A Life for a Life

Chapter 4

A/N: I want to give a big thank you to a reviewer called Guest for his/her last review. Wow, I have never received a review like that. I was speechless when I read it. That is the biggest honour a writer will ever receive and I will always remember it. Thank you. That said it also made me nervous. Will I be able to live up to the expectations? As I continue, will my story still be good enough? I really hope so. I have some whacky ideas for this story, so if it gets a little out there, I hope you all will bear with me. Thank you to all the readers and reviewers! I hope you will enjoy this chapter.

I do not own anything

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Tessa felt herself regaining consciousness slowly. She tried to open her eyes, but only saw a blur of faces. Finally when she blinked a few times, the blur of faces formed a solid image of only three. Charlotte, Jem and Will looked at her with concerned faces. It wasn't until she let out a groan, that they gave a sigh of relieve.

Jem instantly clutched both her hands in his before showering her face with kisses. "I was so worried about you."

"What-" Tessa began, but felt too groggy to continue.

Will sat gently next to her on the bed, but as if he read her mind answered her question. "You passed out."

Jem nodded. "We has a silent brother come to look at you, but he could not find anything wrong." Jem's face creased with worry. "Have you been feeling ill?"

Tessa thought for a second, but couldn't think of anything. "No, I have been well."

When Jem's face darkened Will put a hand on his parabotai's shoulder. "Maybe you did not eat enough. Low blood sugar and all that." That made Jem look a little bit better.

"Actually you ate a bit more than usual." Cecily's voice chimed in. Tessa didn't even notice her in the room. She was so tiny, it was easy to overlook her. Tessa blushed at the statement. Sick or not it was still embarrassing to have a woman's eating habits pointed out. Will shot Cecily an icy look, but she only shrugged it off. "I was just stating what I observed. I'm training to be a shadowhunter aren't I?"

"Anyway." Charlotte interrupted Cecily before she could say anything else. "I'm glad you are feeling Tessa. If you need anything please don't hesitate to ask. I'll be in my study if you need me." Charlotte then turned to leave, but not before she dragged Cecily along with her.

Tessa smiled at them, before turning her gaze on Jem who to her shock had gone pale all over again. "You really don't need to worry about me James. I'm sure it was just an episode." Tessa said while placing her hand on his cheek which was on fire. Jem shook his head, but before Tessa could speak he started coughing fiercely. Blood splattering the back of his hand.

Tessa reached for him, but he already bolted through the door leading to the wash room. "James! James!." Tessa yelled, but when she tried to get up a wave of dizziness washed over her which only made her slump back more.

From the wash room she could hear Jem talking to her. "I'm fine Tessa. Please don't come in here. I don't want you to see this while you are sick."

Tessa went cold all over. Will, looking just as shocked offered her his hand for support . With no hesitation she took it and squeezed. She was glad to have Will there for support. She looked at him with tears burning her eyes, not caring if he saw her close to crying.

"Will?" she said, her voice cracking.

"Yes?" he answered.

Jem's not getting better, he's actually-" she stopped not able to utter the truth.

"I know."

"We need to find that cure."

Will looked at her thoughtfully. "I know Tess. I know."

She flung herself into his arms, needing his strength. They sat like that holding each other, listening to Jem coughing. Just two people, praying for a miracle.

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When Jem finally came out he acted as if nothing happened, which aggravated Tessa. How could he expect them to just ignore what was happening? Reluctantly Will and Tessa left their problems to focus on what happened at the Lightwood's mansion.

"I have never seen Gabriel that way. He was so angry." Tessa started.

Will scoffed. "He has always been an asshole. We should probably report him to the clave."

Jem only sighed. "They wouldn't believe us. Because of everything that has happened the past few years."

Will agreed, but didn't look very happy about it. However after a while he gave a softy laugh. "I have to give you credit Tessa. You beat him up really good. By kicking him in the groin you made one of my childhood wishes come true."

Tessa laughed. "I didn't kick him hard enough since he got away." Jem gave her hand a squeeze. A soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Sophie entered with a silver tray holding a teapot and a cup. "My apologies. I though some sweet tea would help you Mrs Carstairs."

"That is very kind of you Sophie." Jem said while flashing her a sincere smile. He then gave Tessa a kiss on the cheek, before adding. "You should rest. I'm going to help Will gain some information on Mortmain. Call if you need me."

"I will." Tessa said while she watched them leave. When the door shut she turned to Sophie who was pouring her a cup of tea. "Sophie, I need a favour from you."

"What is it miss?' Sophie asked with concern all over her face.

Tessa took a deep breath before asking. "I want you to contact Magnus Bane for me."

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Thank you for reading!