The Department of Supernatural Affairs summoned Glad to a formal inquiry.
Not a courtroom. Not a trial. Just a room with a long table, uncomfortable chairs, and three officials who looked like they hadn't smiled since 1995.
"Ms. Samotiloy," the lead investigator began, "you're aware that releasing confidential Department files is a serious offense."
"I'm aware. I'm also aware that those files were stolen by a criminal and given to a human politician who planned to expose every creature in the Philippines."
"That doesn't change the fact—"
"It changes everything. I didn't steal the files. I recovered them from a criminal. I didn't release sensitive information—I redacted it. And I stopped a massacre."
The investigators exchanged glances.
"Your actions," the lead said slowly, "were... unconventional. But effective."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment. It was an observation."
Glad leaned forward. "Look. I'm not your enemy. I registered voluntarily. I pay taxes. I serve on the council. I'm trying to build bridges between humans and creatures. If you want to punish me for stopping a catastrophe, go ahead. But think about the message that sends to every creature watching."
Silence.
Then the lead investigator sighed—the sigh of a bureaucrat realizing they'd lost.
"Consider this a formal warning. Next time, coordinate with us before taking action."
"Next time, do your job before I have to."
The investigator's eye twitched. "You're dismissed, Ms. Samotiloy."
As Glad walked out, she passed a young staffer who whispered, "That was amazing. Can I have your autograph?"
She signed her name on a piece of paper.
The staffer stared at it. "You wrote 'Good luck, fly high.'"
"That's my signature now. I'm leaning into it."
Outside, Ariel waited with Anino and the whole crew.
"How'd it go?" he asked.
"I'm not in jail."
"That's a win."
"That's a win."
They celebrated at The Bleeding Bean, surrounded by friends who'd become family.
And somewhere in the distance, a figure watched from the shadows.
Marikit hadn't left the country.
She'd just been waiting.
Watching.
Planning.
The game, as she'd said, wasn't over.