Before Alina could explain, his gaze shifted to Dante behind her. "Good afternoon, sir," Gabriel greeted politely.
"Good afternoon, sir," Miss Kelly greeted, while Professor Hobb, though looking slightly grumpy as always, gave a curt nod and repeated the same words.
Dante inclined his head once in acknowledgement, his presence filling the staffroom in a way that made the others instinctively lower their voices.
Alina quickly mouthed at Gabriel, "I'll tell you later," her lips forming the words silently but clearly enough for him to understand. He blinked and nodded, though his curious eyes lingered on the strange, glimmering bags on her desk.
Without lingering further, Alina gathered her schedule papers and motioned toward the door. Dante followed her without a word, his tall figure shadowing hers as they headed down the hall toward Class D.
