We all stood around Hodge as he took his stele to run over a rune on the floor. It burned red like fire then seemed to unlock, so he could move the tile to the side. I spotted a necklace inside, and it was absolutely stunning. Just by looking at it I knew it belonged to Magnus because it was his style. But what was it doing here? Hodge picked it up out of the floor then stood up to show it to all of us.

"Is that real?" Isabelle asked.

"A 14 carrot unheated Burmese ruby." Hodge said. "This necklace has special meaning to Magnus Bane. It was a gift from him to his then lover—Camille Belcourt."

I frowned at the mention of Camille since I still wanted that vampire's head on a pike.

"Camille and Magnus were lovers?" Clary asked.

"Warlock gets around." Jace joked.

"You have no idea." Myron and I said in unison.

We can't tell you how many lovers Magnus has had in his many centuries of life. Just counting the ones since I was born was too many. Though most of them weren't the ones Magnus was really looking to start a true relationship with.

"Magnus bought it in 1857 for the price of his London Townhouse." Hodge said.

"Well, he has more, so who cares, right?" I murmured then reached out towards the necklace. "May I?"

Hodge handed it over to me, so I looked it over as he explained the jewel was spelled to alert the wearer of nearby demons. Sounded like a nifty little trick. Should have known it had some kind of spell attached to it. Maybe I could study the spell then somehow transfer it onto one of my swords. It'll be like Sting from those Lord of the Rings movies that Simon had me watch with him. However, it'll glow red instead of blue.

"It's so beautiful." Isabelle said as she ran her fingers along it as I continued to hold it.

"Magnus has longed to reunite with this necklace." Hodge said. "Offer it to him. He might just take the bait."

"If he doesn't, I'm so keeping it." I said. "Just a few tests, and I can make plenty of weapons that sense demons near."

Myron then snatched the necklace out of my hands, which had me throwing him a look.

"You are not tearing this apart just to sate your curiosity." Myron said. "We need this in one piece when we give it to him."

I sighed though knew he was right, but I wasn't going to start pulling it apart then and there. I was going to wait till we got it to Magnus to let him feel reunited with it then pull it apart.

"I'll send Magnus a fire message." Jace said.

"And I'm going to call Dion." I said as I started to leave the room. "I hope it's not too late to ask him to be my date to the rave."

"For you, he'd drop the earth if you asked." Myron said, which had me rolling my eyes.

Jace, who had been heading out the door as well, stopped dead in his tracks to turn back to look at me.

"Maybe we shouldn't get any more of your little friends involved." Jace said. "We saw how well it went with Simon."

I frowned at Jace while still pretty sore about what he had said to Simon when the latter left. I was about to tell Jace to mind his own damn business when a hand was placed on my shoulder. I turned to look at Alec who looked me right in the eyes.

"We don't have time to debrief your friend." Alec said. "We need to get ready and go. Besides, with the necklace you don't have to pretend to be on a date to get Magnus's attention."

It was silent for a moment as the group behind us looked from Alec and me to Jace. I then sighed.

"Alright." I finally spoke. "I can understand that reasoning. I won't call Dion."

Alec nodded his head then let me go, so I turned back around. I narrowed my eyes at Jace while going around him with the plan of avoiding him for the un-seeable future. I didn't know what was up with him, but he was getting on my last nerve.

"Okay, Mo, what do you think of this one?" Isabelle asked using my newly dubbed nickname.

I looked up from my tablet as Isabelle came from around the changing screen wearing a tight fitting red dress.

"It does look good on you, Izzy, but you've already done red." I said. "Let's pick something else."

"You're right." Isabelle said as she looked down at herself. "I don't want to wear red two nights in a row."

I nodded in agreement as Isabelle went back behind the changing screen to get out of the dress. As I went back to my dress shopping using the Delphi-net, Clary walked into the room.

"Hey, Jace said you two wanted to see me." Clary said.

I slightly made a face at the mention of Jace since I still wasn't happy with him.

"We do." Isabelle said as she poked her head around the changing screen.

She then ducked back behind to probably just throw back on her shirt and pants from earlier.

"We have to pick what you're wearing to the Downworld party tonight." I told Clary while not looking up from my tablet.

"I don't know." Clary said. "I was thinking about just wearing this."

