Hello! Things have been veryyyyy busy these past few weeks and I have found that I've had no time to write, and that I also wasn't sure what I wanted to write. This isn't my favorite chapter that I've written, but I hope you'll like it just the same. And for those of you that hate conflict and tension, like me, I think you'll be appeased next chapter. Things should start to turn around soon.

I hope everyone is doing well and I will do my best to get the next update out soon. Thank you sooooo much for all your reviews, favorites, and follows. They mean the world to me.

On with the story!

Please read, enjoy, and REVIEW!

Disclaimer: The characters and settings belong to Cassandra Clare, the author of The Mortal Instruments. The songs belong to their respective artists, producers, etc.


Songs in this chapter:

"Never Say Never" by the Fray. Used in scene 1, with Clary's decision and the flashback

"Lost It All" by Jill Andrews. Used in the second part, Jace in the coffee shop

"Another Love" by Tom Odell. Used in the ending scene.


Chapter 15

A sharp knock sounded from the outside of the cold, gray room. Clary, who was no longer tied up, but lying down on the unforgiving mattress in the corner of the room sat up. How ironic, she thought, that he was knocking. It's not as if she had any choice to let him in.

The door opened, and Valentine strutted in. "Good morning, Clarissa Fray. How are you doing? I trust you've slept well?" He asked politely. Something about this calming politeness absolutely enraged Clary. She bit back her harsh words, and said nothing instead.

"No matter," Valentine said, with a wave of his hand. He sat down in a chair, facing Clary, and leaned forward. "So, I trust you have an answer for me?" He looked at her expectantly.

Clary took a deep breath. She played with the ring on her right hand. It was a silver ring with a green emerald stone. Her mother gave it to her as a gift, before she left.

2 months earlier…

Clary and Jocelyn were sitting in the family room, while some indie music played on the stereo.

"Clary." Jocelyn said. Clary looked up from her sketchbook at her mother.

"What's up, mom?" Clary said, curiosity creeping into her voice. Jocelyn smiled at her, and said,

"Come here." Clary got up and came to sit next to her mother on the opposite couch. Clary always loved the bright red couches. They were so colorful and fit the Frays' personalities. Jocelyn smiled, sighed, and cupped Clary's face in her hand. "You're so beautiful, Baby."

"Mom, what's up? Are you okay? Are you going to tell me I'm secretly some demon-fighting superhero with a secret life? Some crazy lifestyle I inherited from you?" Clary joked. Jocelyn laughed, and then said mock-seriously,

"Clary, don't be ridiculous. You know none of the stories are true." They both laughed, and Jocelyn reached out to squeeze Clary's hand. She continued, saying, "No. What I wanted to say was, well, actually— I wanted to give you something instead." Jocelyn got up and disappeared into her studio. When she reappeared, she was holding a little burgundy cloth bag.

She sat down back in her spot on the couch and handed the bag to Clary. "Here, baby." Clary looked up at her mother with bright green eyes.

"Mom… What is this?" Clary asked genuinely. She never was one for material gifts or expensive presents, and from the intricate design on the bag, Clary thought it was going to be something like that.

"Just open it." Clary obeyed, and turned the contents out into her palm. A beautiful ring rolled out. It was silver with an intricate carving in the metal that appeared to be flowers. The stone in the center was an oval-cut shining green emerald, which was as bright as the Frays' eyes.

"Mom…" Clary started, speechless.

"Hear me out. It was your grandmother's ring. No, no. Not from your grandfather. She bought it for herself, when she was your age. She bought it to remind herself that she was strong, independent, and determined. She did not need anyone to take care of her. Whatever life threw at her, she handled it with grace and fearlessness. She knew who she was, which is something that so few people in this world can say. I see so much of her in you each day. It breaks my heart that she is no longer here, and that you never got the chance to know her. But I know she would want you to have it.

"When I was your age, 18, she gave it to me. She told me that no matter where I was, no matter who I was with, and no matter what had happened to me, I would always have myself. I would always have my strength, my faith, and my integrity. No one could ever take those things away from me. And she was right. Clary, you know better than anyone that life has not been easy on me. But it's never kept me down. And that's why I'm giving it to you now.

