Maryse stood impatiently by the front door. The meeting had ended hours ago and she was very unsettled with the choice she had to make. Three loud bangs on the door drew her attention; she carefully drew the rune to open it.

As the door creaked open it was as if the night filtered into the Institute, bringing the cold and stink of the city in with it. The figure that stepped through the darkness into the dimly lit nave would bring chills to the heart of even the bravest of Shadowhunters.

"John," Maryse said evenly as he stepped inside.

"Maryse," The tall thin man said, taking off his dark top hat. He shrugged off his long black coat hanging it on one of the many hooks that lined the wall. The stark white of his shirt against the dark vest he was wearing made his face look even paler. His light green eyes seemed to glow eerily in the dim witchlight. "I was surprised to get your call. What would a Institute guardian need with a banished warlock?"

"I'm calling in the favor you once owed my mother." Maryse replied. "Please, come into my office so that we may speak."

John nodded running a thin hand through his dark hair. It fell into perfect waves on his head.

"Still magically combing your hair," Maryse said. "I thought you'd given up on that."

"Just because one is banished doesn't mean one should give up on good personal hygiene." John said smiling. "I am sorry for your loss."

"My loss?" Maryse asked looking surprised.

"Your son," John replied. "I understand the miscreant Sebastian was the cause of his demise."

"Yes," Maryse said quietly. "He was murdered."

"I am truly sorry for that." John murmured.

Maryse opened the door to her office and led him inside. "This is the purpose of your visit. The Clave fears that he will return."

"Return," John asked sounding confused. "He was slain by Heavenly Fire by the Fairchild girl from the accounts I've heard."

"He was…" Maryse agreed. "However the demon Lilith changed him, now he hangs in limbo and the Unseelie Queen wishes to bring him back from the nether."

"Sebastian was a Shadowhunter, how can this be?" John said leaning against the wall.

"Lilith changed his blood in a blood binding ritual between Sebastian and my son Jace. His blood was further changed when he created the second cup." Maryse explained. "He made Dark Shadowhunters by mingling his blood with Lilith's purifying the demon blood Valentine fed Jocelyn when she was pregnant."

"I see, this story has many twists." John murmured.

"Now Clary Fairchild carries the child of my son, the Unseelie Queen took her wishing to raise the child she was impregnated with by Sebastian. She was unable to carry the child because of its Shadowhunter blood. It was mystically reborn in Clary's womb. It is by this child she chooses to raise Sebastian's soul."

"One child?" John asked.

"Two…" Maryse said holding up her fingers. "One light and one dark."

"And they are inextricably linked…" John finished. "What is it you wish from me?"

"The Consul wishes the pregnancy terminated, the parents are…." Maryse began.

"Less than willing." John finished. "I understand."

"If there were a way to end the pregnancy and make it look as natural as possible and not suspect." Maryse said.

John nodded. "I understand what you are asking. And of course payment would be…"

"In any reasonable form you wish." Maryse said cutting him off.

"Yes…" John mused. "I don't suppose you would be able to get me unbanished."

Maryse shook her head. "I'm sorry, no. I hold no power with the Spiral Labyrinth."

"It was worth asking." John replied his lips quirking up into a grin. "I will do as you ask, if you will pay in gold."

Maryse nodded. "I will. I am sure the Consul will be grateful."

"I'm sure she will." John agreed. "Please take me to the Fairchild girl. I promise it will be painless."

"Thank you." Maryse said quietly.