I looked up to see what she meant by this, and blinked wondering if she was being serious. Isabelle let out a chuckle as she came around the changing screen.

"I don't think so." Isabelle said. "No Downworlder would be caught dead in that. Plus it's a party not a poetry slam."

Clary looked towards me for help since I knew she did not want to be wearing anymore of Isabelle's clothes.

"I'm sorry, Clary, but she's right." I said. "We have to blend in, which is why I'm looking through dresses right now. I hate wearing them especially if we might get into a fight, but it's what is expected of me."

Clary sighed still looking unhappy, but it all had to be done. I just hope I find a dress in enough time to have it shipped through the OPS (Olympian Postal Service) to arrive here before the party. I'm sure if I hit priority mail that Hermes will help me out.

"Well, I don't really have any party clothes with me." Clary said still trying to get out of it.

However, Isabelle has plenty of clothes, which Clary seems to be forgetting all about. I made that mistake too when Isabelle started throwing dresses at me the second I walked through the door.

"So you'll have to wear mine." Isabelle said picking up a pink dress to hold out in front of Clary.

"Izzy, I don't think that one suits Clary." I said shaking my head. "Go darker and less flashy."

"You think?" Isabelle asked with a hum.

I nodded my head while returning to my search for the perfect dress for tonight, which was proving to be difficult. Sometimes shopping was so difficult. As Isabelle went through her closet to pick out more dresses for Clary, I flipped through a few more dresses. There were so many to pick from. I flipped a few more times before finally landed on this red dress that caught my eye.

"Izzy," I said getting her attention. "How would you feel about me wearing a red dress?"

"Did you finally find one that caught your attention?" She asked while walking over towards me.

I nodded while flipping the tablet over, so she and Clary both could see the dress I liked. It wasn't anything spectacular. Just a strapless red dress that was tight around the chest and waist before flowing down to stop before my knees. It had black accents at the top, waist, and bottom to give it some separation. It came with black fishnet tights and ankle boots that were white-and-black checked on the sides with the heel and toe being black.

"It's cute." Isabelle said smirking. "And you would make it sexy."

I took that as her blessing to wear red, so I flipped the tablet back around to purchase the dress while sending it through the OPS. I paid the extra drachma it took to ship it priority mail, and then an extra few drachma to ship it with the speed of Hermes priority label.

"Aren't you worried your dress won't make it in time?" Clary asked. "I mean, they won't be able to even—!"

"Package for Desdemona R. Bane!" A voice interrupted.

Clary jumped with a small squeal leaving her lips as she and Isabelle whirled around to see Hermes himself standing there. I smiled while standing up from the chair I had been sitting in.

"Lord Hermes," I greeted as I walked up to him. "Fast as ever I see."

Hermes gave me a crooked grin that reminded me so much of the Stoll brothers there was no question that they were his sons.

"You paid for the speed of Hermes, sweetcheeks." He said. "And you got it. Now, here is your package."

He handed over the box to me, which I tucked underneath my arm as he got out the paperwork. He held the clipboard for me as I took the pen to sign my name across the bottom line.

"Thank-you for choosing the OPS for your shipping needs." Hermes said as he took the clipboard and pen back. "Remember us the next time you need anything shipped out or shipped to you."

"Of course, thank-you, Lord Hermes." I said.

Hermes grinned tipping his hat before he left with a poof. I smiled down at my package then turned to look at Clary and Isabelle's surprised faces.

"What?" I asked.

"That…that was a god?" Clary asked.

I nodded my head as I laid my package down on Isabelle's bed, so I could start opening it up.

"I did pay for the speed of Hermes package after all." I said. "And it cost a pretty penny, but I'm never disappointed with service."

Clary looked as if she wanted to ask more, but Isabelle shoved a dress in her arms to push her towards the changing screen.

"We don't have time to chitchat." Isabelle said. "We have to get your ready for tonight. Now go change."

Clary sighed though went to do as she was told. I grabbed my clothes while going behind the changing screen as well. It was big enough for the both of us, so I didn't bump into Clary as I was stripping.

"Clary, try these." Isabelle said while placing some shoes behind the screen for Clary.