"You are special. You're such a beautiful soul, and you're just as strong, independent, and fearless as your grandmother was. I admire you so much. I want you to have this ring as a tangible reminder of all that you are. Do not ever forget who you are.

"Most importantly, never forget where the strength comes from. It comes from love, Clary. I don't mean romantic love. I mean love, in general. Having people who want the best for you. The love I have for you, the love you have for me. No matter what comes, in this life or the next, you will have love. For Simon, for Jace, for your family. For yourself. Yes, you are independent. But do not be afraid to love, and to love completely. That love will give you more strength than you could ever imagine."

Back to Present…

Jocelyn's voice rang through Clary's head as she twirled the ring on her finger. Brought back to her harsh reality, she took a deep breath. She looked up at Valentine and smiled sadly at him. His question was never one she considered. There was nothing to decide. Ultimately, there was only one choice.

"My answer is no." He took a sharp breath in. Clary assumed Valentine was not often surprised, but for a very brief, very strange second, she saw in his eyes a flash of shock turn into rage, which turned into ice. "I won't help you. You can do whatever you want, but I will never hurt him." She took a breath, without shakiness, this time, and continued. "You might think you can tear me down, drive me to madness inside these four little walls. But you Will. Not. Break. Me. You messed with the wrong girl, Mr. Morgenstern." She spat viciously, her words seething with rage.

It was like something finally broke inside of her. When she replayed Valentine's words in her head, and remembered her grandmother's ring, she knew who she was. She was strong. She was fearless. She was independent. She never needed anyone to take care of her, or rescue her. She was anything but a damsel in distress, and she sure as hell would not be someone's pawn.

But, she would be lying to herself if she didn't admit part of the reason for her refusal to Valentine. It all came down to one simple fact. Clary loved Jace. Yes, in the romantic, boyfriend-girlfriend way, but more so in the "she-couldn't-imagine-a-world-without-him-and-she-would-die-for-him-way." While he clearly no longer felt that way about her, she wasn't ashamed that that's how she felt about him.

Love made her strong.


Jace was sitting at a table inside a small cafe, nestled into the corner. He was wearing a disguise, sunglasses, baseball cap, and a black hoodie. He was intently staring into his coffee cup in front of him, which he wrapped his hands around, as if he was trying to absorb the warmth from it, despite the warm breeze coming from the patio.

Even though it was autumn, it was still remarkably warm outside for this time of year. But that didn't matter to Jace. His entire body had been cold since Clary had gone missing.

He stared into his coffee, looking at the swirls slowly move. The cafe was quiet at this time of morning; it was only 6:00 am after all.

Jace knew if he waited until everyone awoke, he most likely would've been forced to stay inside. The threat was still imminent, and still unknown.

But he had to get out. He was stuck in those walls for so long, just replaying the painful memories on repeat in his whirling mind. He appreciated being in a public place. He could hear the chatter of an elderly couple a few tables over. He could hear the baristas loud music blasting through his earbuds, as he scrubbed the tables in the cafe.

It was as if, for a split second, he could pretend he was someone else. He could pretend that everything was fine.

But it wasn't fine. They still hadn't found Clary, and it had been a week and a half. But no one was giving up, to Jace's relief. Security was combing the country, looking for potential suspects and locations where she might be held.

The only clues they had were the ones left by the anonymous caller to Jace's burner phone. And Clary's bracelet, of course. Which Jace kept in his pocket since that day.

Jace desperately needed something. To know she was alive. To know she was okay. To know that she knew that he still completely, infinitely, and irrevocably loved her. And while he willed himself to have faith, he was beginning to lose his.

"Something fall in your drink?" A quiet, silky voice said. Jace, jerked out of his reverie, looked up. He was met with a striking face in front of him, belonging girl, who looked about his age. She had exquisite platinum blonde hair, that sometimes seemed more white than blonde. She wasn't short, but she wasn't very tall either. Her skin was absolutely flawless, free of any blemishes. Her eyes were a bright, bright blue, gazing at him curiously. The corners of her pink lips were turned up in just a hint of a playful smile.

