Explaining away the fact that I am glowing
Chapter 1
After the startling discovery of a discombobulated Angel, the general consensus was that 'Team Good' needed to regroup. And get some fresh air.
So, after a few shakily written texts, bickering and kafuffle Jace, Clary, Isabelle, Alec, Magnus and – upon invitation of the warlock – Brother Zachariah arranged themselves tensely on a patch of grass in Central Park, New York City. Mai and Jordan, acting as spokespeople for Luke's pack and the Praetor Lupus respectively, arrived shortly and sat themselves down, nodding in greeting. They all turned to Magnus.
"So…?" breathed Clary anxiously.
Magnus' PoV
I didn't like to show it but I was deeply shaken by Marsye's discovery. I held on to Alec's hand for reassurance as all eyes turned to me- young, determined and, though they might not like to admit it, scared. It was unusual for them all to look to me but, as this was my idea, they would expect me to chair the meeting
"So, I know you all well enough to know that you'll want to go charging off into the distance to find Morgenstern and end it all" I started, voice dripping sardonic sarcasm. They started to protest but I held up a hand to stop them "And I'm all for the action, but seeing as about half of you are underage and so can't even drive a car- we could use a little help. So, especially as you all seem to be very in to the 'Who do you think you are?' thing and he's here" I continue, nodding towards Brother Zachariah "I think I might know someone who can help. Probably." I finish, swiping my phone unlocked and scrolling down my contacts list. Let's just hope she hasn't changed her number since last week.
Tessa's PoV
The Russian leans forwards, pushing the card towards me and – I notice with distaste- ogling my, ah, body. I am about to seal the deal when my mobile rings, I take it out of my pocket to look at the name-Magnus. Of course with Magnus it could be about a new pair of boots or a massive battle about to commence in Idris- you never know.
"S'il vous plaît?" I ask the Russian coyly, batting my (or rather the Jamaican receptionist whose body I am using's) eyelids. He grunted his accent.
"Bonjour," I answered, hoping Magnus would catch on. I don't think anyone could hear my phone but you can never be sure so I didn't want his tone to be too confused. "Ça va?"
"Màl. Très, très màl." Magnus replied sounding beaten. My stomach clenched. Something must be wrong for Magnus to feel beaten.
"Quel?" I asked, worried – almost completely forgetting the angry arms dealer who sat in the pretty Parisian street café with me.
"I need to speak with you. Alone." He whispered so quietly I could barely hear it.
"I'll call you back." I said as I snatched the card and took off down the cobbled street, my woollen coat flying behind me as a dozen of the Russian mafia took pot shots at me.
Jace's PoV
When Magnus hung up I asked the question on everyone's lips. "Why were you speaking French?" Clary- sitting as close to me as possible without burning her- looked at me like I was an alien. So not the question on everybody's lips then, I thought.
"More to the point, who did you call?" she pried.
A familiar mischievous glint had come in to Bane's eyes. "I was speaking French because I am used to speaking whichever language the woman uses, should she ever pick up the phone. Beyond that I have no idea and as for your question Clary…" He tapped the side of his nose with his forefinger, a smile tugging at his lips.
I know. Said a placid voice in our heads, making Clary jump, it was funny – she ought to be used to the silent Brothers by now- so I playfully nudged her elbow, tittering. Everyone rolled their eyes. Spoilsports.
"Don't tell them." Magnus said, eyeing Brother Zachariah; however he had already continued speaking. But Why?
"Because," Magnus said "Who better to catch a lying cheating beggar than a" He made a pinching motion "Slightly less evil lying cheating beggar?"