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.

and glanced back

snapped, "Lemira, Eve's talking to

looked up, "I'm taking a test. Can't you

momentarily lost for words, "Eve's trying to give you

she's working on the test. Let's discuss whatever it is after she's finished," the teacher couldn't stand it anymore and intervened, clearly impressed with Lemira's performance. It seemed

trying to play the good girl, said,

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

crept in. Lemira couldn't possibly score well, could she? Yet, witnessing Lemira's recent transformation unnerved her. Finally, time

the test and, along with other

steady even as Evelina hovered near Alaric.

announced excitedly, "We

heart dark with malice, hoping Lemira

let's not embarrass us by saying it out

test was even more challenging than the last, and yet she

anxiety melted away as she heard it, a small smile playing on her