Page 4 of The Never List
The demis—descendants of those blessed by the goddesses—had fallen out of favor with the kings centuriesago, back when they’d each ruled over their own territories, like the Legends do now. The brief era of peace ended quickly when the vicious infighting among demis mounted. Soon, demis were known only for bloodshed and greed, said to be corrupted by their goddess-granted powers. The kings stepped in before any of the factions could overthrow them and the goddesses and take full control of Lumathyst.
Against the combined power of the goddesses and their kings, the demis didn’t stand a chance. Most of the rebels were killed, but others were given the option to live. Their ancestral surnames were placed on the Never List, ensuring no one from that lineage could ever rise to high status again, despite the fact that the power in their lines dwindled over time and only randomly appeared in one generation or the next. Like mine. Like Ivy’s and Layce’s. Power our non-magical parents managed to keep secret because our marks didn’t show on our skin until we were ten.
Over the years, the Never List evolved to include anyone charged with a treasonous crime or really anyone the kings deemed a threat. And when the entire kingdom strives for the noble status the kings dangle in front of their people—should they only workhardenough—no one ever wants to be on that damned list.
Being on the list means you’ll never achieve a higher social status than the one placed on you at birth.
Being on that list means, if called upon, you’re required to serve in royal assignments overseas, where you’re not protected by the goddesses’ wards.
Being on that list is almost always a death sentence.
There are demis who live openly in Lumathyst, but they’re forced to work for scraps and are regarded bynobility with intense suspicion. They often find themselves arrested for things nobility gets away with on a daily basis, like traveling across city borders and trying to purchase goods or marrying whoever they wish—luxuries Ashlanders aren’t afforded, either.
Which is why those like me and my friends keep our powers a secret.
The second I’d sent a blistering wind at Ivy, tossing her little body off me and across her patch of wildflowers, we became best friends. And sneaking across invisible lines that separated thehavesfrom thehave-notsbecame one of my favorite and most dangerous pastimes. It’s a risk to cross borders to see my friends, but I’ve done it so many times now, I barely register the danger. Likely why Turner spotted me tonight—I’ve gotten too casual about breaking laws.
I trail my finger over the invitation once more.
“Enthusiastic consent.” I repeat the words, then laugh at the binding contract. Every noblewoman in Lumathyst who received a legitimate invitation will have trained for this moment the entire year; some, their entire lives. Lying in their rich feather beds, dreaming about the chance to be the Legends of Chaos’s mate. Anyone selected as a potential earns a higher social class after the event, whether they decide to choose the Legends or not.
“You’re serious? Despite all the stories we’ve heard about the Legends,” Ivy says, turning me to face her. “I’d wager you’d actually enjoy being with all four of them. I’d bet my entire flat that you’d leave them allpantingfor more.” She laughs. “You’re always seeking that next rush. I swear on the goddesses above, it’s going to bite you in your pretty little ass one day.”
“At least if I were chosen as their mate, I’d be able to make a difference for the Ashlanders,” I say.
“No potential has ever made it longer than a month,” Ivy counters. “The past six left the second they could. Took their elevated-social-status prize and ran in the opposite direction. Vying to be the future queen of Lumathyst is no small feat.”
“And yet wouldn’t it be worth it if it meant one of us could bring about change?”
Ivy looks at me more seriously. “What of the Athanry? Does that not frighten you? The process of becoming immortal? The stories say it nearly killed the kings when the goddesses chose them centuries ago. That’s likely what sent half the potentials running the past six Choosings, alongside the Legends’ chaotic nature.”
She’s not wrong, but I laugh at the concern in her eyes. “Relax, Ivy. I would never put myself up as a potential mate,” I assure her softly. “Contrary to my daily complaints, I like my life. Dying in the name of being the queen of Lumathyst is the last thing on my mind.
“And besides, Ashlanders are forbidden from the Choosing. If they somehow picked me? I’d be dead the second they realized where I’m from.” The truth of that statement settles like a stone in my stomach. “You know the reason I’m sneaking into this event, and it’s most certainly not for the princes…or the drinks,” I add with a laugh.
“Hey,” Ivy chides. “The drinks are worth the risk.” She grins at me, but there is a sincerity in her eyes that doesn’t match her playful tone. “Do you need to look at the palace map again?”
I swallow around the nerves tangling in my throat.“No,” I say, tapping my temple. “I have it all up here.”
“You paid half a year’s wages for it,” she says. “You better have it memorized.”
“I just hope it’s accurate.”
“I told you,” she says. “My friend works in the palace. You can trust them.”
I purse my lips. I rarely trust anyone anymore, but Ivy has more access to the royal cities than I do. She’s from the city of Leaf and Claw, which makes her an Ari, a middle class that has privileges Ashlanders don’t. She can own her accommodations, rather than renting, and can shop in the royal cities. Aris can’t request an audience with the Legends, like nobility can, but Aris don’t live in squalor and can move freely about Lumathyst without fear of being imprisoned.
And as much as the kings claim anyone (as long as their name isn’t on the Never List) can elevate their social class by working hard enough and earning a royal blessing, it’s a rarity to see an Ashlander rise in rank. Marriages between classes have to be approved by the kings, and since Ashlanders are mostly descendants of demis or recently freed criminals, they rarely receive a blessing. Not that I would ever be allowed to try, since my family name has been on the Never List since my ancestors took up arms against the kings centuries ago.
Still, Ivy’s Ari status gives her access to connections I never would’ve secured on my own, and getting this map for me is one of those perks.
I’ll never be able to repay her for tonight.
“You really think you’ll find answers?”
The hollow space in my chest twinges as Erin’s face fills my mind. “It’s been a year, Ivy.” A year since my sisteralso snuck into the Choosing and never came back. “We know she wasn’t chosen as a potential, and she didn’t come home. That means someone had to have found out she was an Ashlander and shipped her off on a mission overseas or threw her in the prisons. I have to know what happened. I have to find her.”
The Choosing is my only shot at getting into the palace and searching for answers. I’ve spent the entire year planning for this moment, all the while desperately wishing she’d walk back through our door, telling me she simply lost track of time. She’s done that before. Erin loves to go wherever her instincts take her, and she’s run off on monthlong adventures before.
