When They Beg, I Rise!

Suddenly, voices from outside broke the silence, and the two of them quickly put some distance between themselves. Lemira scrambled to her feet, "I- I'm gonna go change."

Orion sat up, watching her retreat in haste.

He laid back down, his heart had been racing too, nearly leaping out of his chest.

He turned his head, catching sight of the sunset outside. It was indeed beautiful.

But not as beautiful as her.

---

Back in the locker room, Lemira sat down, covering her face with her hands, taking a long time to calm down.

Was her heartbeat that loud just now?

Did he hear it?

Lemira rubbed her face and went to shower, feeling sore all over.

After changing, she walked out with her hair dried and draped over her shoulders, looking serene.

She glanced around subconsciously, not seeing Orion anywhere. Had he left?

Reaching for her phone to send a message, she hesitated.

"Aren't you leaving?"

Orion stood in front of her, already in fresh clothes, his hair still damp.

Lemira put away her phone and walked over, and they slowly made their way outside, both carrying the scent of the gym's body wash.

As the sun set, darkness crept in around them.

Reaching the bottom of the building, Lemira stopped. "I need to head back to my dorm."

"Hmm, make sure to apply some ice to your arm. You can't train intensely every day; you'll hurt yourself."

His voice was low and stern, causing her to look down, avoiding his gaze. "I know how to take care of myself."novelbin

"Training like your life depends on it, one would think you were preparing for battle."

His words were sharp as ever!

Lemira looked up at him defiantly. "Yes, I am preparing for battle."

"What are you afraid of?"

Orion

the one change in her tone

but couldn't quite grasp her thoughts due to the distance she was maintaining.

Was she worried about the Sinclairs?

But he had already put pressure on them, and Susanna had publicly apologized today.

Lemira forced a casual tone, "I'm not afraid of anything, just want to make myself stronger."

Only by becoming stronger can she protect herself and those around her.

"I should head back to the dorm now."

Noticing others' glances, she turned and left.

Orion stood there, watching her determined, retreating figure.

He remembered their first encounter in the infirmary; she was so downcast and depressed.

Now, she had developed quite the temper.

Back in her dorm, Lemira thought about their sparring session in the

gym, how they almost vehet

She covered her eyes with her hand, feeling the soreness in her arms. "Lemira, your package."

She stood up to see Janice holding out a parcel, "I didn't order anything."

"But it's got your name on it. Maybe take a look?"

Lemira opened it to find ointment

and a book on boxing, detailing how

to train without getting injuredel?

She knew immediately who it was from.

Taking a photo, she sent it to Orion: [Did you send them?]

[Very effective.]

His reply was succinct.

Lemira applied the ointment, with Janice helping her with her back.

Janice, curious, asked, "Who sent the ointment? Your boyfriend?" "No, just a friend."

Lemira looked at the book on the table, feeling almost mocked by Orion. She grabbed her phone again, sending Orion a digital tip.