The Twin Mage

In the weeks that followed, Arthur and Morgan's days fell into a disciplined routine. During the daylight hours, they diligently practiced their breathing techniques and absorbed as much as they could about their family and the language. By night, they pushed their magical abilities to the limit, practicing until exhaustion overtook them and sleep finally claimed their restless minds.

Another month passed, and with it came the time for Elina to wean them. This transition was significant for two reasons. First, Arthur and Morgan realized that food was not abundant in their household. Every time they ate, the worried expressions on their parents' faces revealed a scarcity that weighed heavily on the entire family.

But they weren't the only ones feeling the strain. Aside from Elina, it was only their older siblings, Hades and Rena, who were tasked with feeding them. While Rena, with her tender heart, tried to emulate their mother's kindness, Hades grew more resentful with each passing day. He often found himself longing for the time when he and his twin sister, Tista, were the only young children in the house.

Now, not only did Hades have to compete for his parents' attention, but also for food and clothes. He had once enjoyed the luxury of his own room, but now he had to share it with his younger brother, Trion. And with Arthur and Morgan growing, it was only a matter of time before they too would encroach on what little space he had left.

Hades couldn't understand why a family as poor as theirs continued to grow. Winter was harsh, work was scarce, and there were few opportunities to restock their dwindling food supplies, which had to last until spring. It was the hardest time of year for all farming families, as food was needed not only for the people but also for the animals. Hades resented Arthur and Morgan for their constant hunger, dubbing them "leeches."

Whenever it was Hades' turn to feed the twins, he would sneak spoonfuls of food for himself. But Arthur and Morgan were not easily bullied. The moment Arthur noticed the spoon wasn't aimed at Morgan, he would start to cry madly, forcing Elina to rush to their side and foil Hades' plans.

Arthur and Morgan never cried unless they truly needed something, which made their parents both happy and concerned. They knew the twins didn't cry without reason, so every wail was taken seriously.

One particularly difficult day, Arthur and Morgan were starving due to a growth spurt, and it was Hades' turn to care for them. Both parents were out, tending to a cow suffering from frostbite.

Hades brought a plate of creamy soup for the twins and immediately gulped down a full spoonful himself. Arthur and Morgan began to cry, but no one was there to hear them.

"Cry all you want, leeches," Hades sneered. By now, Arthur and Morgan could understand most common words, including the disdain in Hades' voice. "Today, it's just you and me. No mom in shining armor is coming to save you."

He took another spoonful, and Arthur and Morgan felt desperation and rage building within them. Their so-called magic was useless when they needed it most. What could they possibly do, aside from blowing his cover? Ventilate him? Wet him? Using fire was too dangerous—a single meal wasn't worth burning down the house.

Their hunger-fueled fury pushed them beyond their perceived limits.

"You fu**er!" Morgan inwardly screamed. "Feeling so tough, stealing from babies?"

Arthur watched in despair as a third spoonful moved toward Hades' smug face. Half of their meal was as good as gone.

"You are not my brother!" Morgan raged internally. "You're nothing but a filthy thief. Trash!"

Then, something inside Arthur snapped, like a dam breaking under the pressure of a raging flood.

"I hope you choke on that spoon, you sh*t!" Arthur inwardly shouted, waving his tiny arm toward Hades in a final, desperate struggle. And then, it happened.

Arthur let his mana burst out, surging toward the spoon already in Hades' mouth and pushing it down hard. Hades started to choke, and after managing to remove the spoon from his throat, he vomited violently.

At that moment, Elina and Apollo were returning to the house. Upon hearing Arthur and Morgan's desperate cries, they rushed inside. They found Hades on the ground, vomiting, the evidence of his theft clear in the pool of creamy soup.

Apollo's face turned crimson with anger.

"You little...!" he began, but had to stop as the other children returned.

"I am very disappointed in you, Hades," Elina said, stepping in when she saw that her husband was too furious to speak.

"From now on, I'll be the one feeding Arthur and Morgan," she continued sternly. "You can take all of my shifts in the stable. I don't think you could even eat hay."

"But Mom..." Hades protested, dreading the smell of cows and their endless needs.

"No 'but,' young man!" Apollo roared. "And that's not all! Elina, prepare another bowl for Arthur and Morgan. Take the food from Hades' share! He needs to learn that actions have consequences."

They spoke too quickly for Arthur and Morgan to catch every word, but Hades' pale face was a clear indicator that it was good news. As Hades started crying and apologizing, Arthur and Morgan cried even louder, their parents ignoring Hades' pleas as they sent him off to tend to the animals.

After being fed a generous serving of soup and milk, Arthur and Morgan finally calmed down, and the rest of the day passed as peacefully as it could.

Another month passed, and Arthur and Morgan began to speak their first words. Their parents beamed with pride when their first word was "Mommy," quickly followed by "Daddy." It was a moment of joy, but also a signal that a new phase in their lives was beginning.

Winter gradually gave way to spring, and with it came Arthur and Morgan's first birthday. The family gathered to celebrate, marking the end of a harsh winter and the beginning of a new year filled with hope and promise for the twins and their family.