Her cheeks were a little flushed, her eyes glassy, but she clapped her hands softly and said, "Alright, my little stars. Let's all sit together now, okay?"
Her voice trembled just a little, but she smiled anyway.
"Nothing bad is going to happen. Teacher is right here. Let's all stay close, and take deep breaths."
Sable sniffled but nodded.
Rocky rolled back into his soft boy form and clung to Boo's sleeve.
Kelpie dabbed his cheeks, eyes still wide, but moved to sit near the teacher.
Drake hovered down and folded his arms, cheeks still pink.
Luna stomped once — then plopped beside Felix. And Vlad Jr. walked elegantly, brushing invisible dust off his uniform like nothing happened, but quietly sat closest to Alina's desk.
Even Lucian… slowly sat beside her without a word.
They were still shaken.
But Alina's calm had become their anchor.
She looked around at their teary, tired faces, then took a slow breath and sat down on the floor with them.
