It's been several months since Valentine's defeat, but the nightmares refuse to leave Clary be. One night her subconscious depicts her worst fear. She seeks comfort from her refuge, in Jace's arms.

Haven
1_Terrified

She couldn't go back to sleep. She just couldn't. She wouldn't. The fear of the nightmare replaying itself consumed her.

"Jace," Clary sobbed into her pillow. She shuddered at the memory of hearing him scream in agony in the dream went off in her ears like fireworks. She couldn't take it anymore. It was two in the morning, but that didn't matter. She had to go to him.

Clary quietly slipped out of her room at the large Institute and made her way down the mile long hallway to Jace's room. She knew he would be awake, so why did she hesitate to knock on the oak door?

She inhaled and exhaled. She rapped her hand against the door. "Yes?" His smooth voice answered from the other side of the threshold. Clary opened the door and saw Jace Wayland lounging on the bed with a book. He was wearing a pair of sweatpants and was shirtless. Clary could see every Rune that had been branded into his flesh.

"Clary," Jace stood up and placed the novel on his beside table. He went to her when he saw tears streaming down her face, "Why are you out of bed? What's wrong?"

"A nightmare," Was all Clary had to say.

Jace took her hand and gently pulled her into the room. He closed the door. He led her across the room. He let Clary sit on the bed as he sat down in front of her. "Talk to me," He told her softly.

Clary hugged Jace tightly. He waited patiently as Clary started sobbing.

"Valentine had come back," Clary began. "He was torturing you and he...He wouldn't stop," Clary cried into Jace's chest, "He was gonna kill you right in front of me and I couldn't help."

"Shh," Jace soothed, "Shh." He hugged her tightly and pulled her into his lap, "Valentine is dead, Clary, and he's not coming back. Not ever."

"I know he isn't. It's just..." Clary sniffled.

Jace slipped a balled fist under her chin and made her look at him. "What is it, Love?" He asked gently.

"I'm terrified that I'm going to lose you," Clary whimpered, "I love you so much, Jace. I couldn't bear it if you..." Deep sobs racked her body.

"Shh," Jace pressed his forehead against Clary's. "I love you too, Clary," Jace smiled tenderly as he wiped away her tears, "I love you too. I always will, no matter what happens."

Clary gave him a small smile through her tears as she caressed his cheek. Jace leaned into her touch. He kissed her deeply yet softly.

"Let me stay with you, Jace," Clary hugged him and buried her face into his warm ripped chest, "Please."

Jace held her to him just as tightly, "Of course, Love." He laid back with her still in his embrace. They cuddled closely. He rubbed gently circles into her back as they both fell asleep.

To Be Continued...