Jem's POV
I am floating in a river of pain. My entire body hurts and I know my life is drawing to a close. Tessa is the only thing tethering me to this world.
Tessa. Oh, God. In the latest battle with the Infernal Devices, Tessa was suddenly captured. I mourn the idea that she will not see me again before I die, but I am also glad; who wants thier loved ones to see them at their weakest? My thoughts are suddenly penetrated by voices that seem slurred to my semi-conscious ears.
"Does he know that you are in love with Tessa?" A voice with a strange mix of accents asks. I hear the purr in it's tone, and I know that it is the warlock Magnus Bane. He has always seemed strangely cat-like. I am well aware that most warlocks have a demon's mark upon them, like Magnus's feline eyes and sharp teeth, but he is also feline in demeanor. Magnus's arrival can only men that something has taken a terrible turn.
"No," a new Welsh voice that belongs to my parabatai replies. Will sounds shocked at the question. I, too, am shocked. In this simple "no," he has agreed that he is in love with my fianceè. Why hadn't I known? My and Tessa's engagement must have hurt Will greatly. Now, after his admission, I want to see how this plays out. After all, you shouldn't rush into things or assume, you my have the wrong idea. On this matter, however, there aren't many ways I can misunderstand. He continues saying, "No. I have never said a word. This is not his burden to bear." Not my burden? He is my parabatai! We should know nearly everything about each other. We should shoulder each other's burdens. I know that this is not Will's way, but it should be like that.
And more importantly, do things that benefit both of us. Had I known about his feelings, I would not have asked Tessa to marry me.
As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I doubt my statement. Do I really love Tessa more than anything? Do I love her more than I love Will? It shouldn't have to be a contest. Knowing that I had only made it up, I push the thought away.
I hear Magnus inhale and say gently, "Will. You asked me for my wisdom, as someone who has lived lived many lifetimes and buried many loves. I can tell you that the end of a life is the sum of the love that was lived in it, that whatever you think you have sworn, being here at the end of Jem's life is not what is important." Yes. I agree with every sentiment, and that Will should go after Tessa. My hearing fades out ofter Magnus's little monologue.
The next thing I hear is Will saying " Atque un perpetuum, frater. Ave atque vale." Forever and ever, brother. Hail and Farewell.
Suddenly at his heartfelt, seemingly final goodbye, I can take my own silence no longer. I grab Will's wrist and say in my strongest voice that I can muster, "I am not dead yet, Will. What did Magnus mean by asking you if I knew you were in love with Tessa?"