Lola Sabel led Miguel to the village's sacred grove, where a massive balete tree stood at its center—its roots twisting into the earth like giant fingers. She knelt before a stone altar covered in moss and laid down offerings of rice, honey, and red cloth.
"Long before I was born," she began, her voice echoing softly in the grove, "our ancestors carved the Hula ng Lahi into this tree." She pointed to markings hidden beneath the moss. "It speaks of a great ending—and a new beginning."
She cleared away more moss, revealing the words: "When fire falls from the sky and water swallows the land, when darkness blots out the moon and corruption poisons every heart, the world will stand at its end. Only one who walks all paths of cultivation—who holds power and compassion as one—can guide life through the darkness."
"The prophecy says this one will be Aswang," Amihan added, her voice serious. "A destined cultivator who can unite all peoples—human, spirit, and Aswang alike."
"For generations, we've waited for signs," Lola Sabel said, turning to Miguel. "Watched as the world grew more unbalanced—storms growing stronger, hearts growing colder. The signs say the end is coming soon."