Disclaimer: all the characters belong to the one and only Cassandra Clare.

Hello my lovies! I completely apologise for the previous chapter cliffy and being MIA. I've been busy with life.

Okay, let's be fair here. I love you guys so much. Your reviews absolutely brighten up my days! I love reading them- I even read them repeatedly. Your reviews are what always keep me going!

By the Angel, I don't even know what to say. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful group of fans out there- I always look forward to updating this story!

The funny thing is- whenever I publish a chapter, I get this sudden dose of motivation to get the new chapter up and going. Then, like any other person in this world of youngsters, my motivation decides to go on vacation. But don't you guys worry, the next chapter will be up in a week's time. I'll try my best to update!!!!

Oh, I've also got an intelligent review from a guest. He/she requested that it'd be nice to also get to know Tessa, Clary, Will and Sebastian better. So, I thought it'd be a good idea to have 'special chapters' in between the actual story, just to get to know the characters a little bit in depth. ;) I thought we'd start with Tess- since we already met her in the previous chapter. SO I DECIDED TO GIVE THIS A TRY. if it doesn't work out, we'll stop the special chapters.

I got another review from a guest. I've never heard of the story 'His Eliza' on Wattpad. But I can assure you that my story was not copied in anyway possible. I'll check the story out, but unfortunately, I cannot change my plot. :( The inspiration of the story came from when I learnt about slavery about 1 year ago. I decided to take that concept about how slaves were named and treated and all that, and put it into a form of a story. I understand that most inspiration comes from most stories and tv shows and movies, but mine 100% came from the history of slavery and 10% from tv shows and movies... the part about is being similar- whenever I had the serious case of writer's block, I always used to ask my friend for help. Maybe she read that book on Wattpad and gave me those ideas, but idk if it's true or not.

Anyways, I'm sorry if it bothers you. But if you read this story this far then...you probably like it!

NB- this story is set in the 18th century when slavery was a trend...

Anyways, enough of my blabbering to you all. Let's carry on with the story! YAY!!! This chapter is Tessa's past! Now you get to know her (including the war of Alicante) better.

Sorry to leave you all on my stupid cliff-hangers! I guess it's just my way of keeping the story coming and attracting more attention. Imagine if it didn't end on cliffhangers…but if you guys don't want cliffhangers, leave your suggestions in the reviews below and I'll take them into consideration.

NOW you may proceed with the story...

Enjoy!

SPECIAL CHAPTER

Chapter 9

Tessa's Past Part 1

April 29, 1837

"No matter what happens, you stick with Archer. He'll lead you to safety." Will whispered in my ear as I clung onto him.

The weather was cold and small snowflakes drifted in the still air. Blankets of snow covered the roofs and caked the driveways, not letting a single would get through.

The area of Idris was quiet. Oddly quiet. This wasn't how I wanted to spend Christmas; with my parents gone and Nate sick to death (trying to fight for his life in Alicante Hospital); and having Jem (my best friend) poisoned with yin-fen; and with Will going to war.

Will. My dear Will. The guy who was brave enough to step up for Jem and replace him on the army.

I don't know for how long we were there, bundled up in each other's arms, underneath the blankets on my bed, listening to his heartbeat and every intake of breath...But I wish we could stay like that forever.

"I don't want you to leave." I cried, shivering in the winter's chilly breeze. Our furnace was barely doing a great job. The whistle of the wind rocked back and forth, creating scary and eerie noises along the windows. The walls shuddered and creaked, making the situation far more worse.

Will caressed my hair, lightly stroking my strands. "I have to, Tess." He answered my question. "It's for the best." He whispered and placed a soft kiss to my crown. I shivered under his breath and feathery touch. I'll miss his kisses and strokes, including our intense make-out sessions.

I pulled out of his arms, gazing lovingly into his startling blue eyes. "Promise me you'll come back. No matter what happens, you'll come back, all healthy and in good shape. You'll surprise me with flowers and a wonderful dinner. Everything will be back to normal." I assured myself, tears filling my eyes.

