Page 105 of The Never List
I’m an Ashlander.
I’m a demi.
And I’m terrified of what you all will do to me when you find out.
The silent need races through my mind, sending a bolt of guilt straight through the center of me.
“Come,” he says. “I’ll get a message to your friends while you get ready and send a carriage that will take them to a place I know you’re going to love.”
That quickly, the excitement washes away the guilt, and I hop up from Pierce’s lap, hurrying to the wardrobe that I claimed as mine and grabbing an outfit before I step into the bathing chamber.
“I adore you,” I call before closing the door to get changed. “Have I told you that?”
I hear Pierce’s laughter from the other side of the door. “I’ll never hear it enough.”
An hour later, Pierce slows the velomage in front of Ephemeral,one of his favorite teashops in the Emerald Wood.
“Your friends should already be in there,” he says as I climb off the back of the velomage. He nods behind me, toward a guard standing at the entrance. “There’s a private spot you’ll be shown to. I know everyone who works here, so you shouldn’t have any trouble. Order anything you want,and I’ll be back after I meet with my contact.”
My heart expands in my chest. “Thank you for this.”
“Of course, darling,” he says, then glares at something behind me.
I turn, my shoulders dropping when I see the Occuli. There are two of them lingering near the brick building where the establishment’s emblem is painted—a white teacup with the name beneath it.
“They’re allowed inside,” he says, drawing my attention back to him. “But they’re not allowed in the private space. You’ll be okay there.”
I blow out a breath, nodding. “Someday, I’ll be used to them.”
“No, you won’t.” He flashes me an encouraging smile, then motions to the teashop. “I’ll wait until you’re safely inside.”
Goddess, this man.
I kiss him quickly before heading toward the entrance, the guard ushering me inside. I hear Pierce’s velomage take off before light piano music overcomes my senses.
It’s a beautiful, soft melody that perfectly accompanies the space, which is a quaint building with hunter green walls displaying local art with small descriptions and sale prices. I scan the pieces, automatically looking for anything that Erin might’ve done, but find nothing.
There is a variety of round and square tables scattered about the open space, all centered around the stage, where a piano player brushes his fingers across the keys.
The place smells of both wine and freshly brewed tea, and the chatter from the patrons is hushed; perhaps there is some unspoken rule about the teashop being a calm andrelaxed environment. A place where conversations are had among slow sips of your favorite beverage.
I can barely hold back my smile as I completely understand why this is Pierce’s favorite place in the city. Not only is it a relaxed area, but it’s also quiet in a soft way that likely appeals to his constantly bombarded senses.
“Rylee Gray.” A server approaches me, an empty tray tucked under her arm as she looks me over.
“Yes,” I answer.
The server spares the Occuli behind me a worried glance but quickly looks back to me. “Right this way.”
I ignore the Occuli, even though I can feel them practically breathing down my neck in the form of chills racing over my skin. As long as they don’t try to get too close to me again, I’ll be fine.
I follow the server through the wide array of tables and around a small corner that leads to a circular, concealed spot half hidden by rich emerald curtains—
“Ohh my goddess!” Ivy’s voice overtakes all thought, and soon I’m nearly tackled by her and Layce.
We’re a tangle of arms and squeals and tight squeezes, emotion clawing up my throat and threatening to have me crying in relief at the sight of my friends.
Ivy wears a pair of black pencil slacks and a white blouse, Layce a purple tunic with black leggings, both looking as healthy and well as ever.
