Unaware Lifestyle.

Chapter 27: Lyra's dilemma.

At school, Ella was confident that Lyra wouldn't show up after the brutal bullying incident the day before. But to her surprise, Lyra walked into the school grounds, her head held high and a determined look in her eyes.

Ella's friends seemed to fear Lyra, whispering among themselves and glancing at her with a mix of awe and intimidation. Ella, however, was undeterred, her arrogance and entitlement driving her to continue her bullying ways.

She targeted Erica, threatening her and demanding that she do unreasonable tasks. Erica, however, refused to give in to Ella's demands, standing her ground despite the fear that trembled in her voice.

"You're just a coward, Erica,"

Ella sneered.

"You're too afraid to stand up for yourself, so you hide behind Lyra's skirt."

Erica stood firm, her voice steady.

"I'm not siding with anyone, Ella. I just won't spy on someone or do something that's not right."

Ella's anger grew as Erica refused to comply, her face reddening with rage.

"You're siding with Lyra, aren't you?"

She spat, her eyes blazing with accusation.

Just as Ella raised her hand to strike Erica, a hand grasped her wrist, halting her motion. Ella's eyes widened in shock as she turned to face the person who had stopped her.

To her astonishment, it was Lyra, the very person she had brutalized the day before. Lyra's eyes flashed with a fierce determination, her jaw set in a firm line.

"Leave Erica alone, Ella,"

She warned, her voice low and even.

"Or face the consequences."

Lyra smiled sweetly, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Don't be scared, Ella,"

She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I'm just mimicking your ways. And I must say, I loved the surprise on your face. And your friends' too."

Ella's eyes widened in shock, her face pale. She took a step back, her eyes fixed on Lyra as if she was seeing a ghost. Lyra's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"You thought you could bully me and get away with it, didn't you?"

Lyra said, her voice low and even.

"But I'm not one to back down easily. And I always pay back in kind."

Ella's friends looked on, their faces frozen in surprise. They seemed to be wondering if they were seeing a different person altogether. Lyra's transformation from victim to victor was nothing short of astonishing.

"Stop gawking, Ella,"

Lyra said, her voice firm.

"We have class in 10 minutes. And after that, we can continue this little game of yours."

With that, Lyra turned and walked away, Erica by her side. Ella's eyes followed them, her face still pale with shock. She seemed to be struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

Lyra's smile never wavered as she walked away, her head held high. She knew she had the upper hand now, and she was determined to keep it that way.

As they disappeared into the crowd, Ella's friends turned to her, their faces filled with concern.

"Ella, are you okay?"

One of them asked, her voice soft. Ella nodded, still looking stunned.

"Yeah, I'm fine,"