A/N: Thank you for all of the amazing reviews! Someone asked how long it would take for Alec to be rescued, and if he would be the same when Magnus found him. First, I can't tell you how long it will take(that would ruin the story^-^); Second, no, he will definitely not be the same as he was; and Third, who says Magnus is going to rescue him(even if he's the one that's meant to)? ;)

Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Mortal Instruments or any of its amazingly amazingness! ^-^

ONE MONTH LATER

Jace looked around at everyone in white before looking up at the empty, burning pyre. Maryse Lightwood stood by her husband Robert, both stoic, with their heads bowed as Isabelle stood to the side crying softly. The smoke from the pyre drifted up lazily into the skies of Idris, alerting everyone of a fallen shadowhunter.

'He's not dead,' Jace thought angrily, and yet, no one believed him. The moment he had said that his bond with his parabatai felt different, everyone had assumed Alec Lightwood was dead. And no matter how many times Jace said he wasn't, everyone brought it down to the fact that the two were young, and Jace didn't know what it felt like for Alec to die, so clearly this "change" was it. But he wasn't, and Jace was sure of that. His bond felt…disjointed, like something was trying to tear Alec from him. 'I won't let that happen.' Jace spun on his heel and made his way back to the portal that had been erected for him and his family. 'I will get Alec back,' he thought determinedly as he stepped through the Portal and into the Institute's backyard. He and Isabelle had tried everything to get Alec back, including going to another warlock, who had only said "Your friend is obviously dead." The clave's response had been the same when Maryse Lightwood had tried to contact them for help.

Jace walked around the front of the Institute and made his way to Central Park; no one had wanted to go to the Seelie Court because of the Queen's "sort-of" alliance to Sebastian, but Jace had no such qualms. He would bargain with the devil himself if it meant getting Alec back.

He ran across the street quickly, and through groups of mundanes and bunches of trees before reaching the Seelie Court entrance. 'Let this work,' he thought hopefully before walking into the water and letting himself fall through it.

Jace had to wait merely a moment before a familiar face walked through one of the passages towards him.

"Young Nephilim," Meliorn said with disdain, "our Queen does not wish to see your kind at this time." Jace pulled a seraph blade and whispered its name "Malik", before raising it as it glowed brightly.

"Too bad. I need to see your queen whether she likes it or not," he said boldly. Meliorn's eyes widened in shock before he too drew his own blade.

"I am sorry, but you still shall not pass." Just then, a fairy girl seemed to come through one of the walls and stepped between the two, keeping her gaze on Jace.

"The Queen will see you," she said in a soft, but deadly voice.

"But she-" The fairy girl glared at Meliorn, making her dull blue hair turn a bright, fiery red.

"Silence. The Queen has spoken." Meliorn sheathed his blade and walked away angrily, leaving Jace to follow the young fey.

"Thanks," he mumbled before letting her lead the way to the Queen's chamber. He let his mind wander a bit through his memories as they passed the group of singing and dancing fey.

"Nephilim?" a voice broke through his thoughts. He looked up and realized his guide had stopped. She frowned. "I would not suggest letting your mind wander whilst among the Folk. You will forget your purpose." Jace's face set with grim determination as he gripped his seraph blade tighter.

"No I won't," he whispered.

He walked forward, pushing the curtain of roots out of the way, and not even sparing a glance to the fairies that had stopped dancing, his gaze was set on the Seelie Queen, whom was sitting at the front of the chamber and lounging in a large chaise.

"Jonathan Herondale," she said amusedly, "a pleasure as always." Jace stopped in front of her and bowed deeply.

"My lady. I'd like to start by saying thank you, as it's been my first chance to do so." The queen raised an elegant brow in curious amusement.

"I'm sure I don't know what for…"

"Helping my family to find me of course," he said sincerely, his eyes widening as though she should know this already. The queen paused for a moment, unsure of whether he was being truthful or not. She finally just settled for inclining her head.

"And what may I help you with young Herondale?" she asked curiously.

"Finding my brother." The queen laughed once.

"My, but Nephilim go missing often, don't they?" Jace remained silent. "Hmm…I was unaware that Stephen Herondale had, had any other children." Jace still did not say a word; he simply stared at the queen, with her twinkling, amused filled eyes. He was mad…furious, and trying desperately to keep his eyes and face blank. How dare she side with Sebastian? How dare she insult him? How dare she pretend like she didn't know about Alec?

The queen's eyes finally filled with annoyance and her face lost her ever present smile. "Something has changed you…before you would always amuse me. Now, I find you, but a lifeless doll." Jace swallowed.

"Forgive me my lady. I worry for my brother's safety. He's been missing for a month." The queen nodded once and then she reached a hand down to idly stroke the hair of a courtier sitting at her feet.

"I am aware," she muttered before pausing for a moment, "Is he not dead? Did your family not burn his pyre this very day?"

"I do not believe him to be, no. We are parabatai…I can feel him," Jace insisted. The queen paused a moment before sighing.

"A word of advice, shadowhunter?" Jace bowed his head.

"One would be foolish not to accept advice from the Seelie Queen," he flattered. She smiled brightly.

"I'm glad you remember …and as for Alec Lightwood," she sneered, "I would suggest forgetting him. Not only is he beyond your reach, but you are not meant to rescue him. You, young Herondale should be focusing on a different problem. An evil one, closer to home, that is gaining more and more power by the day, the power that may win this war." Jace's eyes widened.

"Sebastian," he whispered, "but how can I be expected to forget Alec? He's my brother! And what do you mean I'm not meant to save him? Who is? I need to know so I can tell them to hurry their a-"

"Do not raise your voice to me Nephilim!" she said angrily. Jace bowed his head as the fairies in the court chattered away at their queen's anger.

"I apologize your majesty. As I said, I worry for my brother. I did not mean to anger you." The queen seemed to deflate with the apology.

"And as I said, forget him, trust me, he will never be the one you remember," she said disdainfully, "he is but of a shadow of himself already. The disease of poison has spread, and will remain with him always. Focus on this new power young Herondale." Jace bowed his head, and made to leave before pausing.

"My lady? Would you mind answering one more question?" he asked slowly. The queen merely raised a brow in question. "Who is supposed to rescue him?" She smiled maliciously.

"The warlock, Magnus Bane."

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this one! As sad as it is. We'll get more Alec time in the next chapter! ^-^

R&R!