VENUSThe day of the event arrives faster than I expect, and Sid takes over my room like it’s her own. Tons of makeup products lay scattered on my bed and for the first hour, she keeps scolding me for not taking my skincare seriously. Her mood is noticeably lighter as she works on my makeup and hair, completely absorbed in it. There is a calm focus to her movements, like this is where she belongs. Watching her, I cannot help but smile.“You should open a parlor,” I tell her. “Seriously. You’re amazing.”She smiles at my reflection, something soft and bittersweet crossing her face as she stands behind me, curling my hair with the iron. “I always dreamed of having my own shop in this pack,” she mutters.My eyes brighten instantly. “Then why didn’t you?”She shrugs, lips twisting as she mimics a familiar tone. “My mom says it would harm our reputation. As an honorable Elder’s daughter, doing such measly work doesn’t suit me.”She pulls a face, clearly mocking her mother. Yet it feels od
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