The Never List

by Jade Presley

“The only reason they have any wealth is because those beneath them dig it out for them at the expense of their backs,”

Telling the truth is grounds for imprisonment, and I’ve already run my mouth past its allowance tonight.

“The part where the goddesses leave their beloved sons for the sake of a threat they could’ve easily wiped out with half a thought,”

“No honorable citizen of Lumathyst would say or agree with such heresy,” I say. His eyes flicker down to my lips. “Who says I’m an honorable citizen?”

Those eyes grin like a cat catching a canary. “With all the other sheep?” I’m already backing away, but I don’t break his gaze. “Baa,” I say, then wink at him before whirling around and losing myself in the crowd.

“Is that what does it for you, stranger? Making women like me scream?” “Depends on the type of scream,” he says.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, following behind me. “You going to turn into a pumpkin at midnight?”

“Thirteen,” he says, that silken voice awakening every nerve ending in my body. “The Legends of Chaos choose number thirteen.”

“You make them fall for you so fucking hard, they won’t be able to survive without you, you understand?”

There’s true panic there, and fear, and maybe a little grief. Because the three of us know the odds of me escaping this alive. It’s more likely that I’ve just said my final goodbye to my two best friends in the world.

The rubies, that’s Kal Erhart. Sapphires is Axl Dawson. Emeralds is Pierce Bertrand. And the black diamonds…that’s Jax Lavine.

“When you laugh like that,” Pierce says, settling next to Axl across from me, “bad things happen.”

They want us to watch and learn, to fully understand what happens to those who aren’t loyal to them, all under the guise of never wanting conflict between our people again.

I don’t give a fuck that they rule the world I live in; they will not rule my body.

Axl smiles at me. His lips are full and wide, that grin absolutely infectious as he walks up to me.

Men like that don’t need a silent princess; they need a sharp warrior, someone who will fight by their side and not cower in fear when their darkness comes out to play.

“Why not the red?” “I’d rather they know now,” I answer. “Know what?” “That I’ll never be what they expect.”

How can a city like this exist—with such wealth and abundance that people have the luxury of strolling around in their finest without a care in the world—while those in the Ashlands have to beg for food most days, let alone clothes that are warm and durable?

If there is one thing I’m certain about in this game, it’s the food. I’ll never let an opportunity slip by where I’m allowed to eat.

“Watch yourself in the mirror while I make you come on my tongue.”

I know fear. I know what it feels like to have my will ripped away, my choices disregarded. I know what it’s like to not eat for days.

Missing her has become an entire part of my personality, so normal and consistent I’m used to the ache. What would she make of all this?

The last time I was left behind, I lost Erin. I lost the other half of my heart, my sister, my soul’s twin.

I hold back a laugh. Happily ever afters aren’t destined for people like me.

Worrying about the unknown is the most natural thing any of us can do.”

“You did not just tell me to go below deck with the damned kings,” I snap.

And he’s not wrong. I probably should’ve stayed behind.

Girl.. yes you should have!

“I have every intention of making you a delicious breakfast while you change into some comfortable sleep clothes, and then after we eat, I say a good long nap is in order.” His smile deepens. “How is that for foreplay, my darling?”

“Darling,” he chides, his brow furrowed. “You’re not some pet we’re keeping. If you had asked Kal or Axl, they would’ve done the same.”

“I’d rather be in danger with them than be safe somewhere without them.”

“And don’t worry, darling,” he says. “I’ll keep your secret until you’re ready to share it with all of us.”

“Jax treats me like the biggest mistake of his life,” I admit on a whisper. “What are we going to do if he truly does hate me and rejects me?”

You are the most important thing to me now,” he says. “My mate—if not official, then in my heart.”

“The minute I heard your voice, the minute I sensed your emotions, you felt like mine.”

“She’s ours,” I say, holding the bottle toward them. “I’m going to get her back.”

“Are you so eager to agree to a price you don’t yet understand? I thought I raised you better than that.” “That is my mate.” I point to Rylee. “There is no cost too great to bring her back to me.”