Will caressed my cheeks, wiping my tears away with his thumbs.

He smiled at me, the edge of his eyes becoming wrinkled. "From what I heard just now, you need not to be afraid, my dear Tessa. For I shall return humbly after the war, showering you with all the love I can muster, and all the flowers in the meadows that colour the countryside."

His soft lips touched mine. "You shan't worry Tess. I'll be back before you know it"

And with that, his oh-so-heavenly lips caressed mine, their sweet flavour sending tingles down my spine. The way his lips moved on mine, sent me into an eternal bliss. I yearned for his lips from the moment we had started dating, and now, here we are, kissing our hearts out.

I melted into his arms and wrapped my hands around his neck, twisting his luscious black hair in my fingers. He wrapped his arms around me, his one hand coming around to cradle my neck. His other hand simply traced my curves.

The way his fingers traced my body, sent me into an eternal bliss. I clung onto his shirt, using my fingers to trace over his beautiful muscles. He clung onto my nightdress, and shifted himself until I was laying down, with him on top of me. He pulled up my dress, and directed his hand upward, making sure that my insides melted.

"Will." I gasped out, unable to breath. I looked up at him and his plump lips. He smirked down at me and took his shirt off.

"This is my last night with you, Tess. At least let me make you feel good." He pouted. I smiled at his cuteness and nodded.

"I love you Tessa Gray." He whispered into my ear.

"I love you, William Herondale." I panted out. I will always remember this night.

It was the night that Will Herondale made love to me.

The next morning

"Tessa." Someone whispered in my ear. I felt something flutter in my hair, which also led to a soft stroking. I hummed and smiled, never wanting the pleasure to end.

"Baby, wake up." The voice came again.

Will's voice.

I stirred and turned around on the bed, meeting his gorgeous eyes. It was morning, and you could tell by the bright light shining through the curtains. His hair was tousled, and he looked damn sexy as ever.

"Morning." I kissed him softly on his soft lips.

"Morning." He greeted back in his groggy morning voice.

"Why did you wake me up? I had a peaceful sleep." I moaned.

Will smiled that pearly, bright smile of his. "I want to give you something, Tess."

"Didn't you already give me something last night?" I giggled when he blushed. He shook his head and got out the bed, his naked back visible to me. I saw the scars and bruises that marked his body from training. That's what made him beautiful.

Curling up the cotton white blanket, I wrapped it around myself and sighed in content. Even the bed smelled like him.

I watched as he dug in his coat pocket and fished out something shiny. He walked back over to me, his one hand behind his back.

"I would like a kiss please." he bowed down, his face coming close to mine. I could feel his warm breath on my lips as he started to descend on them slowly.

"Only after you give me that peculiar object behind your back." I smiled.

"Then consider it gone." Will sighed and was about to turn back.

"Fine!" I gave him a peck on the lips. Will smiled and brought out hand from behind his back. From it hung the most beautiful necklace I have ever seen. It seemed to be worth a fortune.

"Will, this is…the most beautiful piece of jewellery!" I gasped and touched the diamond. It was a beautiful smoke colour, and it had my name engraved in the stone in flowing calligraphy.

"When I saw this, I immediately knew it was for you. So, as an offer, I had people engrave your name in it." He came around behind me, caressing my neck and carefully clicked the chain into place.

It was the most precious, most beautiful piece of jewellery I've ever laid my eyes upon...

Few hours later

I watched as the carriage pulled out the streets, the horses whinnied as the stagecoach handled the straps.

It was cold throughout the whole city of Alicante, the snow settled down on the rooftops and lawns. The glass buildings were no longer crystal clear as they usually were- with their beautiful reflections.

Everywhere you went, in the city centre, you'd always come across reflections and light rays everywhere, because Alicante's capital city Idris, it is known for its glass structures.

