Carys was sitting alone in her room reading through the copy of the Codex Maryse had given her when a soft knock startled her. She closed the book, calling out for her visitor, and looked up as the door swung open. Maryse peeked in. "The Silent Brothers are here to see you," she announced. "It is important to remember to try and not let their appearance frighten you." She smiled, "I know that they may seem horrifying to someone who has never seen them before."
The young girl nodded, standing up from her place on her bed and setting her book aside. She followed Maryse soundlessly to the library, not quite sure what to expect. When they entered, they were greeted by a tall figure clothed in a parchment colored robe. An oversized hood kept his face in shadow, but something about this being was unsettling to her. "Carys, this is Brother Zachariah, he is here to speak with you about your wish to join us. This is the first step in the process; he must know you before the marking ritual can be performed."
Do not be afraid, a disembodied voice echoed through Carys' mind. No harm will come to you; my task is simply to learn as much about you as I can. Please sit. Brother Zachariah motioned toward the couch before turning to face Maryse, lowering his hood. Would you please excuse us?
"Of course." The older woman smiled once more at Carys before turning and leaving them alone in the room.
For the first time Carys looked at the silent brother and took in a sharp breath/ His appearance was startling. His eyes were closed and below each were a single black rune carved into his skin. His hair was short and black with streaks of silver. He was striking, but not as scary as she had assumed. He did not sit as he spoke to her. I cannot help but wonder if you understand what it is that you are about to do. The life of a Shadowhunter is dangerous and unrewarding; it would mean giving up any connection to your family among the Court. Did your grandmother tell you that your gifts would gradually fade away?
"Yes, she told me the longer I am away from home the more distant the connection would grow. She said that my appearance would change over time as well."
And that is something you are willing to accept?
"Yes, I accepted it when I made my promise to my father. My becoming a Shadowhunter was his dying wish and I am here with the blessing of my mother and grandmother, albeit begrudgingly."
Are you aware of what must be done before you are permitted to train at this institute? Carys shook her head. She had not been told much of what her new life would be like, most of what she knew she had only just read in the Codex. A ritual must be performed, during which you will receive your first mark; others will follow as you progress. I will speak to my brethren when I return to the Silent City and schedule the ceremony for a time when the other inhabitants of the institute return from Idris. Your task in the meantime is to read and study the Codex. Let Maryse assist you in your learning. She will be a great tutor for you. Brother Zachariah moved toward the door as though he were gliding through the air. He opened the door, raising his hood before turning to face Carys once more, Welcome to the Nephilim, young Carys. It will be a great joy to watch you transcend.
Carys watched as the silent brother slipped silently from the room. With a sigh, she rose from her seat and decided to return to her room to get some sleep. She caught her reflection in the glass of a display case, surprised to see that her skin had already begun to fade slightly, although her eyes were still just as vividly lavender and her ears still held their sharp tip. She had only been in this new place a matter of hours and already she felt the only life she had ever known slipping away as if it were but an old memory.