The Pentrals Read Online Free Page B

note. But I could not understand the expressions of shame and regret that passed Violet’s face whenever he came by. Surely she felt some guilt for what happened to Mary, but did she also blame Thomas? Despite his constant pleas for her to open up, she never officially confirmed my suspicions, and the divide between the two deepened.
    The one who was not afraid to express his feelings was Ben. From the very start, he venomously blamed Violet for Mary’s coma, saying it would have never happened had she driven her home like she promised. On several occasions he became angry with her, his dark brown eyes filled with rage. Once it seemed as if he was on the verge of tears, but he never let that side break through. It was difficult for me, keeping Violet’s frozen stance while Ben berated her. He never did it in front of Thomas, knowing he would have defended her. Violet was almost too accepting of his anger, taking it all in as her own burden to bear. The weight on her shoulders played all the way through to her Shadow, bringing us both down every day since.
    The coma continued its stranglehold on Mary, and Violet slipped further away from her friends. Her 17th birthday came and passed, with her refusing any sort of recognition. Who could she celebrate with anyway?
    The Alliance was broken.
     

* * 5 * *
     
    T he parking lot has emptied, leaving only Violet and me. A faint breeze tugs at her hair as she places her hand on the spot where Thomas touched her cheek. One tiny tear manages to escape, but as quickly as it appears she wipes it away. For the first time in her life, Violet is truly alone.
    Solitude does not agree with everyone. As a Shadow, I know this all too well. My Person has been fortunate to have many special relationships in her life, but for most of my existence, I have been left to my own devices, with no real network to rely on. The daily interactions I have with other Shadows are empty and meaningless, a quick burst into another’s psyche before moving on. Though I’m never by myself, I’m always alone.
    The last time I had any significant interaction with another Shadow was during my assignment to this realm. It happened so long ago that recalling the details is spotty at best. I have tried, late at night as Violet sleeps, to piece together my beginnings, visions of that time: where I came from and what the highest ruling Pentrals—Class Fours—looked like. I remember their lessons and have heeded their warnings to stay close to my Person under all circumstances, and how doing so will bring me my eternal reward. But somehow, every other detail is lost, forever just beyond my grasp. All that remains is a hazy view of white, dotted with brilliant gold. I have not seen it since. I have searched the corners of my consciousness to find my way back, but my memories have been supplanted by Violet’s.
    I look at her now, so crushed over a brief encounter with Thomas and wonder if maybe it’s just easier to be alone. No chance to get hurt. But no, I know I would give anything to experience her emotions, even the soul-crushing ones.
    Eventually Violet pulls herself together and opens the heavy metal door to the school. Although most surfaces in Talline are highly reflective, the school seems to make due with less glass. There are still mirrors spread throughout the campus, but not to the extent of other public spaces. I am so used to sunlight ricocheting off every wall and walkway it takes me a moment to readjust my shade. Around all the mirrors and sun, my form takes a dark, crisp appearance, but in school, with the unnatural light, I am softer, lighter.
    Violet hurries through the halls, making up for time lost in the parking lot. I’m concentrating so intently on weaving through the crowd I’m caught off guard when Violet knocks into someone and jerks back.
    Her eyes widen in surprise. “Sorry,” she whispers, looking down. I glance up to make out the apology’s recipient and freeze when I see it is