Morgenstern and Herondale

The ghostly silent brother glided silently into the living room. I quickly stood up from the sofa and grabbed Jace's hand—it comforted me. Jace snaked his arm around my waist and greeted the silent brother. His name was Brother Jeremiah or something…I was too nervous to pay attention.

Clarissa Herondale, the silent brother spoke in my head. I peered at Jace and his eyes were worried, fixed on my face; he couldn't hear the brother, only I could.

Do you know why Jace called? I sighed. He is worried for no reason and—

The silent brother stirred, almost uncomfortable to be here. Jace was right to summon us. The child is incredibly difficult to be around.

I frowned and gulped. Child?

The silent brother nodded slowly; I was increasingly becoming scared. There is no doubt that you are pregnant, Clarissa Herondale. When was the child conceived?

My eyebrows knitted together. There couldn't be a child! Last…night.

There must be some mistake. The silent brother's cloak rustled.

My eyes widened and I turned my face to Jace's; he looked worried and confused. There is no mistake. Last night…was the only time.

Clarissa Herondale, I must return to the silent brothers for conference and information. I have an idea of what might be going on, but I need extra confirmation. The silent brother nodded, and, with that, turned and walked away.

When the silent brother was gone, Jace immediately turned to me and grabbed my shaking shoulders. "What did he say? Are you okay? What's going on?"

I smiled slightly at Jace's erratic behaviour. "Calm down," I told him. I looked into his honey-coloured eyes and said, "He's gone to confer with the other silent brothers. In fact, he's probably having a coffee break."

Jace grinned and sat on the sofa, dragging me down too. I rested my head on his shoulder. "What else did he say?" Jace inquired.

"Don't panic." I smiled. "But he thinks there's a baby…" I looked down at my tummy and blushed.

"Why the hell would I panic?" Jace laughed and grabbed me, yanking me onto his lap. He nuzzled his face into my neck and I giggled. "That's one of the best pieces of news I've heard!" Jace put his hands on my belly. "Can you imagine a little Jace Junior in there?"

"It could be a girl!" I laughed.

Jace shrugged. "Girl, boy, I don't care."

We sat like that for hours, just soaking in each other's company.