Chapter 12 So , she was determined not to make the same mistake twice ! Lemifas gaze was clear and unwavering , Alaric , I wanna focus on my exams ; I cant afford to get distracted by video games . She had flat out declined Alarics suggestion . Or rather , his command . Alarics words hadnt been a discussion ; they were an announcement . Lemira , am I hearing this right ? Youre actually turning down my offer ? Alarics face fell ; he demanded she join the team , and had never anticipated her refusal . After all , Lemira had always been compliant these years , never once defying him . Standing her ground , Lemira retorted , If its an invitation , then its within my right to decline . She met his gaze squarely , watching his frustration grow , yet it was none of her concern . Alaric , visibly irritated , warned her , Think carefully before you answer , Lemira . Dont act out of spite , or you might end up regretting it When youre begging me for another chance ! He had heard from Caspian about the recent incident where Lemira , in a fit of pique , had given away the gold trophy he had presented to her as an apology to Evelina . That trophy , from the year he went pro and clinched the championship , held significant value to him . How dare Lemira give it away ? Evelina tugged on Alarics sleeve carefully , Ari , dont get mad . Joining your team is like a dream come true for me . Lemmy will come around . Her words only fanned the flames of Alarics anger . He felt Lemira was being ungrateful by refusing him . Alaric glared at Lemira , This is a one time offer . Decide now , do you wanna be part of our family team or not ? Lemira couldnt help but find the situation somewhat amusing . So , Alaric was just a puppet , easily manipulated by Evelina . Evelina , feigning concern , urged , Lemmy , just say yes . Dont upset Ari . Lemira looked at her , Evelina , since joining the team is your dream , Ill let you have my spot . With that , she returned to her room , pulled out her textbooks , and started catching up on her studies . Much to her dismay , she found herself out of touch with the material and knew she had to make up for lost time quickly . Then , a servant knocked on the door , Ms. Langston , dinner is served . Just bring it up here . Lucian Langston and the others are waiting for you in the dining room . The message was clear ; she wasnt to dine alone in her room . Clutching her pen , Lemira realized she was still under the Langstons thumb and had to play along for now . She made her way to the dining room , where Lucian , Caspian , Alaric , and Evelina were seated around a long table , a setup typical for the Langstons due to their numbers . Lemira chose a seat at the far end of the table and silently began to eat . The dining room was initially tense , but Evelinas laughter soon lightened the mood . Alaric , sweeping a glance at Lemira , declared purposefully , Eve , well teach you to play later . With your smarts , youll learn in no time , and youll be just as good as someone ! Evelinas eyes sparkled with joy , Ari , Ill do my best . I wont hold you back ! Lemira , unfazed by their conversation , thought it was for the best . If Evelina joined and they failed to the playoff , it would be Alarics last chance . She continued to eat quietly with head bowed , not bothering to look at those in the jovial chatter or to throw any tantrum as she had done before . It no longer mattered to her . After finishing her meal quietly , she stood up , Im done . Enjoy your dinner . She felt it necessary to excuse herself , to avoid any potential lectures . Lucian looked up , surprised not to see Lemira throwing a tantrum or showing jealousy . She seemed much colder now . With a hint of compassion , Lucian asked , Lemon , are you sure you dont want to join us ? You have a real talent for gaming . Imagine us , all together , winning the championship ! It was as if he was offering Lemira a way back in . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!