Now, the glass structures were covered with fog and ice. There was no longer a reflection of the sun anywhere, but just plain old coldness.

I shrugged my shawl around me tightly, the coldness really getting to me. I hunched my shoulders in the strong winds, shuddering with fear and dehydration. The people around me wore many layers of clothing, shielding themselves from the unusual winter weather.

The sign of poverty was clearly evident around Alicante.

"When will daddy come back?" a small girl who clung onto her mother, asked confusedly.

The mother, however, looked lost and feared to tell her daughter the truth. She kissed her daughter's head and played with her long, curly blond hair.

"Soon-soon, pumpkin. He'll be back before you know it." The little girl smiled up at her mother and then buried her head back into her stomach. The lady suddenly had tears in her eyes, and she looked up at the cloudy sky, a few snowflakes falling on her face. She grabbed hold of the pretty charm on that hung loosely around her neck, opened her mouth and said something- like a short prayer.

As an instinct, I immediately brought my hand up to my neck, grabbing at the charm that hung around my neck. I twisted it in my fingers, watching the carriages go off into the fog.

Oh Will. Please be safe. When the carriages were gone, I turned around and walked home.

Two months later

"Is your brother doing alright?" Jem asked me. We were seated in his room, playing a simple game of Checkers, not realising the hours tick by.

It took me along time to answer his question. I didn't know what to say to him, because honestly, Nate hasn't been getting better at all. In fact, his illness has increased by a huge amount. I had visited him in the sick ward a few days ago, and it broke my heart to see him like this.

Lying in a creaky old bed, surrounded with nothing but sick people and nurses, being attached to wires…I can hardly imagine how tough it must be to fight for your life.

"H-he could be better." I said, my heart clenching. Jem took hold of my hand, closing his fingers around mine, holding on tightly. His hand was cool to the touch, and I would've flinched from the sudden change of body temperature, but I didn't. It felt good to have someone to talk to and keep me company.

"Your brother will recover. There's no need to worry." He smiled at me, his nearly pearly white teeth shining in the sun. When I mean nearly, I really mean nearly.

His teeth are a tad bit yellowish from the drug he takes to cure him. The yin-fen has a great amount of effect on Jem.

Sometimes the adrenaline kicks in, causing him to be all over the place, whereas some other times, it causes him to have a low amount of energy- like today.

He had just taken a dose of yin-fen, and now here he is, lying in bed, looking as pale as ever. I was sitting opposite to him, on the foot of the bed.

I looked up from our game of Checkers and looked him in his startling silver eyes. He had beautiful brown eyes before he was diagnosed. Will and I had called them little chocolate chips when we were young. I would say the same thing about his hair, if only it hadn't also turned silver. He was still handsome, no doubt, but it'd be a dagger to the heart to see my best friend go too.

Without Jem, I wouldn't be able to cope with anything. He is my best friend, and we did everything together.

"Everything so happened quickly, Jem." I whispered.

"You're right, Tessa. We'll have to be brave." Jem started drawing broken patterns on my wrist, calming me down. "That won't be a problem for you." He chuckled. I smiled at him. "it is I who-" he broke out into a fit of coughs.

"JEM!" I cried out. I took hold of him, throwing my arms around him, trying my best to secure him. He was shivering. I grabbed hold of the box of yin-fen situated on his pedestal.

"Look at me, Jem." He looked at me, and I brushed away his hair from his eyes. Little by little, I fed him a decent amount of the foul powder.

Jem's light snoring filled the quiet house. His head was on my lap and I was playing with his soft, silky hair.

The smell of yin-fen filled the room, fuming up my nose. The scent was unbearable; like rotten eggs. Sometimes I wonder how Jem can stand this…this nose killer!

"You'll get better." I whispered in his ear and kissed his crown. I traced my fingers down his sweat-covered forehead to his hollow cheeks. A bit of blood stained his mouth and chin when he had a fit. He looked peaceful in his sleep, like a kitten who was full of sipping its milk. I smiled, thinking immediately of Church, Jem's grumpy, fluffy, fat cat.

