Under His Shadow - Chapter 3 - A friend?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Wow, that is your car? Cool!

When the car that was supposed to pick him up arrived, a man named Marco got out; he is the Dela Cruz family's driver. He has been assigned to Rael.

Marco (Driver)

Young Master Rael.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

…

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*whispering* Young… Master??

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

He’s dramatic. Don’t encourage it.

Marco (Driver)

Your mother asked me to report if you’re adjusting well.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Tell her I’m not dead yet.

Marco (Driver)

Charming, as always.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

You’ve got a driver? A family driver?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Technically, he’s more like a babysitter.

Marco (Driver)

Technically, I keep you alive.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Same thing.

Marco opens the door for him

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

You live in a mansion or something?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Or something.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Man… You’re like Bruce Wayne. But moodier.

Marco (Driver)

Sorry for interrupting, but Young Master needs to go back home.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Aww, man! My dad will not pick me up here because my mom is having trouble carrying my baby sister.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*puppy eyes*

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Can I ride with you guys?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Please?

Rael & Marco: …

Marco (Driver)

*sighs* Young Master?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Come on, we are already friends, right?

Yes, friends. Rael and Theo have spent the entire day together. Maybe not when Rael was in the garden, but when Rael returned to his classroom, Theo appeared and began yapping. He resembles the girl he met at the garden.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Fine..

Marco (Driver)

*sighs again* Then I’ll inform Madam that Young Master will be bringing… a guest.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*grinning* YES.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Guest. VIP guest, even.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Don’t touch anything in the car.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Bro.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

I’m not a gremlin.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

*murmuring* Debatable

Marco starts driving smoothly through the quiet afternoon streets.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

So…

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Is your house the scary rich kind or the classy rich kind?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

It’s a house.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

That’s not an answer.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Then stop asking questions.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

So defensive.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

You totally live in a castle, don’t you?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Do you ever shut up?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Not when I’m excited.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

And dude—this is exciting!

A short silence. Theo fidgets with his seatbelt like a hyper child.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Hey.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Can I ask one last thing?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

No.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*chuckles* Okay, so why did you transfer to our school?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

My mother wants it.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

And you don't?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Did I look like I wanted to?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Fair point.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

You looked like someone sentenced to life without parole.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

It’s not that dramatic.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

You literally sighed before entering every classroom.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Even our math teacher noticed. She flinched.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Then she’s observant.

The two became quiet.

Marco (Driver)

*looking at them and smiling*

It was the first time Marco saw Rael interact with other kids his age; he was studying at the mansion and could not get to talk to anyone his age.

Marco (Driver)

First time I’ve seen you talk this much, Young Master.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

I’m not talking.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

He’s doing all the talking.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Facts.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

But you’re listening, which is rare for people my age.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Or yours.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Wait, how old are you again?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Old enough to regret letting you in this car.

They are almost at the Casa Dela Cruz place.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

This place is absolutely stunning

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Are we almost at your house?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Almost

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*pressing his face to the window*

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Dude… those gates are massive.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Do they open with a password or do you summon a butler with a golden bell?

Marco (Driver)

*smirking* Facial recognition.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

NO WAY.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Is that even legal?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

It’s not a prison, Theo.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Could’ve fooled me.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

This place looks like a villain’s lair—but like… rich villain. Sophisticated evil.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

*thinking* Villain huh...

He felt something he did not understand, but hearing those words from him made him realise and wonder if what his family was doing was such a villain thing.

Marco (Driver)

*felt tension building around Rael* So we are here.

The car pulls up to the grand estate. The gates open with a quiet hum, scanning and accepting Rael’s face.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Bro… your house has tech like it’s part of the Avengers headquarters. I feel like I should’ve worn a tux.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

You’d still look like a comic relief character.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

And proud of it.

The car rolls into the circular driveway, surrounded by manicured lawns, modern sculptures, and silence that feels too perfect

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭Villain lair.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 He said it like a joke.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭But why did it feel… accurate?

Marco (Driver)

*stepping out* We’re here.

Marco (Driver)

Young Master, your mother is in the conservatory.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Of course she is.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*getting out, spinning around* Dude. This place has a conservatory?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

I don’t even know what that is!

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

A glass room with plants.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

A rich way to say “fancy greenhouse.”

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*gasps* Do you have secret passages?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Not for you

They walk up the front steps. The doors open automatically. A housekeeper bows slightly.

Housekeeper: Welcome home, Young Master.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*whispering* You get bowed at when you walk in?!

