Disclaimer: I do not own The Mortal Instruments, either the book or the artefacts themselves.

Warnings: Rated for other chapters this is probably a T

False Idol

Chapter 10

Luke's eyes flickered as the morning light hit them. He rolled over and found a space in his bed where he had expected to find Valentine. It was not a pleasant discovery. His forehead creased as he tried to remember what classes his teacher had. Luke was not at his best in the morning.

After a while he gave up with a shrug and hauled himself out of bed. He had a morning practice session with blades. Even with Valentine's help, the blade or any close range weapon was not his speciality. However he did look forward to the fact that he would be sharing the class with Jocelyn. As long as he didn't have to spar against her directly, especially in the morning, it would be okay.

He stumbled away from the sleeping area and out into the practice yard. Breakfast would come after, when the risk of being whacked in the stomach was negligible rather than certain. He blinked in the harsh morning light and muttered some unsavoury things under his breath.

He got there a little late and groaned to himself. Everyone was partnered up already, everyone except Jocelyn that is. Although most of the class sought her attention, no one was stupid enough to partner her of their own free will. She looked positively cheerful to have someone to bludgeon with a wooden practice sword for a few hours. Great.

He resigned himself to the bruises that she'd give him and decided that maybe getting to talk between blows would be adequate compensation. At least neither she, nor any of the other Shadowhunters in training, could best him with a crossbow.

Closer up, Jocelyn didn't look as cheerful as Luke had assumed. She had a certain distracted air that bordered on worry. Luke hesitated over rewarding her inattention by giving her a good thump with his practice sword, but then decided that was unlikely to help the situation.

"What's on your mind, Jocelyn?" He enquired.

"Hmm?" She turned to him with the same pensive expression. "I'm worried about Valentine."

That simple statement had the awakening effect of a cold shower and several cups of coffee on the dark haired teen. He tried to quell a rising sense of panic.

"What about him?"

"As you may know, he and I had lecture on the nature of Idris earlier this morning, but he wasn't in class. It's probably nothing, but for as long as I've known him, he's never missed a single lesson, even when he's sick."

Luke took some calming breaths. Maybe Valentine had overslept after last night's activities. The notion made Luke feel guilty, but somewhat pleased.

"I'll see if he's in his room after this. I'm sure it's nothing," he asserted.

Jocelyn nodded and raised her practice sword. Luke prepared himself for the inevitable onslaught.

After the lesson was over, Luke limped to Valentine's room. Distracted or not, Jocelyn had still thrashed him. He knocked at the door and waited. There was no reply. He fidgeted for a moment before knocking again. When there was still no reply fourth coming, his heart began to beat a little faster.

He told himself that it was nothing and that he had obviously just missed Valentine. He consoled himself that he would see his teacher at breakfast and laugh at his own paranoia. However he had an indefinable feeling that something was wrong and the adrenaline in his system didn't seem to dissipate. This was worrying because his instincts for discord were seldom wrong.

Valentine was not a breakfast. To Luke, it was more an unpleasant confirmation than a surprise. He began to interrogate the Circle. None of them seemed know anything useful. Hodge had been reading late and had thought he had seen someone leaving the grounds, but it could have been anyone.

Luke was guiltily pleased that Valentine hadn't confided in one of them, but his concern intensified. In desperation he asked Valentine's favourite teacher if he knew anything. The old Shadowhunter sighed and put down his spoon.

"Last night, Valentine received some… distressing news. If he isn't attending class that is quite understandable, I assure you."

"What sort of news?" Luke demanded.

"I don't know if it's my place to say anything, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough."

"Please tell me. Please, I'm worried about him. I know you're his favourite teacher."

There was another sigh from the demonology lecturer. "Well it isn't really a secret, I suppose. Valentine's father was killed in a routine raid. Your friend is probably just mourning. He seemed quite distraught when he found out."

Luke was stunned. He took a seat and stared at his breakfast. The news would have hit Valentine hard. He begged for the rest of the day off and his request was grudgingly fulfilled due to his usual work ethic. He didn't want to have to explain things. It would feel like breaking confidence.

Luke spent the day worrying and ruminating in his room. He finally fell asleep in the early evening. His dreams were filled with half remembered deaths.

The next morning Luke was spared the task of explaining to the Circle and Jocelyn what had happened. The news had gotten out over dinner while he had been in his room. Valentine's father had been a well respected Shadowhunter. People often claimed that Valentine had taken after him in terms of prowess and dedication.

There was no word from Valentine at all. The Circle still met out of habit, but most of the time was spent theorising on where Valentine was and what he was doing. The majority assumed he had gone for vengeance and intended to take on the entire werewolf pack by himself. Others insisted that he was holding his own private funeral or some sort of vigil.

Jocelyn refused to take part in the conjecture and Luke was grateful for it. It was disrespectful for them to play their little guessing games and Luke soon stopped attending the meetings altogether.

Luke was dejected. He worried about Valentine constantly and couldn't focus on his studies. The rest of the Circle was cautious around him. They treated him like glass that was liable to shatter and probably injure others in the process. Jocelyn tried to be understanding and Luke's obvious discomfort moved her to sympathy, but Luke was inconsolable.

(-)

It was a full week before Valentine returned. Luke had been dozing fitfully in his room when he was woken by the sound of someone entering. He vaulted to his feet when he recognised who it was.

"Valentine, are you-" he begun.

His teacher held up hand for silence.

"Lucian."

Luke scrutinised his teacher and was troubled by what he saw. Valentine looked haggard. He was too pale and clearly hadn't had much sleep or even food by the look of him. There was a familiar fire in his eyes, but now it seemed to burn cold. Even his usually smooth voice was rough.

Luke hesitated. He wanted to embrace his teacher and offer what comfort he could, but Valentine didn't look like he would appreciate the contact. The older teen took a step forward and Luke felt the absurd desire to take a step back.

"I want you, Lucian. Now."

"Of- of course. Are you sure you're okay though?" Luke was getting a little nervous.

Valentine gave his student a feral grin. "No. But you need not concern yourself, yet."

Two more steps and Valentine was right beside him. Luke swallowed. Now he was really worried about Valentine.