These months held the worst hardships for Jem; torn between his love, and his brother. Passing between their rooms, almost silently, to hear their booze-filled thoughts on the other. The two eventually cracked through the thick layer that surrounded Jem, and hit a cord. "Enough!" He yelled one day at William; Tessa hearing Jem's harsh tone down the hall. "You two need to learn to like eachother again." Jem tried to persuade his brother, who had a scowl firmly planted on his shadowed face.
"James," Will started softly, shifting his position in the chair that sat in the unlit corner of Will's quaint room. "Don't you think I would if I could?" He stood up and stepped into the harsh white glow of the Witchlight. Jem quickly observed Will's sunken eyes, bordered by dark purple-grey patches, and the pink blotches that covered his pale face. He noticed also the indiscrete outline of a ribcage underneath Will's form-fitting pastel blue dress shirt.
"When was the last time you ate, Will?" The concern in the silver-haired boy's voice mixed with anger and protection.
"What does it matter?" The dark-haired boy threw his hands up in frustration. Tessa creaked open the door and stepped into the silent corridor.
"I can't lose you William." Jem choked on his words. "Not like this. Out of heartbreak that would only end in my, and Tessa's suffering." The girl neared the dark oak door at the end of the dimly lit hallway. Will tried to shake off his brother's mention of Tessa, but his voice caught, and he felt an unfamiliar itch behind his eyes.
"How would you prefer, Jem? That I die in a battle against Demons? Against Downworlders?" She pressed her ear to the door and drew in a heavy breath.
"I'd rather you didn't." Tessa heard quiet footsteps nearing the door and cautiously backed away.