Jace POV:

Clary was scaring me. My fingers remained tangled in her fiery hair as she curled into my chest. Her breathing had steadied, but the same could not be said for my worry. Small, delicate hands were clutching the front of my shirt as if they were to let go, I would disappear.

I held her close and whispered softly in her ear, hoping to release the raging panic she had held in her eyes when they were open. I was able to see that panic as soon as she had walked out of the bathroom. It wasn't evident upon her face so that only those who truly knew her were able to pick up on it. It's as though she was doing her best to bury it deeply into herself. It only became more evident as she seemed to become more and more lifeless, not at all the energetic little sprite I knew her to be. The only flare of life I saw was when she was fighting. It was as though she was fighting for the world, for everything she knows. She fought with a furious vengeance, almost as though the demons were about to take something very precious from her. I felt a surge of pride for the way she fought, the way I taught her to fight, her skill and precision taking my breath away. She had come so far from the scared girl I once knew.

When she fell, and with her my world fell as well. Simon got to her first, my shock was my only obstacle. That mad dash to the van, with her body thumping against mine in the rhythm of my heart, was frightening. Listening to her alarmed breaths was its own kind of hell.

I held her closer to me, allowing my hands to wander down her back in a soothing manner. I looked to the font of the van, where I caught Alec's nervous glance through the rear view mirror, but the eye contact only lasted a couple of seconds before he turned his focus back on the road. Her anxiety attack made me feel as though I was about to have my own but I kept it in, not allowing it to show because it would only frighten her more. It was a struggle to see her this way. Everything had been so perfect for so long but it somehow felt like the whole world was changing, crumbling through my fingers. She wouldn't be acting like this if something wasn't very, very wrong.

As soon as we were back at The Institute, I transported her straight to the infirmary. Everyone was right on my heal as I laid her on the cot. Magnus had appeared along with everyone, for Alec had contacted him when the attack first struck, and quickly took charge. Ordering everyone out of the room. I protest, not wanting to let go of Clary's hand.

"So help me Jace, get out or I will make sure you find ducks in the worst of places."

I let out a frustrated growl and began to let go. She quickly latched on to my hand, refusing to let go. I looked down to see her wide eyes and she gazed up at me.

The look painted across her face was quickly pulling pieces from my heart.

I knelt down to plant a kiss on her forehead before slipping my fingers from hers. I got up, and after scowling at the warlock, strode swiftly from the room.

Alec was waiting for me right outside the door. I tried to act like I didn't notice and continue to stroll on my merry way but Alec is too stubborn for that crap. His hand quickly latched onto my inner elbow, pulling me to him. I let my eyes wander everywhere but his face because I'm definitely not ready to confront the reality of what just happened.

"Look Jace," he tried, but I cut him off.

"No, you look. I really don't want to deal with this right now. So do me a favor and leave me alone, and while you're at it get your boyfriend to revise his imaginary medical rule book because this nineteenth century 'everyone out' bullshit of his needs to be cut out."

"Hey! Magnus knows what's best for her! And for that matter, stop pulling this 'hostile' bullshit, all Magnus is doing is helping her! Get over yourself Jace, I know your scared for her but at this point there is nothing you can do!"

I was shocked. Alec didn't raise his voice often and especially not at me. I stared at him with a bewildered expression before I transformed myself into a blank slate.

"Well Alec, look who found his voice. Maybe you should try out for a screamo band or something and put those words to good use," I snapped back sarcastically.

His face widened in shocked before his mouth snapped. With an adamant expression, he turned to walk the other way. Immediately I felt guilty. Against my more stubborn side, I turned to follow him, grabbing his shoulder.

"Look… I'm… well, I'm…" I stutter and silently curse at myself. I had never been bad with word but the one word I needed seemed to be stuck under my heavy ego.

"What," he bit back, "you're what? Jace."

I bit down on my check before I blurted out, "Sorry! Okay, I'm sorry."

He seemed to be satisfied.

"Meet me in the greenhouse in an hour. No questions," he said before he stalked off, leaving me more ruined than before.