[Isabela grits her teeth, but if anyone could hear her life story and not hate her, it was probably Merrill.]

When I was young, I was basically sold off into marriage. Mother had a lot of problems with me, and with money. Luis here was a rich merchant. Bought me lots of things. Kept me where he could see me.

[She sighs.]

I got...bored with him. I hated him and the things he made me do, too, but mostly I hated being stuck. I wanted out. A handsome fellow with sharp knives hired by one of his rivals gave me the chance, and I helped him. And then thanked him, repeatedly, on a nightly basis for several nights.

[At about this point, the specter of Luis disappears. His role in her story is done.]

And after that, I swore I'd never let myself be tied again. Not to a person, not to a place, not to an idea. Just...me. Alone. Free.