Give me your best effort

The day had dragged on in its usual rhythm, but the looming promise of the survival test hung over everything like an ominous cloud.

By the time I made my way to the final class of the day, my stomach was in knots. Not because of the test well, not entirely but because the last class was with Maeve.

And Maeve, judging by her stormy expression when I walked into the room, wasn't exactly in the best mood.

Her irritation was practically tangible. She paced the front of the room, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she reviewed a stack of papers on her desk.

The other students were whispering amongst themselves, their voices low but filled with curiosity. Clearly, I wasn't the only one picking up on her mood.

"Settle down," Maeve said sharply, her voice cutting through the chatter. The room instantly fell silent, and every head turned to face her.