Read Online Edge of the Falls (After the Fall) by Nazarea Andrews - Free Book Online

neatly tailored suit, gray eyes, a large black ring—I note them all as I study him. His smile is the most disconcerting thing about him. It is bland, benign—so false it sets my teeth on edge.
    “My name is Wrenfel Lark. Your Mistress was an old friend of mine, before she was Exiled. Asked if I’d mind showing you around Mlena.”
    “You know the Mistress?” I demand, stunned. He is wealthy, from the look of his clothes. And the other Citizens skirt him, giving him space—powerful, then. How does she know someone like him?
    He comes forward and peers at my maptable before turning his smile on me. It makes my stomach turn. “This isn’t far. Come along.”
    Wrenfel tucks my hand in the crook of his arm and leads me through the busy City streets. I steal furtive looks around, curious as to the life they lead.
    A couple is sitting outside, ignoring each other as they sip drinks that smell decadent, even from where I am. The next shop over is filled with shimmering necklaces and bracelets, and two girls my age are giggling outside the window. Each shop we pass is different—a bakery with a window filled with impossibly elaborate confections, a tiny dark store that blares noise when the door is open, a bookstore, clothes, so many eateries with different foods that I quickly lose track. I pause at a turn, overwhelmed and Wrenfel offers me a sympathetic smile. “It’s a bit much, hmm?”
    “Is this what Citizens do all day?” I ask. He looks at me, brow furrowed, and I gesture at the busy streets and shops. “Nothing?”
    Wrenfel laughs, a surprisingly deep laugh, and shakes his head. “No. Most Citizens have occupations assigned when they are Insured. But it is a Nameday.”
    It is my turn to be confused, and his smile turns indulgent as he steers me down the street. “Chairman Malik of the First Commission,” he explains. The name registers slowly and he laughs, “I thought she taught you the histories?”
    I bristle, snap, “Mistress has never neglected our education.”
    Wrenfel doesn’t respond, merely smiles that infuriating smile and opens the door to a small shop.
    It’s bright and open in the pharmed. Images of a celebration scroll across a screen hanging in one corner, a girl sits on a bench, chewing her thumbnail as her foot bounces nervously.
    Wrenfel pauses, “Do you know what you need, my dear?” I nod and he smiles again. “I shall wait here, then.”
    The Citizen sitting behind a long counter smiles politely as I approach. “What can I do for you?” she asks, straightening.
    The slip of paper crinkles as I pull it from my pocket and smooth it before offering it to her. “My sister,” I say, “she’s sick—Gwenyth Awan of Luenear City sent me here.”
    Her face goes pale, and she grips the counter so hard her knuckles whiten. “Gwen? You know her?”
    I nod, and she sinks limply back into her chair. “How is she?”
    What, I wonder, did Gwen do, that she matters so much to this woman, after so many years?
    “She’s well. And safe—she cares for all of us at the Manor.”
    A smile turns the woman’s lips. “Gwen would find someone to nurse, even Outside. She was always taking in strays.” She shakes her head, and focuses on me. “But you need meds. Let me see your list.”
    I slide it to her, and she taps her fingers. “We have all of this—give me a few moments, and I’ll get it together.”
     
    **
     
    “Why are you here?” I ask Wrenfel as I count out Commission marks.
    He glances at me, setting the strawberry back into the basket. “I owed Kathleen a favor.”
    I glance at him, confused. “Your Mistress,” he says, cheerfully. “What is all of this for, if you don’t mind me asking?”
    “Survival,” I answer, shortly. The fruit is the last item on the list. The streets are beginning to empty, Citizens retreating to their homes as night begins to claim the day. I glance at the maptable—we’re close to the Gate, but until I see Berg, until we’re safely on a