Alina clapped her hands sharply, her teacherly voice ringing across the room. "Everyone!!! Attention here!"
The babies froze mid-argument—Kelpie with his jellyfish, Rocky clutching his pebble pouch, Vlad Jr. holding his handkerchief dramatically, and Luna baring her little fangs about her "rabbit gift."
"If you all don't stop this right now," Alina said, narrowing her eyes, "I don't mind giving you all… math homework."
The words landed like thunder.
Instant silence.
Not even Boo dared to float upside-down. He just gasped softly, covering his little mouth. The classroom turned so quiet it was almost spooky, a pin-drop hush hanging in the air.
A slow, satisfied smile spread across Alina's face. The power of a teacher's threat—unmatched.
"Very good," she said warmly, her voice softening. "Since we are going to celebrate Lucien's birthday tomorrow, everyone may come wearing pretty, cute clothes instead of uniforms!"