"Something on my face, too?" She teased, still not displaying a full smile. Jace shook his head,

"No, I- I mean no. Nothing on your face." Jace said. He never stuttered. But something about this girl threw him off. And he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

"Good." She said smugly, and sat down across from him. "Now, what's bothering you?" She asked plainly, sipping her own mug. Jace looked down at the untouched cup of coffee in front of him, which had grown cold. He shifted uncomfortably, and began to fiddle with his family crest ring on his left hand. His was the only ring in the world; the Herondale's family crest was very rare and each member of the family had the crest on a different piece of jewelry or clothing. Jace just so happened to pick a ring. He also happened to have a nervous habit of playing with it.

"Pardon me, miss, but I don't know you. Why would I tell you what's going on?" He asked sincerely. She gave a soft laugh.

"Forgive me. You're right. I didn't mean to intrude. It's just…" She softly sighed. "I recognize heartbreak when I see it, especially… on someone as… unusually heartbroken as you."

"Are you calling me a manwhore?"

"No, no! That's not-" The girl quickly sputtered.

"Relax. I'm just kidding. I really look that miserable?" Jace said casually, trying to keep his voice devoid of all emotion. He wasn't sure why he hadn't gotten up to leave yet, and why he was continuing to talk to this strange girl. But, he was still sitting down, wasn't he?

"Uh… Absolutely. So," She took another sip from her mug, and leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table. "You want to tell me about the stupid girl who broke your heart?"

Jace immediately stiffened. He dropped the ring on the table, no longer twisting it in his fingers. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched. "If you'll excuse me, miss." He began to get up to leave, but she quickly reached over and grabbed his wrist before he could walk away. Her grip on his wrist felt cold, empty, and wrong.

"Wait! I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to assume anything, or to offend you. I was just trying to help." She sounded sincere, Jace thought. But still, something was just so strange about her… strangely familiar, could it be? Jace simply nodded, and she released his wrist.

"No worries. But I'm afraid I must be going now. Good day," Jace paused, looking at her. He still didn't know her name. She smiled back up at him, her strangely blue eyes sparkling.

"Serena."

"Good day, Serena."

When he was out of earshot, Serena said, "Goodbye, Prince Herondale." Clearly his disguise hadn't worked. She reached over to his table, where he had forgotten his ring. She picked it up and put it on her finger, smiling down at her hand. "And thank you for making this oh-so-easy."


"Come on now, Clarissa. Reconsider your decision." Valentine said calmly.

Immediately after she rejected his offer, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. About an hour or two later, Clary assumed by the amount of sunlight filtering through the single barred window, he came back in the room, with his regained composure.

Clary simply stared up at him. He was wasting his time, she thought. She was done with "cooperating."

"Valentine. I'm sorry that you went through what you did. It seems like you had a really tough life, you know, murdering your own wife and all. So excuse me, if I don't have the least bit of sympathy for the monster who kidnapped me." Clary spat. Valentine let out a humorous laugh.

"Oh Clarissa. You're quite the character, aren't you?" He softly sighed. "You cannot say I'm unreasonable. I tried to get you to join the team. But you still said no. So, now, it's time for plan B."

"What's plan B?" Clary asked, taking the bait. Valentine smiled a most evil smile, which sent chills down her spine.

"All in due time, Clarissa." And with that, he exited the room again.


"What do you mean there's no trace of them?!" Jace exclaimed, to a room full of security agents and advisors.

"Your Highness, we've searched every inch of this country. There's nothing suspicious." A quiet voice responded, belonging to a short nearly-balding man, standing up from his seat. As Jace looked out from the front window of the room, in which the case briefing was held, he paced angrily across the front of the room.

"Every inch?" Jace pressed, refusing to accept nothing.

"Every inch of ground, Your highness."

Just then, a sound erupted from the violent opening of the door, "But did you search every inch below ground?" A voice suggested.

Jace immediately looked over to see Magnus entering the room. "Magnus? What do you mean?"

Magnus approached the front of the room. "As soon as I heard what had happened to Clary, I reached out to a few of my closest contacts to see if they had any ideas or suggestions about how to find her. One of my dearest friends, Ragnor Fell, gave me a piece of critical information. He told me of a secret bunker he had built in the depths of the Brocelind Forest." That was met with gasps of surprise and fear from the room.

