Page 5 of The Never List
But never this long. And never without letting me know she was leaving first.
Ivy wraps her arms around me and pulls me into a warm embrace. Her crisp scent of orchids and pine envelops me, filling those empty spaces inside me with memories. “I know,” she says. “I’m sorry I ever forged her an invitation—”
“Don’t do that,” I say as we break apart. “Don’t blame yourself. It could’ve been any of us.” Ivy has been to the Choosing the past six years and has never once come close to being chosen as a potential mate. Her invitation is always legitimate, but she’s never had any real interest in becoming the Legends’ mate—thanks to the stories we’ve heard about them—so she’s kept to the shadows, enjoying the luxuries of the event without drawing attention to herself.
I’d thought Erin would do the same. The goddesses blessed her with the unique ability to get out of tight places, assess danger in a blink, and thieve anything she wants even if her target is staring her straight in the face.
So, what happened that night? What happened that meant she couldn’t escape, couldn’t charm or seduce her way out? She may enjoy disappearing on adventures, but she wouldn’t have run away without telling me. Wouldn’t have left me to rot in the Ashlands. Not when we’re the only family we have left.
Once again, I curse myself for not going with her. Erin always asked me to come, but the idea of mingling with the royals of Lumathyst, who would rather watch Ashlanders starve to death than offer a helping hand, always turned my stomach. An arrogant pride that quite possibly lost me my sister.
And I’ve hated myself for it ever since.
3
Rylee
“I know, I know, I’m late!” Layce’s voice fills the room as she bursts through Ivy’s door, fumbling with three large silk sacks.
I’ve just dried off from a quick bath. After washing the dust from working in the quarry this morning off my shoulders, I’d lingered in the lukewarm water for a few minutes longer than necessary, mentally preparing for tonight.
“You would not believe the crowds on the main crossings between the cities today! I had to take four different shortcuts just to get here.” She heaves the colorful bags onto Ivy’s small bed tucked in a corner across the room, then spins to face us. “What’d I miss?”
Ivy flashes me a conspiratorial look. “Just listening to Rylee talk about what she’ll do to the Legends of Chaos if theychooseher,” she says, miming a vulgar gesture with her mouth that sends us all laughing.
Layce’s eyes sparkle as she grips her side. “If they choose you, will you promote us?” she asks, catching her breath. “I can be your royal bodyguard.” She snaps her fingers so blue-and-white lightning dances on the tips momentarily before she makes a fist to snuff it out. Then she points at Ivy. “Andshe can be your royal gardener.”
Ivy gapes in mock shock, still giggling. “Better than the job I have now.”
“It’s a deal,” I say. “All I have to do is have the Legends choose me—an Ashlander at their prestigious eventillegally—and not arrest me; sleep with each of them; learn the functions and politics of their cities for months;andsurvive the Athanry, becoming immortal.” I list each task on my fingers. “Oh wait,” I say, and they both roll their eyes. “I’ll also have to enjoy them enough tochoosean eternity with them and risk death to get it.” I tap my finger on my chin. “Remind me how many times that’s happened, again?”
“You’re a brat,” Ivy teases.
“None.”I answer my own question, ignoring her. “The Legends have tried for a mate for the past six years and are still mateless. I wouldn’t start packing your bags just yet.” If the Legends weren’t wealthy pricks who delighted in chaos, I might feel bad for them.
“Way to suck the fun out of the night,” Layce chides. “Jokes aside, getting a pin is a treat. And it’ll be your first one!”
“Wait, what?” I ask, looking from Layce to Ivy. “I’m not taking a pin.” I’d assumed we would use our invitations to gain entry but not exchange them for a numbered pin to participate in the actual Choosing. After all, you’re not required to.
“We always take pins.” Layce glances at Ivy in confusion.
“Jewelers pay top dollar for them because the gems are the highest quality,” Ivy adds.
That notionistempting. “But the risk…” I bite my bottom lip, contemplating. “Haven’t you two ever beenafraid of getting chosen?”
“Not even a little bit,” Layce says on a laugh.
Ivy shakes her head. “We always clock the Legends first thing and then subtly stay away from them the entire night.”
“Oh,” I say, nodding. “That makes sense.” But still, the risk…
“Since when have you ever taken the safe route?” Layce asks.
I snort. She’s not wrong.
Ivy flashes me a supportive smile. “It’s your choice. We’d never force you to take one.”
“Of course not,” Layce adds.
