* * *
Remus and Romulus, spellbound against the wall, tried to scream, but Cailean’s grip on their throat prevented any noise. The sorrow from their mother overwhelmed them.
Cailean felt awful doing this to his friend, but the buildup of emotion was exactly what they needed. Brian’s spell was strong, but the twins fought back against their restraints and against Cailean. That can only mean Brian was losing his grasp on them.
Cailean looked to his brother and the sight made his stomach sink. Brian’s face was blotchy and sweat poured from his forehead and down his back. The spell was taking its toll on him. Every muscle in his body tensed and trembled as he fought to keep control of the twins. He was barely winning.
“Hang on, Bri. Almost there,” Cailean whispered to his brother.
Cailean leaned his shoulder, comfortingly, into Brian. He wanted to grab his arm but did not want to take the chance in letting Remus go.
Brian heard Cailean’s words of encouragement. His brother’s shoulder was the confident nudge he needed. Cailean gave him enough strength to push forward and force the memory to continue...