I Became a Kindergarten Teacher for Monster Babies!

Count Vladimir's crimson eyes lingered on Alina, his gaze deep and unreadable. His tall frame, pale skin, and elegant presence made her straighten unconsciously, a shiver running up her spine.

"And Vlad Jr. was a great companion," she said warmly, forcing herself to meet those piercing eyes. "He was thoughtful, loyal, and cared for all his friends."

At that, Vladimir's expression softened almost imperceptibly, and the stiffness among the parents began to melt. One by one, the guarded tension eased, replaced with quiet pride in their children.

But Aine was not about to stay quiet. Her sharp, foxlike eyes flicked toward Dante, and her voice rang out like a whip. "What kind of elders do you keep in your Nightshade Court, Lord Dante? One of them was clueless, lazy, and even dared to suggest sacrificing babies. Babies! I dealt with him myself, turned him into a frog where he belongs. But mark my words, no matter how important your elders claim to be, if they cannot think and act like elders, then they have no right to their place. You should end them."

Her anger was palpable, enough to make the air stir.

Alina's eyes widened at the mention of the frog curse. That kind of magic, to simply transform a powerful elder into something so small and helpless, was frightening but also incredible.

Meanwhile, Boo had been listening with round, fascinated eyes. Suddenly, he shot straight into the air, spinning in excitement. "Felix's mom! Can you teach me that too? Boo also wants to turn all the lazy elders in the ghost tower into frogs! Or bananas! Frogs and bananas!" His little voice rang with glee, arms spread wide as if he were already casting spells.

The ghost elder nearby blanched, his spectral form flickering in alarm. His eyes nearly popped from his hollow sockets at the thought of Boo learning such mischief. Before Boo could demand lessons again, the elder grabbed him in a desperate attempt to silence him and began dragging the little ghost away.

"Teaaacheeerrrrr!" Boo pouted, flailing dramatically. "He's just jealous! Boo could make such funny banana frogs!"

Alina pressed her lips together, trying hard not to laugh at the absurd sight.

But Aine only threw her head back and laughed, her voice bright and unbothered. "Of course, Boo! Next time we meet, I'll teach you myself!" she promised with a wink.

Boo's eyes sparkled with hope, his little ghostly body glowing brighter in delight. "Really? Yaaay! Boo will become Frog Master!"

The elder groaned loudly and quickened his pace, dragging Boo even faster, muttering under his breath as though praying for salvation.

Alpha Ryker's voice rumbled low, but it carried the kind of authority that made even the air feel heavier. "I agree with Goddess Aine's words," he said, his gaze fixed firmly on Dante. "Some of your elders need to have their spine straightened. Ruthlessness is not the enemy—it can be a strength when used on those who deserve it. But if that same sharpness is ever turned toward innocent cubs…who are blameless…" His voice dropped lower, cold as steel, "…that is cowardice. Our pack will never stand for that."

Luna shifted in his arms, her little braid brushing against his chest as she raised her chin proudly. She loved hearing her father speak like this, strong and protective. Alpha Ryker, noticing her expression, pressed his broad hand gently against her head, his voice softening for her alone. "Our pack believes in strength, but also in honor," he added firmly. "A wolf without honor is no better than a rabid beast. If your elders have forgotten that, perhaps they need reminding."

And Dante nodded his head, and later everyone left one by one. It was already morning, the sun beginning to peek shyly over the horizon, painting the sky with soft gold and pale pink.

Alina smiled when she saw Rocky shyly wave at her before disappearing into his father's arms. When she turned back, her breath caught. Dante was standing there, holding Lucien and Sable in his strong arms, one on each side. Both little boys looked happy, their faces lit with the safety of his presence. For a strange moment, Alina's heart felt like it might leap into her throat.

"Sir…" she whispered, smiling, though her nerves betrayed her. The way he was looking at her, so deeply and intently, made her chest flutter.

"Alina," Dante said slowly, his crimson eyes never leaving hers. "Don't you want to say anything about Lucien and Sable? I am their parent." He stepped closer as he spoke, and her eyes widened, caught off guard by the depth of his voice and the closeness of his gaze.

She hesitated, but then noticed Sable watching her with trembling expectation. She smiled gently. "I… alright," she said softly.

"Sable is the smallest one, but also the bravest," she began, her voice warm. "He didn't cry even when he saw something scary. I have never seen such a little one handle himself with so much courage. And Sable is caring, loving, and always helpful. When his friends were scared, he became their anchor. He made everyone feel less alone."

Sable's eyes grew glassy, his small face trembling with emotion as if he couldn't hold it all in. He looked as though he might cry, but they were tears born of happiness, of finally being seen.

Alina's gaze then moved to Lucien, whose crimson eyes were already wide, waiting. "And Lucien…" her voice softened further, "he is such a good boy. He knows how to handle himself very well. Even in the scariest moments, he did not panic. Instead, he gave others courage. He comforted his friends, he reminded us to believe in you, Sir." Her smile deepened. "He has such a strong heart, but also a gentle one. He carries so much, but he doesn't let it break him. Instead, he becomes a light for everyone else."

Lucien's lips parted as if he couldn't believe her words were truly meant for him. His little arms tightened around his father's neck, and his face buried into Dante's chest to hide the tears threatening to fall.

Alina's heart warmed at the sight, and she whispered to Dante, "You should be proud of them. Both of them."

Dante's arms instinctively tightened around his boys, holding them as though he could shield them from every shadow in the world. His crimson gaze lingered on Alina, heavy and unreadable, before his voice rumbled low.

"Proud?" he said, his tone thick with unspoken emotion. "I am more than proud."

Alina's eyes widened at his words, then she softened with a small smile. "Okay, sir… I should also leave now," she said quietly, her voice tired after the long day.

Dante gave a short nod, but as Alina turned away, she realized he was following her. She stopped and raised her brows. "Sir?" she asked, a little confused.

His expression was serious, his crimson gaze steady on her. "I have to deal with the Nightshade Court. Can you take care of my babies in the meantime?"

The words struck her deeper than she expected. For a brief moment her heart fluttered unexpectedly. He wasn't asking her as a principal, nor commanding her as a ruler. He was entrusting her as a father. She glanced at Lucien, who was clinging to his shoulder, and at Sable, whose small hand rested on his arm. Both boys looked at her with quiet trust.

"Of course," Alina said softly, her lips curving into a warm smile as she met Sable's eyes. He brightened immediately, his face beaming with joy.

Dante gave a short nod again, but he didn't turn back. He followed her steps, silent but steady, all the way until they reached her little house. Alina unlatched the door and pushed it open, the familiar scent of old wood and faint herbs greeting her. She stepped inside, her eyes flickering back as she noticed Dante lingering at the threshold.

He entered after her, his tall figure filling the small space. His eyes scanned everything with quiet precision, the worn rug by the doorway, the wooden shelf lined with neatly folded books, the low table with a single chair tucked beneath it. The way his gaze moved, it was as though he already knew the outline of this house.

Lucien and Sable looked around curiously too, their eyes roaming over every corner. For them, the place seemed new and interesting, though small compared to the grand halls they were used to.

"My shadows will deliver the babies' clothes and anything else you need," Dante said at last, his voice calm but commanding. "You only need to call for them. Say the word 'Shadow,' and they will listen to you."

Alina froze, staring at him with widened eyes. "They… they'll listen to me?" she asked, shocked.

"Yes," Dante replied firmly. His gaze softened ever so slightly, the edge of his voice lowering as if speaking only to her. "Because you are the one I trust them with."