Navya had woken up later than usual that day. For the first time in years she missed watching the sunrise as she trained. Instead she woke up to the rays already peeking through the curtains in her room, lighting up the space with a warm glow. Her brother and personal trainer was merciful enough to let her rest as the new academic year began. But she knew she wouldn’t be getting out of it so easy, he’d likely expect her to catch up on her own later. Regardless, she liked the thrill when she could choose her own schedule. Just deciding her plans on a whim, as if blindly throwing darts.
Navya rolled out of bed, her eyes landing on the pile of paper and fabric swatches scattered across the floor. They were laying just as she’d left them the previous night, abandoned in her frustration. She sluggishly gathered them and tossed them back on the desk, letting them become a problem for later. They ended up burying an unfinished sketch of a dress, a generic design with rough lines reflecting Navya’s creative block. It was nothing but a failed attempt that would soon end up in the trashcan stacked to the top with designs. And on the shelves were piles of sketchbooks she used to draw in, once a sign of her unfading creativity now laying untouched in months.
Unfortunately she had no time to waste on something so meaningless. She was a hellhound, her main focus should be strength, resilience and control. Anything else came second. With the trash out of the way, she made her way to the center of the room, begining with her “morning stretches” which could be considered an extreme sport for regular people.
By the time she finished, she heard a knock on the door from her brother, Ezra. He’d come to wake her up to travel to the academy, but she’d already beat him to it an hour before. After assuring him she’d be down for breakfast and shooing him out, Navya began getting ready for the day. And there was nothing better to start it than a burning hot shower reminiscent of the flames of hell. She finished by getting dressed in a bright outfit, sure to catch people’s attention.
☆ ──── ‧₊˚⊹ ─ ☆ ⋆⋅ ✮ ⋅⋆ ☆ ─ ⊹ ‧˚₊ ──── ☆
Navya and her siblings arrived at the academy soon after. As she stepped out of the car she put her sunglasses on, shielding her eyes from the sun as she took in the sight of the campus. The sound of her heels against the floor echoed, combining with the distant chatter of students and her siblings’ banter to create an all too familiar atmosphere. Another year of her prison sentence had begun, the second out of four she’d have to endure. To most that might sound overdramatic, but there were far more important things in the world that required her attention. The only reason she’d made it so far was for her family, and her promise to herself to never fall behind.
Renee parted ways to greet her friends, leaving Navya and Ezra to talk alone. Her attention wandered across the area, looking to see if she’d spot any familiar faces. “Today? Could be better,” she replied to Ezra, not bothering to turn to him. “Didn’t have a chance to go to the gym this morning, or run a lap around the city before I did. I’d say I’m disappointed in myself but I don’t really care. Free day,” she shrugged as she turned to him, flipping her hair aside. “How’s it going for you? Did mom give you at least a 30 second break this time?” she asked, chuckling.
But despite her nonchalant attitude, she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt. She wanted rest so she could fully experience her first day back at the academy. Not that she was ecstatic about being back to sitting behind a desk for hours, mindlessly walking around the hallways as her days went by. Rather she was more curious about what kind of people she’d meet, what events there would be, especially if they were parties. She wanted something exciting, because after a single year she already felt like she’d seen it all. Though it also made her think how fast a year could pass by. Almost as if the event was right around the corner. She only had a year, if not less, and it made her anxiety rise the more the clock ticked. She had no time to waste.
She laughed to herself, shaking the thoughts out of her head. “Now to more important matters, I’m thinking of throwing a party as a welcome back thing. And I’ll make sure everyyyone is allowed just to make it more fun. What do you think?” she asked, pausing for his input. Not that she’d listen, she was only curious what he’d say.