Sorry its been a while! Had some computer troubles! :( anyway here's chapter 10! Enjoy :)

Chapter 10

Nate hauled Tessa out of the carriage and dragged her up the steps leading to the building which they had stopped in front of.

"Move!" He growled, shoving her roughly through the oak doors into a dingy entrance way. Tessa stumbled forward, wincing slightly as she landed on her injured leg.

The two clockwork creatures lead Tessa and her brother up a flight of stairs and along a dark corridor until they reached a door at the far end. A thin glimmer of light could be seen in the gap between the door and the floor and Tessa noticed that as soon as Nate neared the door, he puffed his chest out and straightened his posture. Look at that smarmy little idiot! Will's voice suddenly appeared in her head. Tessa felt comforted by it and a slow smile crept across her face. Mortmain's got to be in there Tess. Be careful. Tessa nodded to the voice as they stopped outside the door.

Nate straightened his jacket before knocking on the door.

"Enter." A voice said from within. Tessa knew who the voice belonged to. She had dreaded hearing that voice again and she couldn't help but feel her pulse racing. Stay calm Tess. Tessa closed her eyes and focused on controlling her breathing as the door sung inwards, revealing Axel Mortmain.

"Hello Tessa." He smiled and rose to his feet. "That wasn't a very nice thing you did to me at the Institute."

"So hunting me like an animal is a nice thing to do?" Tessa replied coldly, earning her a shove from Nate.

"Do not disrespect the Magister!" He snapped at her. Tessa held her ground and gave them both her best icy stare.

"Tessa, Tessa, Tessa…If only you had come with me the first time. Then you wouldn't be in this mess and your," Mortmain paused, obviously trying to think of the right word before he went on, "your friend may still be alive." The words hit Tessa like a blow to the stomach but she focused on a crack in the wall behind him to stop the tears from flowing. She was not going to cry in front of him. That's a girl, Tessa. Just breathe.

"Oh I do apologize for not wanting to play a part in whatever sick plan you have arranged."

"You have been spending time with our deceased, William, haven't you?" A knowing smile slid across Mortmain's face.

"I don't believe for one minute that you took me because you just wanted to chat about Will. So, tell me, what do you want with me?" Tessa snapped. She could feel the fear rising in her stomach and her heart was racing in her chest.

"All in good time Tessa dear. For now, you need to rest. I need your strength tomorrow." With a wave of his hand, Tessa was half dragged out of the room and along the corridor to a bare walled room. There was a small iron bed frame with a thin mattress on it and some grimy looking blankets. The clockwork creatures shoved Tessa harshly into the dingy room and shut the door behind them with a loud slam.

"I can't do this Will," Tessa whispered a few hours later into the darkness. She knew that he was not there but the thought of hearing his voice in her head made her feel slightly better. She wondered if Charlotte and Henry and Jem had been told of what happened and she pictured them mourning the loss of their dear friend and family member. Jem will be fine Tessa. They will all be looking for you soon. You just have to hang on until then. With Will's voice bringing her a small glimmer of hope she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.

Charlotte and Henry had returned to the Institute without much luck. They had discovered that whatever caused the explosion was a form of black magic but other than that, no clue led to Tessa's whereabouts. They sat in the library peering over various maps of London and whispering to each other as Will paced backwards and forwards furiously. Suddenly, he stopped walking and tilted his head to the side, waiting. The doorbell clanged loudly and before anyone else had registered the noise, he had lunged out of the library and was dashing down the corridor to the front doors.

Throwing the doors open, Will rushed out into the cool night air and stared around. There was nobody in the courtyard.

"Will?" Jem appeared at his side and gazed at him. "There's nobody here."

Suddenly Will looked down and there, on the ground, lay a white envelope addressed to MasterWilliamHerondaleandMasterJamesCarstairs. The boys looked down at it and Will knelt down to pick it up. They opened it and read together…

By now you will have lost your precious Tessa and she will be in my possession.

She hasn't gone through much pain, yet. But I assure you there is no point in attempting a rescue. This is not a simple matter of killing a demon. She will be dead before you reach her.

James, I know you care deeply for Tessa and as a farewell from her; she would like you to know that she cares deeply for you too. She wished you well and she believes that some good will come from this event. She will not live to see you die.

As for you, Will, it was harder to get any information from Tessa about you. I know from the way you entered the Institute to save her that you love her. I saw it on your face when you saw her lying in the fountain. From the way Tessa has kept so quiet about you, I can tell you that she loves you too. It is a shame that you will never be together. Tessa may have been the one to change you.

I hope that this letter has brought you comfort in knowing that any attempt to save her is now in vain.

Yours Faithfully,

Mr Axel Mortmain

Will let the letter drift to the ground as he fell on his knees. I have lost everything!