I'm really sorry this came out so late, but I've just been swamped with exams and homework. Also, though I hate saying this, I have more exams next week, so I might not be posting another chapter then. However, after Friday, I'm officially on Spring Break, and will be free to update again! Sorry for the inconvenience.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jace

Life in the manor house turned out to be as miserable as Jace had predicted. The first week was marked by Jonathan's order that they both rise early to get breakfast ready for him. Once they had eaten, Jace was to return to the kitchen to clean and prepare lunch while Clary was taken outside for training. Usually, while lunch sat, Jace would go to the upper level of the house and steal into Jonathan's room, where he could watch the goings on from the window. Though he checked the room thoroughly for any stray weapons or means of escape, Jonathan had proven rather thoughtful, and had most likely locked them in the study downstairs, the one room Jace and Clary were forbidden to go, and was sealed with a set of powerful runes. With nothing else to occupy him, Jace looked down on Clary, fighting the urges to both run down and stop Jonathan hurting her, and hurt Jonathan himself. The longer he sat, Jace realized, the more the anger festered, and he was concerned that his inactivity was breeding anger.

When Clary was with him, though, Jace found he was more relaxed, and in much better control of his anger; or perhaps it was just that he channeled so much of it into protecting Clary when she was around him. Either way, he craved Clary presence more than ever, and envied the time Jonathan spent with her.

When he wasn't watching Clary train or preparing meals, Jace spent most of his time in the sitting room, pouring over books, practicing his runes, anything to keep his mind from the boredom. It was difficult since the previous owners of the house had only kept history texts and he was well-versed in runes already. He wondered vaguely if there might be a pack of cards, something, to keep him occupied. As the week drew to a close, however, Jonathan called both Clary and Jace before him in his study. As they entered, he carefully crumbled up a letter and tossed it in the fire.

"A message from Valentine," said Jonathan indifferently. "He'll be arriving tomorrow in the early afternoon, and he'll be leaving in the evening." Jace smirked at the look of displeasure on Jonathan's face; he knew how badly the other boy wanted to go. He shot Clary a look. "You are to dress appropriately for the occasion and he'll be expecting a short demonstration of the skills you've been practicing this last week."

"And which skills is he referring to?" asked Clary sweetly. "The ones about allowing you to break my rib, or are you referring to my broken fingers I write so well with?"

Jonathan's dark eyes gleamed. "If you fail to live up to his expectations, I will personally see that you are punished."

"It's the personal touch that matters," said Clary with another cheery smile, but Jace nudged her gently. He could feel Jonathan's patients wearing thin.

"And me?" asked Jace.

"What about you?" Jonathan snapped, relishing the joy he took in reminding Jace he was nothing more than a replacement. "You're to do as you've been doing: keep this place running. I'm sure Valentine will expect a nice meal."

"That's all?" Jace said, keeping his voice level to hide his fury. "No other word of what's to become of us?"

"This is what's to become of you." Jonathan gestured around the room. "You'll stay out there in the country, away from the eyes of the public, away from the eyes of your friends, from anyone who might care for you. If you've truly infuriated Valentine, perhaps he'll leave you out here forever."

Not as long as the Lightwoods are out there, I won't, thought Jace with a little pleasure. He knew that even now, Isabelle and Alec would be slaving away, trying to find a way to end Valentine's rein and rescue them.

"Is that all you wanted?" Clary asked when Jace said nothing more.

"Yes, now get out my sight." Jonathan waved them away, and then returned to a number of documents before him.

As they left, Clary wondered, "What is he working on, do you think?"

"I'm sure Valentine has him keeping up on Clave business," said Jace as he led her up the tight staircase to their room. "There doesn't seem to the be a point in wasting such a resource, even if it's out here."

Clary threw open the door to their room and collapsed on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She was sore from a day's training, and her muscles were begging for a warm bath and rest. "Do you think Valentine is actually going to come tomorrow?"

"He said he would." Jace joined Clary on their bed, but he sat up and took her leg in his hands, mindlessly rubbing the calf muscle.

Clary was silent a moment and Jace wondered what was passing through her mind. After a time, she said, "Do you think my mom will come with him?"

