The Eldest summoned Glad again.
Not to the mountain—to a place she'd never been. A cave in Palawan, hidden by magic older than memory.
"Why?" Glad asked the messenger—an ancient engkanto who appeared at her door.
"The Eldest wishes to speak with you. About your mother. About the prophecy. About what comes next."
Glad went alone—a request, not a demand, but one she couldn't refuse.
The cave opened into a chamber filled with light.
The Eldest waited, form shifting as always.
"Gladys. Thank you for coming."
"What's this about?"
"Your mother's return changes things. Completes a cycle begun centuries ago. The prophecy we spoke of—it's nearly fulfilled."
"What prophecy? You were always vague."
"The prophecy of the Uniter. The one who would bring creatures and humans together. It spoke of a child born of two worlds, separated from her mother, raised by strangers, destined to bridge the divide."
"That's... me."
"It is. And now, with your mother returned, the final piece falls into place." The Eldest paused. "You have one more task, Gladys. The hardest yet."
"What task?"
"Let go. Completely. Not just of leadership—of identity. Of being 'the Manananggal who went viral.' Let Maya and the next generation carry the movement. You've earned peace."
Glad was silent for a long moment.
"That's it? My final task is... retirement?"
"Retirement isn't nothing. It's trust. Faith that what you built will outlast you. That's the hardest thing for any leader to give."
Glad thought about Anino. About fifty years of silent watching. About love that asked nothing in return.
"I understand," she said finally. "I'll try."
"That's all anyone can do."