We arrived outside of the New York Institute with the LA Shadowhunters in tow. The structure itself was grander than the LA Institute. It was reminiscent of a gothic cathedral with grandiose windows and peaked towers. We were greeted in the front by two older Shadowhunters. The woman had blue eyes and black hair, and her resemblance to Isabelle was uncanny. Next to her was a man with slightly tanned skin. His hair was also black which nearly matched his eyes which were a deep blue.
"Maryse, Robert, lovely to see you both again," I smiled candidly, "I haven't seen you in at least a decade."
Their faces were stern, but Maryse was the first to speak, "Yes, it is good to see you as well Jeffrey. Our children said you were living in town. What brought you back to LA?"
"Oh, just to visit some old friends. Malcolm needed my help a little while back, and I met all of these lovely people," I gestured to everyone, "They decided to put in for a transfer to New York Institute, and Jordan said that he has some Praetor business in town that he needs to take care of."
"Well, we appreciate you bringing them here," Robert shook Zach's hand, "It will be great to have some extra help since demon sightings appear to be on the rise."
"I wonder why that could be," I said with a slightly sarcastic tone to gauge if they had any idea that Valentine was in New York, but it fell flat.
"As for the Praetor, I wasn't aware that anything of significance happened for us to need a member in the city," Maryse looked over to Jordan, Jeri, and Cecelia.
"Nothing has," Jordan assured her, "These two were recently turned in LA, and we thought it would be best to take them to a new environment in order to help with any possible PTSD. Also, Lucian Graymark is one of the best pack leaders in North America. We thought it would be beneficial to have these two under his wings."
"Yes, Lucian has been good," there was something in Maryse's eyes, a sadness perhaps, "I'm sure he will do well."
"Well, we should probably get settled," Amanda interrupted an awkward silence, "We would love it if you could show us around your Institute."
Maryse smiled and nodded as she led them inside followed by Robert as he shot a glance behind him through the closing door.
"You're quick on your feet," I looked at Jordan, "I think she believed it."
"Well, it is half true, but I do have other business here."
"Okay, I'll leave your housing to you. I have a Downworlder Meeting to attend."
"Be careful," Jordan gave me a shy pat on the back, "Gatherings of high up Downworlders is sure to gather Valentine's attention."
"Thank you," I shook Jordan's hand and Abby and I waved them off.
"So, how do you know the Lightwoods?" Abby asked after they were out of sight.
"Come with me," I pulled her around the corner and sent Mark a message that we were out front if he and Clary are ready. "So, the Lightwoods were part of Valentine's circle. They were some of his best friends, and that is why most of Downworld doesn't trust them to fight against him."
"But you are going to prove that they aren't working with him?"
"Yes, I suppose that I am, but it isn't going to be easy for me. It takes a lot of my strength in order to do what I'm going to have to do, and with Valentine on the loose I don't know if I really have the strength to spare."
"Well, I can help. I don't necessarily know the most advanced spells, but I can try my best to help protect you and the rest of the city."
"I think that Magnus can handle protecting the city, he is a High Warlock of New York. He is quite a bit older than me, and I don't think that there is much that he can't do."
We heard the loud creaking of the iron gate, and decide to come back around the corner to see who was exiting the Institute. Mark had somehow managed to get Clary away from Jace, or perhaps more likely get Jace away from Clary, and they were walking towards us.
"Were you able to get something?" I asked Mark as we met in the middle.
"Yes," Mark reached into his pocket and pulled out a silk scarf that was a mixture of gray, blue, and pink, "I got this from her closet. I've seen her wear a few times, and it wouldn't be suspicious if it's missing since she might just think that Isabelle borrowed it.
"Very smart," I smiled cheekily.
"I'm not sure that I'm ready to see Luke," Clary was nervous, "He seemed so stern over the phone, and it was like he didn't want to see me."
"Clary," I gave her the most sincere look I could, "I don't know Luke that well, but from what I knew of him and your mother during the Uprising, he really cares for your mother and most likely you. I'm certain that he has his reasons for why he said what he did, and he'll probably explain those reasons to you tonight."
"Thank you," she seemed to be a little happier.
