Valentine was at dinner with a young couple. The man was looming with dark, curly hair and the woman was slender and blonde with bright, hazel green eyes and she was immensely pregnant.

"I'm not sure that concoction you gave me is working, Valentine," the woman said. "The babies are still kicking like mad."

"That just means they'll be excellent fighters," the man soothed, reaching to rest his hand on top of his wife's.

"I'm sure Michael is right, Adeline," Valentine added.


The scene switched. Now Valentine was standing in the Seelie Court, speaking with the Queen. In her hand, she held an empty, ornate goblet and a simple but deadly blade.

"Are you aware of the sacrifice that would be required?" she asked silkily.

Valentine appeared to be confused. "Sacrifice?"

"My blood will drain the life of the mother and separate the children irrevocably."

He bowed deeply. "I understand, my lady, but it is a price that must be paid."

"And my price? Are you prepared to pay it?"

Valentine bowed again. "The first born shall be yours, of course."

The Queen flashed a sharp smile. In one smooth motion, she slid the blade across her palm and caught the falling blood in the goblet. Valentine watched greedily as the cup filled.

"Do not forget my price," the Queen warned.


Valentine and Michael were out walking, it appeared to be a different day, possibly late spring.

"I'm worried about Adeline," Michael was saying. "The babies are growing stronger and she continues to grow weaker."

"Has she fallen?" Valentine asked, seeming to ooze concern.

Michael shook his head in response. "No. I'm always with her unless she's resting."

"The twins will be fine, Michael," Valentine comforted. "Adeline is strong, she is a Shadowhunter."


Again, Valentine was in the home of Michael and Adeline Wayland. He was playing the role of physician, hovering near the pathetic figure on the bed. Adeline had almost wasted away completely. Her hair was lank and her eyes were dull. She lay curled on her side, arms wrapped protectively around her swollen stomach.

"But the babies will be fine," she whispered.

"Yes," Valentine soothed. He moved towards a small table that was placed nearby. On it gleamed bright, surgical instruments. "And the pain would be over."

"And Michael?"

Valentine rested a gentle hand on her forehead. "I'll take care of him. Jocelyn will be happy to help."

Apparently satisfied, Adeline nodded and closed her eyes, her mouth set in a grim line of resignation. "If they're both boys, their names will be Michael Vincent and Jonathan Ashel."

"And if they aren't?" Valentine prompted.

"Sophia Catori and Jaelyn Victoria."


I blinked at Ithuriel in shock. "So Valentine tried to cheat the Seelie Queen with a C-section…"

Jace's hand found mine. "Welcome home, Jaci Wayland."