When They Beg, I Rise!

Alaric was pacing back and forth, clearly troubled about the upcoming competition.

Lucian clapped him on the back, "Once the scores are in, I'll have a word with her. The match is crucial, after all."

Alaric was displeased, "Lemira begged me for ages to teach her how to play, and now she's trying to corner me. When did she get so cunning?

"If push comes to shove, let's get Asher involved. Lemira wouldn't dare snub him!"

Evelina, listening in from the side, was seething. She had no intention of giving up her spot to Lemira! It was her spot, fair and square!

---

Upon Lemira's arrival at school, the buzz was all about the recent exam scores.

Evelina's sidekick, eyeing Lemira, loudly commented, "Someone's been working so hard lately. Wonder how much it paid off."

feigning calm, pulled out her textbooks to review, yet her nerves on edge. Soon, the teacher arrived with the scorecards, stirring excitement in the air. "Quiet down," the teacher said, tapping the desk. "Overall, the scores weren't great. It's no time to slack off. Evelina, in particular, you've

pausing before saying, "However,

lackey pressed, "Sir, what rank is

top

with chatter at

on Lemira's face. She actually did it! Thrilled, she thought about reporting back to Orion.

even stand a chance at

suspect something's off with Lemira's score. There's no way she could've improved

Even the teacher, looking at Lemira's

prove herself, especially since she bet with her brother.

was beautifully crafted. Yet, Lemira's expression turned scornful. Evelina's manipulation was top-tier, indeed. No wonder she'd been controlled

the teacher, swayed by Evelina's words, started to suspect