When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion extended his hand towards her, his gaze deep and intense.

Lemira bit her lip, feeling a flutter of excitement, and placed her hand in his.

She looked up, "Orion, thank you for being there for me when I needed it most."

Perfect

timing.

After she spoke, Lemira sneezed, "Seems a bit chilly in the hills."

"I better get you home; it's getting late."

Holding hands, they walked outside together, Lemira glancing at their intertwined fingers, her mood lifting. After leaving the Langston estate, she was no longer alone.

She had friends, and now, a boyfriend.

But the journey took longer than expected, and Lemira had to run to her dorm, fearing she'd be late.

Out of breath, she made it back, receiving a message from Orion: "If you didn't make it, I'm waiting outside."

"Made it last minute, exhausted."

Lemira, panting, sat down as her roommate, Janice, poured her a cup of hot chocolate: "How was your date?"

we made it

sip, Lemira

right? I knew he liked you, even when you denied it." Lemira smiled,

for bed, she texted Orion: [What are you

got home, get some

parked at Ms. Ashworth's old house. After sending the message,

home? Insisting your brother

"Yes."

you tell her everything, and she

remained silent,

If it's not settled by then, I'll

she didn't want to see either of them hurt. Orion, worried for her health,

why did it have to be

---

headed to class in

sky was clear; she even sent Orion a

head to

Stopping near Lemira, Evelina

1

with me, Asher kas put me in charge of

Aurora Trust?

"Why would