Lucien looked equally unconvinced. He stared at Rocky's bag for a moment, then at the overly dramatic group, his expression calm and faintly puzzled, as if thinking, This is an unnecessary level of emotional investment in rocks.
Alina, on the other hand, pressed her lips together, desperately trying not to laugh. Her shoulders trembled as she smiled at them all, her heart melting at their dramatic, over-the-top loyalty.
"Alright, alright," she said warmly, eyes bright. "Rocky's pebbles are officially under Class D's protection. No pebble thief will stand a chance."
Rocky clutched his bag even tighter, looking both proud and deeply reassured, while the rest of the babies nodded like sworn knights of the Pebble Guard.
