AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His shoulders shake with laughter. "Only because I'm smarter than you, Zale."
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
A DOSE OF REALITY
Ipark the speeder I picked up where I left it in the duke's courtyard in the same spot I used the last time I went to the undercity, right across the canal, before aiming straight for Glitter Lane.
I intended to ask after my crew after thankingJohel for the clothes she had delivered to me. Turns out, I don't need to. I approach stealthily, hiding behind a large lady, then a baker pulling a cart offering cream puffs. Sticking a coin in his hand, I grab one of the pastries and stuff it in my mouth, right before leaping out of his shadow and grabbing Alva by the shoulders.
"Ha!" I scream.
She yells and throws a punch while twirling on her feet with the agility of a cat. Expecting the blow, I block it and grin at my old friend.
"Hel!" she screeches and envelops me in a bear hug. "What in the seven hells!"
Khel grins from Johel's side, biting into a green apple. "Hey, kid. Long time."
I wave at him as best I can behind Alva's back. "Kid? I'm still your boss."
He huffs out a derisive snort, and Alva finally lets go.
"Yeah, about that." She smacks her lips. "You know, we were just saying, it's awesome you give tons of money to really help the neighborhood, and we'resoglad you get to study uptown. It's one in a million. Exactly what we wanted for you."
She shoots Khel a look, desperate for support. He takes another bite of his apple, leaving her to it, like the dick he is.
"But, well, Hel…"
"You figure an undercity crew leader ought to live in the undercity," I finish for her, taking pity. It's not like the idea hasn't crossed my mind before.
To be frank, I'm relieved she brought it up. I would have felt awkward as hell, letting them know I plan to leave the crew.
I'm a student, and after I learn everything I can, to know just how I can make a difference in the world, to truly change things for our kind structurally from the bottom up? I'll be something else. A crew leader isn't one of them.
I didn't realize it when I first took the duke's offer to let me attend Five, but I do now. I'll never live in the undercity again. Anyone born here has one single focus: leaving. It's not my home, so much as the streets that forged me.
I love so many people in the lanes surrounding Glitter Lane, and this neighborhood, this village, is the only family I've ever had, yet while I can't see where I'll go in the future, I know it won't be here.
I am Neleda's daughter, after all. Unlike her, I don't intend to abandon anyone, ever.
"When should we have a race to choose the next leader?" I ask Alva, smiling.
"You don't mind?"
"Why would I? Crew races are the best parties." I only pretend to misunderstand her to show her how planning my replacement is a non-issue. "Tell me how things have been."
"Hot as purgatory. I can't wait for autumn," Khel grumbles.
"Well, consider yourself lucky. I just came back from Ravelyn, and it's a miracle I still have ten toes."
They make me spill every detail I can remember, Johel demanding to know about the outfits, Khel curious about the architecture, and Alva, everything else. I don't say a word about my pearl dress, but other than that, I don't conceal a thing and their questions leave no stone unturned.
I consider not bothering to share the news of my new title, but they're likely to hear it through the grapevine. Better it comes from me.
"He named you his freaking concubine?" Alva gasps. "Against your will? Get out of my way. I'll skin that dick alive!"
I don't doubt she'd try, either. "He's not forcing me to do anything, don't worry." I shrug. "He's just a bully, trying to teach me a lesson. I'm not letting him get to me." Not much, in any case. To Johel, I say, "The green dress helped a lot."
Her grin shows off the gap in her front teeth."That's my girl."