Church was a rescue cat from when Jem and Will were training in the military. Jem was walking with Will from the field, tired and drained from all the exercises. He found a skinny little lump of fur perched on a run-down wall of an abandoned church- hence the name 'Church'. Jem immediately fell in love with the precious fur ball and brought him home against Will's wishes.

"Meow." A small whimper broke me out of my thoughts. I looked towards the location of the sound. Standing by Jem's bedroom door was none other than Church, his flat face gleaming in the warm white lamp.

"Hello Church." I whispered out. He meowed again, making Jem stir in his sleep.

I looked back at Church, glaring affectionately at him. He stared back, a look of boredom evident on his squashed-up face. I wanted to laugh at is adorableness, but in this situation, nothing seemed humorous.

"Mnhn Mhmm." Jem murmured. He bundled up the skirt of my dress, cuddling it like a teddy-bear. He must've thought it was Church, because my dress was made from cotton and other fluffy materials I didn't even know existed.

My friend- acquaintance I should rather say- insisted that she sew one for me, in honour of being my brother's soon to be wife. She only acted friendly towards me whenever Nate was around or in the room. When he wasn't, she was just plain bitchy…

"Come here Church." I cooed, making those weird fss-fss noises with my tongue and teeth. Church listened and made his way onto the bed. He seated himself on top of Jem's back, looking at me in the eye.

Slowly, I brought my hand up to his face, placing it gently under his chin. Using my fingers, I stroked his fur softly, earning small purrs from him.

When he fell asleep, so did I.

One week later

"Hello Nate." I greeted my brother in the hospital wing. The smell of antibiotics and chemicals hitting my nose.

"Morning Tessa." Nate greeted back in his gruff voice. He smiled at me, motioning for me to come closer. As I did, I noticed that behind the other curtain, Jessamine was seated in an old plastic chair. When she noticed me, she shot a big glare at me.

I ignored her and sat opposite to Nate, on the other side of the small wing. I took Nate's cold hand into mine, feeling the softness of them. They weren't calloused and rough like the labourers on the farms. No. they were soft like a baby's bottom.

"How are you feeling?" he asked me. I looked at him with wide eyes. He is here, confined to tubes with chemicals running through them, fighting for his life, and he asked me that question. He's always there to look out for me. I love him for that.

"You're asking me that question when I should be asking you that question!" I fired back. Nate chuckled, failing at that and coughing a little.

"I think you've gotten your answer." He answered.

I smiled in sympathy for him. I can't imagine what he's going through, and I feel terrible thinking that I can't do anything about it.

A few days later

"How are keeping up?" Charlotte Branwell, my childhood friend, asked me.

We sitting by the town's fountain, doing the laundry. It was fairly quiet here, and a tad bit chilly due to the Autumn breeze.

"To be honest Char, I could be better." I sighed, not really wanting to have this conversation. It's been about four months since I last saw Will. As the time ticks by, the more anxious I grow, feeling sick to the stomach whenever I hear news about people dying.

"In a matter of just a while, you'll be home with Will- all safe and sound."

"Listen Char, I'm not in the mood of talking about this right now." Charlotte looked at me with a sad smile. I'm sure I was happy to see her not being mad at me…

"There's news on the notice board!" Someone shouted from behind us. Charlotte and I turned around to see Julian Blackthorn and Emma Carstairs, standing on top of the old ruins of the fountain.

No one paid attention to the little children. They looked broken and sad, like small little orphaned kids.

Emma was an orphan, but she is also a distant relative to Jem. When Emma's parents passed, Jem offered her to stay at his place, but Emma declined his offer.

"I can't leave Jules behind." she had said. After that, Jem and I placed the pair in a children's home. The home is owned by our close friend, Sophie Tanner, who unfortunately lost her husband, Thomas Tanner. You could see that their love was wearing off like a potion, for Sophie and Gideon Lightwood had a few informal meetings.

