Falling Back In Time (Old Version)

Demon Houses and Lady Belcourt

Chapter 3

I woke up the next day, half hoping to find that it had all been a dream. That I would wake up in the Institute in Manhattan, and I would see Jace and the others. Of course I was disappointed to find that wasn't the case.

Once again Sophie came in and helped me into the stupid dress. A new one this time, this one was a soft red velvet, with lace on it. Maybe something a vampire princess would wear.

She piled my hair up on my head, and then left, silently. I stared at myself in the mirror, I didn't even look like myself anymore. I had had Sophie bring my old gear back to me, and it was currently hanging in a closet. It was a keepsake, of my old life.

I walked out the door, and went down to breakfast. Most everyone was there, Charlotte, in a gray dress, Will was stuffing his face with eggs, Henry was hidden behind a newspaper, and Jessamine was more playing with her food than actually eating it.

Only Tessa and Jem weren't here. Jem. Was he okay after last night? I hadn't known what to do, and Will had sent me away. What was that about?

They others at the table were discussing something, and it seemed to be Tessa.

When Tessa walked into the room, and everybody but Will and Jessamine looked at her.

“We were just discussing you.” Jessamine said, offering her a piece of toast.

“What about me?” She asked, sitting down.

“What to do with you of course.” Will said, eyes flashing in amusement. “We could sell her to that Gypsy place down the street, they pay for girls as well as horses.”

Tessa's face was one of horror, and Charlotte gave Will a reprimanding look. Will just shrugged and continued to eat his eggs.

“I've notified the Clave as to her position here as well as Shelby's. I've told them who Shelby is and what Brother Enoch said. But Tessa will be staying here until this whole matter with the Pandemonium Club and the Magister is dealt with, right Henry?”

“Hmm? Oh, of course dear.”

“Will I would like to revisit the Dark Sisters house, take Jem with you-”

Will's eyes flashed. “Is he well enough?”

“He is.” It was Jem, who had decided to come down for breakfast. I looked at him quickly, but let my eyes fall.

“Henry and I will be traveling to Axel Mortmain, and seeing what we can find out about Tessa's brother from him. Meanwhile Jessie, you, Tessa, and Shelby can go through old newspapers see if there's anything in them that can be useful for our investigation.”

“I think you should let me take Tessa and Shelby in to get some new dresses today.” Jessamine said, pushing the papers away from her.