Isabelle then left us alone as I started putting my dress on. It slipped on perfectly, and the zipper was easy to use as well. After having the dress on I slipped on my tights though frowned when the scars on my arms caught my attention. I really need to get more of that mist cream that Aphrodite sells. It helps hide scars, and I usually wear it. However, I haven't had the chance to apply any recently since my tub of it was at home, and I haven't been able to return home. I finished putting on my tights as Clary went to put on her shoes.

"I feel ridiculous." Clary said.

"But you look hot." I said grinning. "If I was playing for our team Clary, I'd flirt with you."

Clary giggled with a smile coming to her face, which was what I was waiting for. I know things have been stressful for Clary, and even if we're going to this party to find Magnus, I want her to have a bit of fun.

"Now go show your stuff." I said pushing her out from behind the screen.

She went out as I was putting on my heels. I don't actually mind heels. I mean, I've fought in them before, but fighting in a dress is different. I just hope now one will see my lace black undies if a fight does break out.

"You're so lucky to have such a flat chest." Isabelle said. "I could never wear that without a bra."

I chuckled while not sure if Clary would take that as a compliment or not. She might not know how to take it at all.

"Really?" She asked.

"Really." Isabelle replied.

I heard footsteps coming through the door about that time, and based on the sound of them, I'd say someone of the male gender walked in. Good thing Isabelle has this changing screen. Not that I'm uncovered at the moment anyway.

"Someone's looking badass." Jace's voice complimented as I held back a sigh.

Clary thanked him as I was coming out from behind the changing screen. I looked to Isabelle for the okay, and she grinned as she looked from the bottom of my outfit up.

"Looking good, Mo." Isabelle said. "If I was a guy, I'd chat you up."

She winked as she said this, which had me holding back a snort as I placed my hand over my mouth.

"You really do look amazing, Mona." Jace said.

I turned to look at him while feeling my eyes narrowing the minute they landed on him. I still wasn't happy with him though I was raised to have some manners.

"Thank-you." I said dipping my head to him.

I then tossed my other clothes onto the bed out of the way. I'd put them away later, so Isabelle wouldn't have to deal with them.

"I better go check on Myron." I said to excuse myself. "He has such a hard time picking out what he wants to wear. He has great style. Just takes so long in finding the right outfit."

"I can help him." Isabelle said immediately offered as she stood. "I have to help Alec anyway since he never knows what to wear to parties. Clary, come with me?"

She really didn't give Clary much of a choice since she looped her arm with Clary to start dragging her out of the door. I frowned because I knew exactly what she was trying to pull, and I didn't appreciate being left alone with Jace. However, I knew it couldn't be helped now. I then blinked when noticing Clary was leaving something behind.

"Hey," I called getting them to stop. "Don't forget this."

I picked up the seraph blade off the bed to toss to Clary who surprisingly caught it in her hands.

"You don't go anywhere without being armed." I told her. "That's the number one rule, and remember handling a weapon is in your blood. Trust your instincts."

Clary nodded her head then let Isabelle completely drag her out of the room. I turned my back to Jace hoping if I ignored him that he'd finally leave. I started picking up the mess Isabelle left behind just to have something to do.

"Mona, can we talk?" Jace asked not moving.

"About?" I asked as I hung a few dresses up in the closet.

I heard Jace sigh from behind me then step closer. Before I could turn around to stop his advanced, he was right behind me with his chest pressed against my back. He reached around me to still my hands while holding them against my torso, so I was practically being held in his arms. My heart picked up in beat as I tried to ignore these strange feelings I got from him being so close.

"You know, what about." Jace said. "About last night. About Simon and the things I said to upset you."

I remained silent just focusing on my breathing since it almost felt difficult to do so.

"I didn't mean to upset you." Jace said. "I said things I probably shouldn't have, and I apologize."

He sounded sincere when he spoke, and I won't lie…I forgave him immediately. It was impossible to stay mad at him when he was so close and whispering an apology in my ear.

"Are you still mad at me?" He asked bring his lips closer to my ear.

I held back a shudder then shook my head since I couldn't find my voice at the moment. Just what was this man doing to me?

NO POV:

Magnus walked through this safe house while high-fiving one of the younger warlocks as he went by. As she was joining her father, Magnus continued on his way while looking forward to the party tonight. Not only would he be seeing the necklace again, but his children as well. He needed to see them. He has been worried sick, and to think they've been with Shadowhunters this entire time. If he learns that any of them laid so much as a finger on either of them, he'd show them how dangerous he can be.

