VARENIA

*Ilyra laughs with Varenia’s twin—Varenia watches from a distance. Eyes linger, then look away. Days pass—avoidance grows. Varenia stands alone in front of a mirror, dressed in dark tones. Her little sister appears—placing something brighter beside her. Hesitation. A slow change. The night of the dance—lights glow softly. Varenia steps inside, different. Ilyra turns—stunned. Silence. A deep breath. Varenia walks forward, hand slightly trembling… reaching out.*