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Eugene always was special... It wasn't common for a boy to be born with magic power and mana within his body and even if that happens their magic is really weak. Male mages and wizards can be counted on fingers. Power inside Eugene was strong and wild, it was unthinkable that it could be possessed by a man. His aura was strong and uncontrollable always heavily clashing with other magic users. I didn't take any form, it was just a draining force. Someone with average magic only felt a little pressure while being around the second master of the house Kroudel even from a very young age. But for Ellaise it was a very different story...

She had almost none mana inside her and when she was near Eugene and their auras clashed all her magic and life force was strongly drained from her.

When the Duke brought her to the estate and it became very clear that Eugene's magic can even kill her the most important rules were established. "Second young master and the Lady cannot be left alone without a guardian or third person to balance mana differences. No one is allowed to inform the second young master of his condition". And from this point, everyone knew, but not Eugene.

The relationship between those two newer was good from childhood. Eugene accused her of being imposter, taking away the place of real Ellaise, and refused to call her "sister". That was true of course but it didn't change the fact it hurt.The distance that they had to keep and fiery personality of Eugene didn't help at all, as they grew the resentment for each other only kept increasing.

No one told Eugene the reason behind why he couldn't be left alone with

Ellaise, the only thing he knew was that it was an order from his father.

It wasn't first or last time when the Duke hid the truth from his children. And not the last...

But Ellaise agreed with that one. Truth can be very hurtful, especially if magic one can't any control over was one of the things that lead to the death of one's older sister. The first's Ellaise had mana malfunction and it alone was very serious... not to mention wild aggressive aura with an extremely high amount of mana roaming around of opposite nature. She wasn't strong enough to be able to oppose...

For people with mana malfunction, even a little bit of mana can be deadly...

And he was only three back then. And no one told him the truth to this day.

And no one will.

Ellaise sat at the sofa in the study with Duke's help. This one was close, she thought, from now on she won't forget of her gloves.

"Bring her something to drink," Duke said to the butler.

"Yes, my lord" butler bowed and went out of the study.

"I... I just..." Eugene couldn't utter a word. Wide-eyed looked at his older brother. Elias looked stern.

Ellaise took a big breath, slowly she began to feel better.

"Are you okay?" It was Elias who asked. She looked up at him, she saw concern in his grey eyes. This look on his face...

Her heart clenched... He looked the same as that time... with blood dripping from his fair face... "You are my sister... It's just natural..." and then he... he...

Who would have thought that indifferent Elias,man that looked like he wouldn't even blink if she was gone would die right before her eyes after creating a way for her to escape and Varen would turn against her? She definitely wouldn't.

Ellaise shook her head.

"Yes, young master. I feel better now" she answered. She wanted to call him "brother" but... it was awkward now, from day one she addressed him as young master 'the heir', future head of the house. They always were formal with each other. Elias always looked indifferent like he didn't care about her and she acted the same. But now she knew that he didn't know how to properly express his emotions and just hid the behind that mask. She could blame him, she was the same. They both weren't good at 'feelings'.

A cold smile almost crawled on her lips. This all wasn't only about her. She will make sure that those bastards will pay for what they did. 'Kroudel's Witch' will make them suffer. If she wants to win she had to attack first. But right now is too soon.

"Are you sure? Maybe you should rest in your room?" Duke asked her and the looked at his younger son with cold, sharp golden eyes "And you! You know you can't be alone with Ellaise!"

Eugene looked like he wanted to say something, he opened his mouth and then closed it averting his gaze. His fists were clenched. He looked almost like a bitten dog.

"We were accompanied by a maid, my lord" Ellaise said quickly. She wanted to come to the main point of this conversation and expression on Eugene's face made her uncomfortable and she didn't know exactly why but she didn't like to see him like this.

"I came here with the second brother because I wanted to ask about this..." Ellaise took out the opened letter.

The whole spectrum of emotions rushed through Duke's eyes, Elias looked almost like his usual self but even sterner.

"Eugene, get out." Duke's voice was quiet but as sharp as a dagger.

"Father... I..."

"Out." Ellaise in her entire life didn't saw that look in Duke's eyes and even it wasn't meant towards her she felt chills going down her spine.

Eugene looked down, glanced toward her, and silently with his head low left the study.