Edited Version. Not much has changed (as in the plot) but I made Isabelle a bit more in character and a little more confrontation between the two before Clary leaves.

Basically, this is set immediately after COG, Max is alive for future purposes, Jace and Clary know that they are not related but never had the opportunity to make amends after the whole Aline thing, and finally, Clary feels like her place amongst the shadowhunters isn't wanted.

Chapter one- Exit

Clary POV

"Clary! You can't just leave!" Isabelle yelped, running down the path after me, and I must say she managed to keep her balance in her seven-inch heels much better than myself, who was wearing a measly three-inch heel.

I spun around to face her. "Why not?" I asked tonelessly.

"You belong here. You're practically family," she explained, her tone making it obvious that I should know this and I was being ridiculous. I frowned. I wasn't being ridiculous! "Besides, what am I supposed to do when you're gone?" I glanced sharply at her, surprised. Was it just me or did she actually sound worried?

"No Izzy. I really don't belong here, and I think you've all made it painfully obvious that I am not your family, and I never will be." I folded my arms defensively.

Isabelle shook her head in disagreement. "We all want you her. Especially Jace."

I snorted, raising a disbelieving eyebrow. "Oh really? I highly doubt that Isabelle. Jace can't stand me. I think he has made that blatantly obvious. Its time I start to take the hint."

"Jace was upset. He just wants to protect you. Besides, since you and him aren't related any more you can be together now. Things will be less tense, more natural." Isabelle grabbed my arm and tugged on it, her eyes taking on an understanding sparkle. "And if you're worried about being a liability to us, it's a completely pointless train of thought. You'll get specific training now that you're a shadowhunter. Everything will work itself out. Just, please, stay?" she pulled roughly on my arm, her voice not quite managing to block out the desperate tinge to it.

I tottered in my heels but regained my balance and drew myself up tall, trying my best to ignore Isabelle's pleading look. "No. It won't work out. I'm leaving. I'll…text you. Maybe. You were the one who didn't want me to be part of your family anyway! You wanted me to leave!" I reminded her, the accusation harsh and bitter, as I yanked my arm out of her grasp.

I glared angrily at the floor as I pretended to faff around with my gown, mainly for the distraction. I couldn't look at Izzy's carefully composed expression that was covering the hurt that had momentarily flashed across her face at my callous accusation. But the truth was, I needed something to be angry at. If I let her break me now my whole resolution would be lost before it had even begun.

"That was before I found out that you and Jace weren't related!" she insisted impatiently and edge creeping in to her voice (to no doubt cover up her hurt), as she waved a hand dismissively as if I were being pedantic and ridiculous.

"I'm going. Goodbye Isabelle. Hope you have a happy life. Pass on my best wishes to your family." I spun around so quickly that I almost tripped over the hem of my gown. "Look after Simon for me. Tell him…tell him…" I sighed, deciding it would probably be best if I didn't tell him anything.

Instead, I started running towards the exit of the party, taking advantage of Isabelle's momentary distraction of Simon, because I knew that if I didn't play dirty and escape on the sly, she would catch me easily and convince me to stay.

"Clary, no!" Isabelle cried. I heard her clattering after me, cursing colourfully about her heels not being designed for running and I hear my name crop up quite a few times to…right next to the words 'stupid', 'idiot' and 'pathetic'.

Thank you Izzy.

I dived around the corner at the bottom of the path and ducked down low, weaving my way awkwardly over to some shrubs that looked ideal for concealing me.

After what felt like an age, the grunting and stomping of Isabelle dulled, and eventually it became silent.

She was gone.

And God, the realisation of what this all meant and what I was about to do hit me like a slap to the face, and it hurt.

"It's for the best" I reminded myself under my breath. Pulling my stele out of my sandal, I drew the portal rune on the ground a little way away from the shrubs.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped through the portal and with a very undignified yelp and thud, landed smack in the middle of my destination.

I stared around a familiar room. It was my living room back in New York.

Walking into my bedroom, I striped of my gown and changed into a pair of skinny jeans and a black top that had been forgotten and left here after my mom was kidnapped.

Back when everything probably started going wrong.

Scraping back my red hair into a messy bun, I started work on fixing my new home.

This is what I need, I thought desperately, a new life, a new beginning.

End chapter

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