Elenas house

With the expensive shopping bag clutched in Elena's hand, Sarah directed her friend's legs to march confidently out of the mall. The walk back to the apartment was smooth and rhythmic, with Sarah savoring the warm afternoon breeze and the pleasant rustle of the shopping bag against Elena's bare legs. Under the helmet's sensory link, Sarah felt every luxurious, comfortable physical sensation, while remaining perfectly immune to any fatigue or strain.

Elena's hand smoothly unlocked the apartment door. Sarah navigated her straight into the living room, where Leo was sitting anxiously on the couch, chewing his thumbnail and staring at the floor.

"Hey, little bro," Elena said, her voice dropping into that smooth, dripping-with-confidence cadence that belonged entirely to Sarah.

Leo snapped his head up, his eyes widening as he took in Elena’s bold, teasing posture. "Elena? You... you came back."

"Of course I did," Elena purred, walking right up to him. Sarah made her drop the shopping bag onto the coffee table and unbutton her casual jacket, revealing the stunning, tight emerald green dress she had changed into before leaving the mall. She spun around in a slow, elegant circle, letting the dramatic open-back design and the side slit catch the apartment lighting perfectly. "Don't just stare. Tell me how I look."

Leo stood up, his fists clenching as he glared at his sister's radiant, flawlessly expressive face. He stepped closer, desperately searching her neck for any sign of the silver device. Her skin was entirely smooth and unblemished. The holographic camouflage was perfect.

"Sarah, I know this is you," Leo whispered, his voice trembling with anger and frustration. "Stop using my sister's mouth to talk to me. Get out of her!"

Elena let out a vibrant, mocking laugh, tossing her hair back with a sassy flourish. She leaned forward, bringing her face tantalizingly close to Leo's, her eyes sparkling with malicious amusement. "Leo, Leo, Leo. You're still going on about this crazy sci-fi fantasy? I went shopping. I bought a dress for my hot date this Friday with Julian." She reached out and patted Leo's cheek with a hand that was perfectly warm, steady, and natural. "You look so stressed. Maybe you should go lay down before Mom and Dad get home and hear about your little breakdown."

Leo ripped his face away from her touch, looking utterly defeated. He knew the truth. He could feel Sarah's arrogant, teasing personality bleeding through his sister's gestures. But looking at Elena’s perfectly normal eyes and flawless skin, the crushing weight of reality hit him. There was no physical evidence. If he called for help, he would be the one dragged away.

Elena smirked at him, crossing her arms elegantly as Sarah thoroughly enjoyed the absolute helplessness of her best friend's brother.