"Alright, whose got absolutely any idea of what's going on?"
Charlotte says, her hands on the table. She looks tired and exhausted, dark circles forming around her eyes and the dark lines of hard work etching a cross her forehead and cheekbones. Tessa had been joyful when Charlotte and Henry had announced that she was bearing a child. It would almost be like having a baby sister or brother around.
Jem yawns and stretches in his chair beside Tessa. "That Mortmain has a giant army full of clockwork robots that are set out to destroy all of Nephilim kind."
Charlotte sighs. "Guys, we have to be prepared. We have increased more to our number, with Gabriel, Gideon, Sophie,Cecily, and Tessa. This will certainly help us when we get into the war. We need as much warriors we can get."
Tessa twirls the fork around her spaghetti absently and says, "So you're saying we need even more."
Charlotte's hand goes to her belly and she looks at Tessa, smiling. "Yes."
Will clears his throat, making everyone jump. He hadn't said a word until now. "Then," he holds out his index finger. "We need Jessamine."
The air in the room seems to be sucked out. The deep tension hangs over them like a drapery. Jessamine is a very touchy subject, especially with Charlotte.
Her mouth tightens and nods. "Jessamine will be willing to help us, hopefully. Nathaniel is no longer a threat, and she'd probably do anything to get out of that cell.'
Gideon looks at Tessa, who is taken aback in surprise. Its never Tessa he looks at. His eyes are always following Sophie. There is something like sorrow and pity in his expression, as if the mention of her brother had hurt her more than the others. I don't need your pity, she thinks.
But, of course the mention of Nate had brought shivers down her back. He had once loved her and cared for her, as any big brother would do. Yes, Tessa loved him. And maybe, she still does, regrettably, no matter how cruel he had been to her and the rest of the world.
" Who will go to the Silent City?" Tessa asks.
Charlotte bites her lip. "Will, you will most definitely go. You were the only one who never went to visit her, anyway."
Will nods, no sign of any expression plastered on his face.
"Along with Sophie," she says, earning several surprised looks. "And Gabriel and Tessa."
Will looks at each of them in turn, his blue gaze staying on Tessa's face longer than the others.
His blue eyes bore into her gray ones, the intensity of his stare invisible to every body else. They seem to be sucking her soul away, shattering it into pieces, leaving her dazed as he tears his eyes away. "When do we set out?"
Henrys hand covers Charlotte's. "I think its best at night."
Jem bites his lip. "I don't think its a good idea. Traveling at night, I mean. Last time we decided upon that-"
"Either of you weren't with me," Tessa says. "Will and Gabriel will be there this time. Don't worry."
He looks at her with his silver eyes, and he manages to pull off a charming smile. "Okay. But be careful. Especially you, Lightwood."
Gabriel rolls his eyes. "I won't let anything happen to your fiance. I mean, I'll try to not let anything happen to her."
Jem shoots him a glare and turns back to Will."Take care of Sophie and Tessa. I dont exactly trust Gabriel as much."
Will raises his glass. "Of course, brother."
Sophie frowns. "Are you sure, Mrs. Branwell? Better the more trained Shadowhunters than me-"
"My Sophie ," Charlotte smiles. "You are one of the best Shadowhunters there are in this institute."
Sophie flushes. "Thank you."
Charlotte claps her hands. "Gabriel and Gideon, I hope you wouldn't mind having a little training session with Tessa and Sophie? And Will, you too."
Gabriel nods. "We wouldn't mind at all."
Will sighs and grins wanly. "I've got nothing better to do, haven't I?"
"Jem and Cecily will accompany me to the library," Henry says. "Research on clockwork devices."
"Right then, everyone, off you go! I don't want to see any wandering minds anywhere, mind you!"
Charlotte seems to be in a happier mood now.
Even Tessa did, too. At least she'd be occupied with something, to let her distract herself from Will and Jem and Mortmain.
