When They Beg, I Rise!

So, she was determined not to make the same mistake twice!

Lemira's gaze was clear and unwavering, "Alaric, I wanna focus on my exams; I can't afford to get distracted by video games."

She had flat-out declined Alaric's suggestion. Or rather, his command. Alaric's words hadn't been a discussion; they were an announcement.

"Lemira, am I hearing this right? You're actually turning down my offer?" Alaric's face fell; he demanded she join the team, and had never anticipated her refusal. After all, Lemira had always been compliant these years, never once defying him. Standing her ground, Lemira retorted, "If it's an invitation, then it's within my right to decline."

She met his gaze squarely, watching his frustration grow, yet it was none of her concern.

Alaric, visibly irritated, warned her, "Think carefully before you answer, Lemira. Don't act out of spite, or you might end up regretting it when you're begging me for another chance!"

He had heard from Caspian about the recent incident where Lemira, in a fit of pique, had given away the gold trophy he had presented to her as an apology to Evelina.

and clinched the championship,

mad. Joining your team

fanned the flames of Alaric's anger. He felt Lemira was

now,

situation somewhat amusing. So, Alaric was

feigning concern, urged, "Lemmy, just say yes. Don't upset

at her, "Evelina, since joining the team

her room, pulled out her textbooks, and started catching up on her studies. Much to her dismay, she found herself out of touch with the material and knew she had to make up for lost

bring it up

the others are waiting for

room. Clutching her pen, Lemira realized she was still under the Langstons' thumb and had

made her way to the dining room, where Lucian, Caspian, Alaric, and Evelina were seated around a long table, a setup typical for the Langstons due to their numbers. Lemira chose a seat at the far end of the table and silently began to eat. The dining room was initially tense,