I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!

And then he turned.

The sight of that single tear broke through the haze. Dante's crimson eyes flickered, confusion cracking through the fury. His wings trembled, their shadows dissolving at the edges as guilt seized him. For the first time in years, his heart clenched so tightly it hurt.

In a heartbeat, he was no longer across the clearing but right in front of her, his steps quick and desperate, as though he had been the one struck down. His hands trembled as he reached for her, stopping just short of touching, afraid of hurting her again.

"Alina…" Dante's voice was low, heavy with guilt, as though every syllable cracked under its own weight.

"Sir…" Alina whispered back, her lips trembling. She wanted to ask if everything was safe, if the babies were truly out of danger, but the ache in her back made her words falter. She didn't need to finish. He seemed to understand.

"Alina, everything is okay," he said, and without thinking, he pulled her into his arms. The suddenness of it stole her breath. Shock flickered through her, but the pain was too much for her to dwell on the strangeness of the gesture. She leaned against him, her body heavy, and for once, she didn't fight the support.

Dante felt it. The rage that had consumed him only moments ago was gone. The shadows that writhed and begged for destruction had quieted. Her voice, her tear-stained face, had stripped him bare, dissolving the monstrous force he couldn't control. What was this? What was it about her that tamed the storm inside him so easily?

"I'm okay," Alina whispered after a long silence, though her tone betrayed the truth of her pain. She steadied herself and he asked quickly, "Where are they?"

"They are sleeping," she answered him when she saw the worry in his eyes, and she gently tugged on his hand to guide him. He let her, his usual cold authority softening as she led him behind the rock where the children lay curled together, safe and breathing peacefully. His eyes softened at the sight, crimson light dimming into something more human.

"Sir, my phone didn't have charge," she said hurriedly, her voice low but urgent. "The parents… they must be worried sick. Please, send them a message."

Dante straightened at once, his expression turning firm again. He raised his hand, summoning a group of shadow demons who appeared silently, their forms bowing low. His voice was steady when he ordered, "Send word to every parent. Tell them the children are alive and unharmed. Do not leave until they receive the message."

The demons vanished in a blink, carrying his command through the night.

Alina exhaled softly in relief.

"Thank you again, Alina, for taking care of the babies."

Before she could reply, Dante's arm pulled her close once more. The suddenness of it sent a small shock through her, her breath catching in her throat. Why was he hugging her again? His grip was so firm.

Perhaps the fight, the fear, the thought of the babies in danger had made him vulnerable in a way he could no longer hide.

She didn't even notice at first that he had dropped the formal "Miss Alina" and spoken her name as though it belonged to him alone. But she couldn't ignore the way his broad frame engulfed her. He was tall, solid, his strength pressing against her as if he could shield her from the entire world. His scent was strong, masculine, tinged with smoke and something metallic, the aftertaste of battle clinging to him. And yet, strangely, it made her feel safe.

"We should take them back," Dante said at last, his voice quieter than usual, almost reluctant as he released her. Alina nodded quickly, trying to steady her racing thoughts.

When Dante bent down to lift Boo and Lucien, the sudden movement stirred them from their sleep.

"Oh no…" Boo gasped dramatically, blinking up at the principal with wide, glowing eyes. His little mouth hung open as if he had just woken to see a monster, though in truth, it was awe that shone in him. His startled cry made Lucien shift awake as well, and soon one by one, the others began stirring, stretching their arms and rubbing their eyes.

"Dad!" Lucien's voice cracked with relief as he wrapped his small arms tightly around Dante's neck. Dante's lips curved into something so rare, so soft, it barely seemed to belong to him. He smiled. Just for his son. He held Lucien close, his large hand cradling the boy's back as though letting go wasn't an option.

Boo, meanwhile, floated a little higher, his eyes still wide as saucers as he pointed. "Principal… smiled?? Boo must be dreaming."

His dramatic declaration made Luna snort awake, Drake giggle half-asleep, and even Vlad Jr. raise a curious brow, his eyes still sleepy.

"Principal, principal, did we win?" Drake's sleepy voice came out soft, but his amber eyes already sparked with excitement.

"Yes. We won," Dante said, his tone steady and certain.

At once, little faces lit up. Drake's mouth stretched into a huge grin. "We wonnnn."

Boo shot straight into the air, twirling and shaking his ghostly body in a ridiculous little jig. "Victory dance. Boo is hero too. Boo was hiding, but that counts," he announced proudly, spinning until he nearly bumped into a tree branch.

Luna groaned, rubbing her eyes, but even she couldn't hide the twitch of a smile. "You look ridiculous," she muttered, though her eyes lit up with joy she couldn't hide.

Sable, who had been curled like a quiet shadow, rubbed his eyes slowly. He still looked drowsy, but when he heard Dante's answer, his lips curved into the smallest smile. He believed all along that Dante would win, he always did, but hearing it aloud brought a warmth that eased his timid heart.

Rocky, still clutching his knees, finally let out a breath. "So no more monsters?" he asked cautiously, and when Dante said yes, his shoulders relaxed.