Chapter 4

It was decided that Benedict and Gabriel would leave first and Tessa would follow in a second carriage, escorted by Will and Jem so as to through off any suspicion of their plan.

"Ready to go?" Gabriel asked her.

Tessa looked at him and nodded. The truth was that she was not ready to go. In fact she didn't want to leave at all but she knew she couldn't act like a child in front of everyone.

As she made her way to the doors of the Institute Charlotte rushed up to her and hugged her fiercely.

"We'll miss you while you're away!"

"I'll miss you too Charlotte." Tessa replied, holding back the tears she so desperately wanted to let flow.

Jem appeared at her side and took her case from her to take out to the carriage. "We'll make sure she gets there ok." He reassured Charlotte gently as he went to the carriage.

"Where's Will?" Charlotte asked suddenly.

"I'm right here." He stepped out of the shadows, his face stony.

"Look after her." Henry said, stepping forward to shake Tessa's hand.

"I always do." And with that he led Tessa out to the cool night air where the carriage waited.

Tessa sat in the carriage between Will and Jem trying to be brave. She knew that she would feel worse once they had left her but during the journey Jem's calming presence had relaxed her a little.

"Why did you agree to this?" Will suddenly blurted, breaking the silence.

"I thought that it was what would be best. I didn't see him backing down and I didn't see anyone from the Enclave defending me." Tessa replied quietly.

"After a month you will have shown Benedict what and incredible person you are and you will be allowed to return home to us." Jem smiled, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

"What…What if he doesn't think I've proved myself? What will happen then?" Tessa asked. Will's head shot up and his eyes glanced at Jem, whose smile had turned into a frown.

"It depends on what he thinks at the end of it all, I suppose." Jem replied thoughtfully.

"Lets not pretend!" Will snapped. "He will most likely order you to be thrown out to fend for yourself. He may send you back to New York if you are lucky but he will not allow us to protect you any longer. That's why your decision was foolish!"

"Will, I hardly think-" Jem began but Will's glare stopped him from saying anything else. Tessa shrank back in her seat a little, becoming more terrified the closer they came to the Lightwood's house.

A short while later the carriage pulled up outside a huge house just on the outskirts of the city. They made their way to the front doors to where the carriage came to a halt.

Will jumped out of the carriage and held his hand out for Tessa, but as she clambered down she noticed that he wasn't even looking at her. Back to this again, she thought to herself sadly.

"I can take it from here," Gabriel walked over glaring at Will.

"There's no need, I may not be a shadowhunter but I can walk myself, thank you." Tessa cut in before Will had time to make any snide comments. Gabriel looked taken aback while Will smirked at him.

"She's a feisty one Gabe."

Gabriel huffed and stormed towards to doors after his father. "Come along Miss Grey!"

"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now," said Jem and before she could stop herself, Tessa wrapped her arms round him and hugged him fiercely.

"Thank you for everything," she murmured into his chest as he stroked her hair soothingly. "Thanks to both of you," she added as she reluctantly let go of Jem to face Will. She thought she noticed something flash in his eyes but as always his mask was on and his walls were up.

"Yes well, I am a hero; I will not attempt to deny that." Will replied, ignoring Jem as he rolled his eyes. Tessa stepped forward to give Will a hug goodbye too but she noticed that his hand was outstretched to shake her hand. She shook his hand in return but she could not look at his for fear of breaking down in front of him.

Tessa stood on the steps and watched the carriage carry Will and Jem away from her and she felt her heart break even more when she lost sight of the carriage…