Page 37 of The Never List
He laughs again, the sound like the comfort of a warm blanket. “In my hands?” he asks. “You’re always safe.”
A wave of heat crashes inside me at his declaration, and I can’t lie, it’s hard to defend against. I know he’s playing the game as much as I am. We need each other: I need him to trust me enough to fall for me so when the truth comes out, he won’t damn me, and he needs me to choose him in the end. Still, it’s…niceto feel wanted in this way, even if it’sall a game.
I slide my hand into his, and he wraps his fingers around mine as he tugs me close. I mimic his movement, situating myself behind him. I’ve been on a horse a time or two, and while this is similar, I can feel the humming of magic beneath the seat. Magic is a temperamental thing—everyone knows that—and I can only hope the obscene amount of wealth and power Kal has ensures this thing won’t explode beneath us.
Kal wraps my arm around his abdomen, and I reach around with my free hand, pulling my body tight to his, my chest pressing against his broad back.
“Hold on tight,” he says, giving me a one-second warning before taking off.
The rumble of the thing vibrates throughout my entire body in a pleasant way, and I cling to him as his speed increases. The royal city flashes by in a blur, and the people crowding along the main roads wave as their prince darts in and out of carriages and horses.
My eyes water from the wind, but a wild laugh shakes free when he takes a turn at top speed, the velomage leaning so far over I’m sure we’ll tip. Kal maneuvers it with an expert grace that speaks volumes about how many times he’s done this before. It’s exhilarating, my heart in my throat and my adrenaline soaring to an all-time high that I absolutelylivefor.
After a few more high-speed minutes, Kal slows, taking a bridge up and over the main road, offering us a stunning view of the city as we leave. I wipe at my eyes to clear them. The bridge dips suddenly, and we go soaring down so quickly, my stomach flips and my nails bite into his abdomen.
He turns his head just enough for me to see his profile as we level out, a full grin on his face. He frees one hand and reaches back, stroking my calf in a way that is both reassuring and possessive. A bolt of lightning scorches my center at the simple touch, making me buzz in a way that has nothing to do with the magic roaring beneath us.
I’m in trouble if a few caresses and a fast ride have me melting for this man.
It’s over an hour before we cross the border into his city—we passed Jax’s Obsidian City along the way—and I still can’t shake the fluttery feeling Kal has given me. It’s only my body reacting to him, not my heart, and as long as I keep it that way, I’ll be fine. I decide that if I can’t fight it, I might as well drench myself in these feelings in the hopes of shedding all other worries. Is it slightly delusional? Maybe, but I’ll dive into any fantasy right now in order to keep myself together.
“What do you think?” Kal asks. He slows as we reach the main road, so I can actually see everything around us.
“It’s breathtaking,” I answer honestly. I’ve never ventured as far as the Ruby Aire before, and I’m instantly regretting that decision.
The city is stunning. A collection of ancient buildings varies in stonework and detail and size, but all have a common ruby roof. The sun glitters off those roofs, dappling the cobblestone sidewalks in sparkling crimson. We enter a bustling cluster of market buildings housing luxurious items. People are strolling in and out, wearing clothes that show their nobility: elegant dresses or suits, silk blouses and slacks, tunics and leggings, their hair and makeup impeccable. And beyond the city center, I catch glimpsesof the lush fields and pastures that support the agricultural wealth that Kal’s people are known for. There isn’t a sign of poverty in sight.
A rock settles in my stomach as Kal brings us to a stop along a stretch of road lined with bright buildings, shops, cafés, and taverns. 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?
I knew the Legends’ cities are wealthy, but hearing about it and seeing it are two very different things. Once again, I hope for change in the Ashlands, but hope gets me nowhere. If I had real power…if I had the support of four powerful mates, perhaps Icouldchange things—
No. Survive first, dream later. I blame Kal and his peaceful, prosperous city for making my head drift toward unattainable things.
“Would you like to have lunch with me?” Kal asks as he helps me off the velomage.
“Of course—” I jolt at the sudden appearance of two Occuli behind Kal.
He turns around, spotting them before shifting back to me with an apologetic look. “I assumed you knew—”
“I did,” I say, catching my breath. I have a hard time taking my eyes off the Occuli. They’re even more terrifying in person. Their eyes…pools of black that seem endless. Their power feels otherworldly, too, ancient and jagged, so unlike Kal or any of the other Legends, whose powers feel like a strong, unshakable beacon. I force my focus back to Kal. “Just…startled me.”
“They have a knack for that,” he says. “But they won’t touch you, with hands or magic. They’re under strict orders and will meet death if they do.”
“Is it so easy to deliver death sentences?” I ask, wondering if a bit of the Legend I’ve heard so many stories about has slipped through the calm, caring persona he’s shown me. I have no love for the Occuli, but I don’t relish unnecessary death.
“It is if they break the rules when it comes to you,” he explains. “You’re our mate potential,” he continues. “Your safety, comfort, and well-being are of utmost importance to us.”
Butterflies take flight in my stomach. Would he think so if he knew the truth?
“Hungry?” he asks, and it’s such a sweet gesture to change the subject.
“Always,” I say. If there isonething 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.
He holds out his hand, then leads us down the street when I take it. “Try to ignore them,” he says into my ear when he catches me eyeing the Occuli again. He smooths back some of my hair that’s come loose, the touch easy and welcome. “And if it gets to be too much, just tell me, and I’ll take you home. They’re not allowed inside my estate.”
I wet my lips, noting the sincerity in his eyes.
He shifts us, interlocking our fingers as he guides me down the busy cobblestone pathway. The other pedestrians move to the side and flash him gracious smiles as he walks by. They don’t balk in fear or dip their heads to avert his attention; they welcome it. Some even say a few kind wordsas we pass.
