Chapter 2

"Clara, it's almost time for your performance. Have some water to soothe your throat."

Lily held out a cup of warm water, smiling innocently, her eyes dewy like a fawn's, making anyone who saw them feel a pang of tenderness.

I looked at her, and at the water in her hand.

A familiar scene.

In my previous life, it was this spiked water that caused muscle spasms during the final of the most important dance competition, making me fall from a high pointe, shattering my ankle and my entire ballet career.

Then, my adopted sister, Lily, climbed over me, metaphorically speaking, to seize everything I held dear.

Now, she was back.

I took the cup, looking at the clear liquid inside. Under her expectant and nervous gaze, I drank it all.

"Clara, you're so good to me."

A flicker of wild joy passed through Lily's eyes, fleeting but noticeable.

She eagerly leaned in, her hands intimately wrapping around my arm, as if we were the best of sisters in the world.

"Clara, I truly envy you. Your dance talent is a gift kissed by the gods."

Her warm breath brushed my ear, carrying a strange, cloying stickiness.

I could feel something being peeled away from my body, a peculiar sensation, like a part of my soul being drawn out.

And Lily's body was visibly becoming lighter, more coordinated, even the rhythm of her breathing now carried a dancer's grace.

I heard a cold, mechanical voice from Lily.

"Life Replacement System initiated."

"Target replacement: Clara."

"Replacing talent: Top-tier ballet talent."

The greed in Lily's eyes was almost overflowing.

She thought I didn't know her secret.

This parasite, living by plundering others' talents, had set her sights on me.

She was probably already envisioning how she would mesmerize everyone in the audience with my talent on stage, becoming the true proud daughter of the family.

And I, once again, would be the crippled waste, abandoned by all.

What a pity.

I subtly tilted my head, my lips close to her ear, and slowly spoke in a voice only we two could hear.

"You want my life?"

I felt her body stiffen instantly.

I smiled, my voice gentle.

"I forgot to tell you, I inherited a family illness."

"I won't live past thirty."

The smile on Lily's face froze.

The grip on my arm tightened sharply, her nails almost digging into my flesh.

"Clara… what are you talking about?"

Her voice trembled, and for the first time, those fawn-like eyes showed genuine terror.

"Talking nonsense?"

I turned my face to meet her gaze, speaking each word, clear as a bell.

"It's a hereditary disease from my mom's side. My grandma, my great-aunts—none of them lived past thirty. If you don't believe me, you can check the family tree."

"Why do you think Mom and Dad adopted you?"

"Because they needed a healthy child to inherit the family's legacy."

"Lily. My talent isn't easy to take. You'll have to bear the cost it brings."

Lily's pupils constricted, and her body began to tremble uncontrollably.

She tried to let go of me, tried to flee, but it was too late.

[Talent replacement successful. Program irreversible.]

The color drained from Lily's face in an instant.

She looked at me in horror, her lips quivering, unable to utter a single word.

And I, facing her, offered the first genuine smile since my rebirth.