The candle was already half-burned, wax dripping down its side. Kaya set the diary aside and leaned back onto the bed. She didn't want to push herself anymore. There was still time. Or at least, that's what she told herself, not knowing what waited ahead.
Sleep pulled her under quickly.
But only for a short while. Her body woke her before dawn, like it always did after years of training. Less than two hours of rest, and still her mind snapped awake.
Her head still hurt, the throbbing dull but there. The room was quiet, the sky outside still dark. Kaya swung her legs down from the bed, steadying herself. Her body already knew what to do.
So, she started her morning exercise.
But Kaya had to stop halfway through her exercise. The pain in her eyes was too much, and the itchiness wouldn't leave her alone. She splashed her face with water again and again, but nothing helped.
