Chapter 39 FaceTime with mom
When it came to playtime, it was like someone had pressed a secret switch. The moment Alina said the word "game," every child turned into a burst of energy. Rocky, who had been too shy to speak earlier, now ran in circles like a rolling pebble. Luna wagged her tail and barked in excitement. Drake announced himself as the team captain. Even Felix—who moments ago was acting all cool and detached was now chasing Boo and laughing under his breath.
Alina stood back, smiling as she watched them run, stumble, and squeal in joy. The room echoed with giggles and tiny feet. Her heart felt full.
Just then, a knock on the door came, followed by a helper’s voice: "Miss Hart, breakfast is ready."
The kids froze for a moment, then erupted into cheers again, this time louder. "FOOD!" Drake declared like a war cry.
By the time she reached the Class D cafeteria, Alina was honestly stunned.
It looked brand new.
There wasn’t a single trace of water left, not even dampness on the walls or a stray droplet on the windows. The floor shone, the chairs were arranged perfectly, and the smell of warm pancakes floated in the air. She blinked.
"Supernatural beings, huh..." she mumbled, a little dazed. "Should’ve asked them to clean my apartment too."
After checking that all the babies had their meals and were seated safely, she finally allowed herself to step back. It was almost peaceful—almost. That is, until she noticed Vlad Jr. quietly unscrewing a small silver bottle.
He raised it to his lips, and the moment he drank, a faint red stain appeared. Not ketchup. Not juice.
...Blood?
Before she could call out or ask him what it was, a change in the air made her pause.