Angelo turned toward Alys. "Thank you, truly. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have learned how to face all of this."
Alys simply offered a gentle smile. "I am not the reason. You made the decision to return and change your life yourself. I am only here to ensure your safety, for you carry my *kama* within you."
The path to school was not yet fully bright despite the morning hour. Shops were beginning to open their shutters, and students rushed past, drenched in sweat from their haste. But for Angelo, the world felt different—he no longer feared the judgment of his classmates or the reprimands of his teachers. There was a newfound determination in his stride; he knew he was no longer alone.
"You know, Alys?" Angelo began as they walked along the roadside. "At first, I was terrified of you—your tails, your golden eyes. I honestly thought you were a ghost, or perhaps you had truly cursed me."
"I can understand that," Alys replied, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Beings like me are often feared or dismissed as mere spirits. But not all things mysterious are malevolent—sometimes, it only takes a moment of understanding to see one's true purpose."
### The Return
As they reached the school gates, several students immediately took notice. Alys's silver hair, in particular, was a rare and striking sight in their town. Whispers erupted as curious eyes followed them, but Angelo remained unfazed.
"I'll head in from here, Alys," he said, stopping at the gate. "You probably shouldn't come inside—they might mistake you for a student, or something worse."
Alys smiled again. "I won't enter, but I won't be far. I can hear everything from a distance—just in case something unfortunate occurs."
Angelo nodded and turned to enter. But before he could walk away, a voice called out to him.
"Angelo! Hey, Angelo Reyes!"
He turned to see his old friend, Jomar, accompanied by the group he used to play basketball with. Unlike their usual lighthearted meetings, their expressions were now somber.
"You didn't even say goodbye when you left," Jomar said, stepping closer. "We thought you weren't coming back. And... who is the lady with you?"
"That's Alys—she's a friend," Angelo answered calmly. "As for my disappearance... I can't explain everything right now, but I hope you understand. I want to come back and finish my studies."
Jomar studied him in silence for a moment before breaking into a grin and putting an arm around his shoulder. "Hey, it's alright, man! Just having you back is enough. Let's play at the court tomorrow, okay? We've been a man down without you!"
A wave of relief washed over Angelo. The heavy burden on his chest lightened, knowing that the people who mattered hadn't abandoned him.
Inside the classroom, a hush fell as Angelo entered. His teacher, Sir Ramon, stood up quickly from his desk. "Angelo Reyes? Is that you? I thought we had lost you," he said, his face glowing with genuine happiness. "Take your seat. Let us begin our lesson."
As Angelo sat in his old chair, he felt his classmates' gazes—they were no longer mocking or judgmental, but filled with a quiet sense of welcome.
### The Confrontation at the Canteen
Outside, Alys did not leave. She sat at a small bench near a shop by the gate. As she looked up at the sky, she sensed an approaching presence. It wasn't the men from earlier—this was different. It was stronger, more dangerous.
"It seems the battle is not yet over," she whispered to herself, her golden eyes flickering. "Now that Angelo has begun to change, I will do everything to protect him—and everyone he holds dear."
Later, during the break, Alys waited at a table in the canteen. She couldn't help but notice the stir she was causing. Students whispered in awe: "Who is she? She's beautiful!" "Is she a new student?" "Look at her hair—it looks like real silver!"
A group of girls, led by a student leader named Bea, eventually approached her. "Hi! We haven't seen you around here before. Are you a visitor?"
"I am a guest," Alys replied gracefully. "I am here with my brother, Angelo Reyes. I'm just waiting for him while he buys food."
"Oh, Angelo! We heard he's back," Liza, another student, added. "You're so beautiful, Ate! You look like a model!"
Alys, unsure of how to respond to the flattery, simply smiled. "Thank you. I am just a simple person."
Meanwhile, Angelo was at the counter, overhearing the same chatter. He smiled as he bought their lunch: adobo and rice for Alys, and sinigang for himself. When he returned to the table, a crowd had gathered around her, peppering her with questions about her home and her life.
"Hey, don't bother her too much!" Angelo joked, setting the food down. "We might run out of time to eat!" The students laughed and dispersed, giving them space.
"Were they bothering you?" Angelo asked.
"Not at all," Alys replied, taking a bite. "They are kind. I see many good people here—friends who are ready to accept you again."
Their peaceful meal was interrupted when the atmosphere in the canteen suddenly shifted. The chatter died down, replaced by a cold dread. The three men in black—the ones Alys had threatened earlier—walked in.
The leader scanned the room until his eyes landed on Angelo and Alys. He sneered and approached their table. "You thought you could escape us, Angelo Reyes? And you've brought a new friend. Perhaps she doesn't know who we are or what we are capable of."
Alys was unmoved. She looked the man directly in the eye, and for a split second, her pupils flared with a golden light. "I do not forget faces. I told you before—if you lay a finger on this boy, I will not let you leave this place freely."
The men felt a sudden, inexplicable chill at her voice. They began to tremble, but before they could act, Sir Ramon arrived with the school security guard.
"What is the meaning of this? You are not students here!" Sir Ramon shouted. "Kuya Berting, call the police—we have trespassers!"
Panic seized the three men at the mention of the authorities. They didn't wait around; they bolted out of the canteen and fled the school grounds.
"Are you two alright?" Sir Ramon asked, concerned.
"We're fine, Sir. Thank you for stepping in," Angelo replied.
After the commotion settled, Angelo turned to Alys. "Thank you again. If it weren't for you, something terrible might have happened."
"You don't need to thank me, Angelo," Alys said, a small smile touching her lips. "I told you—I am here to protect you. I want to see you happy and reaching for your dreams."
As they walked through the corridor later, the morning rain stopped, and the sun broke through the clouds. Angelo noticed how the sunlight caught Alys's hair, making it shimmer like burnished silver.
"Alys," Angelo said softly. "At first, I thought you were the source of all my problems. But now I know you are the reason I have a second chance to do things right."
Alys placed a hand on his shoulder. "The true reason for your change is you, Angelo. I am merely a companion on this journey—until you reach the future you deserve."
As he stepped back into his classroom, Angelo knew more trials would come. But he was ready to face them all—alongside his father, his friends, and the mysterious woman who had given him back his life.