Clary hadn't ever imagined that she could be this anxious over something as simple as a Rune. She'd faced down demons, her psychotic father, her even more psychotic brother, and, to a lesser extent, Magnus in his underwear. But she realized that all the fears that she had felt then couldn't quite compare to this.

This was different. While, yes, she had been scared then, it had been for her own life, and Jace's life, and the lives of her friends and family. Never before had she had to face a situation where she was afraid for her baby girl's life.

It was a safe situation, more or less, when a young Shadowhunter recieved their first Rune. Clary had been informed by Jace, Isabelle, Alec, Jem, Maryse, Robert, Jocelyn and Luke that it was a very easy process, and more often than not went very smoothly. All of them had gotten their Voyance Rune at an early age. Aurelia had been pestering Clary for a whole year, ever since the Ashdown boy, Casper, had gotten his when he turned six years old, and Clary had promised her daughter that she could get hers when she got to that age, as well.

Aurelia's sixth birthday had been two months ago, but Clary had put it off as long as possible. Still, her child was persistent. She'd ask Jace first, who would tell her to go to Clary, who would say "not yet." Then, she would go ask random members of the Institute for permission, and they would tell her to talk to her parents about it. Clary knew it frustrated the girl, but she couldn't help it. She didn't want her to get hurt.

But now it was happening. Clary held her daughter's hand as the Silent Brother, whom she believed to be named Brother Elisha, held a stele to her other. Aurelia, like her father, was left-handed, so the Voyance Rune was going to be placed there.

Clary turned her head to look at Jace, who was standing not too far behind her. She saw her own worry mirrored in his golden orbs, and he gave her what she thought was supposed to be a reassuring smile.

It wasn't working.

Her anxiety spiked when she saw the tip of the stele touch Aurelia's hand, and especially when the child winced and glanced at her parents. It was the first time the golden-eyed little girl had shown anything akin to fear over this process. Clary imagined that she didn't expect it to sting as badly as it did.

Even though she was nervous, it was clear that Aurelia was determined. The girl sat straight and still, nibbling on her lower lip as she watched the stele trace black lines on the back of her hand. Clary flinched when the light smoke rose up, but Aurelia showed no other sign that she was in pain. She simply looked anxious, and Clary couldn't blame her. She herself felt like her heart was beating a thousand miles per hour.

Finally, finally, the Silent Brother stepped back and Aurelia lifted her hand to admire the eyeball-looking Rune. As Clary watched, a wide grin crossed the black-haired girl's face and she bounced out of her seat, unable to sit still any longer.

"Look!" she squeaked, her eyes wide and that same impossible shade of gold that Jace's were. She extended her hand to show her parents the Mark, and Clary's heart swelled with pride for her precious baby. "I'm a Shadowhunter now!"

Clary smiled softly and leaned forward to kiss the child's forehead. "Yes, you are!" she confirmed, and saw Jace shake his head slowly, a disapproving frown on his face. She turned to look at him, raising one eyebrow at her husband.

"She's been a Shadowhunter since she was born," he informed the two of them, a smile crossing his lips. "But I guess a Mark does make it official, doesn't it? We can start training now, and your mother can't argue." Clary narrowed her eyes. She could argue if she very well pleased.

Aurelia nodded enthusiastically. "I can't wait to go show Maxine, and Casper, and Uncle Alec, and..." Clary took a moment to smile. Regardless of the fact that Aurelia claimed Casper as her best friend, she always put Maxine first. "...and Auntie Tess and Uncle Jem!" Aurelia continued excitedly, a bright grin on her little face. Once she finished listing each name, clearly in order of importance, she furrowed her little eyebrows in confusion. "Wait... did you say we could train, Daddy?"

Two sets of fiery golden eyes locked onto Clary as both the little girl and Jace looked to her, clearly wanting permission. Clary found that she couldn't possibly say anything to make her daughter any less happy than she was at that moment. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, exhaling through her nose.

"Fine."

And, with that one word, both father and daughter shared an overjoyed glance before bolting out the door. In the direction of the training room, no doubt.

Short, I know T.T I'm sorry! I wanted it to be longer, but it did not want to be. I think it's okay, even if it's the shortest chapter I've ever written for anything. I still like it though, and I hope you all enjoy. c: Happy Mother's day, just in case any mothers are reading this.

Guest Review Replies:

Guest 1: Thank you so much for the praise and review! They're absolutely always appreciated. They make it much easier to write for you all.

Guest 2: Amazingly is, in fact, a word c: Thank you, by the way! I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter.

Reviews are always wanted c: Thank you for all your support so far!

God bless you all!

anim8or