ANASTASIA PENDRAGON
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the silk curtains, softly illuminating my room. I stirred between the sheets, feeling my long silver hair spread over the pillow like a bright halo. My red eyes opened slowly, blinking to adjust to the dawn light.
I sat up, stretching my arms toward the ceiling with a yawn. A mischievous smile drew across my face as my thoughts turned to my younger brother, Arceus.
'Time to wake up the sleepyhead,' with that thought I jumped out of bed with seemingly inexhaustible energy. At least with him, I could be myself without worrying.
With stealthy steps, I slipped through the family mansion's hallway until I reached Arceus's room. I carefully opened the door, containing a giggle at the sight of the motionless lump under the blankets. I approached on tiptoe, preparing my surprise attack.
—Wake up, brother! —I shouted, jumping on the bed and landing next to Arceus.
—Oof! —Arceus grunted, and the air was forcefully expelled from his lungs when I fell on him.
Rubbing his sore sternum, he gasped: —Ana, you're older than me. One day you're really going to hurt me.
—Are you calling me fat, brother? —I pretended to gasp, making a pout.
Was I really growing too fast?, I wondered for an instant.
—Extremely —added Arceus, pushing me. I let out a squeal of surprise when he started tickling me, I couldn't help but squirm with laughter. After surrendering between tears of laughter, Arceus turned around and went to the bathroom.
Having completed my task of the day, I returned to my room to get ready. I dressed in an elegant sky-blue dress, a gift from my mother, and brushed my long silver hair until it shone like moonlight.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I practiced my most radiant smile, making sure there were no cracks in my facade.
—Today will be a good day —I told myself, ignoring the small twinge of anxiety I felt in my stomach—. It will be a perfect day.
I couldn't allow myself to doubt, not now. I had to be strong, had to be brilliant, had to be... perfect.
I went down the stairs jumping. The aroma of breakfast filled the air, guiding me to the dining room where my parents were already seated. My mother, Adelaide, looked up from her cup of tea.
—Good morning, darling —she greeted with a warm smile—. Did you sleep well?
My father grunted a greeting from behind a parchment he was reading.
—I slept wonderfully, mom! —I replied with a wide and genuine smile, sitting in my usual place—. And I woke up Arceus as always!
Adelaide laughed softly. —I hope you weren't too hard on your brother, dear.
—Oh, not at all —I said with an innocent smile that fooled no one.
Moments later, Arceus entered the dining room, still rubbing his sleepy eyes. He sat next to me, shooting me a glaring look before smiling and starting to eat his breakfast.
—Are you ready for another day at school, little one? —asked my father, looking at me over the parchment.
I felt my muscles tense, but I disguised it with a bright smile. —Of course, dad! I can't wait to learn new things!
'Liar, you're terrified. Terrified of being... different.'
My mother pursed her lips and looked at me with some concern. —Remember, darling, you don't have to...
—I know, mom —I interrupted her, knowing what she was going to say—. I don't have to prove anything to anyone. I just want to give my best.
My parents exchanged a look I couldn't decipher.
After breakfast, I said goodbye to my family with hugs and kisses.
I left the mansion and began my way to school. The sun shone high, illuminating the streets with a golden light. The trees whispered with the gentle breeze, and the aroma of flowers filled the air.
As I walked, I noticed the looks from other children who were also heading to school. Some observed me with amazement, others with admiration, and I could feel something else... resentment? I tried to ignore those looks, focusing on maintaining my bright smile and light step.
Unintentionally, I caught fragments of their conversations.
—There goes the genius...
—Think she'll make us look ridiculous again today?
—Why does she have to be so perfect at everything?
I felt my heart sink, but I maintained my radiant smile. I couldn't let them see how much those comments affected me. I had to be strong, had to be brilliant, had to be... perfect.
—Hello, Anastasia! —greeted a familiar voice, interrupting my thoughts. It was Liam, a human boy from my class, running to catch up with me.
—Hi, Liam! —I responded, genuinely happy to see a friendly face—. Ready for another exciting day?
Liam nodded, but I noticed a flash of something in his eyes. Nervousness? Insecurity?
—I guess —he said, shrugging—. Though I doubt it'll be as exciting for me as it is for you.
I felt my smile crack. It had never been my intention to make others feel less.
—Oh, come on —I said, trying to sound cheerful and carefree—. I'm sure we'll learn something fascinating today! Remember that time when the teacher taught us about constellations? It was amazing!
Liam smiled weakly, but I could see his interest wasn't entirely genuine.
Upon arriving at school, an imposing white stone building with towers that rose toward the sky, I paused for a moment.
—I can do this —I told myself quietly—. I'm Anastasia Pendragon, daughter of Adelaide and Atlas. I'm strong. I'm intelligent. I'm...
—Anastasia! —The voice of my best friend, Sophie, interrupted my thoughts. The human girl with brown hair and green eyes was running toward me, with a smile on her face. For a moment, all my worries vanished. Here was someone who saw me for who I really was, not just as the genius or the prodigy.
—Sophie! —I exclaimed, hugging her—. I'm so happy to see you!
—Me too —she responded, but I noticed a slight hesitation in her voice. Before I could ask about it, the bell rang, announcing the start of classes.