My sister is a genius singer and me, a worthless person without talent

On the second day of class, the atmosphere in the room felt a little different. I wasn't quite sure how to describe it, but one thing remained the same—the crowd of students huddled around Ana Abantino, eager to hear her speak.

"What are we supposed to do today?"

"Mmm, what? Don't ask me. You're supposed to have your schedule by now," Emilia replied.

"Well then, what's your schedule?"

"Regular classes in the morning, special classes in the afternoon."

This semester, we'd only have special classes with students from our own department.

"I can't wait until they let us take classes with other departments," Emilia said.

"So you're one of those people who actually likes studying?"

"Ugh, I suck at that. But I love talking to people, and students from other departments are like walking gold mines."

She pulled out her phone and showed me some notes.

"These are my goals for this semester," she said proudly. "I'm a hunter tracking my prey—the terror of the student body."

"Aren't you embarrassed saying that out loud?"

"No. I'm embarrassed that people see me talking to you. Well, not you, María—your brother, who's completely insensitive."

"Brother, is that true? Are you insensitive?" María asked drowsily.

"Don't listen to her."

Emilia tapped away at her phone.

"So, we're on that list?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?" She feigned ignorance. "This list is for important people. I only talk to you guys because I like you."

"Well, I guess everyone starts somewhere."

"You two are lucky to be around me. I'm going to be the future owner of a music conglomerate—total world domination. Oh, I get it now! You're both really clever, pretending to be weirdos so I'll take pity on you and keep talking to you."

She swiped through her phone again, this time pulling up several profiles, each with a different face.

"These are my 'diamond mines'—the best of the best. Or at least, the best as far as I know." Her voice buzzed with excitement. "Sarah Russo is the most famous person in the entire academy. An actress who, at her young age, already has worldwide fame and enough talent that people say she'll be the youngest Oscar winner in history."

"The one from the speech," María said. "She's really special."

"See? María gets it. You must have a good eye for 'hunting' students. That's why we're allies." She scrolled further. "But she's a long-term target. For now, I'm focusing on our department and working my way up. Look, you already know this one."

The screen displayed a stunning woman with copper-red hair—the enigmatic Ana Abantino.

"Abantino. Her parents are big names in classical music—an opera director and a violinist, both famous in Europe. She has a sister who's supposedly just as talented, though I've never heard much about her. Her defining trait is the 'Voce di Pietra.'"

"Voce di what?"

"Ugh, come on. Don't make fun of it—these are the names I gave them."

"Are they Pokémon or something?"

"Shut up. I'm not telling you anything else."

"Okay, okay. Sorry."

"Ana has a vocal range like no one else. They say her parents trained her rigorously in Italy, and now she can modulate her voice at will, imitating any texture or emotional tone."

I raised an eyebrow. I was no expert, but I'd read enough to understand my sister's world a little better.

Emilia went on: "They say she can go from a crystal-clear, ethereal voice to a guttural roar."

"Now that's impressive."

"Then there's Alex Nowak."

I was almost embarrassed to admit it, but the guy was seriously good-looking. I'd seen him talking casually with Abantino before—not as a fan, but like an actual friend.

"He's a genius composer and lyricist. He and Ana started an online music project, and that's how record labels noticed her. Their original videos had hundreds of thousands of views—some even hit millions."

She played a short melody.

"What?" I blinked. "I've heard this before. Actually, I'm subscribed to their channel."

I had no idea one of my most-played songs from last year was written by these two.

"Okay, now I get why you wanted to get close to them."

"Glad you're finally catching on."

Just then, the Literature teacher walked in, and all the students rushed to their seats. Emilia turned and whispered:

"Wait for me. The three of us are having lunch together. Don't leave."