The Infernal Light
Preface
London was not so different from Shang Hai .Sure, the accents were different , looks of the people, clothes. But there were secrets and mysteries embedded in the very cobblestone and grass that the cities were built upon. Though I'd spent many years in London so far, it never seemed like I had traveled more than a mere distance from China.
Being a shadowhunter was something I liked doing, it was a part of who I was. Maybe not as fanatically as Will, but I thought I had a decent chance when it came to fighting demons, and rogue downworlders. So when Charlotte approached Will and I about what the Clave has assigned us to do, I was not frightened in the least.
And for some reason now, sitting on this plane, next to Will who's earphones are blaring some kind of "I hate the world" music most likely, panic has began to prick at me. Forks Washington, can not be such a place as London or Shang Hai . It seems innocent enough. Seems…
Chapter One.
"William, you are aware that you are not the only person waiting to get off of this plane, aren't you?"
"Actually, no . I had forgotten there was anyone but you and I here, oops."
Will was standing in the middle of our aisle trying to select a new song to listen to on his Ipod and studiously ignore the irritated comments of the people waiting behind him. Finally, he shook his head, and tapped his foot twice and started walking again.
If it were someone other than Will causing this hold up, we'd have been more than yelled at by the other passengers. Even though they were angry they were also too taken aback by him to truly show the full force of their anger.
Will was beautiful, I'd give him that. And as his oldest friend, I can also say that I'm the only person who can handle being with him for more than a day without loosing it.
After getting our luggage we went straight to the front of the airport to wait for the car from the Forks institute.
Forks was nothing like London. Though we live in modern times, London is still a very historic old fashioned place, mixed with modern times. Forks looked like something we'd only seen in nature magazines. Woods, trees, lots of grass. And rain, one thing it had in common with London.
"Well, I guess my new suit is not going to be the style here. What do you think Jem?"
"It's leather, when is that really ever the style for any one place? Don't worry I'm sure there's a mall here."
"Your just jealous."
"So be it…look I think that's the car."
A sleek black limo pulled up just in front us, with tinted windows. No one made an attempt to exit the car. I glanced around and it seemed that no one was gawking at the car, so it must have been glamoured to look like a nice, but normal car.
The trunk popped open and Will put our bags in. The door opened by itself, it seemed and we both got in.
Sitting in the driver's seat was a young man with a driver's hat and scaly fingers. He said nothing. So we didn't try to talk either.
The drive to the institute was surprisingly short, it was glamoured of course right smack dab in the middle of town about four blocks away from the local high school.
It looked like a church to the untrained eye, that was old and abandoned. But it was really a cathedral of great size and stature. Our driver helped us with our bags and up the long and narrow walkway that led to the front door.
"I can't get in of course. But you already know how, so I guess I'll see you around."
With that he turned around, walked back to the car and drove away.
As I asked permission to enter the institute, Will's cell phone started blaring and he and I both jumped at the sound. At the same moment the door swung open. We stepped inside.
Will answered his phone with a very business like "Hello. Will Herondale."
"Oh, Magnus. Why did you block your number? Oh hmm okay. Well anyway we just got here. No we haven't met anyone yet we just walked in the front door. Yes, okay we'll call you once we're settled in. Tell them not to worry. Alright, bye."
" Charlotte put him up to calling?"
"Yes. She does worry about us too much."
A shadow moved out of the corner of my vision and Will and I turned at the same time.
A small woman with long blond hair and dark eyes and a serious face approached us. A tall , brawny man was walking just behind her. He was blonde also with the same dark eyes.
"William and Jem, nice to meet you. We've been expecting you. I'm Diane Lightwood, and this is my brother Xavier . I don't know if you've had the pleasure of meeting out relative who run the New York institute. ?"
" No we haven't. It's nice to meet you."
I shook her hand first and then her brothers. They seemed genuinely welcoming, despite their serious faces.
Xavier will show you to your rooms and we'll give you some time to freshen up and have our maid come get you for dinner. You can meet the others there, and we'll discuss the reason for your visit."
"Very well then. I am in need of a freshening up." said Will, picking up his suitcases and turning toward Xavier who eyes him cautiously.
"Follow me."
Xavier led the way up a huge staircase that was just to the right of the front door. We walked up what seemed to be three maybe four levels and landed onto a hallway, though the stairs continued upward for what seemed to be a very long way. We walked about halfway down and he stopped in his tracks.
"Jem your room is right here, Will your's is the one right across the hall. If you need anything you have an intercom system in your rooms. I'll see you at dinner. Welcome to Forks."
And with that he turned back the way he came, and disappeared.
Will and I looked at each other, took deep breaths and entered our rooms.
Inside they looked much the same as the rooms at our own institute, except for the views outside the windows.
I heard Will across the hall, already on his phone, with Magnus, or maybe the sound of it Tessa. Already complaining about the size of the room.
I sat down on the edge of my bed, chuckled a bit at his antics, and tried to remember why Charlotte and the clave had sent us here. Trying to prepare myself for things we weren't used to.