La araña negra, t. 7/9

In the turbulent aftermath of Spain’s 1868 revolution, a determined officer returns from exile to find the capital awash with celebration and political intrigue. Alvarez, a steadfast republican, navigates the glittering yet precarious world of generals, salons, and newly formed clubs, all while wrestling with his own ideals and the promises of power offered by the charismatic General Prim. Beside him, his loyal aide Perico seeks recognition in the bustling night‑life of Madrid, absorbing speeches that glorify martyrs and stirring his own ambitions.

Amid the swirl of triumphs and betrayals, Alvarez is haunted by the memory of a mysterious savior, Don Pedro Corrales, whose sudden disappearance leaves unanswered questions about loyalty and fate. As the commander climbs the ranks, his uncompromising stance pits him against those who would trade republican principles for a constitutional monarchy, setting the stage for a clash between personal conviction and the seductive allure of political expediency.