Jace's hand continued to massage her leg, but he put more pressure behind it, and she gasped. "I don't know. I suppose it depends on Jocelyn's temper to all of this; if she went along with it, maybe he'll let her come. But…"

"But if she put up a fight," said Clary, and she sat up too, and Jace saw her eyes were sparkling with tears, "then he'll keep her locked away in Alicante until she gives in."

"It's not a certainty," said Jace reasonably, but he still frowned. "You mother had a unique control over him; he loves her like nothing else. Who knows, maybe she can convince him to let us back. I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't trying it right now."

Clary met his gaze and though Jace wanted her to believe him, he was used to seeing her eyes darken with disappointment, and was unsurprised when they did. "I'm going to go take a shower."

"Be quick," said Jace, releasing here. "You'll need a good night's sleep if you want to impress Valentine tomorrow."

As Clary left, Jace settled back on the bed and closed his eyes. It's possible Jocelyn has won him over…it's possible he's going to let us back soon. I've never met anyone he cared for so much. It unsettled him that all his childhood he'd loved his father, and now he knew he would never get that back from Valentine. Why are you still kidding yourself about it? You've known for a while now he didn't like you…you should have known since he dumped you on the Lightwoods.

The thought of the Lightwoods brought up a storm of memories, and not all of them pleasant. He felt that anger bubbling up inside him when his mind turned to Max, and his hands were clenched in fists when Clary returned. She looked oddly sweet, standing in a robe too big for her with dripping hair. When her eyes landed on Jace, she offered him a smile.

"All the hot water is gone," said Clary smugly. "Hope Jonathan hasn't showered yet."

"You vindictive little witch," said Jace warmly, and he felt his anger uncoil and he was happy again. "Come here."

Clary joined him on the bed, and they snuggled against each other. "I suppose I'll have to wear that dress," said Clary with disgust. Valentine had given her one outfit to wear for special occasions, and it was a dress Clary detested.

"It's not horrible," Jace said kindly. "I like it."

"Well, you don't have to wear it," Clary snapped back smartly.

"True, but I have to see it on you," Jace said, and kissed her nose. "Come on, sleep, you'll have to be well-rested for tomorrow."

Clary sank against him and tried to think of something that would help her sleep, but she was haunted by the thought of her mother, and what might have happened to her. Jace, who was holding her, could feel the tension in her body, and he comfortingly rubbed her back. Bit by bit, minute by minute, Clary slipped into sleep. Jace, however, lay awake, thinking over what tomorrow might bring. While he was sure there would be no end to the humiliation, he wasn't sure it would be all his own; carefully, he shifted and held her tighter.

Clary

The morning sun touched her face, but Clary was already awake, staring up at the ceiling, wondering what the day would hold. She tried to cling to the last vestiges of sleep warmth that clung about her, but now it was far too late for her to find sleep again, and she sat up. As her side, Jace was still sleeping, and she caught a rare glimpse of him as he was in his vulnerable moments: young, handsome, sweet. She smiled faintly and then swung her legs around and crept from the bed.

Make yourself look good, make sure you look suitable, don't give him reason to hurt you mother or Jace, Clary told herself as she pushed through her meager clothing. Her wardrobe had been limited to nothing more than training gear and single gown. And your hair and your make-up, make sure you're perfect for that monster. She stared at the dress, a sun dress with a diving neckline, made of a floral print. I'm going to look like I'm eight. This is just one of his jokes.

Regardless of what it was, Clary found her way into the dress and vanished to the bathroom to get her hair and face in order. Upon her return, she found Jace stretching out on the bed, and he smiled lazily at her.

"Look at you," he said, finding her pale, thin legs adorable.

"Please don't," said Clary with a grimace and she caught sight of herself in the mirror. "I look like a kid."

"Yes, well I know better," said Jace with a sly wink and Clary rolled her eyes. "I suppose it's mid morning by now, isn't it?"

"You should get ready. We'll probably have to meet him as he arrived." Clary tossed herself down on the bed and stared out the window that looked out on the road. "I'll keep watch if you like."

