characters in this story, but I do own the plot. "I'm going to smile like nothing wrong, talk like everything's perfect, act like it's all a dream, and pretend it's not hurting me." -unknown Chapter 1: Why? Tessa looked down at the angry current tearing and screaming its rage against the ground. She had two choices: end herself now and let Mortmain end his plan, or survive and let him control her. Either way was death for her. She didnt want to die; but what did she have left? Jem had died a few months ago; charlotte was busy with her baby-she did not need another person to worry over; and...will. Will and Jessamine had been going off together many times lately...and Tessa had walked in on them wrapped up in each other's arms. She had quickly left the room silently and went straight to her own quarters for the night. Mortmain was out to get her; and she knew it. 'No one wants or needs me here...' she realized. 'The best I can do is prevent him from getting me.' With tears streaming down her face, she walked closer to the bridge's rail. 'No one wants you...no one loves you. Will does not live you. Charlotte and Henry do not need a nuisance in their household that would bring a dangerous enemy near their child. Her hand reached out and gripped the support pole. Soon she found herself balancing on the rail at the mercy of her hand. Wiping the tears from her face she prepared to jump- "Do you really think this will do anyone any good, Tessa?" a voice asked from behind her. 'Will?' she turned to look for the beautiful face only to see the one she dreaded the most: Mortmain. "What do you want, you scoundrel?" she snarled at him the best she could. His mouth curved up into a smile. "My, my, Tessa, what has caused you to become so cruel and bitter? Has your little pet gone off after the other beautiful girl? It's about time! We had to get rid of that distraction, but it looks like it turned out for the better! Now, we must get down to business." She felt her heart-or whatever was left-shatter into millions of pieces. She was done for. There was nothing left to keep her here. Nothing. "What is it that you want, Mortmain?" her empty voice asked the silence. He laughed and scorned her. "I know you wish for an end, my Tessa. And I shall grant that wish...if you do a few things for me." The offer at this point was tempting. "What do I have to do?" -^.^- please review!