"Dad?" Jace asked.
"Son." Michael said as he stepped out of the closet.
They hugged each other and both Clary and I were shocked and happy at the same time.
"Oh, Jace. I can't believe it. Son, you're hurt. How did you find me?" Michael said before checking Jace over.
"You're dead. Valentine killed you. Valentine's… Valentine's here." Jace mumbled.
"No, Jace. It's me. (Michael then looked over to Clary and me) I'm Michael Wayland. I'm Jace's father. Look, I know what Jace told you, but I've been here for ten years. Valentine took off and left me." Michael said.
"And Jocelyn Fairchild?" Clary asked.
"He took her with him. You are?" Michael replied before looking between me and Clary.
"I'm Clary, her daughter, and this is Scarlett Sageman. Meliorn, the Seelie, told me that he was here with her." Clary replied.
Jace began to collapse, but Michael held him up.
"Jace, no!" Clary exclaimed.
"It's Ravener venom. He kept telling us that he was all right." I added.
"We have to find your father, not my father. Valentine's…" Jace started mumbling.
"His stele. Where is it?" Michael asked as he started looking.
Michael then grabbed the tarot card of the Mortal Cup, but Clary took it back.
"Back pocket." Clary said.
"Back pocket. Got it." Michael repeated before pulling out Jace's stele.
Michael then tries to activate the same rune that I did, but it wasn't doing anything.
"What's wrong?" Clary asked.
"The rune is weak." Michael replied.
"Ravener venom must be spreading. We have to get him help. We… We closed the portal." Clary said.
"Valentine's got a standing portal. Let's go." Michael said.
Something is wrong with this picture. Why would Valentine leave a standing portal out in the open? I hope I'm wrong, but I really don't think that this man is really Jace's father.
Clary went to grab Jace's saber and I helped Michael with Jace. I felt Jace tighten his arm slightly around my shoulders, and I didn't know how to react.
"Hey, Jace, stay with me." I said as I lightly nudged him.
"Hey. Do you remember our first demon fight? We were way out past the Institute, way up in Kinshasa. You were only eight, but you were so brave. Do you remember what you said?" Michael asked.
"I'm ready to die." Jace replied while breathing heavily.
"And then I said, "Sometimes it's as brave to live as it is to die." Do you remember?" Michael added.
"I do. It's true. It's you." Jace nodded before him and Michael hugged.
"Let's go." Michael said.
We continued walking and my gut keeps telling me not to trust this man, but I'm conflicted because Jace could end up getting his heart broken again, so I'm going to stay quiet, but keep my eyes and ears open.
*Serena's POV*
"All I know is, we gotta get you out of here. All right, who do we know in Idris?" Alec asked as he paced the room.
"The only people who care are mom and dad. But they're under suspicion themselves." Izzy replied.
"Uh, what about Lydia?" Alec asked.
"Lydia?" I asked.
"Yeah." Alec replied.
"Why do you keep going there?" I started.
"She is prosecuting me. You said she had no choice." Izzy finished.
"She doesn't." Alec said.
"Everyone has a choice, Alec. I made mine. Let me just get through this without losing my self-respect." Izzy said.
"Look, I know neither of you want to believe this, but Lydia said she would help if we can give her a way to do it. Maybe I can get her to delay the trial." Alec said.
"Why? So I can sit here, playing computer solitaire, while they find something else to blame me for? Or worse, blame Serena. I'm just a scapegoat to the Clave. They want the Cup." Izzy said.
"So let me buy some time to find it. Hey, Jace, Clary, and Scar…" Alec went to say.
"Disappeared through a door to God knows where. You said they're lost forever. And so is the Cup." Izzy said while cutting off Alec.
"What if I was wrong? I can't find Jace because I weakened our bond, but that doesn't mean that he can't be found, or that he can't find us. We need more time." Alec said.
"You're grasping at straws now?" I asked.
"Izzy, listen. I'm your big brother. Please, let me help you for once." Alec practically begged.
Izzy glanced at me and I nodded my head in agreement. We need to stop this trial or things are not going to look good for anyone.
*End of POV*
We got to the Jade Wolf and I was so happy to see Luke and Simon.
"We need help!" Clary yelled as Michael and I got Jace through the door and into a booth.
"Clary, Scar, what happened?" Simon asked.
"We thought we found Valentine, but he was already gone." I started.
"Michael Wayland?" Luke asked, confused.
"Valentine took my mother, but we found Jace's father." Clary added.
"What? I thought Valentine killed Jace's father." Simon said.
"He tried. Hello, Lucian." Michael said before talking to Luke.
"This can't be. I thought I'd never see you again." Luke said.
"I never thought I'd see anyone again." Michael said.
Luke sighed and then looked at Clary and me.
"What happened?" Luke asked.
"Demon got him. He can't fight the poison. His runes are too weak and he needs blood, but we can't go back to the Institute." I started.
"Simon. Simon, there's gotta be some kind of blood at Hotel DuMort. Could you call Raphael?" Clary asked as she ran over to Simon.
"Calling won't work. We have to do this in person. My van is in the garage. You or Scar drive, I'll hide under a blanket to stay out of the sun, and…. there's underground parking in the hotel." Simon said.
"Okay." Clary said.
"He's weaker. You gotta hurry." Michael said.
Clary rushed back to us, grabbed my arm, pulled me up, and told Jace that we were coming back. We took off and I almost cried when I heard Jace call out for me and Clary. I don't know why Clary couldn't have left me and went herself, but I guess she still thinks that I'll convince Raphael to help her if he refuses.
We got to Hotel DuMort and were waiting for Raphael, and I could tell that Clary didn't like waiting.
"Why can't we just take what we need and leave?" Clary asked.
