That night, Bianca sat under the guava tree, moonlight washing the orchard in silver. Kaloy padded silently to her side.
"He wants the land," she whispered.
"They all will," Kaloy replied. "Blood ties do not shield against greed. Sometimes, they sharpen it."
Bianca hugged her knees. "I thought… maybe family would understand."
The guardian's golden eyes gleamed. "Family is not always bound by blood."
---
Unseen, another figure lingered near the bamboo grove—the man from the market. He had followed Marco's departure, ensuring the cousin left without trouble. He knew that look Marco carried in his eyes. Greed never truly died, it only waited.
The land had chosen Bianca, but that choice painted a target on her back. Marco was only the beginning.
---
The following day in town, whispers grew louder.
"Her cousin visited, sniffing around already."
"Of course. Who wouldn't? That land is fertile again."
"Maybe the curse is broken. Whoever owns the hacienda will be rich."
Bianca kept her chin high, though her heart raced. Lara glared at the gossipers, muttering under her breath, "Vultures."
By the time they returned to the hacienda, Bianca felt exposed. Even the guavas in their basket seemed to glow brighter, drawing unwanted attention.
---
That evening, as Bianca fed Pochi, the goat grew restless—ears twitching, stamping the ground. He tugged at his rope until it snapped and ran to the guava tree, hooves sparking faint green light with each step.
The roots of the tree pulsed like a heartbeat, sending a vibration through Bianca's chest.
Kaloy appeared on the fence. "The land stirs because danger stirs. Your cousin will return."
Bianca's breath caught. "Marco?"
Kaloy's tail flicked. "And others who smell greed."
---
Later, Bianca heard footsteps in the orchard.
She seized a lantern and stepped onto the veranda, heart hammering. The light swung across the trees, catching only shadows.
Then she saw him.
The stranger stood by the guava tree, tall and steady in the moonlight. His gaze met hers, calm and unwavering.
Bianca froze, torn between fear and strange relief.
The man raised a hand in a small gesture—reassurance, perhaps promise. Then, silently, he melted back into the darkness.
---
Bianca lowered the lantern, the weight of his presence pressing on her chest.
Peace was good. But peace never lasted long.
And now, the true battle for the hacienda was about to begin.
"Lolo Berto, may you protect and guide me and this Hacienda.." she softly whispered.
---
End of Chapter 19