Shadow

21

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Alya's P.O.V

I stare down at Mallorie, carefully watching her every move. I'm not sure what her motive is but she isn't hiding. Why isn't she playing innocent anymore? Does she realize that I was close to figuring her out anyway and didn't bother to keep up the act?

   A grin slides on her face.

   "You know," she began, "I've heard around the school from certain fellow classmates of mine. Everything they whisper and talk about with others. But, I only focus on the important things that I want to hear. The things that help me reveal weak points in people I don't very much like."

   "What are you even talking about?" I questioned, confused. She rolled her eyes.

   "And I thought you were the smart one. Then again, I've heard lots of things about you. That includes your one mistake," she continued.

   "Mistake?" I thought, clenching my hands, "What mistake did I let slide to gain her attention? Why am I important enough for her to be watching me?"

   "The only way to take down an enemy is to know them, even the people they hang out around. You happen to be one of them and the most interesting," Mallorie said, walking toward me.

   I don't like where this is going. I don't even know what she's planning or what she's about to say. I can tell Mallorie is a sly and clever girl by the way she talks. I bet she can read me by just looking into my eyes, seeing straight through the very window into my soul. What does she know though?

   Mallorie is standing right in front of me, our faces only inches apart. I don't back away. I'm not afraid of her. Whatever she is going to say probably won't be too bad. She's hardly been here for a week. How much could she know in that short amount of time?

   Although, she seems pretty confident right now.

   She gives a devious, toothy smile.

   "You betrayed the closest friend you had for a liar."

   My eyes widen, my body growing stiff. I can feel my airways being cut off and clench my teeth together. My heart begins to beat erratically.

   "How...How could she possibly know about that?" I thought in disbelief and felt pressure weighing down on my back.

   She hummed in satisfaction.

   "I can see it written all over your face and Marinette's as well. Whatever friendship you had before is completely shattered—unfixable," she spoke in a sly tone. I take a step back when she suddenly moved in closer. I gasp, nearly losing my balance. I narrow my eyes at her again.

   She isn't phased in the slightest. I've already given away my true emotions. She knows what she is saying is affecting me. I'm both envious and annoyed with her power in being able to outdo me in investigating.

   Mallorie is better at reading people. She knows how to learn about and use other people to her advantage.

   It's impressive but scary.

   "Now, your measly little self is trying to do her best to fix this broken bond of yours. Unfortunately, the damage is already done. Marinette doesn't trust you or anyone in that classroom. But I think you know that. Don't you?" Mallorie said under her breath, enjoying watching me breaking down and reveling in my pain.

   I swallow a lump in my throat. My arms are trembling and my breathing is shaky.

   Stop.