"Just a moment," said Jace decidedly, and left the room.

Clary went to the window and rested her elbows on the sill so she could keep watch over anyone coming or going. In part she was glad that Jace had gone a moment, just so she could gather her nerve. She knew that with the return of her father was the return of fear; he held so much over her that it left her no alternative but to obey him.

I won't let him hurt Jace, Clary decided at once. He can do whatever he likes, but not that. Clary fidgeted uncomfortably and looked down on the road once more. She couldn't put aside the idea that her mother might be coming with Valentine, and her heart beat unevenly. Please bring my mother.

The look on Clary's face must have spoken to the longing for her mother, because when Jace returned, he said, "Are you alright? You look…sad."

Clary turned to face him and she tried to force a smile on her face but failed. "I'm hoping my mom will come today, but then maybe it's better she doesn't. I don't want her to have to see me suffer, because I know he'll hurt me, and if she was here, he'd make her watch."

Jace looked down. "Maybe it's better then."

"I know is it, I just wish it wasn't." At that moment, Clary spotted something emerging from the trees, a single figure, riding astride a single horse. Though she narrowed her eyes for a closer look, she knew who was coming. "Valentine's here."

Jace sat up straighter, like a dog on point, and then bared his teeth in a snarl. "Don't leave my side unless he makes you." He came lead Clary from the window, just as Jonathan called up for them to come downstairs.

Clary and Jace stood in the small entrance area, side to side, their eyes fixed on the door. The distant sounds of horse hooves coming up the drive, the crunch of gravel as a heavy-footed man strode toward the door, and then the turning of the handle and the groaning of the door. Clary moved a little closer to Jace, and he cast her an encouraging glance before Valentine was upon them.

"Father," said Jonathan, coming forward the shake his hand and take his coat.

Valentine smiled warmly on his son and drew him into an embrace. Clary and Jace watched, waiting for Valentine to take notice of them, but he spoke to Jonathan. "How have you taken to the country? It's nice out here, peaceful, isn't it?"

Jonathan suppressed a frown. "It is quiet."

Valentine chuckled. "I did hope you would come to enjoy it. It's something of a private domain for you, isn't it? A house, lands, even a few loyal subjects to serve you." Here, Valentine finally turned his to Clary and Jace, and his were glimmering. "Clarissa, Jace, how have you taken to your new surroundings."

Clary drew a deep breath, ready for a simple, sweet response, but Jace beat her to it. "It would be a fair bit better if you didn't keep us confined to the house."

"A complaint about the country?" Valentine drew level with them. "You always enjoyed the manor house when you were a boy. I chose this one because it was so like the other; the wide fields, the small lake, the woodland for hunting…all the things necessary for a comfortable long life."

Clary picked up the word long. "Are we to understand that you won't be taking us away from here any time soon?"

Jonathan, Clary noticed, was playing close attention. Valentine looked between Clary and Jace, and then glanced at Jonathan. "Let's take some wine in the study." Before anyone could answer, Valentine had passed by them and was in the study; they had no choice but to follow, and when they entered, they found Valentine seated behind the desk. "Jace, get some wine, Clary, Jonathan, sit down."

Jace opened his mouth to argue but Valentine shot him a dark look and he turned smartly and headed to the kitchen for the bottle. Clary watched him go and said, "If you haven't come to tell us when we'll be leaving, why have you come?"

Valentine stared at her shrewdly. "Tell me, Jonathan, does she always speak like this to you? As if she is your equal and may demand something of you?"

"Unfortunately, yes," said Jonathan, giving his sister an unhelpful look. "I've tried to break her off the habit, but I blame Jace. He allows her far too many liberties."

"I wish I could separate them, but they would both cause no end of troubles for me trying to reach one and other." Valentine smirked at Clary and she was grateful for Jace's return. "Ah, good, hurry up, boy."

Jace flushed, stalked past Clary and Jonathan, and slammed the glasses down before filling them with wine. "So, what do you want?"

Valentine looked at Jonathan hopelessly. "They are one and same."

"I can't break either of them" Jonathan agreed hopelessly. "So, you were speaking of the house and lands and our time here?"

