Three months later, Glad visited Romania.
The strigoi community had transformed—cautious hope replacing generations of fear. Their safe house, a renovated barn outside a small village, hosted the first open creature gathering in Eastern European history.
"We never thought this day would come," Elena said, showing Glad around. "Look—children. Playing. Without hiding."
Glad watched young strigoi chase each other in the fading light, their forms flickering between human and bat-like as they played.
"This is why we do it," she whispered. "This right here."
But not everyone was happy.
The local human population, informed of their supernatural neighbors through a careful outreach campaign, was divided. Some embraced the revelation. Others—led by a fiery priest named Father Ioan—protested.
"These creatures are an abomination!" he thundered at a town meeting. "They drink blood! They corrupt our youth!"
"So does the internet," a teenager muttered. "You're not banning that."
Glad addressed the meeting calmly.
"Father Ioan, I understand your fear. I've faced it my whole existence. But these creatures—your neighbors—have lived among you for centuries. They've farmed your land, traded in your markets, maybe even saved your ancestors' lives. They're not monsters. They're family."
The room murmured.
"Give us a chance. One year. Let them live openly. If any harm comes to your community, I'll personally ensure they leave."
Father Ioan glared. But he didn't refuse.
One year.
It was a start.