Magnus continued, "Yes, I know. We all know the legends of the Brocelind Forest, and the many beasts that roam its paths. However, isn't that exactly the sort of place an abductee would be kept? Ragnor drew out a map, and how to get to his secret bunker. But he also told me that there would probably be several traps around it, as well as security to alert the captor of our presence."

"Well, what are we waiting for?! If Clary's in there, I'm getting her out, now." Jace yelled.

"We must be smart about this. We need to do our research before we go into battle." Magnus said.

"Screw that! It's been a week and a half, and this is our first lead! I'll go by myself if that's what it takes." Jace said angrily.

"No, you won't, Jace. Don't you realize you'll just put her in more danger? They most likely want something from you if they're keeping her. If you go in, and we alert them that we know about them, they won't have a purpose to… keep her alive any longer." Magnus gently tried to explain to Jace.

Jace's stomach dropped. "You mean if she isn't dead already," He said bitterly. Magnus, the ever-kind soul, reached out and placed his jewelry-ridden hand on Jace's shoulder.

"Jace," Magnus said softly, so that no one else in the room could hear, "You must stay focused. You're Clary's best chance at coming home. You know deep down, there's still hope. Hold onto that. You know Clary would, if she were in your position."

Jace drew in a shaky breath and nodded. Magnus was right. They were going to get all the information, come up with the perfect plan, and go in there to kill the bastards that hurt his girl.


The sound of footsteps on the other side of the door to Clary's cell grew louder. She braced herself for another bombardment from Valentine, but instead it was Serena.

She opened the door, and brought Clary her lunch. It was a ham and cheese sandwich, with an apple. It wasn't much, but the food was the last thing Clary was going to complain about in this situation.

"Here you go, Clary." Serena said gently, and brought her the tray. As Serena placed it on the floor next to her mattress, Clary noticed the glint of something shiny on her ring finger. Her breath caught, as she realized what it was.

"What the HELL is that?!" Clary asked angrily?

"Oh…" Serena started. She pulled her sleeves down and covered her hands, as if she was trying to crawl into herself.

"Haven't you heard Clarissa? We've got ourselves a wedding to plan!" A deep voice boomed from the doorway.

She looked up to see Valentine smiling that sickeningly evil smile, with his hands behind his back.

"You see, it turns out my darling daughter and I didn't need your help, after all." He continued, clearly reveling in Clary's shock and speechlessness.

"Wha-what happened? What did you do to him?" Clary sputtered.

Serena gave a soft giggle, and twirled her hair shyly. "Nothing, silly. He's just infatuated with me. We went out today, and he popped the question over coffee. He said he just couldn't wait to make me his queen… That I was his Angel."

Clary's heart fell to pieces at the last sentence. But I'm his Angel… she thought, empty of all emotion at that point.

"I- I don't believe you." Clary said desperately. She was desperate for it to be true, for it to be a sick lie just like everything else that happened. She would never help them hurt Jace, but that didn't mean he couldn't still hurt her, despite everything that had already happened.

"We figured you wouldn't." Valentine said. So he reached behind him, and threw a newspaper at her. She already knew what it would show before she looked down. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for this final heartbreak. After all, she still had been keeping a glimmer of hope inside of her that he was just lying, that he still felt the same way she did about him, that he still loved her and missed her.

The newspaper cover said: PRINCE HERONDALE WITH NEW MYSTERY LADY… LOOKS LIKE CLARY FRAY IS OUT OF THE PICTURE.

And the picture was of Jace, in Clary's favorite black hoodie of his, sitting at a table in a small cafe, with none other than Serena Morgenstern. She would've been able to identify him from a mile away; there was no question that it was him. But the picture was too grainy for her to make out his facial expression, plus, he was wearing sunglasses.

She gave a soft sigh, and let the paper float to the ground. "What are you trying to prove?" She asked softly.

Valentine gave a laugh, as Serena quietly walked out of the room. He walked over and squatted down in front of Clary, who was sitting up on her mattress.

"We're proving to you that your days are numbered, Miss Fray." With a wink, he pushed himself out, and shut the door behind him, once again leaving Clary alone with the tears silently falling.

I hope you liked this chapter! I promise the next one won't be so short :) I think things are going to start turning around next chapter... See you next time!

-RRR