The entire village gathered in the sacred grove as the sun began to set. Lola Sabel stood before the balete tree, holding a woven crown of bay leaves and wild flowers.
"To confirm your destiny," she said to Miguel, "you must undergo the Trial of Three Nights. You will stay here, in the heart of the grove, with no food or water—only what the spirits and land choose to give you."
"What will I face?" Miguel asked.
"Your deepest fears, your greatest doubts, and the voices of our ancestors," Amihan said, her face serious. "They will test whether you are ready to carry this burden."
"I'm scared," Miguel admitted.
"Good," Lola Sabel said, placing the crown on his head. "Fear keeps us humble, and humility keeps us true. But remember—you are not alone. We will stand guard at the edge of the grove, and our prayers will be with you."
She led him to the base of the tree, where a mat had been laid. "When you enter the realm between worlds, you will be asked one question. Answer from your heart, and you will find your way forward."
As darkness fell, Miguel sat cross-legged on the mat, closing his eyes as the first whispers of the spirit world began to reach him.