Chapter 19

Lemira paused, her voice polite but distant. “Lucian, Caspian, Alaric.” She didn't want to be accused of sulking again; she lacked the energy for petty arguments.

Alaric raised an eyebrow. “How did today’s test go? You claim to be focusing on your studies instead of joining the team. I’m curious to see how well you actually did!”

Lemira ignored his jibe. Her brothers were never impressed, regardless of her efforts.

She pursed her lips. “I’ll do my best.” Her best to improve her grades, her best to escape them and get into Orvin University.

Caspian scoffed. “Lemira was never cut out for academics. She didn’t do well in high school either. Crashing at the last minute just looks like effort. She’ll still rank behind Eve in the end!”

Evelina chimed in, smiling. “Caspian, don’t be so harsh. Lemmy has been working hard lately; even the teachers have praised her.”

Lemira clenched her backpack, anger surging. In her past life, her poor grades were strategic. Whenever she outperformed Evelina, Evelina retaliated, turning her brothers against her. To avoid their disdain, Lemira deliberately underperformed. That didn't mean she was incapable.

In her past life, she'd wanted to surpass Evelina, to prove herself superior. But Asher had forced her to attend the same mediocre college as Evelina, despite her eligibility for better institutions.

Remembering this, Lemira struggled to control her emotions. “I’m going to my room.” Her gaze was icy; she wouldn’t repeat past mistakes.

The next day, a Saturday, Lemira slept in. The house was empty when she went downstairs for breakfast; they were likely at training camp. She didn't mind; she returned to her room after eating.

She checked her phone for gaming competition updates. The playoff announcement was posted, just as in her past life. Back then, Alaric had been relentless during the revival matches, driven by revenge against young Everhart in the finals. SkyBlaze's championship win had been more luck than skill; young Everhart’s last-minute withdrawal unexpectedly opened the path to victory. The reason for his withdrawal remained a mystery, even after her death; rumors ranged from illness to family business demands. The game details tempted her to play, but she remembered her agreement with Orion: her participation depended on her exam results. She would wait until they were released.

She texted Orion: [Orion, I didn’t go to the infirmary after school last week because Lucian found out I wasn’t home on time. I was worried he’d discover my secret hideout, so I didn’t come.]

She waited for a reply, checking Orion's Facebook to no avail. “Doesn’t he ever post on Facebook? Weird!”

Meanwhile, Orion glanced at the message, his eyes narrowing. “Orion, who’s messaging you?”