Page 17 of Hiss and Tell
“Especially those.” His smile holds understanding. “They’re usually the ones who need stories the most.”
The way he sees the world—noticing those who need extra care, creating safe spaces—resonates deeply. I’ve spent so long being strong for Milo that I’ve forgotten what it feels like to be seen this way, as someone deserving gentleness rather than just admiration for “managing” everything.
When his arm accidentally brushes mine again, I don’t pull away. His warmth in the cool evening air feels right somehow, like pieces falling into place that I hadn’t realized were missing.
Chapter Eleven
Sebastian
The Bangkok Palace’s neon sign casts a pink glow over Aspen’s face as we claim the last available table. My snakes are still jittery from the excitement at The Lucky Goat, though whether from the fire or my mortifying attempts at conversation is anyone’s guess.
“So,” Aspen says, settling into her chair. “About that calm bubble…”
“Maybe we should order first?” The words come out too fast. Evangeline gives my ear a gentle nudge, her way of telling me to relax. “I mean, if you’re hungry. Or we could—”
“Relax.” Aspen’s smile has a softness to it that makes my throat tight. “The restaurant’s not on fire, your water glass is safely outof reach, and I promise not to run screaming when you tell me about your mysterious Gorgon powers.”
“They’re not mysterious,” I protest automatically. “Just… complicated.”
The waiter appears with menus and a knowing grin as he gives us an exaggerated sniff. “Ah, refugees from The Lucky Goat? Half the town’s date nights are ending up here.”
“Oh, we’re not—” I start, just as Aspen says, “It’s not really—”
“Right, right.” He winks. “The Pad See Ew is excellent for ‘not dates.’ I’ll give you a minute.”
My snakes coil in embarrassment as he walks away. But Aspen just laughs, the same genuine sound from earlier that quieted all my anxious thoughts.
“Well, at least we’re consistent in our awkwardness,” she says, opening her menu. “Though I notice you’re trying to distract me from the special-powers question.”
The tension in my shoulders eases slightly. “Would it work if I claimed it was a trade secret?”
“Nope.” She peers at me over the menu’s edge. “Spill.”
Taking a deep breath, I force myself to meet her eyes. “Until all the secret species ‘came out’ five years ago, no one gave a thought to male Gorgons. Honestly, I don’t know how people thought little Gorgons were made since all the ancient mythsare about females. Well, that doesn’t matter. You’ll be happy to know that male Gorgons don’t turn people to stone. We have certain…other abilities that we discover as we age.”
I take a sip of water—without spilling it—then forge on. “For me, one of them is creating spaces of safety and calm. I call it the sanctuary effect. It works strongest in places I consider my domain—like the library—but requires conscious focus to maintain. The larger the area or the more people involved, the more it drains me. And if I’m emotionally compromised, it can either surge out powerfully, sometimes out of my control, or fail completely.”
“Like at the library during storytime?”
My surprise must show on my face because she continues, “I’ve noticed how everything feels… easier there. Less chaotic. Until now, I thought it was just you being good with kids, but it’s more than that, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” The admission feels both terrifying and freeing. “I must admit, tonight was… unusual.”
“Because of the fire?”
His voice dips low. “Because ofyou.”
The words slip out before I can stop them. But instead of looking disturbed, she leans forward with interest. “What do you mean?”
Thankfully, the waiter returns, sparing me from having to respond. Aspen orders Pad Thai with extra peanuts. I manage to request the Pad See Ew without knocking anything over.
“The sanctuary effect,” I continue once he’s gone, “responds to emotional needs. Usually just in a general way, creating a subtle sense of peace within a thirty-foot radius if I’m focused. But sometimes, with certain people…” My snakes shift nervously.
“It becomes stronger?”
“More… specific. Like it knows exactly what kind of calm they need.”
She studies me for a moment, then asks, “Is that why Milo loves storytime so much? Because he feels safe there?”
