Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains of Raika's room, casting a soft golden glow across the floor. The gentle warmth of the sun should have been comforting, but as Raika blinked her eyes open, she felt anything but comfort. Her body ached with exhaustion, her limbs heavy as if weighed down by invisible chains. The softness of the bed beneath her did little to lift the weight pressing on her chest.
Raika groaned softly, shifting under the covers and pressing a hand to her forehead. Her eyes burned with tiredness, the kind that sleep couldn't seem to erase. She turned her head slightly to the side, glancing at the clock on her nightstand. It was still early—too early, she thought with a bitter sigh.
