Jace re-entered the library a few minutes later and closed the door behind him. Taking his seat he sat back in the chair, calm and collected as ever.
"So," he began slowly. "There's a new demon about, a new Nephilim that doesn't know what she is, and as usual the Downworld is in chaos. Did I leave anything out?" He looked around expectantly.
Clary still looked worried. "I don't like this. We don't know anything. We are going to have to do our research with this one. That poor girl, this must all be so confusing and scary for her... Maybe I should go up there now..."
Jace only shook his head. "She's exhausted, even if she can't admit it. I think that whatever has been happening to her lately is taking it's toll. Let her rest for now." A small supportive smile from him convinced Clary that he was right.
"So, Emily – did you get any vibes from Alexis whilst she was here?" Clary asked, and everyone at the table turned to her.
"Yes. Kind of. She's very difficult to read. I can usually read everyone's auras – I can see what race they are, what they're feeling. Stuff like that. I can sense the Nephilim in her but it's mixed with something else. Sort of like you and Jace, but magical in a different way. It's hard to describe... but I know for sure that she's not one hundred percent Nephilim."
"Maybe we should ask Magnus, he might have an idea." Alec spoke calmly and quietly, but his voice carried across the room. "Although right now he should be putting the kids to bed..."
"We can ask him tomorrow, it's fine." Clary shook her head and put her head in her hands, making her curls bounce. Jace watched her with the fascination that he always did. "Okay, tomorrow we will begin. We need to find out more about this demon, about who Alexis is and her past. They're all linked. Let's get some rest."
They all stood up from the table, chairs scraping against the carpet, and went their separate ways out of the room until only Jace, Clary and Alec remained. Clary leaned against the table and waited until everyone had gone before turning to the Parabatai pair.
"We need to protect her. I know how it feels being shoved in to this world unwillingly. Scared, alone, powerless. I want her to get used to it as smoothly as possible."
Jace nodded and took hold of her hands, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "I know. We will protect her."
Alec nodded. "I should probably get going. I'll talk to Magnus tonight and see what he thinks. He will probably want to see her for himself at some point."
Giving both of them a hug he waved awkwardly and left, off to find Emily to make a portal for him.
Clary sighed and looked at Jace. "I want to stay here for a while, in London. Help Alexis." She wanted to be like a mentor for her, be there for her and understand her in a way that she didn't get when she was introduced to this world. Jace knew that she was going to say something like this.
"I know. You have a good heart, Clary. I'll stay here for a few more days then head back to New York. The institute just isn't the same without me – everyone knows it."
Clary scoffed, which only made Jace smile wider. Running his fingers lightly along her cheek he kissed her gently at the corner of her lips.
"You need to get some rest too, you know." He murmured.
Taking her hand he led them back to their room.