Page 42 of Hiss and Tell
Understanding softens their expressions.
“Then you make it abundantly clear that isn’t the case,” Iris says firmly. “You tell her that you’re offering this as a gift, not a requirement. That your feelings wouldn’t change either way.”
“And you show her,” Mabel adds. “Actions speak louder than words, especially for someone who’s likely been hurt before.”
Dorothy rises, gathering the empty teacups. “The question isn’t whether your blood can heal her body, Sebastian. It’s whether your lovecan heal her trust in possibilities. In happy endings.”
After they leave, I return to the ancient texts with renewed purpose. Hours later, as dawn touches the eastern sky, I finally find what I’ve been searching for—a detailed account of the ritual, performed successfully to heal what the text calls ‘the burning sickness that lies dormant and wakes to plague lovers.’
The description matches everything I know about herpes. And more importantly, it details not just the procedure, but the profound connection it created between the Gorgon and his beloved.
My fingers trace the faded illustration of their entwined hands, the sacred bond represented by strands of light connecting their hearts. This isn’t just a medical intervention; it’s a fusion of souls, a sharing of essence beyond the physical.
“What do you think?” I ask my snakes, who have been quiet companions throughout the night’s research. They sway in what feels like unanimous agreement.
Reaching for my phone, I type a message to Aspen:Can I see you today? I have something important to share.
Her response comes quickly despite the early hour: Everything okay?
Better. I think I discovered something wonderful.
Setting aside the ancient book, I prepare to explain this most sacred of Gorgon gifts. How to make her understand that this is offered as a possibility, not a requirement—that my feelings remain unchanged regardless of her decision.
True healing isn’t about transformation, but connection.
Being truly seen, known, and loved—exactly as we are—is often the deepest healing of all.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sebastian
The lake path sparkles with morning dew as I wait for Aspen at our favorite bench. The weathered leather satchel beside me contains translations, photographs of the ancient texts, and careful notes that will help me explain the impossible.
My snakes arrange themselves with unusual solemnity, sensing the significance of what’s to come. Each movement is precise, ceremonial, as if they understand we’re about to offer something sacred.
Despite the gray morning, anticipation rather than worry fills my chest. Whatever Aspen decides about what I’m going to share, I know with absolute certainty that my feelings won’t change. Iris, Mabel, and Dorothy were right. This isn’t about fixing her, it’s about offering every possibility.
She appears around the bend in the path, and even from a distance, I can see the careful way she carries herself. Like someone braced for impact but hoping for something better.
“Hi,” she says as she settles beside me on the bench.
“Hi.” The single syllable somehow feels more important than usual. “Thank you for coming.”
“I only have half an hour. Milo is having breakfast at the neighbor’s. Your mysterious message has me intrigued.” Her smile is tentative but real. “And slightly nervous.”
“Good nervous or bad nervous?”
“Hopeful nervous.” She studies my face. “You look… excited. Like you’ve discovered buried treasure.”
“Maybe I have.” Opening the satchel, I withdraw the first of the translated pages. “After our conversation the other night, I started researching. Into Gorgon history, family abilities, ancient practices that might be… relevant.”
Her pulse quickens visibly at her throat. “Relevant how?”
“Male Gorgons are rare, as you know. And some of us have gifts beyond the sanctuary effect or the dream manifestations you’ve seen.” I pull out the first photograph—the ancient illustration of the healing ritual. “This has been in my family for generations. It contains knowledge passed down since ancient times, including something very specific about healing.”
Her breath catches as the implication becomes clear. “Healing?”
My eyes meet hers, holding steady. “My blood has properties not found in humans. The blood from the right side of a male Gorgon’s body, freely given during a sacred ritual, can heal certain conditions.”
