*think something funny*
Ivy Salazar (kid)
you know what?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
i forgive you
She aproached him and handing the broom.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*confused*
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
…For what?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
For scaring me. And for judging my sweeping skills. And for breathing all mysterious like you’re in a drama scene.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
I didn’t say anything about your sweeping.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
The silence was the judgment.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
…
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Speechless now that you’ve been caught broom-shaming?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
I don’t even know you.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
But now you do. Ivy Salazar.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Queen of Detention, President of “Oops, I Did It Again,” and current prisoner of the garden.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
You’re weird.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*sassy gasp*Thank you. I take that as a compliment.
Rael looks at her for a moment, then actually holds the broom properly.
As Rael takes the broom and hold it properly without hesitation, Ivy ran off.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Take care of everything for me!
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
…
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*stares at the broom in his hands*
Why am I holding this?
10 steps away – Ivy peeks from behind the garden gate
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*whispering* Is he… actually sweeping?
Rael starts sweeping like a pro – no nonsense, perfect strokes
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*gasp* WHAT. That’s illegal.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Why is he better at this than me?!
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*shocked, turned around*
…
*looking at Ivy with her brow raised and both hands around her waist*
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Ma’am! What a surprise!
Ivy Salazar (kid)
What a beautiful day, isn’t it? So… sunny. And floral.
…
Why are you standing there while he’s doing your community service?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
He… volunteered?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*still sweeping quietly in the background*
…
*squints at her* Did you trick him into doing your punishment?
Ivy Salazar (kid)
“Trick” is such a harsh word. I prefer “inspired.”
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Fine, fine. I’ll go back
Ivy reluctantly walks back into the garden, grabs a rake this time
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*muttering* This is why I have commitment issues.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*Look at her*
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
You’re being dramatic
Ivy Salazar (kid)
And you’re too calm for a guy with broom powers.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Seriously, do you practice that?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
No
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
Just… used to doing chores.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*genuine surprise* Wait. The great mystery guy does chores?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
I’m not “great.” And yes. Someone has to.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Okay, that’s… weirdly humble of you. Makes me wanna ask—
Are you secretly a runaway prince? Or an undercover idol?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
You talk too much.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
And you talk too little. Balance. That’s what we are.
Suddenly, a leaf flies and hits Ivy’s face.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
AHH—Nature is attacking me!!
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*doesn’t even flinch* It’s a leaf.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
IT HAD INTENTIONS.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
…You’re not normal.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
You say that like it’s a bad thing.
They sweep in silence for a bit, side by side.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
*glancing at him* So… you new here?
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
Yeah.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Welcome to Crestmont—home of suspicious cafeteria food and suspicious people. You’ll fit right in.
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
I don’t want to “fit in.”
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Well, tough luck. You just earned cool points for broom skills.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
You’re part of the weird club now.
Bell rings in the distance
…
Alright, garden gremlins. That’s enough for today.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Yes, ma’am!
She wipes her forehead with the back of her hand, grinning.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Well, see you around, mystery janitor
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
It’s Rael.
Ivy Salazar (kid)
Ivy. But you knew that already.
Ivy walks off with a bounce in her step. Rael watches her for a second, then looks down at the broom still in his hand
Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)
*quietly* Weird girl.
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