Chapter 231 Proud Parents (2)
Luna puffed her chest proudly, her little tail flicking as she tried not to grin too wide. "Told you, Daddy," she whispered against his shoulder, her voice filled with smug delight.
Ryker gave a low chuckle, quiet but warm, before his gaze returned to Dante, his expression cooling again as though he had never softened at all. "I entrust her safety to you because she is my treasure," he said firmly, his tone carrying both warning and trust.
Dante's gaze stayed sharp, but his voice was firm. "They were safe because I protected them. I will not allow harm near them again."
His tone carried steel, leaving no space for doubt. "They are mine to guard while they are here. No enemy will touch them."
He looked at Ryker and the others, his eyes cold but steady. "You trusted me once. Trust me again. I will not fail."
Alina found Felix's mother watching her closely. So that was Aine. She was just as beautiful and striking as she had imagined, her hair falling like silk and her features so flawless that Alina felt a little intimidated. There was a sharp glint in her fox-like eyes as she looked at Alina with a focus that almost felt like she was being measured. Beside her stood Felix's father, equally powerful and handsome, his aura heavy and commanding.
Alina gave a small smile and asked politely, even though she already knew the answer, "Are you Felix's parents?"
Aine nodded, her long lashes blinking like a doll's as she answered softly, "Yes, I am the mother of my cub." Her eyes, however, shone with a certain expectation, as if silently asking, And? What do you have to say about my son?
Understanding that unspoken question, Alina smiled wider and said warmly, "Felix was really helpful and so powerful. I don't even have enough words for him. When the demons came after us, it was Felix who saved us with his illusion, and later he even made beds from trees for the children to sleep on. He told me he learned that from you. Because of him, all the babies slept peacefully that night."
The corners of Aine's lips curved into a proud smile as she kissed her son's silvery hair. Felix blushed, his little ears turning red as he tried to turn his face away. "My cub," Aine whispered, her voice filled with pride.
Then she lifted her gaze back to Alina, her expression brightening. "You are a great teacher," she said with sincere warmth. "For that, I give you my blessings. May happiness soon come knocking at your door."
Alina froze slightly at those words, startled by the unexpected blessing. "Thank you," she said softly, though her smile faltered for a moment. The word happiness made her heart ache as she thought of her mother's illness and the struggles waiting for her at home. Still, she reminded herself quickly that she did have happiness already. Class D and her babies were her joy, her light.
Her gaze shifted then to Rocky's father. The man stood tall, his face carved with seriousness, his aura heavy with strength. Alina straightened her shoulders and smiled at him too. "And Rocky was such a good boy. He handled the situation very well. He is always thoughtful, always careful of others' feelings, and he tries his best to take care of his friends. You have raised him with a kind heart, and it shows."
Finally, her eyes rested on Kelpie's father. She met King Corvus's cold, powerful gaze and offered another gentle smile, ready to speak of the shy little boy.
"And Kelpie has been such a good boy," Alina continued warmly, her voice gentle but firm enough for everyone to hear. "Yes, he gets scared, but he controlled himself, and that is bravery too. He faced his fears, and he showed great kindness when others were in need. He did not let his worry stop him from helping, and he was truly wonderful."
King Corvus's sharp, cold eyes softened for just a moment as he listened. His gaze flickered with pride, though his expression stayed stern as always. His strong arms tightened slightly around his son, as though silently telling him he had done well.
Kelpie, hearing such words from his teacher, turned red to his ears. His small fingers fidgeted with the embroidery on his shirt, but a shy smile tugged at his lips as he leaned closer into his father's hold. For a child who often doubted himself, being called brave and kind in front of everyone made his heart swell with a quiet joy.
"Teacher, teacher, he's hiding there!" Boo squealed, pointing with all his energy. Alina blinked in surprise, following his finger, only to spot a weary-looking elder trying to tuck himself neatly behind Rocky's father, as though his tall frame could shield him completely.
Before she could react, Boo's ghostly energy sparked, and in a flash he was zipping forward. The poor elder was practically dragged out of his hiding place as Boo shoved and pushed with his tiny glowing body, determined to haul him right in front of her. "Teacher, tell him! Tell him how helpful I am! And tell him no being lazy! Give him your scolding-class lecture so he learns, same like us!" Boo's voice rang like a little bell of mischief, his tiny arms flailing as if he were wrestling the elder into obedience.
Alina's lips twitched, half horrified, half amused, and then laughter bubbled free despite herself. The elder was stumbling forward, his expression caught between dignified shame and exhaustion. "Sir," she said kindly, hiding her smile behind her hand, "Boo has been a very good ghost today. Very helpful, very energetic."
The elder froze mid-step. His tired eyes lifted toward her, stunned, as though he had just been praised in front of the entire court. Boo puffed out his little chest proudly, hands on his hips, practically glowing brighter than before. "See? Teacher said it! Boo is good ghost! Boo is very, very best ghost!"
The elder just stared at Alina dazed, as if he could not quite understand how he had been dragged into this ridiculous scene. Meanwhile, the other babies burst into laughter.
And Alina's eyes finally shifted to Vlad Jr.'s father.