The Infernal Devices Rewritten

Chapter 2 - The Conqueror Worm

Chapter 2

The Conqueror Worm

As the two carriages, driven by Henry and Gideon, pulled to a stop at the front of the Lightwood's Chiswick home, Evan fiddled with the strap of the leather, two-pouch satchel that she grabbed. Her bow was slung across her shoulder, a quiver on her hip with a string of runed knives sheathed and hung on her belt, seeing as she was mundane and couldn't wield a seraph blade. In the leather bag was a homemade camera that worked as well as any polaroid camera Evan could have bought in 2020 with film that Magnus Bane had to help finalize. She was in the Institute's carriage, next to Tessa and Jem, glad to have just finished braiding her hair back in a tight French Braid, her ponytail at the nape of her neck while the rest of her hair rested against her back in slow silver curls.

"Here," Evan said just before the carriage stopped. She handed Jem a small pouch of crushed herbs that - when wet - looked horrifically like blood.

"I suppose it would be a good day to fake an attack." Jem said with distaste, sliding the herbs into his sleeve.

"Perhaps after the fight," Tessa suggested kindly, fixing his sleeve so it hid the pouch well. "Thank you for grabbing them, Evan."

"Sure," Evan flashed a quick smile.

"Will is going to want you to stay in the carriage," Jem said to Evan before jumping out of the carriage and turning to help Tessa.

"Will can kiss my butt if he wants me to stay in here." Evan muttered as Henry jumped down next to her, he snorted a laugh.

As Jem, Tessa, Gabriel and Gideon converged near a third carriage carrying the Blackthorn family crest, Will, Cecily, Evan and Henry met near the steps. Will and Cecily were arguing, with Will making big sweeps of his arms while Cecily scowled up at him.

"I swear if the two of you are fighting about whether or not we're staying in carriages..." Evan threatened as she interrupted them.

"As well as you fight," Will said carefully, his eyes training on Evan, "You are still a mundane, Charlotte-Evangeline."

Evan sighed, "That's twice today, William. I'm very aware I'm mundane - but I have more training than Tessa and she's here - in her wedding dress!"

"She is Jem's responsibility," Will said just as carefully as before. Is this a test, Will wondered, were the angels testing him? "And you are mine." Too late, he realized his mistake. His blue eyes widened a fraction.

Evan narrowed her eyes at him and Cecily sat back and watched as Evan straightened her back and said dangerously "I understand this is eighteen seventy-eight but just because I am a fifteen year old girl does not make me property."

"That isn't what I meant!" Will protested quickly.

Before Evan could retort, Henry, who had moved up the steps and almost to the front door, called "Evan, do you mind assisting me in searching the house?"

Evan glared at Will one last time - though both Herondales knew her anger would cool - before calling back "Sure, I'm coming." She jogged up the steps without another look over her shoulder.

"Wonderfully done, Will," Cecily said, walking off to the other group.

Will sighed, following after her.

Henry kindly waited for Evan before trying the door and finding it locked. He fumbled to find his stele before Evan passed the one she's kept in her pocket (mostly for Will) wordlessly. "Thank you, Evan," Henry said, Marking the door and it opened with a click. "Shall we?"