City of Heavenly Fire

Prologue

Sebastian stalked through the quiet streets of Venice. He stopped at a wall and looked around to see if anyone was looking. They weren't. Drawing a few quick runes, the wall before him shimmered and began to turn into the light blue abyss that was the portal. "See you soon, little sister." He said, and with a devilish grin, he stepped through the portal.

Chapter One: Unexpected Visitors

Clary poured black coffee into one of Luke's chipped mugs. She blew some of the steam away before leaning against the counter and taking a sip. She finished and put the mug in the sink, rinsing it out. Just as she was about to leave, Luke stepped into the kitchen. His wound from when Sebastian had stabbed him with the silver dagger was completely healed by now. "Leaving so soon?" He said sarcastically. She had been going to the institute every day, as early as she could, to see Jace.

"You know I have to go to the institute."

"I know. Just be safe."

"I always am."

He hugged her, and she left, hoping on the subway. She put her ear buds on and turned her music on full blast. About two minutes later, someone yanked her ear buds out, cutting of stepping razor mid-song.

She already knew who it was, thanks to her shadowhunter instincts. "Hey." She said, turning around to face Simon. She hadn't talked to him since he had gone home to his mom. "So, how'd you mom react?"

"Pretty badly would be an understatement."

She motioned for him to explain.

"My mom took it very, very badly at first, but, after some convincing from Rebecca, she gave me a chance. That's what's happening right now."

She nodded. "Your mom's crazy, but not that crazy. She'll come to."

"I hope."

"So, where are you heading to?"

"Central park to meet Isabelle."

"I'm going to the institute."

"I already knew that. You've gone there every day since we got Jace back."

She nodded. They got off the subway, heading opposite directions.

She climbed the steps of the institute. The ground gave a sudden shake beneath her, nearly making her lose her balance on a step. She looked around, she knew this feeling-someone had just come out of a portal. She rounded the corner, looking into an abandoned alley. "Long time no see, little sister."

She whipped around. Sebastian stood there, looking as pissed as ever. Clary had no weapon, no way to defend herself. She descended toward him, hoping to pass him. She got as far as the opening of the alley before he wrenched her hair back. She tried to twist around to face him, but he just pulled her hair again, harder this time. She cried out in pain. She grabbed for his wrist, bending it back until she heard a sickening crunch.

He released her, looking like he wanted to throw her through the brick wall he had her pinned up against. "You Bitch," He hissed through gritted teeth. He pressed his elbow into her throat, denting her windpipe and cutting off her oxygen. He grabbed a dagger and dragged it across his palm so it was coated with his demonic blood. "This is a message to all the shadowhunters: Game on." He said, and then he plunged the demon blood coated blade into her abdomen. She gasped, hands going to her stomach. Sebastian walked away, an evil grin plastered on his face. Clary hobbled over to the institute's front yard, and up the steps. She leaned against the institute doorbell, until she couldn't anymore, sliding down onto the front step. Jace answered the door, in a grey V-neck T-shirt and jeans. He was also barefoot. "Clary?" And then he noticed her. Really noticed her. He dropped to his knees in front of her. "Clary!"

"He's here." She whispered before everything went black.