The Phoinix: Age of Demigods by S. L. Mancuso

  Chapter 11

  The Dangers of Family

  While reliving their memories, Remus and Romulus experienced a feeling of loss ten times greater than they ever felt. The combination of Remus’ and his brother’s grief was so intense that neither struggled against Cailean’s grip. Their bodies could no longer handle the pain and shut down, causing them to collapse against their restraints.

  The twins’ heart rates increased to a dangerous level from the emotional overload. It was difficult for them to catch their breath. Unexpectedly, Remus pelted out a distressing scream causing everyone in the room to cringe. The scream seemed louder than it should have until Cailean realized that Romulus had let out the same scream.

  Brian desperately searched for a memory to calm them. Finally, he found a memory that would ease their suffering.

  The boys were seven and playing with their adoptive mother, Acca Larentia. She had just made the boys’ favorite pastry, wild berry baklava. While the pastry cooled in the window, the twins wrestled on the floor until Acca Larentia kneeled next to them and tickled them.

  They heard a loud screech outside and turned just in time to see a hawk swoop down to steal the pastry off the dish. They ran to the window to watch as the bird flew away effortlessly in the sky, carrying their dessert into the woods. Acca Larentia and the twins were too stunned to be angry and laughed hysterically until their stomachs cramped.