It was a normal day for Caden. Normal included tiring, draining and exhausting. His rich parents always made him do so much work, but he never complained. It was as if everyone was evil, except for his friends and his twin sister of course. They were the only people who actually understood how hard it was for him, and they did their best to help. For that, he was thankful.

"Caden!" his mother scolded. "Didn't I tell you to file these papers and deliver them!?" Caden looked at the room full of papers.

Wow, this is going to take a while. He thought.

"Finish it today, or," she smiled wickedly, "you know what'll happen." Caden didn't have to ask what his mother had planned for him, he knew it was bad.

He worked for hours until his body couldn't take the torture anymore. "Harper?" he called.

"Yes, Caden?" said the maid.

"Can you take over for me? I did three-fourths of the work, you won't have to do much."

"Of course," she agreed.

Caden was overjoyed. Finally, he could take a break.

"Hey," a voice said. Caden looked behind him.

"Oh, hi," he said to his older twin sister, Evelyn leaning against the door. She always had more work than him because she was the heir of his parent's manor. He had always felt bad for her.

"Did you finish your work?" she asked. Caden walked with her out the door.

"No, I got Harper to do it," he responded shamefully. "I just⎼I can't, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it," she said her face sober. "I wish Mother and Father were more... I wish they knew what it's like. But I get they love us and want the best." said Evelyn not willing to think bad of their guardians.

"What!?" Caden almost yelled. Several people in the massive hallway looked their way. "I mean..." he straightened his tie and suit even though they were fine. "How can you even think about them loving us?" he asked bewildered. "I thought they made themselves pretty clear. They only reason they have you around is you're the heir and if you don't want this then... I'm the next person in line. Otherwise, they might as well give us up for adoption."

"What about Jamie? If they don't love their children why do they keep him around? It's not like he's of any use." she questioned. That stumped Caden. They both knew the answer, they just didn't want to admit it. But the time has come and they can't keep hiding from the truth.

"Jamie's become like them," Caden confessed, his face hard. It almost sucked the breath out of him. "He's become selfish and cruel."

"Don't say that." Evelyn pleaded, paling.

"Why? It's true."

Evelyn's face fell. Caden knew why. Jamie, their little brother, was Evelyn's favorite... until one day something just happened. He used to be excited, outgoing, lovable, and so much more. But all of that changed.

"I know. I just can't believe it." Caden thought he saw a tear slip off of Evelyn's cheek so he hugged her and patted her back. He could tell she was grateful for the support. "And I'm⎼afraid I'll⎼lose you⎼too." Evelyn's slow tears were full-on sobs now.

"Shhhhhh. It's okay." Caden could never even begin to imagine the amount of stress she had being the first child. She didn't deserve this. "I'll never leave you," he reassured. Caden didn't know if that was true because he was sure Jamie didn't leave against his will... but he could hope. And he would try his hardest for her. "There's a war going on," he whispered so only Evelyn could hear him. "And I intend to win."