"Well, we better get to Magnus's," Abby interjected, "it is getting late and I don't know if he could keep the other Downworlders entertained if we are late." She held up her hand and a shimmering portal appeared in the brick wall separating the Institute's courtyard from the streets of New York.
We all stepped through and appeared in the hallway in front of Magnus's apartment.
"Good job," I congratulated Abby, "Portals aren't easy especially considering Magnus has wards up to protect from Valentine."
We knocked on the door, and were promptly greeted by Magnus. He wore a black button up shirt with long sleeves that were covered in spirals of purple and blue. His hair stood up perfectly without a single strand out of place.
"Your late," he frowned, but let us in. Raphael was sitting in a large armchair while another man with brown hair that seemed to sit in a pile on top of his head, and wore red and black flannel shirt.
"Luke, how you been?" I walked over and shook his hand and he gave me a friendly smile.
"I've been all right, other than Jocelyn being abducted, Valentine's men coming to me for answers…" His eyes caught Clary's and his face dropped, "I am so sorry Clary. I know I must've hurt you with what I said over the phone, but Valentines men were at my bookshop when you called. I couldn't risk you coming to see me when they are poking their nose around."
Clary crossed her arms, "I don't need your protection. You and my mom thinking that is what got us into this mess in the first place. Erasing my memories, and treating me like a child…"
"I didn't want her to do those things," Luke shook his head, "She was only doing what she thought was best, but I tried telling her that the truth was the right thing to do."
"This is all lovely," Raphael interrupted, "But we are here to find out about the Lightwoods. Not to rejoice in a family reunion."
Luke shot him a sharp glare, but Magnus interrupted, "Raphael, how is everything at the Hotel Dumort? How is Camille treating you?"
"Camille is gone," Raphael's brow furrowed, "I am in charge in her stead."
"Well, that's good," Magnus sipped from a glass of wine he grabbed off of the counter, "Camille was never good at meetings." He turned to Mark and me, "Now, why don't you go ahead and show Raphael and Luke what you can do."
Mark handed me the scarf and I held it gently in my hands. I closed my eyes and tried to pull whatever I could from it. I felt my hands tighten around the fabric as I caught a faint glimmer of memory. I utilized my magic to pull it towards me, shrouding myself with its warmth as the change overwhelmed me. My scalp began to tingle as my hair began to grow rapidly. It fell just past my shoulders with a slight wave to it. My body became very tight and thin like wires. I felt composed, but there was a burning sensation behind my eyes. My heart ached as memories filled my mind. A man with short black hair walking away from me despite my pleas. Robert, looking very stern behind a desk as I yelled at him. My blood was boiling with anger, but he seemed unaffected. "I'm pregnant," I shouted just before being brought back to Magnus's living room with all eyes on me, and I felt a wetness on my cheeks as I wiped the tears away.
"How is that possible?" Raphael was the first to speak, turning to Magnus briefly.
"Well, you see, when a man and a woman love each other very much…" Magnus began.
"Not that," Luke contained a laugh, "I am sure he is referring to who or what we are looking at."
"I am a Warlock," I stated, but my voice was not my own. It was more feminine, but strong. The voice of Maryse Lightwood, "And I am a Shadowhunter. I have an ability that lets me transform into other people if I hold something that has some significance to them. If it has no significance then it takes a lot more of my energy. I am now, in every essence, Maryse Lightwood. I have access to her memories and her feelings up to the point of me transforming. Anything of significance I would know about."
"And Maryse is pregnant?" Luke raised his eyebrows, "I didn't know."
"No, she was pregnant," I corrected, "When I first transform I am often overwhelmed with their emotions and memories so things slip out. I don't want to talk about her personal life."
"Then let's get to the point," Raphael got up from his seat and approached me, but Mark drew his seraph blade. "I am not going to hurt him," Raphael glared, "What does she know about Valentine?"
"Not much," I closed my eyes and looked through Maryse's memories, trying to focus on Valentine, "There hasn't been anything since the Uprising. I'm not seeing any form of contact. No correspondence at all."
"There we have it," Magnus clapped his hands together loudly, capturing everyone's attention, "The Lightwoods are not involved with this."
"I don't know," Raphael went over to look out the window, "I don't trust Shadowhunters…"
"And who said you have to?" Clary interrupted, "I mean, you don't need the Shadowhunters to protect you. You are all extremely powerful."