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Is this a K-drama?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

No.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

This is my life.

Inside – The halls are wide, elegant, silent. Too silent

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*glancing around* So where’s everyone?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Working. Traveling.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Avoiding each other.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Cool.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

And by cool, I mean that’s actually kind of sad.

They reach the lounge. Marco subtly clears his throat

Marco (Driver)

I’ll inform Madam of your arrival. And… the guest.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Make it sound less dramatic.

Marco (Driver)

I’ll try.

Marco exits

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*sitting on the edge of the couch like he’s afraid to sink in* So, uh… this is the part where I awkwardly ask— do you have snacks?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

*sighs* Pantry’s to the left.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Don’t break anything.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Or touch anything glowing.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

GLOWING?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Don’t ask. Just don’t.

As Theo disappears to explore snacks like a raccoon, Rael sits down quietly, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭Villain’s lair, huh?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 Fancy. Isolated. Cold.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 He’s not wrong.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 But villains choose to be villains.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 What if I was born into one?

Footsteps echo in the hall. High heels. Sharp. Familiar.

His mother enters – elegant, she has this smile in her face whenever she looked at his son, her presence filling the room like a perfume you can’t escape.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

Rael

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

*stands slowly* Mother.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

*Looks around* Where is your friend?

She sounds so excited, knowing that his son has made friends.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

He is at the ki-*looked at Theo, who just returned with a bunch of cookies*

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*munching* Yo, bro—your pantry’s like a bakery, spa, and museum had a baby.

He stops mid-chew, noticing a woman that he knew, Rael’s mother standing there.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*eyes wide* Oh—uh.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Hi.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Ma’am? Madam? Your Grace?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Do I bow?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Am I supposed to bow?

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

*smiling, amused* No need to bow, dear.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

Just Elena is fine.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*awkwardly* Right. Maam Elena.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Cool name.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Powerful. Like a queen in a novel. Or a general.

Rael closes his eyes briefly. Regret is loud in his silence.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

You didn’t tell me you were bringing someone.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Didn’t plan to.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

He kind of… invited himself.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Respectfully, ma’am—I did use puppy eyes.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

They were strong.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

*soft chuckle* Clearly effective.

She walks forward, her heels clicking lightly against the polished marble.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

What’s your name, dear?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*grinning* Theo.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Theodore Alaric Santiago

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

But please don’t call me that.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Only my grandma does. Usually when I’m in trouble.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

Very well, Theo.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

It’s nice to finally see Rael with company.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

He’s always been… selective.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

I’m still selective.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Yeah, yeah. You picked me. Own it, man

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

Would you like to stay for dinner?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

He has a family.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*cheerfully* They’ll live.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

*glances at him* You’re impossible.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

And you need social exposure. I’m doing charity work here.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

*laughs softly* I like him.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

You would

Elena walks over to a side table, picking up a crystal glass of water and sipping gently

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

Your father won’t be home tonight. He’s in Singapore.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

As usual.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

*quietly* Of course he is.

There’s a pause—just enough tension to taste.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*trying to ease it* So uh… any chance your house has a pool? Indoor or outdoor, I’m not picky.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

*smiling kindly* Outdoor. Heated. Behind the east wing.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Dude. This place is insane. Can I live here?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Absolutely not.

Elana Dela Cruz (Rael’s Mother)

You’re welcome to bring him again. Any time.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Sure…

Elena walks away with a soft nod. The air lightens just a bit.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*whispering* Your mom’s so elegant it’s intimidating.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

She’s trained for it.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Like a Bond villain. But classy.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭There it is again.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭Villain

He looks out the window again. The estate stretches far—perfect, controlled, distant

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭They see the wealth.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 The tech. The silence.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 But they don’t see the rules. The eyes. The expectations.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 Maybe it is a lair.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

💭 And maybe I’m already part of it.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*crunching a cookie* So what’s the plan?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Pool? Movie room? Secret tunnels?

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

You’re not staying overnight.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Cold

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

*deadpan* Honest.

A housekeeper peeks in, bowing.

Housekeeper: Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes, Young Master.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

Thanks

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Thirty minutes to explore?

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

Let’s go.

Raizo “Rael” Dela Cruz (Kid)

*sighs* If something explodes, you’re walking home.

Theodore “Theo” Alaric Santiago (kid)

*grinning, walking backwards* Bet.

They disappear into the east wing, the sounds of laughter—well, mostly Theo’s—echoing off the high ceilings of Casa Dela Cruz.