Emma wrapped her thin shawl around her shoulders, blowing some air onto her face. She looked deathly pale and thin. Her ragged old clothes barely fitted around her chest and waist.

Julian wrapped his arms around his best friend. He too looked broke and empty inside. His clothes fitted perfectly. They were Will and Jem's old clothes that Charlotte and I had tailored. Emma's clothes however, were her mom's old clothes. They had fitted her when her mother passed away from pneumonia.

Emma, being devastated, had a hard time eating, and resulted in being a small anorexic midget.

Just like me.

"I'll be right back Charlotte." Charlotte nodded and carried on with our laundry.

Wiping my hands on my skirt, I walked up to Emma and Julian. As I got closer, I noticed that Emma's face was red and tear-streaked. Julian had his face pressed up against Emma's blond hair.

"Emma?" I whispered. Julian lifted his head up and gave me a small smile. Emma sniffed in response.

"You should go check the town's board. The list is up." Julian whispered to me. I nodded a thanks to him. I was about to turn around and go, but stopped.

"Julian. You and Emma are most welcomed to come over for hot chocolate tonight." I insisted. Julian's face lit up in full on glee.

"Thank you Tessa."

And off I went to the town's center.

People gathered and murmured amongst themselves. They were either grateful or miserable. I pray that I'm grateful.

Gathering up my skirt in my hands, I brisk walked over to the notice board. I saw a long list of old, wrinkled up paper that was pinned to material, and it was sitting right in the middle of the board, for the whole of Alicante to see.

Deep breath Tessa. Now, go on.

I pushed past the crowd of people, my breath becoming heavy.

"Daddy's coming back!" I looked toward to location of the voice. It was the little girl I had seen the other day, clinging on to her mother, asking if her father was coming back. She looked as miserable as ever that day. Now, she was as happy as a plum.

Maybe there's no need to worry.

Getting my hopes up, I rushed over to the scroll. H,H,H...I scrolled down the list with my finger, trying to not find his name.

Hannigan...

Hathaway...

Hershey...

...Herondale

Then, it felt like the whole world stopped spinning, and the next thing I know, everything turns black.

Later on that week

The fire crackled in the moonlight, brightening up the depressing day at the town's square. I wrapped my shawl around myself tightly, shivering from the warm air. The air wasn't warm at all. It was cold, like the feeling you have when you find out that the love of your life just passed away.

"Today, we mourn the deaths of Thomas Tanner, Jordan Kyle, Hodge Starkweather, Nathaniel Gray and William Herondale." Brother Micah said, as we watched the fire crackle, burning the 3 dead bodies down to ashes. The other two bodies weren't found at Brocelind Forest- Will and Thomas' bodies.

Jem, standing with his walking stick, took my hand gingerly, as if he noticed the pain I had buried in me.

He rubbed soothing circles on my gloved hand.

"Ave Atque Vale." We all said in unison, as we watched the ashes get washed away into the sacred Lake Lyn of Idris.

I couldn't take it anymore.

I feel pain. Grief. Horror. Lifeless and hopeless. It feels like I've been thrown off a cliff and into the abyss. And most of all...I feel scared.

I've lost too many people.

I don't want to lose any more.

Watching the ashes being washed away by the current felt like living in Edom; a form of hell where demons live in hunger, surrounded by sulphuric acid and methane. It's the kind of place where no man could survive. It's exactly like Tartarus, a form of Hell in Greek Mythology.

You die.

I stare at the lake, watching the reflection of the moon shimmer in the mirror surface.

"Tessa?" Jem said beside me. "Are you alright?"

"J-Jem? Did it really happen? Am I dreaming?" I choked out, feeling bile rise up in my throat. I forced myself to tear my eyes away from the lifeless lake and look into Jem's brown-grey eyes.

They seemed dejected.

He had also lost someone today.

His best friend.

"Yes. Yes it did Tessa." Jem nodded in disappointment, as if he himself didn't want to believe the reality.