"Magnus," Elias began while coming up behind him. "Consider the other—!"

"When did you become so talkative?" Magnus asked frowning.

Elias usually kept to himself and only spoke when he had to. Now, it was like Magnus couldn't get him to shut up.

"Magnus, I beg you to reconsider." Elias continued.

"Always frowning, Elias." Magnus said. "You maybe immortal, but—hmm—you're not immune to crow's feet."

He touched around Elias's eye as if he could really see wrinkles starting to form there. He then removed his touch while turning to continue on his way.

"You cannot attend this meeting." Elias tried again. "No matter what the Shadowhunter is offering. Valentine is getting close. It is far too dangerous for you to leave the lair."

"I was alive when the Dead Sea was just a lake that was feeling a little poorly." Magnus said. "While I value your counsel, so much red brick makes me feel like a caged animal."

He looked out his window as he said this while indeed feeling a bit stir crazy. And the longer he went without Myron and Mona the more stir crazy he was getting.

"Is one necklace really worth the risk?" Elias asked.

Magnus looked back to Elias while wondering if his old friend forgot all about the two other things Magnus was going after.

"This necklace is." Magnus said. "But more importantly my children are worth the risk as well. Now, this discussion is over. I will meet with Clary Fairchild and the Wayland boy."

Magnus went to walk away, but he forgot something, so he snapped his fingers while turning around.

"Go to the spiral labyrinth and tell Tessa we need more shields." Magnus said. "While I'm gone have every warlock maintain the protective wards. I may be prepared to take on Valentine,"

Magnus took Elias's chin to make the dark-skinned warlock look back at him.

"But my guests are not." Magnus said then held out his glass to Elias. "Drink up."

Elias took the glass still not looking pleased, but Magnus just turned around to leave. Though he grabbed Mona's jacket, which had been laying across one of the tables. He held it tightly in hand while determined he would return it to her tonight. His little girl must be getting cold without her jacket.

"Soon, my sweet, my dark raven, we will all be reunited." He said.

DESDEMONA'S POV:

I sighed standing in line with Jace, Myron, and Clary as Isabelle and Alec scanned the area. I didn't want to wait in line. I wanted to go inside. I wanted to see if Magnus was in there.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Clary asked. "Last time we were here the place was crawling with vampires."

"Relax." Jace said. "All Downworlders hang out here. We just came on vampire night."

"Right, and when is all this going to sound normal to me?" Clary asked.

"No idea." I said.

I then looked behind us as Alec and Isabelle squeezed in behind us after checking the place out. Now that they were back maybe we could finally skip this freaking line. Usually Myron and I have no problem with cutting line. Of course, we're usually with Magnus, or without company. Might not work this time since Shadowhunters are with us.

"All clear." Alec said.

"Alright then," Myron said while pulling out the necklace from his pocket. "Let's get inside. Mona, you hold onto this."

I took it from him while dropping it right down the top of my dress to be caught by the tight lining underneath my bosom. Clary gave me a look, so I shrugged.

"Easier to pick pockets." I said. "So it's safer up here. Though anyone brave enough to reach in deserves a medal."

"After you break their hand, right?" Myron asked with a quirked brow.

"Of course after." I said.

I was about to suggest we just go ahead and cut line when a voice called out my name. I turned my head seeing Dion walking across the street towards our group.

"Let me guess," Jace said sounding unhappy. "Dion."

"That'd be him." Myron said nodding.

Dion made it over to us while immediately leaning in to place a kiss on my cheek as he gently held the back of my upper arm. Jace shifted beside me as Dion pulled back.

"You made it." Dion said. "I was thinking you wouldn't since you didn't IM me. But this is a nice surprise."

He moved his hand down my arm to take my hand to place a kiss on my lips. Dion then looked towards Myron.

"Of course, it's always good to see you as well, Myron." Dion said before looking at our present company. "I see you've made new…friends."

