Alrighty, chapter two. I'd like to thank Valkyrie-ShapeShifter666, Team Jem Carstairs, tootsmommoo, darklight dragons, EventideAura, and Team-Will-Herondale for reviewing. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I'd also like to apoligize if I don't update for about another week, due to finals at school. I really don't like them. Anyways, on with the story!
Tessa opened her eyes and immediately shut them again. The light was piercing. Deciding looking around wasn't the best idea, she opted for remaining still, trying to remember where she was. Okay, what happened? she thought. Obviously something happened, or she wouldn't have this pounding headache. Why did her head hurt? And why was she so cold? She then realized she was laying on something very cold and hard. That would explain it. But wait, why was that? She didn't remember her bed being so cold and hard. Oh, right, she probably wasn't in her bed. She was somewhere else. But why would they lay her on such an uncomfortable surface? Surely her friends here at the Institute- she probably wasn't there, either. So where was she? Okay, okay, what happened?
She remembered she was mad at Will, he was blaming her for- something. That wasn't important. Whatever happened occurred after that. So, what next? That's right, she was shopping with Jessamine. They had ordered some dresses and shoes and then went to the park. They had walked in the park and- and what? Something happened at the park, she was sure. What were they talking about? Jessamine was yammering on about getting married and, and then they met that man! Tessa struggled to recall his name. Jenkens! That was it! Now, what happened after that? Oh, right, Tessa and Jenkens went off alone into the woods. Why did she do that? That was stupid of her. When Jenkens was around, though, everything seemed merrier. Why was that? Internally smacking herself, Tessa thought, he's probably a warlock. That would explain why she went off alone with him. But, then how did she end up here, where ever she was. She wouldn't willingly go with him. Oh, yeah, she was stabbed with that needle. It would have had a drug in it.
But why did he want her? Most importantly, where was she? Deciding it was time to try another look around, she opened her eyes again, this time slowly. The first thing she saw was the ceiling. It was dirty stone. She looked over to her left and saw a wall, it matching the ceiling. To her right, heavy metal bars, beyond them were other cells. She was in a prison. Great. Slowly, she brought herself up to a sitting position. Her head swam as well as hurt, but she could support herself, at least. Looking around, she took in more detail of her surroundings. She was in the middle of an old cell. It was two stone walls, with a ceiling and floor to match. The other two walls were bars. The whole place was grimy and smelly. The only other things in the cell were a bucket and some chains on the wall. Why was she here? The only other living things here were some rats and an old drunk, whom she wasn't entirely sure was even breathing. She couldn't see a way out, only more cells. There was a meager ray of light filtering down through a small window in another cell. The window was so more than a foot across at best. This was altogether a depressing place.
She heard the sound of footsteps on stone. Looking around, she saw a man approaching her cell. It was Jenkens. He had two men beside him. One was tall and muscular, the other was short and fat. The short, fat one procured a ring of keys, searching for one. He found the right one, and unlocked the door to Tessa's cell, admitting Jenkens. Tessa backed up against the wall, trying to get as far away as possible from him. The action made Jenkens frown. "Tessa, I'm not going to hurt you." she didn't believe him.
"Don't-" she started, but could't finish, as her throat was very dry and itchy. She realized she must have been out for awhile.
"Are you okay?" he asked, looking genuinely concerned. "How long has she been down here?" He snapped at the fat man.
"S-since you brought her here, my lord." he stammered.
Giving the man a murderous look, he said sharply, "Why the hell was she down here, you idiot? Go fetch some water! Some clean water!" turning back to Tessa, he said softly, "I'm so very sorry they put you down here. It should have never happened. Are you okay?"
Tessa only stared at him distrustingly. She wasn't ready to believe he was actually concerned with her well being. She tried to speak, but her throat was too dry. Jenkens frowned, saying, "Can you speak?" Tessa shook her head, pointing to her throat. Jenkens looked confused for a second, then realized her throat hurt. He looked very angry about that, but before he could start berating the other man, the first one appeared, with a jug of water and a glass. He poured a glass, and handed it to Tessa. She looked at it, trying to see if it was drugged. Jenkens looked hurt at that, saying "The water's perfectly fine. I wouldn't put anything in it." Tessa thought about it, then drank. If he wanted to drug her, he would have simply stabbed her with another needle. Besides, she was thirsty. Very thirsty. She downed the glass in a manner that would make Jessamine faint. She didn't care about being lady like, she was parched. Jenkens poured her another glass, allowing her to finish before asking again, "Are you harmed?"
"My head hurts," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, "and my throat."
"I can't apologize enough for the atrocious treatment of you here. I can assure you, I thought you were safe in your room. I can only hope you can forgive me." Tessa wanted to disbelieve him, but the sincerity in his voice and actions didn't allow her to. He seemed genuinely shocked to find her in a cell like this. "Please, will you come with me?" he continued, extending his hand to her. She ignored it, opting to stand herself. She immediately wished she hadn't. As soon as she got halfway up, she started to fall. She may have been able to sit on her own, but standing was a different story. Before she went four inches, Jenkens caught her. He brought her up to a standing position. He still kept hold of her arms, making sure she didn't fall again. "That wasn't too smart, now was it?" he said gently. "Come, I'll show you to your room." They slowly make their way out of the dungeon and through a mansion. She had no idea where she was. She barely paid attention as Jenkens pointed out various rooms and artifacts. She was too tired. When they got to her room, he bid her farewell. Two maids came in and helped her bathe and change into a nightgown. When she was clean and dressed, another servant came up with some soup and a sandwich for her, along with some tea. She wolfed it down. She fell asleep in the bed, thinking about what had happened. She had been kidnapped by a handsome stranger and placed in a dungeon cell. Upon waking up, the same stranger came in and took her to a room where she was treated like royalty. It didn't make sense. She didn't really care though. It felt nice. She fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.
Okay, so what do you think? I know it's kinda boring, but it will pick up the pace soon, I promise. Please review!