I felt hot liquid flow down my cheeks and onto my lips. They tasted salty.

Tears.

Jem released my hand and brought his thumb up to my eyes, slowly rubbing away my tears.

"You are most welcome to stay the night. Church will be delighted." Jem whispered to me with a slight grin on his face.

A painful smile.

All I did was nod.

A few hours later

I wake to a wet feeling on my face.

With my blurry vision, all I could see was fluff and string attached to it. It wouldn't stop smearing my face with that odd surface.

Then...the thing started vibrating!

"What the-?" I yelped out. The fuzzy thing in front of me was none other than Church.

A soft chuckle came from next to me. I turned my head to meet the eyes of Jem. I had nearly forgotten that I stayed the night. "Morning." he chuckled, followed by a slight cough.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, feeling sympathy towards my best friend. He's trying his best to be strong around his loved ones, but in actual honesty, he's not doing very well.

Jem gave a heavy sigh. "Never better." that was his way of telling me that he was struggling inside.

I placed my hand on his chest, feeling the small beats of his heart. "You seem pretty alive to me." I replied, moving my hand to move away the hair that covers his face. I stayed there, playing with the wet strands of his silky hair.

"Did you ever tell Will about us?" Jem asked hesitantly, gulping a bit.

I stopped weaving my hand through his hair. I haven't thought of that ever since Jem and I called it quits. I had promised Jem one night- a few months after our separation- that I would tell Will that we were a couple.

That never happened…

I waved a goodbye to Jem and Church and headed to the town's center.

One question tingled in the back of my head, making me uncomfortable wherever I went…

Would I ever tell Will?

It's too late now. It's been 5 years. Will would be furious.

I might be a lonely maiden in the future…

I arrive at the town's center. It's quite busy. Carriages ride around, stalls are packed with hungry customers, widows beg on the streets, hoping for a humble young man to supply her with a crumpet and a pot of tea.

Home sweet home.

I make my way over to the sheriff's office. It buzzes with raging and curious townspeople. People are either screaming, fighting or crying miserably in the corner of the rooms.

I push my way through the crowd of people and make my way into the office. I shut the door behind me with such force that the frame rattled.

"Woah!" Screamed the guy behind the big chair. "What's gotten into your head there?"

"Sheriff Lightwood." I greeted the man. "Please. I need your help."

The man turned around in his chair. His bright green eyes pierced through mine, highlighting his sharp features and brown hair.

"Gabriel?" I questioned. "Where is your father?"

Gabriel smirked. "He had an important council meeting. I am in charge until he comes back." He explained.

"Can you please help me?" I whispered. Gabriel stood up, walked around his father's desk and leant back on his arms. This time, the expression on his face now changed, showing something other than cheekiness.

He actually sympathize me.

Gabriel huffed and shook his head. "William and I have had a rough past, yes, but got love him, and…" He trailed off, stepping away from the desk and placing his hands on his face. Looking back at me, his startling green eyes bore into mine. "...I'm willing to do anything to make you happy."

I shifted on feet, suddenly feeling awkward by Gabriel's statement. He still cared about me, but my heart is with my Will now. And it was never with Gabriel.

"Thank you." I said after a few moments. I inhaled deeply, feeling light. "I'll pop in later for more information." I couldn't be here anymore. I felt dizzy and sick. I needed to get out of here quickly, to get fresh air in my lungs again.

I stopped by the door and turned around to face Gabriel. He was still looking at me, a look of sadness in his eyes. "Goodbye Gabriel." He nodded and without another second that passed by, I was out of the building.

5000 words whaaat!

Oof, it's been a while hey :)

Soz…

I've started writing this chapter waaaay back in April :) I never knew I was thaaaat lazy - but, high school am I right?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAVE A BLESSED ONE!! I'll update soon soon. I'm also busy with a Wattpad book!! Check it out on my Wattpad account @Apsara.20xx