I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!

Even Vlad Jr., who had tried to maintain his elegant composure, tilted his chin proudly. "As expected of the principal," he murmured, though the relief shining in his eyes betrayed how much he had worried.

Alina let out the breath she had been holding too, her chest finally easing as she looked around at them. Their faces, flushed with relief and childish joy, made all the tension of the night worth it.

She bent down, brushing her fingers over Drake's cheek, and whispered warmly, "Yes, we won. Thanks to all of you for being brave."

The little dragon's cheeks turned pink, and he puffed out his chest as if he had been the one to defeat the enemy. Boo cackled dramatically, floating upside down again. "Teacher, if Boo had claws, Boo would fight too!"

When Dante finally opened the portal, Boo was the first to dive inside. He spun in midair, arms making wild circles as he shook his whole ghostly body in a victory dance. "Boo returns in glory," he shouted dramatically.

Drake whooped and jumped in right after him, wings flapping with excitement. But the moment Boo came out on the other side and saw how many adults were gathered there, his little body froze mid-spin. His glowing eyes widened in horror.

"Oh my ghost," he squeaked, covering his face with his tiny hands. "They all saw Boo dance… nooo…" He sank to the ground in embarrassment.

Drake, on the other hand, didn't care about appearances. His eyes immediately spotted his father. With a joyful cry, he sprinted across the field and launched himself into Blaze's waiting arms. Blaze caught him with ease, his stern face softening into pride as he held his son close.

Luna, usually so tough and grumpy, melted the moment her gaze found her father. She didn't even try to hide it. Her golden brown eyes shimmered and her lips trembled before she threw herself into Alpha Ryker's arms. He lifted her up effortlessly, his hard expression easing into something warm and protective.

Rocky's cautious face brightened into pure joy the instant he spotted his father. "Daddy!" he squeaked, running as fast as his little legs could carry him before being scooped up into strong arms. Relief washed over his features, his small hands clutching tightly at his father's collar.

"My cub!" Aine's voice rang across the gathering, sharp and overflowing with love. She rushed forward the moment she saw Felix. Before he could compose himself, she snatched him up into her arms, smothering his pale cheeks with kisses. Felix squirmed, crimson eyes flashing with embarrassment as he tried to wriggle free. His father, Yuki, strode up more calmly, but the relief in his face was unmistakable. His hand rested firmly on Felix's head, his gaze soft even if he didn't say much.

Kelpie didn't hesitate either. He ran full speed across the sand, water still dripping faintly from his palms, and leapt into his father's arms. Corvus caught him instantly, wrapping his little tide in a protective embrace. Kelpie buried his face against his father's neck, a small smile curling on his lips.

And Vlad Jr.'s eyes shone as he spotted his father. He ran to his side, but stopped just short, straightening his posture and walking with more elegance.

Count Vladimir's eyes flashed with concern as his son stood beside him, and his hand rested briefly on the boy's shoulder.

At last, Alina stepped out of the portal. She was holding Dante's hand without even realizing it, her fingers trembling from the relief of getting the children back safe. When they emerged on the other side, she looked up at him with a grateful smile. "Thank you," she whispered softly before pulling her hand away.

Dante's lips tightened in a thin line. His crimson eyes flickered, but he turned his gaze away from her and focused instead on the gathering of parents.

"How are you going to explain this?" Alpha Ryker's voice cut through the air, cold and commanding. The pressure of his Alpha energy made a few of the children shrink closer to their parents. But Dante didn't flinch. His expression remained calm, prepared to answer.

Before he could, however, Alina stepped forward quickly. "Sir, we're sorry for what happened," she said in a clear, steady voice. Dante's eyes shifted toward her, but he didn't interrupt. He let her speak.

"We spent a wonderful day on the island," she explained, her hands pressed gently in front of her. "The children enjoyed themselves until that evil creature appeared. Principal Dante protected us. He cast powerful barriers around us so we could hide safely, and in the end, he fought and won. Because of him, none of the children were harmed."

She spoke fast, heart pounding in fear that they might blame Dante. Then she smiled, her voice softening. "And the children were so brave. Drake, for instance, used his fire to light our path when it was dark. I don't have night vision, but his flame kept the shadows away and even chased off the insects. He truly helped us all."

Blaze, who had been holding his son, raised his brows. "Really?" His voice was gruff, but beneath it was a glimmer of pride.

"Yes, sir," Alina nodded warmly. "Drake made the mood lighter. He gave us courage."

Drake's cheeks flushed crimson as his father's stern face softened. Blaze looked down at him with pride, and the little dragon quickly buried his face against his father's chest, too embarrassed to look at Alina but secretly glowing with happiness.

"And Alpha," Alina turned toward Ryker, "your daughter is just as remarkable. She was brave, clever, and resourceful. She helped collect twigs and leaves to keep our fire alive, and when one of her classmates was hungry, she shared her toffee without hesitation. She has such a strong heart."

Alpha Ryker's hard face melted slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips despite himself. He glanced down at Luna, who in his arms was trying to hold back her own grin. Both father and daughter looked equally proud, both pretending not to show too much but unable to hide the sparkle in their eyes.

His jaw clenched, as if he didn't want to give away how much the words had struck him, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him with the faintest twitch of a smirk.

"Hmph… of course she's brave," he said, his deep voice steady. "She is my daughter." His hand rubbed Luna's back in slow, grounding circles, though his eyes gleamed with pride. "Still, it is good to hear her teacher sees what I already know."