The group burst into laughter again, tails flicking and pearls jingling, and Alina couldn't help laughing with them, her cheeks flushed with amusement. "I'll… keep that in mind," she said, still smiling. "Though I think I'll survive if I just stick to talking."
"Talking," one mermaid repeated with a teasing grin. "That's what all romances start with!"
Alina sighed, laughing softly. "You sea women are too dangerous," she said playfully, and they all beamed, taking it as the highest compliment.
Meanwhile, inside the special play area for babies, Luna was having the time of her life. She had made two new friends—something rare for her, since back in her pack, most of the wolves her age were boys who only cared about racing, wrestling, or chasing tails. Even in kindergarten, all her classmates were boys too. For once, she was surrounded by girls, and it felt like stepping into a whole new world.
