Chapter 211: Chapter 211 Hateful
Felix arrived last, and for a moment the air seemed to pause around him. His silky white hair caught the morning light like spun silver, falling in soft strands around his delicate face. The plain white shirt he wore only made him appear neater and more radiant, tucked perfectly into little black trousers that gave him an elegant, almost princely charm. His red eyes glowed softly against his pale skin, and his small lips curved into a polite smile as he stepped forward with his caretaker.
Even Alina’s heart warmed at the sight. He looked like a little gentleman straight out of a painting. She bent down slightly, her eyes sparkling with approval. "Good morning, Felix," she greeted warmly.
"Good morning, teacher," he replied in his soft, careful voice, bowing his head just a little, which made him seem even more mature.
Drake’s jaw dropped. "Woooah! Felix, you look like... like... like a tiny prince!" he exclaimed, wings twitching with excitement.
Boo spun around dramatically, holding his head as if in despair. "Nooo! Now teacher will only love Prince Felix and forget Boo forever!" he cried, pretending to faint in midair.
Luna snorted, clearly unimpressed. "Tch. He is just wearing a shirt." Yet even she could not deny Felix looked especially nice today.
Vlad Jr. straightened his cape and frowned.
Felix only blinked at them, clearly confused why his simple outfit had caused such a stir, and shuffled closer to Lucien.
After a while, Alina asked the babies to go inside. She noticed Vlad Jr. settle down next to Sable, which caused her brows to lift slightly.
Felix and Lucien chose seats together, their pale heads bent close as they whispered quietly. Kelpie and Rocky sat side by side, Kelpie bright and happy as he splashed a few drops of water on Rocky, who looked overjoyed. And Luna plopped herself down next to Boo, who was already spinning in circles on the cushion and trying to balance a pretend crown on his head.
That left Drake. His amber eyes darted around the bus, widening when he realized every seat was already paired. His lip trembled, then his eyes welled up. "Wahhhhhh! I don’t want to sit alone!" he wailed, his little wings twitching as he cried loudly.
At that moment, Dante climbed inside. His tall frame filled the doorway, and his crimson eyes immediately narrowed as they landed on the noisy little dragon sobbing as though the world was ending. His expression was cold and unreadable.
Alina quickly crouched in front of Drake, her voice warm and soothing. "Hey, Drake! You are not sitting alone. Teacher will sit with you, okay?" She gently wiped his tears with her fingers.
Drake sniffled, cheeks damp, and stretched his chubby arms toward her in silent demand.
Seeing his grabby little hands, Alina could not resist. She gathered him into her arms and hugged him tightly, rocking him for a moment before standing. He clung to her like a baby koala as she carried him toward the front.
She chose the first row, where there was a pair of seats facing the babies and another chair opposite. It was the perfect spot to keep an eye on everyone. Alina settled into her seat and placed Drake opposite her.
She nudged him gently toward the wall so he would not tumble, but he puffed his cheeks and pouted fiercely. His teary eyes darted toward the other children, all chatting and laughing with their partners.
He crossed his arms in the deepest sulk. He wanted to have fun with everyone else. Instead, he was stuck up front with teacher and principal.
Hateful! he thought, glaring briefly at Dante before slumping back with a huff.
Dante leaned into his seat, tall frame relaxed against the cushion. His crimson gaze slid to the little dragon across from him, glaring up with puffed cheeks and watery eyes.
"You have a problem?" Dante’s voice was low, calm, yet sharp enough to make the air tighten.
Alina’s eyes widened. "S-sir..." she began, worried they might clash.
But Drake immediately straightened, waving his chubby hands in denial. "Oh no, principal! I don’t have problem with you! You are Lucien’s daddy, I respect that!" he declared, puffing out his chest. "I just have problem with your seat. I don’t like it! It is... too boring!"
Vlad Jr. sat stiffly in his spot, his small hands fidgeting with his handkerchief. He had not meant for things to turn out this way. He only wanted to make sure Sable was not left sitting alone, but now Drake was sulking and crying. Guilt pricked at his chest. Drake could adjust with anyone, but still, seeing him cry made Vlad Jr.’s heart pinch.
Before he could say anything, Boo floated over, hovering cheerfully in front of Alina and Drake. "Hiii!" he chirped, waving his little ghostly arms.
Drake only pouted harder, cheeks puffed out, ignoring him.
But the moment Boo’s eyes flicked toward Dante, seated in his usual cold silence, Boo froze in midair. His eyes went wide, and then, without a word, he spun in a blur and darted under the seats like a frightened balloon.
Alina pressed her lips together, torn between worry for her little troublemaker and amusement at his antics.
Just then, the whole vehicle gave a soft hum, and Alina’s stomach dipped as it began to lift from the ground. Her eyes widened in shock. Oh heavens, it was actually flying.
She grabbed the edge of her seat, glancing quickly around. There were no seatbelts. Her heart thudded nervously as she looked at the babies, afraid one wrong bump might send them tumbling.
But to her relief, the ride was smooth and steady, gliding as if over invisible waves. The floor hardly trembled beneath their tiny feet, and none of the children looked frightened. On the contrary, their little faces were glued to the glass walls.
Alina slowly let out a breath of relief, though her shoulders remained tense. She turned her head and gazed outside. The view stole her breath away. Pale clouds drifted by, brushing against the see-through walls, sunlight glowing faintly through them. It felt as though they were floating inside a dream.