Jace

Life here is so unfair. My dad is always running off to do what I don't know. I have a feeling he is telling me the half of it and I'm going to figure out what he's hiding.

Clary

Things are very weird in my life. Every so often my mom takes me to a guy's house. What he does here is weird. I'm strapped to a pole. Then, he shoots blue, yellow, and green sparks out of his strangely big hands. My mom is hiding something and it's up to me to figure out what that is.

Jace

My dad died today. He was murdered right in front of me. The Clave is having me live in the NYC institute because he has some old friends there. I'm looking forward to moving because they have two kids about my age. I'm scared that the men who killed my father are going to come back for me.

Clary

I met a guy named Simon today at school. We both go to a catholic school where all kids look alike. When I first saw him, I knew where we going to be friends. I kind of pitted the guy. He was the new kid just standing there. His glasses were too big for his small face and clashed with his dark brown hair. I have good hopes for our friendship that will come.

Jace

Today is the day I'm leaving for New York and I'm very nervous to travel. This is my first time traveling via portal. As I prepare to travel, I take in everything from my childhood. I don't know when I will return. Weeks? Months? Years? I walk outside and take in the view of the house that I grew up in. I dawdle to the Clave members and warlock that stand in my yard. I take one last look at the house before I turn away, I can't have tears fall. No one can find out how much this hurts me. But it has to be done. I quickly jump into the portal before I lose my courage. Soon, I am standing in front of an abandoned church, the New York Institute, my new home. I quickly shake off the glamour and look at the real building. It loomed before me, towering in stone. It doesn't look like anyone is home but there was one person waiting outside for me.

Clary

I had an amazing day today at school. My friend Simon (Yes, we are now officially friends) asked if he could come over after school. I called my mom and she said yes! All day long I waited in anticipation of this afternoon. RING! Yes! That was the final bell at our school, St. Xaviers. That means Simion and I are free to hang out outside of school. We agreed to meet outside the school and walk to my house together. I raced to our meeting spot and waited for him to appear. I was happy I got outside first because then I could catch my breath.

Jace

I slowly approached the person outside. Who was he? How do I know that he's not my enemy? But when I was close enough he didn't do anything but say, "The name's Alec. I'm guessing you're Jace Wayland. Come with me." Reluctantly I followed him. he went straight into the abandoned church. Why? I don't know. He started drawing a rune on his arm. Then he grabbed my hand. The Institute was not abandoned, for sure. I think it was just a glamour. As we walked around, I got the run down of the place. Then, all of a sudden, this smoking hot babe walks up to Alec and I and said, "You must be Jace. I'm Isabelle , but most people call me Izzy. I'm Alec's not as annoying sister, but if you touch me, I'll kick your butt." I was in shock that a girl said that to me. I mean who is immune to my charm? All of a sudden, a cat appeared. I thought Alec was crazy because he started to talk to the cat, but then the cat started walking and motioned for us to come. We appeared in a large room with people in it. They introduced themselves as Maryse and Robert Lightwood. I stopped listening to them when my dad was brought up. I mean I'm only 10 years old and don't need to be reminded that my dad is dead at the drop of a hat. After a long day, all I wanted to do was go to sleep. I interrupted Maryse when she was talking to ask where my room was. She gave me directions and I went to my room. It felt so good to fall asleep.

Clary

When Simon finally came out of the building, school had been over for 15 minutes and I was itching to go play. The walk to my house was very awkward, we didn't talk at all. I was so happy when we got home because Luke's truck was in the driveway. I raced inside leaving Simon to follow me. It was an awkward introduction between Simon, my mom, and Luke. We raced towards the backyard and played for hours on end. We didn't notice the time flying by until the moon was in the pitch black night sky. We walked inside and found the adults laying on the couch. It was already so late that I begged my mom to let Simon sleepover. She called his mom who reluctantly said yes. She was over in the next 20 minutes and brought his stuff. It was very exciting because it was my first sleepover and it was with a guy. Thinking back, I don't even remembered what we did or what we ate, all I remembered was how much happiness I had with Simion spending the night for the first time.

Fast forward 6 years to Jace sparing with Alec...