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.

her lip and glanced back at Alaric, "Alaric, Lemmy is still

Eve's talking to you. Are

up, "I'm taking a

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

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.

feeling upset yet trying to play the good girl, said, "I didn't

stand the thought of Lemira outshining her, nor could she allow it to

Lemira couldn't possibly score well, could she?

along with other faculty

Evelina hovered near Alaric.

teacher announced excitedly, "We have the

over, her heart dark

let's not embarrass us by

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

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