DIVERSITY

DIVERSITY- Chapter 26

"Violet-" I choked on her name, unable to continue with the rest of the sentence. I turned my head away from Jace, inhaling shallow breaths.

"Violet, Is she-" I collapsed my words again, sighing as I felt Damon's free arm curve around my stomach, fully encircling me with his comfort.

"Banished?," Jace's deeply toned voice cut through the silence, "Yeah."

I felt myself sink further Into the sorrow that clouded my mind. Jace's voice had been tainted with a heartache so powerful, It drove the tears from my eyes In streams. I looked to Jace for an explanation of some sort, hoping that he would correct himself and tell me that she was still here.

"They came In the night. My cell was next to her's. I could hear them coming. I could hear every agonising shriek that escaped her lips as they dragged her down the corridor, but there was nothing I could do. Nothing I could say to protect her from them."

Instinctively, I smoothed my hand over Jace's reassuringly. "It's okay. There was nothing you could have done."

I hesitated, leaving my hand resting on his, trying to think of the right thing to say. Sighing, I removed my hand gently. There was nothing that I could ever say to make this wrong right again.

My mind was suddenly made a victim of my imagination, as I visualised Violet, shivering and alone outside the city walls. She was probably trying to desperately to satisfy her hunger, In a world that has endured destruction beyond repair. I wonder what it would have been like to have been tragically pushed through the gates that secured our city, and Into a mysterious new land.

I distracted myself from the image of my friend suffering while I sat In safety, Instead I guessed what life and surroundings would be like outside of the city I was trapped In. I frowned at the thought of my whole life being spent with the same scenery I had experienced my entire existence, never really knowing what was out In the world.

A gruff voice exclaiming from the speakers that were hidden within the walls, Interrupted my train of thought.

"To welcome those passed test patients to their new lives, we have an honoured guest joining us today."

The room went dead with silence. Following the announcement, a faint but intent series of clinking heels sounded from the hallway outside. Icy fear gripped the edges of my heart, as I realised who that very special guest was. Letting Damon hold me In his arms, I felt protected against the Elder who entered the room with a mischievous grace.

I glared Invisibly from my seat, observing Melanie's Immaculate physical appearance as her sparking blue eyes scanned the room. She hesitantly strode forward, pursing her vibrant, red lipstick- tainted lips, as she processed her next move. My eyes travelled down to the breathtaking, black, lace-up dress that curved around her neck delicately. Her Image, while stunning, was not enough to fool me. I could see past the glamorous clothes and beautiful features she bore to convince the people of the city, Inside was a withering soul, on the brink of caving In.

Her and myself were both aware that the city was slowly transforming Into a home for the different, as those who possessed abilities developed In their numbers each year. That Is the reason why half of the children from the experiment had been banished, as well as Violet and Peeta, and secretly, Melanie would knew that she would not be able to banish an entire community as they conformed to the evil she feared greatly.

"I wish Congratulations to all who are present, as this is a significant day In each of your lives," Melanie's voice poured from her lips as honey, the sweet tone masking the real words of horror she spoke. "Today Is the day that all of you are able to contribute your selected abilities to our beloved city. You will be obtaining this honoured position as a War Squad soldier, as I am sure each of you are aware already."