Alina felt a sharp pang in her heart. She thought of Boo, always hanging back. Of Sable, who looked like he would break at the slightest touch. Of Kelpie, who flooded a room just because someone called him dumb. And of Luna, always pretending she wasn't soft, even though she was.
"That's… awful," she whispered. "They deserved better."
Gabriel nodded gently, watching her with calm understanding. "And now they have you."
Alina looked up, her eyes wide.
"They're lucky," he said. "You care."
Her throat tightened a little, but she smiled anyway.
"I hope I can give them what they need," she said softly.
And in that moment, she meant it with all her heart.
"Thanks, Grabiel. My class is about to start," Alina said as she stood up and picked her file and bag. She smiled warmly at him.
"Alright, good luck," he replied, his expression calm and reassuring. "I've got a short break before my next class."
