Clockwork Demon (Infernal Devices Fan-fiction)

Chapter 22

//Tessa POV//

Everyone stands there in shock.

"Will," Cecily whispers. As if he's still here.

Charlotte stares into space with her eyes glazed with the beginning of tears. Henry reaches out to console her. At his touch, she melts into him. Henry wraps his arms around her. Enveloping her.

"I must notify Brother Zachariah at once," I said.

If I don't remain busy, I shall break down and cry.

"Oh, yes. I'll assist you, Tessa," Charlotte says. Breaking herself from the haze and Henry's arms. As the head of the Institute, Charlotte will have a better chance at convincing the Silent Brothers to send an amateur Brother over to support.

"Cecily, will you come up with me?" I question.

"Uh, sure," Cecily replies, evidently confused.

We trot up the many stairs to the ground level. We get to the landing and I stop with a start. Jem is standing there robes and all.

"Je- Brother Zachariah, I was about to send for you," Charlotte says, wide eyed. Jem just stands there. His face, pale with bold runes, is a little unnerving.

"How did you know," I blurt out. All politeness and patience pushed aside.

Will's and my parabatai bond has been severed, but that does not mean I can not sense when something is deeply wrong.

Jem's voice rings in my head and most likely Charlotte's and Cecily's. Charlotte's eyes glisten with unshed tears. A wave of nostalgia hits me like a brick. Jem's childhood friend is missing! Taken by a demon, no less. Ugh, why is life so complicated.

Come along, now. We must hasten.

Jem glides down the hallway silently. We all follow him. Surprisingly , he stops in front of my chamber doors.

Pack your bags for an extended stay

Oh yeah, I need my clothes and the bare necessities.

"Cecily, go pack a bag too. Only what you must need," I order her. Baffled, Cecily asks why.

"I will explain everything later. Please, just hurry," I plead. She complies and rushes down to  her room. Charlotte looks at me, questioningly.

"There is a safe house, not far from here. Will told me about it in his goodbye. He told me to bring one person. I can't be tracked when in the house," I quickly explain to Charlotte. She nods understandingly. Knowing Will is doing what he thought was best.

I duck into my room and throw whatever I touch into a traveling bag. I make sure to put a couple books in. If I die, I want to die with bravery and courage. Not of boredom. I step back outside and Cecily is all packed and ready to go. Her eyes, so much like Will's, are very curious. I haven't filled her in on anything.

Jem nods when he sees both of us are done. Then, he gestures us to an awaiting carriage. There's no driver. Cecily and I got in anyways. Leaving Charlotte on the steps of the Institute.

"Goodbye, Charlotte. Please don't disclose any important information to anyone. Thank you for putting up with all my problems. Keep safe," I call out the open door to her.

Tears are spilling onto her cheeks. "Don't worry, Dear. Be safe," she assures me.

Cecily closes the door with a click. "Who do you suppose is driving?" She questions.

Jem got onto the front seat and took up the reins, answering her question.

I am the only other person that knows exactly where to go, besides Will.

Jem 'speaks.' He slaps the reins across the horses backs and we're off with a start. Not knowing where we're going or what is awaiting for us.