Alex took his place next to Ivan after exchanging a nod with Caleb, a silent pact to protect their companions at all costs.
Caleb moved to stand next to Cece and Edward. Edward reached out, taking Cece's hand and pressing a lingering kiss to her knuckles. Meeting her eyes, he murmured, "Stay close to me." She squeezed his hand back and gave him a firm nod as her only answer.
Nearby, Oliver stood with Professors Seira and Dante.
Dante shifted into a combat stance, his crimson eyes sliding toward Seira. "Don't die on me, Seira," he remarked. "We still have to see this madness through."
Seira looked at the vampire, noting the usual "screw loose" look in his eyes, and smirked. "You bet I won't. After all, who else will save these kids from their deranged professors?"
Dante grinned, while Oliver looked between the two in sheer disbelief. 'What the hell? Are my eyes deceiving me?' he thought. 'Are they seriously flirting right now?'
