Chapter Twenty Four

Jace POV

We all sit in an unorganized huddle around Magnus's living room. Isabelle is asleep on Simon's chest, his head leaned back and eyes staring blankly, and Stephen is sprawled along the couch. Chairman Meow lays against his side, keeping a watchful eye on anyone who gets too close to the sleeping boy.

Every so often there's a noise from Magnus and Alec's room, but neither of them exit. The warlock refuses to leave until Alec wakes up, muttering about how it was his fault to the point that none of us could stand to be around him anymore. Since then a few more have joined our group, including a tired looking Jordan and Maia and an impatient Jocelyn. She's anxious to get going and join the others at the portal Magnus agreed to open.

I let out a controlled breath. Inside I feel like my stomach is about to explode with nervousness. Outside I force myself to appear calm. Every tick of the clock reminds me of another wasted minute we could be using to find Clary.

The last time we bothered checking the tracker Magnus made out of the note he sent her she was still in Idris but was moving towards the border. If we didn't move soon she could end up anywhere. The thought makes me so nervous I feel like puking.

"Jace, for the last time," Maia growls, eyeing me with a dark eye from under Jordan's arm, "if you don't stop tapping your foot I will bite it off. You'll be forced to stay home then."

I swallow against the lump in my throat. "Sorry," I mutter, placing a hand on my jittery foot. It's very early in the morning and everyone except for me and Simon are trying to get some last minute rest. I know I should be too considering the fact I have a very important job to do once we find Clary and manage to separate her from Sebastian.

Jocelyn, who has been woken by our spit, lets out a sigh. "If Alexander does not hurry up I'm leaving without him." She snaps, tossing her hair over her shoulder. It's a darker red than Clary's but it is not hard to see her mother in her. She resembles her as much as Sebastian resembles Valentine.

"That's a tad hard to do if you don't have a consenting warlock, Jocelyn." A bored voice exclaims. We turn to look, surprise rippling through me. Magnus has finally appeared.

She flushes a shade of red that rivals her hair. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that-"

He waves a hand, smirking. "No blood no foul. And in regard to Alexander he's currently preparing himself. He's fine."

Isabelle, startled awake by all the voices, blinks at the warlock. "Can I see him?"

The door swings open, a battle-ready Alec clad in all black stepping into the room. He gives Magnus a heated look then turns to face us. He spreads his arms, looking awkward. "Good as new," he declares shyly.

I stand up, letting my eyes wander over him, looking for injuries like I've done for years. It seems like he's right. There's no sign he was ever sick.

Walking up to him, I bluntly tug at his collar, revealing his parabatai rune. It's a pale grey color but it's still intact. "What's that mean?" I ask, but the question is aimed at Magnus.

He shrugs, watching as Alec timidly pulls his shirt back up. "Im not exactly sure. As far as I can tell you're still connected to each other. The link would've broke if he's become a Downworlder or a mundane. But I'm not exactly an expert on Shadowhunter runes."

Stepping away from Alec I walk to the sorted pile of weapons. When Simon had grown bored of sitting around he'd decided to help me sort them. I tuck a dagger into my belt beside the seraph blade already dangling from it. My stomach twists with a nervous anticipation.

Turning to the group behind me I feel my face light up in a grin. Their expressions range from sleepiness to fear. It's finally time. Rolling my shoulders, I call out to them.

"Who's ready to kick some ass?"

Simon POV

We line up along the abandoned building, waiting as one by one our pitifully small rescue party slips through the portal Magnus conjured. Taking a long breath I turn my head to the side, shivering even though I don't feel the cold.

I'm standing by myself. Alec and Isabelle are speaking in quiet voices a few feet in front of me and Jace is saying goodbye to Stephen, who looks like he's ready to burst into tears. Even though it's rude to eavesdrop I do, pretending to be interested in my finger nails as they speak.

Stephen sniffles, small hand holding on to Jace's arm. "Don't go Daddy," he pleads. "Don't go missing like Mommy. What if I can't find you?"

Jace looks his son in the eyes, a smile plastered on his face. I can see right through it. He's trying hard not to cry. Very hard. "I promise that wherever I go I will never be too far away, Steph. I'll always come back for you."

"Promise?"

Jace nods. "I promise. I love you, you know." He hugs his boy to him and I can see the wounded look in his eyes. He's torn in half - not wanting to leave Stephen but wanting to get Clary home. I can't imagine the feeling.

Stephen hugs him back then wipes his eyes with his sleeve. He's wearing a green shirt too big for him, and the ends roll over his small hands. "I know. I love you too. Go get Mommy now." He instructs, letting go of his father. I know that one of Luke's pack who is too young to go to the fight is taking him to Maryse at the Institute as soon as we portal away. At least he'll be safe.

Jace shoves his hands in his pockets, walking to where I lean. He looks vulnerable for once. Unsure of what to say I take a different approach. "Nervous?"

"Incredibly," he answers in a weak voice. We watch in silence as the young werewolf carries Stephen to Luke's truck, tucking him into the front seat. Freaky Pete sits in the box, half morphed into his wolf form. I know it's for defense but it's still frightening. Slowly they drive away, Stephen's gold eyes following us for as long as they can.

Then he's gone, and it's Alec's turn to portal. I watch him as he walks stiffly to the blue entrance, pausing to kiss Magnus. I feel like I've intruded on a private moment, but as soon as it starts it's over, and he's slipping through and over. Isabelle goes next and then it's my turn.

I force myself to remain collected as I walk up to the shimmering surface. Magnus raises an eyebrow at my hesitation. "I'm not kissing you too," he teases.

"What is with everyone and offering to kiss me?" I mutter, sliding towards the portal. Behind me Jace laughs. At last I step through, closing my eyes at the falling momentum. When I land it knocks the breath out of me but I know that Jace will be coming through any second and force myself to roll a few feet away.

A hand wedges into my own, yanking me to my feet. I'm handed a bow and a quiver, which I sling over my shoulder. Alec's blue gaze burns into mine. "Take it and use it," he says, handing me three daggers of varying lengths. I tuck them into my pockets, feeling uneasy. "You're quite skilled with a bow if I remember."

"I'm no Shadowhunter." I say, ducking my head. Alec doesn't answer, moving to the next person down the line. Moments later Jace thumps to the ground, rolling gracefully to his feet. I notice he's already loaded with weapons, belt and pockets bulging, yet he still manages to gain a few more off Alec.

He walks over to me, twirling a slim dagger that glows wickedly in the pale light. I'm not exactly sure what time it is in Idris but I'd assume it was close to sunrise. I'm instantly glad I'm not jet lagged from our travel.

"You ready?" Jace asks, smoothing the front of his battle shirt. It's cropped along the arms, and I know it's so he can ignite himself easier when the time comes.

"I was born ready," I answer, and we both laugh. I am glad we can spare a comic moment. Nothing will be comic in a matter of hours.

It's finally time to get back what is and always will be ours. Clary.

Sorry about the lack of Clary POV but the next chapters will almost all be her point of view. Thank you for reading and reviewing!