This is when Balam nearly revealed that Iruma has no wings. There will be my OC as Iruma's sister. Iruma and the other characters will still be the same, however, Zoey will take the story in different directions.

Professor Balam set his piece of calk down to rub Iruma's back and his sister's head. "Even without horns" he gently rubbed Zoey's head. His hand did not collide with horns. He didn't think anything of it. "-with wings at least you could..." he trailed off as his other hand was rubbed further down Iruma's back.

Zoey closed her eyes in bliss but opened her eyes when he trailed off and was no longer rubbing her head. She watched as Iruma arched his back, his face displaying distress as the teacher said "escape" as his thoughts died out. Clearly, Professor Balam's mind was rushing to unfavorable conclusions. With one swift motion, Iruma was over the shoulder of the giant teacher.

Iruma was making hard, fearful eye contact with Zoey.

She had to think fast and move fast. Zoey climbed on top of the massive teacher. She leaned in from his back. "I'll tell you everything, just stop making a scene," she whispered in Balam's ear.

Zoey got off his back and stood before him with a stiff posture.

The student and teacher gazed at each other. She gestured for him to set her brother down. "Please, stop embarrassing him. Don't panic," her voice was firm and low. "Please" she repeated with a desperate edge.

Balam put down Iruma but did not release him. "You guys return to your classrooms immediately! You two are coming with me, to my office!" He put a strong hand on both of their shoulders and led the way as the other students scurried around.

Alice and Clara gave sad looks to the siblings but obeyed. Hoping nothing was really wrong, and the weird teacher was overreaching. They hoped to know one way or another soon. Clara was about to double back, but Alice redirected her and called out "Stupid Clara!" They bickered back and forth but ultimately Alice won as he carried her away; their voices grew distant and disappeared altogether.

Balam ushered them in, shut the door, and locked them in. "I'll make some tea"

Zoey and Iruma stood around in awkward silence, bodies ridged, eyeing their gargoyle teacher as he fussed to make tea. Zoey wrote a quick text, sent it, and put the phone back in her pocket. Her mind had been going over what to say, she gave Iruma a look that she hoped conveyed "Keep quiet". Zoey was relieved when Iruma gave a firm nod.

Balam held a tray with two mugs of hot tea. "It's hot so be careful. It should taste good." he watched closely as his students took a mug.

Iruma flashed a bright smile and said a soft "Thank you," while Zoey nodded in response, her attention on their surroundings and the very bulky teacher. Her thoughts raced: 'It's a little messy, but not dirty; there are roots and branches everywhere, a ton of books piled up, and he looks pretty nervous.' After sipping her tea, she remarked, "This is really good, thanks." She placed her cup on the workbench where they were all sitting. "So, where do we start?" she asked, still assessing the situation.

Balam's eyes darted around as if looking for a question. "Explain the wings, I didn't feel them, not even wing roots"

"We don't have wings," Zoey stated plainly. She raised her mug to her lips and took a drink, hoping to seem cool and confident. Her eyes quickly darted to Iruma, who looked a bit pale and sweaty, caught mid-sip of his tea. He started drinking again, but his hands were shaking slightly.

"What?!" Balam staggered as if physically struck.

Iruma flinched and whimpered. "We don't have wings. It's uncomfortable to talk about, I'm sorry! We want to cooperate I promise! It's just something Grandpa doesn't want us to talk about. Maybe you can ask something else?" Even Iruma dreaded his people-pleasing nature but he felt the words tumble out of his mouth.

'Stick to the script' Zoey thought at Iruma who was wilting under the heavy gaze of Professor Balam.

Balam took many shaky breaths as he trembled "Yes, I can appreciate it's an uncomfortable topic and not mentioned at home"

Zoey was pleased with how rattled Professor Balam was. She hoped he would take the story and give no trouble. "I'll tell you what Grandpa said is okay to share. We were unloved by our parents but adopted by Grandpa and despite being raised as his children and siblings, he has us call him Grandpa" She chuckled as she shrugged. "It doesn't make sense but it's not hurting anyone and it's easier to go with it. We are loved and happy, wings or no wings"

Professor Balam trembled, his body swelling with every near-hysterical breath. "W-What about horns or tails?"

Iruma and Zoey shook their heads.

"But you just said horns aren't-" Iruma started to say.

"But how can you not have wings?!" Professor Balam cried out, nearly in anguish.

Iruma yelped when startled and staggered away from the shouting, trembling.

"Stop yelling at him!" Zoey said without thinking . "please lower your voice," she said as she lowered her own" Anyone can hear you"

In an instant, the door to Professor Balam's lab swung wide, nearly breaking free from its hinges. Opera stood poised in the entrance, one foot forward. They gracefully stepped back, bowed respectfully, and permitted Lord Sullivan to enter before them. Afterward, Opera followed and cast a spell, swiftly repairing the door and its damaged frame, which locked with a satisfying click, ensuring privacy was regained.

"Grandpa!" both children cheered, ran to him, and hugged his slender body tight.

Lord Sullivan beamed down at his beloved grandchildren.

"Grandpa is here! Let me take care of everything!" he said cheerfully an aura of flowers and sparkles.

This was Opera's cue to approach and usher the children out of the room. The three of them left without another word, just as rehearsed.