Page 53 of Hiss and Tell
“When did my little brother become the voice of reason?”
“Someone has to balance out your tendency toward overthinking.” He stands, gathering his biker jacket. “Besides, watching you find happiness makes it easier to believe good things are possible. I should go. Let you get your beauty sleep for tomorrow night’s big moment.”
“Thad?” I stop him at the door. “Thank you. For coming over, for listening, for… everything.”
His smile is warm, genuine. “That’s what family does, Sebastian. We show up.”
After he leaves, I return to my ritual preparations with a lighter heart. The ancient texts don’t seem quite so intimidating; the ceremonial items feel less foreign in my hands.
Tomorrow night, I’ll offer Aspen my blood, my magic, my entire future. But tonight, I’m grateful for the family I already have—biological and chosen—and the love that surrounds us all.
Some bonds are forged in ritual and magic.
Others are simply built on showing up, time and time again, with beer and unexpected wisdom, and unconditional support.
Both kinds are sacred in their own way.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Sebastian
Saturday evening, and my apartment has been transformed into something that feels both sacred and intimate. Candles flicker on every surface, casting dancing shadows that make the ancient texts seem to glow with inner light. My snakes wear their most formal bow ties, sensing the gravity of what we’re about to undertake. I’m shirtless and barefoot, wearing only loose white drawstring pants.
The ritual circle is prepared in my living room—soft cushions arranged within a boundary of white candles, the golden bowl passed down through generations of my family positioned at the center. The ceremonial knife engraved with ancient runes lies beside it, reflecting the flickering flames.
Everything is ready except my nerves.
A soft knock at the door sends my heart racing. When I open it, Aspen stands there in a simple white dress, pearl buttons down the front, and her dark hair loose around her shoulders. The sight steals my breath. She looks ethereal, like she stepped out of an ancient fairy tale.
“Hi,” she whispers, and that one word carries volumes. Her eyes take in the transformed space, widening at the golden lights that dance unbidden in the air. “It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful,” I rumble, and my snakes nod emphatic agreement. One of them reaches out to reverently brush its face against the fabric of her dress.
She laughs softly, the sound making the candles flicker. “I wasn’t sure what to wear…”
“You’re perfect.” Moving closer, I let my fingers brush her cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“Nervous. Excited. Ready.” Her hand finds mine, warm and steady despite everything. “I trust you, Sebastian. With this. With my heart. With the future.”
The sanctuary effect pulses stronger, and the golden lights swirl more intricately, as though the magic itself responds to her declaration.
I guide her to the prepared circle, my movements careful and reverent. The candlelight transforms everything, making the familiar space feel ancient and new all at once.
“The ritual has three parts,” I remind her, settling onto the cushions across from her. “The offering, the intention, and the sharing. Each step builds on the last, creating layers of connection.”
She nods, her eyes never leaving mine. “Tell me again what to expect.”
“When our essences merge, you’ll feel everything I feel. Every sensation will be magnified, every emotion shared.” My voice drops to barely above a whisper. “The texts describe it as overwhelming. In the most beautiful way.”
Her pupils dilate at my words. “Everything?”
“Everything.” My snakes weave closer to her skin, not quite touching but close enough that she shivers. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” she breathes. Her voice is shaky, but her expression is serious.
Lifting the ceremonial knife, I speak the ancient words that begin the ritual: “What flows from love, heals with love. What is given freely, frees in return.”
I draw the blade carefully across my right palm. Crimson wells up, but it’s not ordinary blood—it shimmers with an inner light, like liquid gold mixed with starfire.
