When They Beg, I Rise!

Quick as a flash, the teacher handed Lemira a set of questions, "Timer starts now."

Lemira sat down, grabbed a pen, and dove into the test.

The office fell into a hushed silence, all eyes on Lemira.

The teacher, closest to her, watched Lemira work through the math problems, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. The questions were significantly tougher than those on the last exam, yet Lemira was getting them mostly right! Minutes ticked by.

Evelina, curious about the office's sudden interest, wandered over and caught sight of Lemira with her test. A bad feeling twisted in her gut.

She sidled up to Alaric, "Alaric, what are you doing? Is Lemmy doing a retake or something?"

Alaric snorted, "Exactly. She refuses to admit she cheated. We'll make her admit defeat this time."

Evelina hurried over to Lemira, "Lemmy, don't be so hard on yourself. We all believe in you. You don't need to force yourself."

Lemira didn't respond or even acknowledge Evelina, determined not to let her break her focus.

words had no effect, Evelina bit her lip and glanced back at Alaric, "Alaric, Lemmy is still mad at

snapped, "Lemira, Eve's talking to

looked up, "I'm taking a

you an out.

Lemira while she's working on the test. Let's discuss whatever it is after she's finished," the teacher

the good girl, said,

prove that she's capable, couldn't stand the thought of Lemira outshining her, nor could she allow it to

could she? Yet, witnessing Lemira's recent

with other faculty members, began grading

emotions steady even as Evelina hovered near Alaric. Detachment had shielded her

teacher announced

over, her heart dark with

coldly, "If it's bad, let's not embarrass

more challenging than the last,

she heard it, a small smile