Chapter 218: Chapter 218 Fun way
"Stop."
Both froze mid-motion. Dante’s crimson eyes narrowed as he turned his head slightly, his aura pressing down like a silent command. The vines overhead seemed to sway heavier, as if the forest itself obeyed him.
"No running. This is not your pack ground, nor is it your mountain to fly from. This is unfamiliar land," he said, his voice calm yet so firm it made the air around them still. "You will stay in line and move together. One mistake, and you’ll not just fall—you’ll be lost."
Drake’s wings drooped immediately, his cheeks puffing in protest. "But... I just wanted to play..." he muttered.
Luna crossed her arms and huffed, glaring at the ground. "It was just a little race..."
Alina quickly stepped in before their pouts grew into tears. She crouched down between them, her tone gentle. "I know you both want to race, but sir is right. The forest is big and tricky, and it’s easy to get separated. How about this? When we get to the safe spot on the island, teacher will let you both race properly. Deal?"
Drake’s eyes widened, a sparkle returning as he looked at Luna. "Promise??"
"Promise," Alina said, smiling warmly.
Luna grumbled. "Fine. But I’ll win."
Dante’s gaze softened just slightly at Alina’s quick handling, though his expression stayed cold as he turned back to lead the way.
The group followed Dante deeper into the forest, the soft crunch of leaves under their feet echoing in the still air. The tall trees arched above like guardians, their vines hanging down in long curtains, shifting gently with the breeze.
Boo floated a little higher than the rest, his ghostly eyes sparkling with mischief. Suddenly, he spotted a thick vine dangling right in front of him. "Ooooo, rope swing!" he squealed and immediately grabbed it. With a dramatic wail of delight, he swung back and forth, his little ghostly legs kicking in the air. "Wheeeeee~~~ Boo is jungle king!!"
"Boo!" Alina gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. "Be careful! Don’t—"
Before she could finish, Boo spun too hard and ended up tangling himself in the vine. He dangled upside down like a mischievous lantern. The babies erupted into giggles.
"Teacher, look! Boo is fruit now!" Drake laughed so hard he rolled on the ground, his tiny wings flapping wildly.
Luna smirked, baring her sharp little teeth. "He looks more like a bat. Maybe Vlad Jr. will adopt him."
Vlad Jr. raised one elegant brow with unimpressed calm. "I have no need for clumsy pets," he said smoothly, though his lips twitched as if he wanted to laugh.
Alina hurried to untangle Boo, patting his head once he was free. "You need to be more careful, Boo. No more swinging on vines, alright?"
"Boo was testing it’s strength!" Boo insisted proudly, puffing his chest, though his cheeks were pink from embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Rocky had lagged behind, his eyes darting nervously at the rustling bushes. The moment an bird chirp loudly from above, he squeaked, froze, and immediately curled into a rock. Thump! He rolled a few feet down the path, bumping against Kelpie’s legs.
"Rocky..." Kelpie sighed, crouching down as water dripped from his palms. "It’s just a bird. Do you want me to splash it away?"
Rocky peeked out with wide blue eyes from his rock form. "Nooo! What if the whole forest attacks me??"
Alina chuckled softly, crouching beside him. "Nothing is going to attack you, sweetheart. Teacher is right here. And look, you have Kelpie too." She tapped the rock gently until Rocky shifted back, blushing at all the attention.
The little group stopped when the trees opened to reveal a swaying wooden bridge stretched across a wide sparkling river. The water below caught the sunlight like flowing glass, glimmering in shades of turquoise and silver.
Kelpie’s pale face lit up the moment he saw it. His eyes almost glowed as he leaned over the rope railing, water droplets spilling from his fingers into the rushing river below. "So beautiful... it feels like home," he whispered, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Careful," Alina warned gently, resting her hand on his shoulder as he leaned too far. "We’ll cross first, and later maybe we’ll come closer to the water."
The babies lined up, their tiny feet padding onto the wooden planks. The bridge swayed gently under their weight, creaking with every step. Boo, of course, had no such worries. He floated lazily in the middle of the air, kicking his little legs as though he was walking just for fun. "Boo loves bridge! It’s like flying but easier!" he declared proudly.
Rocky, on the other hand, froze the moment he stepped on. The first groan of the rope made him squeak, and before anyone could stop him, his body stiffened and—plop!—he turned into a big gray boulder right there in the middle of the bridge. The entire structure tilted slightly with his sudden weight.
"Rockyyyy!" Drake shouted from the front, flapping his wings dramatically. "You’re gonna break it!"
Alina rushed forward, her heart hammering as she bent down beside him. "Sweetheart, you need to turn back now. It’s safe, I promise. Teacher’s right here." She rubbed her hand against the cool stone surface.
Sable, who had been watching quietly, stepped closer and offered his little hand. "It’s okay... I’ll walk with you," he said softly, shadows curling around his feet in reassurance. Rocky hesitated, then slowly shifted back into his small form, clutching Sable’s hand tightly. Together, the two crossed step by careful step, with Alina walking close behind them.
Luna rolled her eyes, her small steps light and sure as she crossed with wolf-like grace. "Hmph. It’s just a bridge. You all act like babies," she said, in the exact tone of a little girl who thought she was already an adult.
By the time they all reached the other side, Kelpie was still staring longingly at the river, whispering. "One day... I’ll show everyone how beautiful the water world really is..."