He looked at our four Shadowhunter friends with a barely hidden smile, which had me mentally sighing. I don't want anyone starting up the whole rival between our two kinds. Alec wasn't thinking of us as abominations anymore, and I didn't want Dion starting anything. I then looked down at my hand as Dion continued to hold it. A few years back I might have enjoyed his touch, but now…it just feels…it's hard to explain. However, whatever spark I might have felt before was gone. In fact, it was almost uncomfortable.

"Yes, we decided to come with a few friends tonight, Dion." I said as I slid my hand from his.

I even stepped back closer to Jace, which didn't go unnoticed by the dark-haired son of Aphrodite. Dion threw a frown at Jace over my head as I felt Jace placing his hand on my waist.

"I see." Dion said. "Well, I do not wish to interrupt your evening, but I do hope you will join me for a drink later on."

"Perhaps." I said.

Dion nodded then walked ahead of the group while easily cutting line with the guards at the door letting him in. He seems to have moved up in the Downworld.

"So that's him, huh?" Jace asked glancing down at me as I looked back at him. "I thought you liked the guy. Didn't seem that way though."

"He isn't the same as I remember." I said. "And…"

I trailed off not sure how to explain the feeling in my gut that had it churning uneasily.

"And?" Jace prompted.

"Something is off about him." I said. "I can't explain it, but being near him made me completely on edge as if I was waiting for him to attack."

It was almost as if a monster had come over to greet me instead of the boy I once knew from camp. Was it really Dion? Or a wolf in sheep's clothing? I hated to think that the other option was that Dion was no longer a friend.

"We can worry about that another time." Myron said as the line kept moving forward. "Though I think it best you refrain from spending any time with him tonight."

I nodded my head as it was finally our turn to step inside to join the party. We walked amongst the Downworlders while taking the few steps down into the main floor where most of the party was happening. I saw Dion over near the bar, and he tipped his glass towards me. I tried to smile, but found it nearly impossible to. Jace then took my hand, which had me looking up at him. He said nothing though as he narrowed his eyes at Dion. After a few seconds of silence, Jace looked away from the dark-haired male to look to the rest of us.

"Okay, blend in." Jace said to all of us. "But keep your weapons ready."

I nodded to his words before I became busy scanning the area for any signs of Magnus. He had to be around here somewhere. I just had to find him amongst all this chaos. I moved through the party with Jace and Clary following with Myron and the Lightwoods spreading out amongst the party. I finally spotted Magnus sitting at a table alone, and I felt my heart stop for a moment.

"Dad." I whispered while feeling so much relief washing over me. "Daddy!"

His head snapped up at my call as I let go of Jace's hand to go around the bar in my way. Jace called out for me to hold up, but I didn't listen as I hurried towards Magnus who was standing up. As I got closer to him, he opened up his arms, which I immediately ran into while putting my own around him.

"My sweet Mona, here you are." He said holding me tightly with his head resting on top of mine. "I have missed you and your brother. Is he here?"

He leaned back to look down at me, and I nodded my head yes. I'm sure Myron would make his way around to us shortly. Magnus smiled then placed a loving kiss on my forehead. I leaned back into him with his familiar warmth and scent soothing me. It feels as if we've been separated for years instead of days.

"I have something for you." Magnus said as he gently pushed me back. "I believe you left this in my club."

He grabbed my leather jacket from where he had it laying across the back of the chair.

"I forgot all about it that night." I said as I took it from him. "Thanks, dad."

Magnus smiled at me gently then helped me put the jacket on. He brushed my hair back looking happy to have me in front of him in one piece.

A voice was cleared, so we pulled back while turning to look towards Jace and Clary.

"Oh yes," Magnus said. "I have to speak with you two as well."

He didn't sound too pleased about it, which I could understand. I mean, I know he doesn't like Shadowhunters. Though I don't see why he'd be upset to see Clary. I mean, she's been my friend for so long, you would think she would have grown on him. Especially since he helped Jocelyn out with wiping Clary's memories.

"Since you have been looking out for my children and have brought them back to me, I suppose I can spare you a few moments." Magnus said while keeping one arm around me. "But do make it quick, I would like to get them both home where it is safe and away from Shadowhunters for good."

I looked at him with wide eyes wondering if he was being serious. Was he going to pull Myron and me away from Clary and our friends? Does this mean I won't be able to see Clary again? I then looked towards Jace who had a bothered expression on his face as well. Or Jace?