"I was." Valentine sipped his wine. "It's rather bad news. You see, I have spoken with Jocelyn at length, and while she has agreed she behaved foolishly, she is still sympathetic to her children. And, frankly, I am uncomfortable with such behavior in my house."

Uncomfortable with your wife loving your children? Clary thought, her eyes narrowed. "That's unfortunate."

"I'm glad you agree, because I have taken steps toward ridding myself of a traitor." Jonathan met his eyes, looking pleased. "She and I have come to agree that the best thing to do is to carefully remove you so she will not fall into temptation again."

"Remove us?" Clary asked sharply. "My mother wouldn't agree-"

"Oh, she agreed," Valentine cut over her. "That's why she's not here. She has decided to cut ties with you as soon as possible and to move on with her new life. As you can imagine, that left us in quite a conundrum as to what to do with you."

"You're making her-"

"Be quiet!" Valentine snarled at Clary, and his eyes flashed and Clary fell back. "Your mother has decided that you are, indeed, a bad influence on those around you, and she will begin anew with me. Together, she and I will move forward into the bright future."

Fine, go, I don't care, thought Clary viciously. Luke will come with the Lightwoods, and they'll kill you.

When Clary glanced around at Jace, he was looking grim but unsurprised. What she did see, though, was that Jonathan seemed particularly unsettled. He cleared his throat. "That's quite a plan, father."

"I'm glad you agree, Jonathan," said Valentine evenly, and Clary frowned.

"I didn't expect Jocelyn to go along with you," he said and again, his voice was tight.

"She had good reason." Valentine sipped his wine again. "It's so much better this way: she and I, the leader of a bright new age. It's time to leave this bitterness behind us."

Jonathan opened his mouth to speak, but Jace beat him to it. "You sound very set in your future."

"I am." Valentine smirked. "It's ours. Jocelyn's and mine."

"And what of us?" Jace asked sharply. Jonathan's gaze flicked from Jace to Valentine and back again; Clary realized Jonathan had been wondering the same thing.

"Well, as you can image, it's been very bad business for the people involved," said Valentine thoughtfully. "Malachi isn't in a good way now, thanks to your Lightwoods. Jocelyn was in hysterics. I'm not pleased with you either. It seems the best thing is to remove you from the situation-"

"Which you have done," said Jace quickly over Valentine.

"-permanently."

"Permanently?" Jonathan asked swiftly.

Valentine turned back to Jonathan slowly. "I am sorry about this."

"You're not going to leave me behind?" Jonathan responded, sounding outraged. "You said yourself that once you had gone, I would be the leader."

"Yes, but that was before I saw how dire the situation was." Valentine slammed the wine glass down. "The Clave must forget the past, don't you understand? There was such darkness and pain and suffering…I understand now that for me to be the leader the Clave needs, I must rid them of the darkness."

"So you would throw us away?" Jace asked, sounding as angry as Jonathan looked.

"You are a soldier," said Valentine to no one in particular. "Our future doesn't need soldiers like you; it's needs passionate men, thoughtful men. Not monsters."

"You did this to us!" Jace snarled.

"And it was a mistake." Valentine stood just as Jonathan jumped to his feet. "I admit it was my mistake, and the fault it mine, but a mistake none the less. I should never have done it, and now, I must do my best to fix it."

"You're going to kill us?" Clary asked. "I highly doubt my mom wants her children dead."

"I'm not going to kill you," said Valentine, and he reached into his pocket and withdrew a stele. "She has asked me to spare your lives, naturally, and I agreed; however, I cannot allow for any of the three of you to return, which she, of course, agreed. You will remain here, on this land, in this house."

Clary could feel her mouth hanging open, and she saw her horror mirrored on Jace's face. "You're leaving us here…forever?"

"It is best to remove you three from the normal population." Valentine held up the stele. "In Jonathan's youth, I drew a ring of runes around the house that kept him bound there. I will do the same now, and then bind each of you to the house itself. It won't be so awful."

"It won't be so awful?" Jonathan spat. "To force us to spend the rest of our lives alone in this manor house? To never see another living being again?"

