The Never List

“Haven’t you ever heard of the Nightmare’s playroom?”

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

“I want to punish you for lying. I want to cut the truth out of you. I want to fuck you so hard and so long, you won’t be able to think about anyone outside the Legends. I want to take turns with them, lighting you up in ways you’ve never even dared to imagine.”

“Now we’re even. You left me tense and aching last night after that kiss—”

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

“That mouth. I bet it gets you into all kinds of trouble.”

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

“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?”

“I love the idea of letting her choose. In the end, that’s what we’ll need her to do anyway. Choose us.”

“I had to choose you. I needed to choose you. There was no stopping it. And the second the words came out of my mouth, I knew I’d damned us.”

“I gave this to you because of your heart. Because of the way you were with my people and your hopes for the future of Lumathyst. I gave this to you because you made me laugh while challenging everything I’ve ever believed and made me desperate for you even while I’m right beside you. That’s love. It has nothing to do with where you’re from or what power runs through your veins.”

“Truth be told, I’m tempted to steal you a night early. Damn the rules. You wearing that dress has become a new weakness I didn’t realize I had.”

“She’s more than ready, Pierce. Fuck her hard enough for me to feel you.”

“I don’t pretend to assume why the kings are the way they are, but I can imagine that they like their thrones, their power, maybe even enough to view you all as a threat. But then again, maybe I’ve read too many royal fantasy novels.”

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

“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.”

“You are a liar. Every time I’m around you. Your lies hum against me. Constant. Buzzing. Butterfly.”

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