A/N Sorry this is a bit short but it is the prologue. Hope you enjoy and that you keep reading. Reviews would be great. You know the drill, all rights to Cassie Clare etc. (though the plot is mine) Read on

She was running, running through the maze of alleys and streets, trying to get away. Her feet pounded the sidewalk, merging and twinning with her pursuer's. The footsteps behind her were heavy and fast, and all too close. She rounded a corner onto a deserted street. The street lamps cast pools of light onto the concrete. She was in the middle of the road when she realised she could no longer hear her pursuer. She paused and looked around. He could be anywhere, hiding in any of the shadows, in any of the alleys, behind any of the boxes or trashcans. A rock was scattered across the ground, and she whirled to meet the sound. Another rock, this time in the opposite direction. She spun to meet it but just as she did, there was another sound. More rocks, more spots. She was spinning in place. He was playing with her! Like a cat plays with a mouse. Then he sprung. He shoved her to the ground with such force that all the air was knocked out of her. He kicked her viciously in the ribs, chest, stomach and head. He then pulled her up by the hair and pushed her against a wall. He punched her nose and mouth, causing blood to stream down her face. He laid terrible blow after terrible blow. She cried out in fear and pain. Then he pulled out a gun. She whimpered. As he put the gun to her head, she found herself possessed with the desire, no the need, to live. And as he moved to pull the trigger, she used all her strength to make one last desperate act. Caught unawares by her quick movement and burst of power, he had only a moment to register his surprise before he pulled the trigger and shot himself, clean through the eye.