Alina walked toward them, her soft green dress catching the morning light.
She looked like she had stepped out of a painting, like she belonged in the garden, among the flowers, among the growing things.
Several children paused just to look at her.
"Teacher looks like a plant queen," Kelpie whispered, his water droplets pausing mid-fall.
"She does," Rocky agreed seriously.
Luna nodded once, quick and firm, as if the matter was settled. "Yes."
Boo floated closer, circling Alina slowly.
"Teacher is the prettiest decoration," he announced. "Better than my ribbon. Almost."
Alina laughed, the sound bright in the morning air.
Vlad Jr. simply smiled, watching his classmates with quiet contentment.
At a distance, someone else had already noticed Alina.
Dante.
