Page 34 of Espíritu

The dinner passed with laughter and easy conversation. Angel slowly seemed to ease under Lita’s unrelenting warmth. Yadriel hoped they felt a sense of safety with his family, even though his círculo held very different beliefs when it came to gender.

Later, as Lita showed Angel some of the other decorations, Julian leaned closer to Yadriel. “Come outside with me for a sec?”

On the porch, the chill of the night was a stark contrast to the warmth inside. Julian reached for Yadriel’s hands.

“Thanks,” Julian whispered. “For, like, all this—for making a place for me, showing my friends around.” He huffed a laugh. “I hate keeping them in the dark.”

“I know,” Yadriel said. The truth sat heavy and simple. “We’ll find a way to tell them the right way. Safely.”

Julian squeezed his fingers. “Soon?”

“Soon,” Yadriel promised.

Julian nodded, relieved. “What did you think about that maligno, though?” he said. “I’ve seen some scary shit, but that? That was different. It felt like it was waiting for us.”

“What worries me is how it pulled you,” Yadriel said. “Like you were on a string.” Or a leash.

Julian rubbed his chest. “You didn’t feel that, too?”

Yadriel shook his head. “We can sense a maligno’s presence when they’re close, but not that far, and I’ve never been dragged to one like you were. Something weird’s going on.”

Julian bumped his shoulder lightly against Yadriel’s. “Guess I’m not the only one with spooky instincts.”

Yadriel fell a little deeper for Julian. “You belong here.” He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Julian’s lips—a promise, a reassurance.

Julian pulled Yadriel to him, his hand slipping around his waist. Yadriel could feel Julian’s warmth all the way to his core. Julian kissed him like he needed to make sure it was real. Like if he let go too soon, the belonging might disappear. Julian pulled back, eyes bright, his voice teasing. “You know, if you keep being this sweet, I’m never gonna leave.”

“Good,” Yadriel replied, his heart light. “That’s kinda the point.”

They shared another kiss before stepping inside. Angel, Lita, and even Maritza were laughing over something in the living room. Yadriel’s heart felt full. Hopeful.

When it was time for Angel and Julian to leave, Lita walked them to the door. She rested her hand on Angel’s shoulder. “You’re always welcome here, mija. And if you change your mind, we’d love for you to join us for La Vigilia and the Danza de la Luz Eterna. We’ll be preparing dishes for our ancestors, and I’d be honored if you’d help.”

Angel smiled. “Thanks. Maybe next time.”

“I’m gonna head out, too,” Maritza said, planting a kiss on Lita’s cheek before giving Yadriel a quick hug. She punched Julian’s arm affectionately. “Try not to get haunted tonight.”

Then she turned to Angel, holding up two fingers in a casual peace sign. “Come back sometime. You’ve got decent vibes.”

Julian leaned in to press a gentle kiss to Yadriel’s forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked as they pulled apart.

He tried to sound casual, but he never quite managed it when it came to Julian. “Of course,” Yadriel replied. Julian gave Yadriel one last smile before following Angel and Maritza out.

Yadriel watched them disappear down the walkway, his heart feeling strangely light and heavy all at once.

He thought about what Angel had said, how tradition matters but so does change. The same things his dad talked about during his aquelarre. He pictured Julian’s friends standing there, welcomed instead of excluded. If there was a right way to open the door, his dad would know it. He had to ask.

The front door clicked open, letting in a draft of cold night air. Enrique stepped inside, Carhartt jacket folded over one arm, his face drawn and tired. He paused at the sight of the half-finished decorations still scattered across the kitchen.

“You’re late,” Lita said, more weary than scolding.

“Too much work,” Enrique replied, setting down his jacket. His eyes flicked to Yadriel. “Everything go well?”

Yadriel’s pulse picked up. The words were out before he could stop them. “I want to tell Julian’s family. And his friends. About us. About brujx.”

Enrique stilled, clearly not expecting this out of the blue. He sighed. “Not yet.”

Yadriel’s frustration boiled. “Why not? He’s lying to them every day. It’s tearing him up. He deserves—”