December 24— Christmas Eve Day

Yesterday was the first day, since they got here, that nothing happened. Nothing exploded, no one had an emotional breakdown, everything just happened. It was really boring, Will thought after a while, and the past couple of weeks have been anything but that.

Now, it was Christmas Eve and the deadline for Linette. He pushed the thought from his mind, wanting to enjoy the night.

Will had spent most of the morning with the others hanging up garland and other festivities; and now, it was time for the tree. They decorated the lush green spruce with accents of gold and black; everything covered in glitter thanks to Henry and Magnus.

George Penhallow and his wife Amelia Morgenstern arrived two days before and have suspected nothing so far. Will hoped it would be the same with the others.

Linette was talking with Magnus about celestial events that were to come with in the next month. Everything was going so well until they came. Bridget bobbed her head into the ballroom and spoke: "Miss Tessa, the Highsmiths have arrived."

At that moment everything went wrong, he saw all the light and happiness in Linette's eyes leave at the mention of the name. As they darkened to ebony Magnus noticed and snapped his fingers quickly causing Linette to fall into his arms.

Will and Zach rushed over to her and lifted her into his arms; "I'll take her to her room. Zach, what ever happens don't let her near the Highsmiths."

The young warlock was beginning to stir halfway to her room. Linette suddenly flipped out of Will's arms and unto the floor. With pure rage in her eyes she spoke, "Will get out of my way. I have some unfinished business."

Will, knowing full well what she was capable of, stood his ground, "No, you are staying here." S

he started to shake with fury, "Will, I don't have time to explain this, so either help me or get out of the way!"

He took a step closer to the enraged warlock, "I know what you want to do, Linette. You want to kill them so he was never born. You want to save her. You want her back. But it won't work. It—"

"Why! Why won't it work Will?"

He could tell she was getting impatient he was running out of time. "You can't change fate. You can only change how it happens. If you could just go back in time to prevent something from happening everyone would do it. Clary's mother would have killed Sebastian when she had the chance. If my father had a second chance he would try to save his parents from their fate. I, well I, I would have gotten to you sooner maybe I could have saved you both."

Linette faltered just enough for Will to grab her and push her against the wall. She hopelessly fought back.

"But don't you see Lin? If Sebastian would have died before he was meant to, and Valentine did not have an heir think of all that brought the downworld and nephilim together. Or if my father had saved his parents he would have never met Will or my mother; I wouldn't be here today. So if you kill the Highsmiths today, you are right there would be no 'Jonathan Highsmith,' but there would have been someone else, or some other demon or downworlder. Jane could still be dead, and we might not have ever met each other. Linette you can't change fate, but only alter the way it is carried out."

This made her stop struggling and then begin to sob. She fell into Will, but after only a few moments she stood straight and spoke in a clear voice.

"Thank you Will, for stopping me."

And she walked back into her room.

This was going to be a long holiday.

SORRY! I know it is such a shorty but i needed to put something up! It is winding down to the last couple chapters so things will pick back up!

As always reviews are a great way to know I am on track!