When They Beg, I Rise!

For years, Thaddeus had watched as the man coolly and confidently maneuvered through life's challenges. It's rare to see him caught in a dilemma. Thaddeus had a hunch that Lemira meant something different to Orion now.

At the moment, Lemira was perched on a toilet in the restroom, rubbing her face. She was as timid now as she had been brave moments ago.

No wonder they say confessing your feelings was impulsive; it could easily make things awkward between two people.

She must have been under some spell to muster the courage to say those words.

What now? How could she face Orion? So awkward!

Lemira had stayed in the restroom for what seemed like ages, wishing she could just disappear.

When knocking finally came from the other side of the door, Lemira left the stall, making room for the next person.

As she washed her hands, feeling downcast, a surprised voice came from beside her, "Lemira? It's you!"

Lemira looked up to see Evelina, and then quickly went back to washing her hands, ignoring her.

fox mask, she recalled it, remarking jealously, "So, you were the one dancing up a storm in the middle of the dance floor?" She hadn't expected that Lemira could

her hands,

over some guy at the bar,

her eyes and walked

you going? I'm just worried about you. Alaric's here too, just hanging out in a private

Evelina, "Spare me your fake concern, will

looked hurt, and Dorian stepped in at this, "Hey, Lemira, be nicer, okay? If you keep bullying my

had been

after being

show Lemira one day that Evelina was doing

like

mockery, "If playing the victim

like that?

Kept demanding

"What's going on here?"