Alina was still catching her breath when — pop! — the same woman reappeared beside her so suddenly that Alina nearly squeaked. She clutched her chest dramatically. "Goodness — you scared me!"
The elder staff didn't bat an eye. "Principal Nightshade approves. You may take Class D. Be mindful near the water."
And just as quickly as she came, the woman disappeared again, her dark uniform blending into the corridor's shadows like a ghost in broad daylight.
I will never get used to that, Alina thought, shaking her head with a tiny laugh. She stepped back into her classroom.
She clapped her hands once, just loud enough to get all their attention. "Guess what, sweethearts?" she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "We're going on a small adventure to the lake!"
