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

snapped, "Lemira, Eve's talking to you.

up, "I'm taking

you an out. You should take it

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 mean

she didn't want Lemira to prove that she's capable, couldn't stand the thought of

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

the test and, along with other faculty members,

her emotions steady even as Evelina hovered near

enough, the teacher announced excitedly, "We have

over, her heart dark with malice, hoping Lemira had

"If it's bad, let's not embarrass us by saying it

more challenging

she heard it, a small smile playing on