"Where the hell is he?" Isabelle growled, stabbing at her phone screen as it lit up with her brother's name.

"What, Jace?" she snapped.

"Did you find him?" Jace's voice was just as sharp as hers.

"No," Izzy sighed, running her hand back through her long hair. "I'm trying his room next."

"I'm coming up on the Institute now," his words were short, as though he was out of breath. "I'll meet you there."

"See you in a bit," Isabelle hung up as she stopped in front of Alec's door, not bothering to knock before she walked in.

"Alec?" she looked around, noting the bathroom door was open and the light was off. He wasn't here.

"Dammit," she growled, spinning around and nearly colliding with Alec as he entered the room.

"What the hell, Iz?" Alec sighed, dodging her and walking over to the dresser.

"There you are, I've been looking everywhere for you!" Izzy huffed.

"What is it?" Alec asked flatly, not sounding like he really cared about the answer.

"We have a problem. Clary's bond with Jonathon has like, warped her mind or something. She knocked Jace out and helped Jonathon escape!"

Alec was silent as he removed his gear, his movements mechanical as he stared dead ahead.

"Alec?"

He turned around and walked past her, sitting on the edge of the bed and burying his head in his hands.

"Oh no..." she whispered, a feeling a dread settling in her stomach as she remembered what Alec had told her of Asmodeus' deal. She crossed the room quickly, sitting next to him and turning his face to hers.

"Tell me you didn't..." she said firmly and more than a bit hopefully.

Alec raised his eyes to hers and opened his mouth to speak, but all that came out was a broken sob.

"You idiot," Izzy hissed, pulling him closer as Alec cried softly into her shoulder. She rubbed his back, feeling overwhelmed. She had no idea how to help her big brother. A choked sound brought her attention to the door, where she saw Jace looking stunned. She reached one arm out toward him.

"He needs you," she whispered, her voice hitching as she tried not to cry. Alec needed her to be strong. "He needs his parabatai."

Jace strode over to the bed, squeezing Izzy's proffered hand once before sitting down on Alec's other side, placing one hand on his back.

"Hey, buddy," Jace said softly, tugging gently on his arm. "Come here."

Alec lifted his head and looked at him. Jace was floored by the vulnerable expression in his parabatai's eyes. His strong, fierce, warrior best friend looked so broken.

"Jace," Alec croaked softly, turning into his arms and clinging to him tightly. Jace stared with wide eyes over his shoulder at Izzy, a silent question on his face. She shook her head. Later, she mouthed at him, sliding closer and looping her arms around Alec's waist as she rested her head against his back, effectively sandwiching him between her and Jace. Alec sobbed harder, letting it all out now that he had his siblings with him, soothing him with gentle whispers of "it's okay" and "we've got you" as they held their brother, comforting him as best they could.