"Clary," Luke got up from the couch, "Yes Downworlders are powerful, but the Shadowhunters are kind of like our police. Anything that we do could result in repercussions from them."
"Which is what I am going to stop," I assured, "I am going to speak to the Consul tomorrow to explain that Valentine is back, and try to get their help."
"You can't do that," Luke looked at Magnus and Mark, "Tell him that he can't go."
"Oh, I already nagged him about how horrible of an idea this is," Magnus sipped some more wine, "He doesn't listen to me." He gave Mark a wink.
"He is free to make his own decision," Mark reasoned, "And he won't be going alone. I am going with him."
"What?" I felt my jaw drop, "No you are not."
"Yes I am, and you can't stop me," he stuck his tongue out, "But can you go back to yourself? I prefer you over Maryse."
I closed my eyes again, and released my focus, letting the memories flow away. The burning returned behind my eyes as I felt a tear roll down my cheek.
"You're crying?"
"Sorry," I wiped the tear away and smiled, "She is more complicated than I thought. Don't be so hard on her okay."
"Umm, alright," Mark gave me an awkward look, "At least we know now that the Lightwoods are not involved with Valentine."
"Jeff," Clary had dismissed herself from talking with Luke to join us, "Could I ask you a favor?"
"Sure, what did you need?"
"If I brought you something of my mom's would you be able to find out where she is?"
"I'm sorry Clary, but it doesn't really work that way," I watched the glimmer of hope disappear from her eyes, "I would be able to access her memories, but not tell you her location or see through her eyes. I could tell you what happened to her, but I wouldn't need to transform to tell you that."
"Clary," Luke came over, "Your mom was abducted by Valentine. She was afraid that he might be back. That is why she wanted you both to go stay out at the ranch house. He sent his flunkies to me because something went wrong. They were trying to get information from me, so I had to convince them that Jocelyn and I had a fight and haven't spoke in years."
"What do you mean something went wrong?"
"I don't really know, but your mother is very smart Clary. She knows what she is doing, and if he wants something from her he isn't going to kill her."
"Not to mention his pride," Magnus added, "He is perhaps the most pride obsessed Shadowhunter I know. I wouldn't be surprised if he still loved her and wants her back."
She didn't seem happy, but Clary was a little more relieved.
"Alright, everyone should get going," Magnus snapped, creating three portals in the center of the room, "The one on the left will take you to the Institute, the center one will take you to the Jade Wolf, and the right one will be for the Hotel Dumort."
"I'll be here tomorrow morning," Mark's look was that of a stern parent, "Don't you dare leave without me."
"I wouldn't dream of it," we gave each other a tight embrace before he and Clary stepped through their portal.
"You need to be careful," Luke patted me on the back, "If the Consul doesn't like what you have to say it could end poorly."
"I think I will be okay," I smiled, "They won't want to hurt me because I'm useful."
"Everything is about usefulness with them," Raphael grimaced, "It has been nice knowing you, but I doubt that we will meet again." He stepped through the portal to the Dumort, and it vanished behind him.
"Raphael used to be kind when he was first turned. I guess the years have made him cold," Magnus frowned.
"You would know more than any of us," Luke shook Magnus's hand then turned to me, "Good luck." He departed as well, leaving Abby, Magnus, and myself.
"Is the Consul that bad?" Abby asked, "You shouldn't do anything that puts you in danger."
"He certainly isn't their worst one," Magnus went to pour more wine, "Definitely not the best either. Honestly, I haven't interacted with him much."
"Okay," Abby raised her hand and formed a portal, "Did you want me to go with you? Perhaps I can help reason with them or something?"
"No need, Mark will be with me. That should be enough."
She made for her portal, but stopped just before entering it to turn back and give me a hug, "See you soon." Her portal closed behind her.
"Well, I'm off to bed," I went over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water, "I'll see you in the morning?"
"Yes, I'll see you off. Then I think I might ask that Lightwood boy out on a date," Magnus grinned.
"Oh really?" I laughed a little, "What are you going to do?"
"I haven't decided yet, and it all depends on if he accepts."
"Well then, I think you need more luck than me."
We both laughed as I retired to my room for some much needed rest.