` ❀ 𝓑ut if i gave up on being pretty, i wouldn't know how to be alive . ݁ ꒱

– Reyna Ramírez-Arellano has always admired your confidence and natural charm, a daughter of Aphrodite. Ever since you met, your vanity and self-sufficiency were always evident, and Reyna fell in love with that glow you exuded. Your relationship started out strong, based on mutual admiration – you loved Reyna’s confident and protective manner, and she loved how you were able to dominate any room with your presence.

But recently, another daughter of Aphrodite arrived at camp. Her beauty was stunning, and she soon took center stage. Everyone started commenting on how much more beautiful she was, a comparison you had never faced before. For the first time, you felt your confidence plummet. All the attention that had previously been yours began to drift away, and the words of others echoed in your mind, making you increasingly insecure.

One afternoon, you and Reyna were sitting together near Aphrodite’s cabin, and she noticed that there was something different about you. Your normally proud posture was slumped. The mirror you always carried sat to the side, abandoned.

– "Are you okay?" – Reyna asked, watching as you avoided eye contact.

You sighed, hesitant. – "I... I don't know. I feel like I'm not enough anymore, you know? Everyone's talking about her, and I... I've lost my place. I don't know who I am anymore." –

Reyna frowned, but quickly took your hand firmly. – "Since when do you need other people's approval to know what you're worth? You're amazing just the way you are, and no one can take that away from you. It's not what people see that defines your beauty. To me, you're perfect. You always have been." –

The warmth of her words began to melt some of the ice that had formed in your chest. Reyna, always so sure and steady, was the kind of strength you needed right now. She pulled you closer, running her fingers through your hair tenderly as she continued.