Alina felt herself falling.
The massive worm's mouth was descending, its teeth spinning, its shadow swallowing the stone where the children huddled. She had run toward it, her arms outstretched, her body moving before her mind could catch up. And then she felt nothing.
Not pain. Not fear. Not the grinding of teeth or the heat of the monster's breath.
Nothing.
She opened her eyes.
Above her, pressing against the worm's massive body, was darkness. Thick, writhing shadows pushed against the monster's skin, holding it back, keeping its mouth from closing around the children.
The worm thrashed. Its teeth spun but the shadows held.
Alina turned.
Behind her, the children were cheering.
"PRINCIPAL! PRINCIPAL! PRINCIPAL!" they chanted, their voices rising in a chorus of hope and relief.
She looked toward the principal's chair.
He was standing. Dante was standing!