"I will come to visit occasionally," said Valentine smoothly. "Besides, you will have your sister and parabatai."

"You can't do this!" Clary shouted, wondering if there was a way to break the runes if they were permanent. "My mom doesn't want us trapped out here."

"She'd rather you here than dead," Valentine said smartly, and flicked the blade out. "All three of you are already bound to my will, and I am ordering you, to never stray from the house and land of this manor."

STAY! a voice boomed in Clary's mind. She shivered as she felt something heavy wrap around her like a vice and pull her down.

"Father, wait," said Jonathan, but Valentine raised a hand.

"I'm sorry, Jonathan, but I can't allow this anymore. I need to make amends with the Angel." He looked truly apologetic.

"How is this making amends with the Angel?" Jace asked blankly.

"It will be as if you never were," said Valentine simply. "I will not shed your blood, but it will be as if you never were."

Simon

Simon had been sitting quietly for the better part of an hour while Luke took stock of his pack, Magnus set up every protective charm he could, and Isabelle and Alec kept watch. It had been decided that staying at Magnus's was now an option, especially since Valentine had already sent a search party earlier in the month and they had deemed it abandoned; apparently, Luke's pack had been expecting him back, probably in the company of Magnus, and had watched the place regularly. As it was, they were fairly safe, though rather disorganized. Simon was beginning to think they would be telling stories all night to get everyone up to date.

Your mom probably called the police and has a manhunt out for you, thought Simon. You've been missing for months. You should go see her. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind, though, than Isabelle threw herself down on the couch beside him, looking flushed with excitement. But this war is a bit more important…especially since your friends are here. It was a poor excuse to stay with Isabelle who was more than capable of looking after herself, but he wasn't about to leave her.

"Sounds like Luke's pack has been planning an attack for the last month or so to break him out." Isabelle grinned. "It might need a bit of tinkering, but there's no reason why we won't be more than ready to attack Valentine in a few weeks."

"I'm surprised, honestly," Simon said, watching the werewolves speaking in hushed voices. "I would have thought they'd lie low a bit, hide from Valentine."

"Luke is their leader," said Isabelle simply. "They would want his input before acting, and that meant getting him back. Lucky, really."

"So we're going to take on all of Valentine's army with a pack of wolves?" Simon couldn't keep the sarcasm from his voice.

"It's more of a smaller scale than that," said Isabelle. "We're going to attack Valentine and Jonathan directly, hopefully, while they're not suspecting it. If we break Valentine's power over the shadowhunters, no one is going to come to his aid."

"You think they're up to it?" Again, Simon eyed the pack. They weren't exactly in good shape, having spent much of their time since the war in hiding. Most were looking particularly exhausted, and many were sporting a few unhealed injuries. "They look like they could use a vacation."

Isabelle laughed sharply. "No one's taking breaks until Valentine is dead."

"Will it come to that?" Simon asked.

"Why wouldn't it?"

Idiot, Simon thought to himself while Isabelle relaxed. You know he has to die. You know if he's alive, he'll be plotting, and if he's plotting, he's a risk the Clave can't take.

Simon thought he should have known better. He knew that Valentine was a man who deserved to die, and one who was only safe in his death. But it still unsettled him that at that very moment, they were plotting the death of another living being. He had never thought that he would be a participant in murder, even the murder of someone who deserved it so much.

"What are you going to do when it's over?" Simon asked to fill the silence.

"Find my parents," said Isabelle after a beat. "I know they're alive, and I know Valentine is keeping them somewhere. I'm going to find them, and we're going to go away for a while. Away from all this…" She waved at the werewolves.

"What about Jace?" Simon wondered. "He'll want to stay with Clary, I suppose."

"He's engaged to her, so I'd think so."

"He's what?" Simon felt his stomach drop out. "I didn't think-Valentine said, but-"

Isabelle remembered only too late that Simon had had feelings for Clary, and hearing that the girl he had loved was engaged to be married to another man might agitate him. She took his hand and gave it a slight squeeze. "He would have done it anyway. Jace, I mean. He would have proposed no matter what."

But still… "I just thought there'd be more time."