Whispers In The Underworld (On Hold)

CH.1

CHAPTER 1:
YZARIYA'S POV

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“Perfect.“

I whispered upon seeing the entirety of my creation. It's a simple yet elegant portrait. I smiled, not expecting to finish it within just three hours. I tucked the paintbrush, soaked in color, into the pocket of my apron. Even the small table serving as a paint stand was a bit messy.

Using the back of my hand, I wiped away the sweat that had been trickling down my face. I was too focused on painting to pay attention to my appearance, but the exhaustion was worth it— I had created a perfect masterpiece.

Painting is my hobby and talent.

Nakitaan ako ng potential noong one time na bumisita kami sa art gallery na pagmamay-ari ng kaibigan ni lolo. I was captivated by the portraits there, and I almost didn't want to leave due to sheer joy. That was when I truly began to appreciate the arts.

I pulled out my phone from my pocket and captured photos of the portrait from various angles. I want to capture every detailed part of my work. I also zoomed the camera para i-focus ang taong ipininta ko. Halos mapunit ang aking bibig sa laki ng pagkakangiti nang i-check ko ang pictures.

Damn! Is it the work of a goddess? Why does it have to be so perfect in my eyes?

Kinikilig ako sa sarili kong gawa. I can't help it! I'm so proud of myself! I can't even imagine that I paint this wonderful portrait. Now, I can tell that I've improved a lot.

Niyakap ko ang phone at napatalon sa sobrang tuwa. Sigurado akong magugustuhan ito ni Dad kapag naipakita ko ito sa kan'ya.

My reference for this portrait is my Dad's picture when he was 10 years old, just like me. He was sitting on a swing, holding three pieces of white roses.

Dalawang buwan bago ko natapos itong painting. Hindi ko pa naman kasi gamay ang pagpipinta but I do my best para magmukha itong presentable. Dad's birthday is coming up and I didn't want to give him things that would quickly run out or break and be temporary.

Kaya naisip kong isang portrait ang iregalo sa kan'ya tutal ayaw rin naman n'yang gumastos ako at bumili ng mga materyal na bagay. I used my old painting materials, the ones Dad used to buy for my birthdays.

I fixed my tangled hair. The ribbon had loosened, so I let it fall and tied it back up again. I let some strands fall and turned my attention to the scattered art materials. I tidied them up and placed them beside the portrait.

Mamaya ko na lang huhugasan ang mga materials dahil kailangan ko munang magpalit ng damit. Napinturahan kasi ang suot kong bestida at baka mapagalitan ako ni Mom kapag nakita n'yang mukha akong basahan. Ang higpit pa naman n'ya lalo na pagdating sa pananamit.

Lumabas na ako ng greenhouse garden at eksaktong makakasalubong ko ang dalawang katulong. Bahagyang kumunot ang aking noo nang mapansing namamaga ang kanilang mga mata.

Did something... happen?

They were saying something I couldn't understand because aside from being soft-spoken, their voices were also trembling. Na-curious ako sa kung anong pinag-uusapan nila kaya naman tumigil ako sa paglalakad para marinig iyon ng husay. It seemed they hadn't noticed my presence as they continued walking past me.

"Poor Master. He doesn't deserve it."

I froze at the servant's words. Suddenly, a strange worry for Dad enveloped me. S'ya lang naman kasi ang tinatawag na 'Master' dito sa mansyon.

Hindi ako mapalagay kaya hinabol ko ang dalawa at pinigilan sa paglalakad. They were startled to see me, as if anticipating what I would say and wanting to escape.