The first time Clary called for muster she avoided Mattes' gaze, looking down at her desk any time her eyes strayed towards him. She heard the clomp of boots as the dogs of Lower City streamed out into the streets. She looked up and saw him standing in the doorway. Their eyes met, for the briefest second, before Clary looked away. Mattes turned and followed his partner out the door.

It became a ritual of sorts, the silent staring match before Mattes left the kennel to begin his watch. Every time, it was Clary who turned away first. Every time, Mattes felt farther and farther away from the mot he had once known so well. Until one day, when Clary looked up, Mattes wasn't there.