The Favorite of the Era

Rodion was loved for his intelligence, beauty, and abilities. His brother Ilyusha was loved just because. Rodion was expected to act and take responsibility. Ilyusha was wanted to be saved, fed, and cared for - even if he would leave without looking back just a moment later. When the brothers were children, a terrible event occurred. Ilyusha was kidnapped and held for several days in an apartment by a half-mad neighbor, an old woman nicknamed the Era. Then Ilyusha was returned home, and life went on as usual. Many years later, an incomprehensible connection with the insane old woman from childhood would reveal itself. And for a secret that neither time nor fire could bury, someone would have to pay with their life.