Page 57 of The Never List
Kal glances at me, and I nod and wave off his silent question. “I’m going to find that art gallery,” I say, leavingthe two to their discussion.
I wouldn’t have been able to resist a look around even if I’d been ordered to, but of course Kal does no such thing. With the help of a map posted near the stairs, I locate the art gallery Kal mentioned on the fourth floor of the library. The walls are adorned with pieces similar to the ones on the building outside, done by amateur artists who somehow create works that look even better than the ones hanging on the palace walls.
After a full turn around the room, I’m convinced none of the works here are my sister’s. Another dead end.
It’s not that I wanted my sister to be on a Never List mission or locked in the dungeons. I never wanted her to be in danger. But this? Why would she do this?
I come across a private room behind a closed door. The etching on the glass readsRoyals Only. I peek through the glass and see tomes laid out on the table and more art decorating the walls inside of it. There’s another painting of a cat, but I can only see a fourth of it from this angle. Glancing quickly up and down the hall to make sure I’m alone, I open the door and walk in without a second thought about the sign.
My heart deflates, the breath rushing out of my lungs when I’m close enough to see that the painted cat is nothing like the style my sister uses. I pride myself a little on being able to recognize her work so certainly but hate the disappointment that rings through me that it’s not hers.
What did I think would happen if I found another one of her pieces, anyway? That there’d be a note under it with the name of the artist and the address of where they’re residing? That she’d write something else other thanforgetmeand help me piece together her thought process? How ridiculous of me.
I turn away from the painting, more than ready to explore another level. I reach for the glass door, pulling it open—
An Occuli stands in the entryway, making me jolt backward. Those green flames blaze as it shakes its head. “You aren’t allowed in here.” An otherworldly voice rings out through its mouth.
Ice drenches me as it takes another step closer.
“Only royalty,” it continues as it herds me into a corner.
Magic I can’t see butfeelsnaps against my skin like a slap. I flinch as more blasts hit my skin. The power in my blood starts to rise, threatening to burst free—
“Stop.”Kal’s demand echoes through the room.
The stings stop, and the Occuli immediately stands up straighter, turning and bowing toward Kal as he enters the room.
“Leave. Now,” he orders.
The Occuli continues to bow as it shuffles out past him. Kal shuts the door behind it, waiting until it’s out of sight before crossing the distance between us. He draws me into an embrace, holding me against his warm body.
“Are you all right? Did they hurt you? You’re trembling,” he says, holding me tighter.
“Its magic,” I say, my voice cracking. “Ithurt. I didn’t… I didn’t mean…” I can’t get the words out, the events of the day threatening to break me completely. “The door was unlocked—”
“They’re the ones who shouldn’t be crossing lines,” Kal says. “They have no business testing you like that.” Hepushes me away just enough to cup my cheeks and look into my eyes. “It’ll never happen again. I promise,” he continues. “You’re safe with me. You know that, right?”
I nod, my head spinning with adrenaline and my power still rushing in my veins. “I know,” I manage to say, relaxing with his assurance.
Goddess, just a little test of magic and I’m trembling. I can blame it on the vulnerability still clinging to me from seeing Erin’s painting, but the Occuli have always rubbed me the wrong way. I’m sure it’s reporting back to whichever king it’s attached to, gloating about the way it scared me.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I’m still playing a game here, and since my life is in the balance, I need to remember that.
“I know,” I say again, running my hands up his strong arms, slipping them behind his neck to pull him closer to me. “I know.” A restless energy hums in my skin—the adrenaline in my blood needing an outlet.
Kal leans down at my urging, and I graze my lips over his, softly at first, drawing back to look up into his eyes for a moment before kissing him with more fervor.
I grip his shirt to hold him closer. This. I need more of this. His kiss chases all the cold, dreadful feelings away, replacing them with the warmth of a dawning sun. The longer I spend with Kal, the more I realize he’s so much like that comforting warmth—powerful yet safe, passionate yet understanding.
He shifts me gently, walking me until my spine hits one of the shelves lined with books, never breaking our kiss.
Iclingto him. Cling to the safety and the sensations he’s creating within me. Each masterful stroke of histongue helps erase the grief and confusion and fear that are threatening to drown me. When he kisses me like this, I’m not thinking about Erin or the secrets I’m hiding. When he kisses me like this, I’m reduced to nothing more than a woman vying for his heart.
“Kal.”His hands roam over my body, hoisting me up until I lock my ankles behind his back. “More,” I beg, slanting my mouth over his again.
I can’t get enough, and each part of my being soars at every point of contact.
“Rylee.” Kal groans my name.
