After some much-needed rest and wrapping herself in thick, folded layers of white cotton cloth, Kaya was finally feeling a little better.
The worst of the pain had dulled to a heavy throb, and the heat in her limbs had settled into a manageable ache. But the annoyance—that was still burning sharp beneath her skin.
She sat up slowly, covering her face with her palm, letting out a long, silent sigh.
Frustration simmered deep in her chest.
Her mentor's voice echoed in her head, as clear as if she were standing beside her:
"Always track your cycle. Always be prepared. Your body gives you warnings—don't ignore them."
Kaya let out a soft groan and muttered under her breath,
"Yeah, well… what if the damn thing refuses to follow the rules?"
Because that was the problem.
It never came when it was supposed to.
Her cycle had never been regular. It would skip a month. Then two. Sometimes, it came early. Sometimes, like now, it came like a storm with no warning—cruel and merciless.
