The Never List

“Legends live together, and we die together.”

“Darling. I’m doing my best to stay out of your mind and give you privacy, but I can’t help hearing what you’re basically shouting at me. What will it take for you to believe me when I tell you I want every piece of you? Even the ones you’ve kept hidden from us?”

“I felt your incredible power the second I stepped into your mind. You know how I feel.”

“If that’s my punishment for being bad, you’re not giving me much incentive to behave.”

“Tell me to stop and I will. You know I don’t care about the invitation, the Choosing contract. We do this on your terms. Always.”

“If it’s yours, if it’s the Legends’ fight, then it’s mine.”

“You know what I’ll become if I have any more power. I’ll use you up. Break you down until you’re a shell of the woman before me. Just like he did to my mother. Or I’ll do worse. If you’re mine and something happens to you, someone threatens you…I’ll burn the whole fucking world down and laugh the ash out of my lungs.”

“I told you that first day, kitten. You’re mine. No matter what.”

“I could unravel you in front of all these people. You wouldn’t even realize you’re on the ship anymore.”

“I’ve been thinking about how your lips would look wrapped around me since the Choosing. But you’ve exceeded every fantasy I could’ve possibly had. That deserves a reward.”

“The only reason they have any wealth is because those beneath them dig it out for them at the expense of their backs.”

“Say yes to me now. Tell me yes, Rylee. Tell me yes right this second, because the moment you step foot in my territory, I’m going to claim you so many times you won’t be able to explore my city for at least a week.”

“If she’s the one, then she’s a threat. Despite Baydel’s insistence that he wants us to unlock our powers to keep the offerings to our mothers strong. Why does he see Rylee as a threat and not the others?”

“Something about this time is different. It’s like all the Choosings before this were just stepping stones guiding us to her.”

“I know I’m a handful. Know I’m a cocky bastard who likes to push the limits, not to mention the weight of obligation that comes with being a Legend. If that’s too much, then—”

“I would keep you forever if I could, darling. But I must share you.”

“They’re the ones who shouldn’t be crossing lines. They have no business testing you like that. It’ll never happen again. I promise. You’re safe with me. You know that, right?”

“Rylee. I’m not like my friends. You should run while you still can.”