Author's Note:

Sorry if it's a bit short. Just some explanations of the story. So you guys can better understand. :) Hope you enjoy! Comments and suggestions are welcome!

DISCLAIMER! I DO NOT OWN THE INFERNAL DEVICES! CASSANDRA CLARE DOES :D

Chapter 4: Glimpses of the past

New York, twenty years ago

"Aloysius, I hate for you to know of it like this. It was an unexpected tragedy. My deepest condolences." Josiah Wayland said as the old Starkweather who just flew from England was appalled at sight of his granddaughter and her husband's dead bodies covered in white cloth. They were at the morgue.

"Adele never wanted to be a ShadowHunter. I agreed. She even changed her name to hide her true identity. I was afraid for her. She is the only surviving heir I have. Now, she is gone. What of the investigation, Josiah?" he turned to the man standing before him with a grave expression. He seems to be hesitating but he cleared his throat.

"You know we can't assume about such things. I know what you're thinking about, old friend. It wouldn't matter even if you were right because we have no proof. They were careful this time. No trace to lead back to them. It looked like a simple engine failure. It just spontaneously combusted." he swallowed the lump on his throat and continued.

"Do you know of the child?" he turned to Aloysius who was startled at the news. Answering his question long before the other opened his mouth to retort.

"She has a child. A girl. Three years of age, of whom, escaped the tragedy. She is in the Institute being treated. Her name's Theresa. Theresa Gray. Do you wish to meet her?" Aloysius thought his heart would stop at the news. He didn't know of the existence of a great grandchild of his. "Adele must've taken great precaution. Poor Theresa. She has now been exposed to our world. There is no going back. Only I can protect her now.", he thought. He gestured for Josiah to lead the way.

It has been two weeks already, the bodies of his granddaughter and her husband, buried six feet under. Tessa, as he now knew she wishes to be called, has healed both physically and emotionally. They were on their way to the airport. He had told Josiah he would be taking care of her and bringing her away from the terror chasing her in New York.

"Grandfather, where will we be going now? Mommy and daddy are gone. I only have you." Tessa said as she was brushing her doll's hair. The old Starkweather gave her a sad smile. "So much pain for a little girl to know. My poor Tessa." he tried his best to not let his grief show.

"We'll be going to our family home in Yorkshire. It's in England. Your original home is there. From now on, you are Theresa Gray Starkweather." she looked at him away from her doll. Gray eyes filled with a new innocent hope.

London, thirteen years ago

"Come on, James! You're so slow! The line will get longer and we'll never get tickets!" Will was anxious to get tickets to the premiere of the movie they were both eager to watch. As he was running and looking back at Jem, he didn't notice the girl who was reading a book while walking towards him. They inevitably bumped into each other. Knocking the book out of Tessa's hands and Will lying on top of her. Tessa clutched her aching head. Will blushed as he noticed their situation and immediately got up.

"I'm so terribly sorry! I didn't mean to run into you. Here, let me help you up." Will held out his hand for Tessa to take. She opened her eyes and sat herself up.

"Owww.. my head. I think it got shaken up. My book. Where's my book?" Will looked frantically at the book she was asking for.

"Smooth, William. Real smooth." they both turned to the amused voice. It was Jem laughing and in his hand was Tessa's copy of Wuthering Heights. Will glared at him and held Tessa up. She straightened her green dress.

"Thank you." she told Will and gestured to Jem whom gave her book willingly. She turned at her back and saw her great grandfather looking for her.

"Thank you again! Sorry for reading while walking. Bye!" she turned fast and left the two boys staring after her disappearing form.

"I thought we had a show to catch?" Jem asked him and went first to the theater. Will, on the other hand, caught sight of a something. He went closer and examined it. It was a picture. A picture of the girl. She was wearing pants and a white jumper with a snowman printed on it and beside her was, he assumes, her grandfather with dark slacks and the same jumper. They were both all smiles and holding mugs. He can't help but be drawn to her beautiful gray eyes. He tucked the picture on his pocket. He smiled at his impeccable luck and went after Jem.

Yorkshire Institute, eleven years ago

"Grandfather, why must I wear a dress of all things today? Are we having another one of those parties again?" Tessa, now thirteen years old, asked her grandfather with child-like stubbornness that amused the old man.

"Tessa, dear, it is time for your Marking. You are to be a ShadowHunter. You are of age and I'd wager you know the Codex by heart as well." he looked at his still grumpy great granddaughter with pride. She was wearing a red dress. Her hair adorned by red ribbons. She was beautiful as her mother. Tessa's expression changed when they reached the bottom of the stairs. It was decorated marvelously.

"We're having a party? I thought it's just my Marking ceremony?" she looked confused.

"Well, it's something that calls for a party. Don't worry I invited only our closest friends. They brought you gifts as well. Think of it as a second birthday party, my dear Tessa." he reached for his pocket and produced a long slender box with a gold ribbon on top. He handed it to her. Her eyes gleamed with excitement. Inside the box was a necklace, a clockwork angel as its pendant.

"Oh Grandfather! It's just so beautiful!" her gray eyes shown pure gratitude when she turned to her great grandfather for a hug. When, they pulled apart, he took the necklace off the box and gestured to put it on her.

"So if I may not be by your side, let this serve as the guardian who will protect you. You will never be harmed. Not ever again, my dearest granddaughter." as he clasped it on her neck he kissed her head.

London Institute, five years ago

"As the new Consul, I am appointing you head of the New York Institute. You know of the recent passing of Hodge Starkweather. Your cousin, Jace Herondale, is still not of age and will be transferred here to the London Institute along with Clarissa Fairchild, Isabelle and Alec Lightwood." Charlotte said over breakfast which made Will almost choke on his orange juice. Jem looked like he was about to protest as well. Cecily looked at Charlotte with an astonished expression as well.

"When is this happening?" Jem asked at the same time Cecily said,

"Where Will goes I go!" she declared as she went to her brother who was coughing quite violently. When he recovered,

"Charlotte, are you serious?" he turned to look at the petite woman sitting at the head of the table.

"Of course I am. What do you take my judgment for, William? I thought it ought to be you since Jem, though older than you are by three months, is too soft hearted. You'll be able to run it like a true leader." she replied coolly and took a sip of her earl grey tea. She now turned to Jem,

"It will take place in a week. Will has paperwork to do. Do you wish to take a plane or portal? And of course, you, Will, and Jem are the ones being sent to New York, Cecily." All three turned to look at each other and smirked.

"Plane." they replied to Charlotte.