Unaware Lifestyle.

Chapter 29: Web of deceit

Lyra walked away from the scene, ignoring Erica's gaze as she passed by. She headed to the school's public toilet to wash her hands and clean her face, trying to process the adrenaline still pumping through her veins. As she splashed water on her face, she thought about the confrontation with Ella and her friends. She hoped that they had learned their lesson and would stop bullying others.

Lost in thought, Lyra didn't notice Erica entering the toilet until she heard her voice behind her.

"Lyra, how did you...? I mean, you're not even hurt!"

Erica's eyes were wide with curiosity.

"You took down Ella, the strongest girl in school. No one has ever dared to do that."

Lyra turned to face Erica, her expression calm.

"I just did my best with the strength I had,"

She said simply. Erica looked skeptical, but Lyra continued,

"And don't worry, Ella and her friends won't be bothering us again."

Erica raised an eyebrow.

"Are you sure?"

Lyra nodded confidently.

"I'm positive."

The two girls left the toilet and headed back to class. As they entered, Lyra's classmates stared in shock. No one had ever walked away unscathed after crossing Ella. Lyra was fed up with their gawking and decided to address it.

"Hey, guys, don't look so alarmed. I just went to take care of some business with Ella. It's all good now."

Confidence and a sense of pride. She knew that she had made a statement, and her peers would think twice before underestimating her again. Erica sat beside her, a look of admiration on her face. Lyra's bold move had earned her a newfound respect from her classmates, and she had proven that she wasn't one to be messed with.

As the teacher began to speak, the classroom gradually grew quiet, but Lyra could still feel the eyes of her classmates on her. She didn't mind, though - she was comfortable with the attention. She knew that she had done something remarkable, and she was proud of herself for standing up for what was right.

The rest of the day passed quickly, with Lyra participating in class and engaging with her peers like usual. But there was a subtle difference in the way they interacted with her now. They were more respectful, more cautious, and more admiring. Lyra had earned her place as a leader and a protector, and she was determined to continue fighting for what was right.

Ella, still seething from her defeat, refused to back down. Despite her friends' warnings to retreat, she continued to taunt Lyra, eager for a rematch. Meanwhile, Riana, the school's resident mean girl, caught wind of the news and couldn't resist taking a jab at Ella's expense.

"Looks like someone finally put Ella in her place,"

She sneered to her friends.

But Riana's attention soon shifted to Lyra, who had unwittingly encroached on her territory. Riana had always been the center of attention, and Lyra's newfound popularity threatened her status. One day, while Lyra was studying in the library, Riana approached her, a sly grin spreading across her face.

"Wow, Lyra, you're really serious about your studies now, huh?"

Riana teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I guess your newfound popularity has gone to your head. You think you can take on Ella and then come into my world and puzzle my ways?"

Lyra, focused on her books, didn't flinch.