Silence filled the classroom for one long, warm moment.
Then Drake started clapping loudly. Boo spun in the air, clapping dramatically.
Luna huffed but clapped anyway. Kelpie splashed water excitedly on his desk while clapping.
Rocky clapped shyly, his eyes shining. Felix clapped once, then twice, then kept going quietly.
Sable clapped with his whole heart. Lucien nodded with quiet approval.
Dante stood very still, his arms crossed, his expression neutral to anyone who did not know him. But his eyes held something thoughtful. Respect. Approval.
Alina felt her eyes sting just a little.
Because he was still just a child. And yet, somehow, he already carried the responsibility of someone who wanted to protect everyone around him.
And that, she thought, watching him step back toward his desk while his classmates still clapped, was exactly why he deserved the role.
