When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion stood straight, his voice cool and detached, "So, what's the outcome?"

"I nailed it, of course! The principal had me retake a different test, and I scored even higher than on the midterms."

Lemira couldn't help but lift her chin a bit in pride. It seemed like the joy of her victory found its true significance only upon seeing Orion.

Orion, his gaze slightly lowered, asked in a calm tone, "Did they apologize?"

Lemira paused for a moment, was he referring to Evelina and Alaric? She shook her head, "Only the scapegoat said sorry. The ones pulling the strings didn't, but I couldn't care less. I've already given them a taste of their own medicine!" And it felt fantastic!

A smile graced Orion's refined features as he spoke, "Meet me after school." With that, he left.

Lemira noticed someone approaching in the hallway, so she didn't ask any further questions. Turning around, she headed back to her classroom.

The usually noisy classroom had quieted down a bit.

The teacher soon came in to announce that Lemira's scores were legitimate, clearing her of any cheating allegations.

Evelina, slouched over her desk, was in a foul mood, her interest in even cakes waning. She needed a plan. There was no way Lemira could outperform her. How could Lemira possibly be better than her?

---

Lemira made her way directly

a chair, glanced back at her, "Finished

teacher had us review our mistakes, and I've

made many mistakes, only on topics she hadn't reviewed well

tapped the computer beside him, "Ready

like starting a new

I'm not using my

his main account to play

entered the game, she looked at Orion, "What's your username? Let's add

she had an online friend

raised an eyebrow, "What are you looking at? Accept

wave of excitement

meet her online friend at

him, "Why

gaze lowered, "Just

maybe it really

straight for the beginner's area

switched to a low-level account to play with her, but she didn't pry. Yet, his gameplay reminded her so much of that person. She couldn't help

"No."