"Dante," Sir Santo said easily, his smile widening just a fraction as their eyes met across the room.
The two men looked at each other for one long second. Something unspoken passed between them, quiet and heavy, like two ancient forces recognizing each other without needing words.
Then Sir Santo turned slightly, smiling at the room with that same pleasant expression.
"Please do not treat me as a priest here," he said pleasantly, his smooth voice carrying easily to every corner of the classroom. "I am only here today as Boo's guardian."
He moved to look down at Boo fondly.
However, he stopped mid sentence. His smile stayed frozen on his face, but something shifted in his silver gold eyes.
Because Boo was not beside him anymore.
Sir Santo slowly turned his head to scan the room.
Across the room, Boo was floating near Felix and his mother, Aine. His eyes were sparkling like he had just discovered the meaning of life itself. His mouth had fallen open in pure wonder.
