The Never List

Axl laughs when Rylee arrives in Sapphire Cove wearing Pierce’s city’s colors. He notes that, while playful, Rylee seems haunted by the execution from the night prior. He initially worries that Kal accompanied her because Rylee is frightened of him, but she reassures him that she just sought more time with Kal. Axl, in turn, assures her he isn’t jealous. They tour Sapphire Cove, Axl and Kal playfully bantering about whose city is better.

A citizen nervously approaches Axl, who dislikes that his father has encouraged obsequiousness from his subjects. The man reports that a large net was lost; he needs Axl’s powers over water to retrieve it before any sea creatures are hurt. Axl agrees, surprised when Rylee asks to accompany him swimming, something no other potential has done. He makes a bet that if she reaches the net first, she can have anything she wants, so long as it doesn’t endanger his citizens. He likes the challenge she presents.

Rylee hurries off to find a bathing suit. Axl confides that he agrees with Kal’s assessment that Rylee is unlike the other potentials. He is delighted by Rylee’s eagerness when she gets on a boat for the first time, enjoying that she does not shy away from his power.