"If we were transfusing goat blood, no problem. But human blood, that's against the Accords." Simon replied.
Raphael then appeared and it was funny to see Simon jump out of his skin.
"I'm surprised you know that much." Raphael said.
"Why do you keep doing that to me?" Simon asked.
"If you worked on controlling your enhanced senses, as you should, you wouldn't be. Always a pleasure Scar. Clary… you really have to stop barging in here." Raphael replied before talking to me and Clary.
I gave Raphael a smile, and then Clary decided to speak.
"Sorry, Raphael. We need blood." Clary said.
"So I've heard. Human blood. Funny how those rules for Downworlders stop being such a big deal when you need our help. (He said something in Spanish, but I didn't quite catch it) No can do." Raphael said.
Simon then walked Raphael away from us, but I could still make out what they were saying.
"Okay, listen. Come on. Last night, I bumped into Bernice." Simon said as he moved so his back was facing us.
"Mmm." Raphael hummed.
"She overheard a couple of bridge and tunnel vamps gossiping about Camille." Simon continued.
"You said Camille took a leave of absence, right?" Raphael asked.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. They didn't care about that. They said she kept around a couple of humans. Apparently, she'd feed on them, but never went all the way. What are they called? Uh, sub… submissives?" Simon replied before trying to figure out the right word to use.
"Keep your voice down. They're called subjugates. Horrible things. Even Camille got sick of them." Raphael replied while glancing at me and Clary.
"Okay, so, they're gone. But keeping around human beings just to drain at cocktail hour, that's against the Accords. Camille had a taste for the real stuff. I know from experience. She had to have something on ice." Simon said.
"I'm sorry. If you want to tattle to the Clave about Camille draining humans, fine. I'm the new administration." Raphael said while trying to walk off.
"Yeah. You could probably get over on them with that line, but you weren't exactly an innocent bystander in my case." Simon said as he stopped Raphael.
"We agreed not to discuss that." Raphael said.
Clary and I moved closer to them and I hope that Raphael helps us.
"Did we? Funny, I can't really remember. Hey, did you ever tell Clave what Camille did to me?" Simon asked as he looked at us.
"You can't. I'd be implicated." Raphael said.
"Then help us." Clary said.
Raphael turned to look at us and I could tell he was hesitating.
"Raphael, Jace will die without it." I said.
I could tell that Raphael really didn't want to help Clary or Simon, but was willing to help me. I don't know why, but maybe I'll learn the more time I spend with him.
"I can't believe you would do this to me. Blackmail." Raphael said to Simon.
"Save it. You're getting off easy." Simon said.
Raphael then bumped shoulders with Simon before going over and putting in the code. The portrait opened and Raphael opened a draw with different blood types in it.
"What's his blood type?" Raphael asked us.
"Go for type O. Universal donor." Simon replied before talking to Clary and I.
Raphael grabbed a couple of bags out, typed in another code to close the portrait, walked over to us, and handed Clary the blood.
"Thank you," I said to Raphael.
"Simon, let's go." Clary said.
"Yeah, not so fast. I like the way you handled yourself in this negotiation. Stick around." Raphael said.
"I'm ambassador to the werewolves. It's very time-consuming." Simon said.
"Let me take that burden off of your shoulders. As of now, you've been recalled. You're advisor to the interim chapter president." Raphael said.
Simon sighed and I could tell that he really didn't want to be stuck by Raphael's side.
"Don't complain. My new advisor has to stay." Raphael said to Simon before looking at me and Clary.
"It's okay. Just go. Really." Simon said once he saw that Clary was fixing to say something.
I knew better because I want Simon to know that I know that he can handle himself.
"Thank you." Clary said before kissing Simon's cheek.
"Both of you." I added before giving Simon a hug and then following after Clary.
*Serena's POV*
"The message said, "Have everything ready. The trial will begin immediately." She's on her way." Lydia told me and Alec.
"Yeah, but that doesn't make any sense. Why rush this? The three of us know that Clary, Jace, and Scar are still out there." I said.
"Clary, Jace, and Scarlett aren't on trial for high treason." Lydia said.
"Oh, come on. The three of us know there's nothing solid to pin on Isabelle. If we just delay this for a couple of weeks, it…" Alec started saying, but was interrupted by someone entering the Institute.
There were guards surrounding the Inquisitor, and this right here could be the end of everything if she's already here this fast.
"Guards, at ease. Excuse us. (The Inquisitor looked at both Alec and I before we walked over to everyone else) I understand you've cooked up some kind of marriage with… (I can't believe she had the audacity to not use Alec's name) I can't imagine what's in your mind." Inquisitor Herondale said to Lydia.
"It's a suitable marriage for both of us." Lydia said.
"Well, I won't dispute that right now. As long as it doesn't interfere with your case against his sister." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"You have my assurance." Lydia said.
I could tell that she was a little afraid of this woman and I can't blame her for that. The Inquisitor is a very scary woman.
"I need your word, Branwell, not flaccid reassurance. What we are seeing is the same pattern Valentine showed before the Uprising. Bending of the law, wanton defiance of Clave order." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"Ma'am, I don't honestly believe Valentine was involved in the Seelie escape." Lydia said.
All of us know that, but the Clave wants to believe whatever the hell they want to.
"Spare me your honest belief. Everything's out of control. We were fools to believe Valentine was dead. Now his daughter has the Cup, and he's out there somewhere. I won't have it." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"I'm sorry, Inquisitor." Lydia said.
"Why are you sorry? You didn't steal the Cup. Just do your job. Be efficient, be competent, be useful to the Clave. We'll begin this evening." Inquisitor Herondale said before walking off.
Alec, Lydia, and I looked at each other because none of us knew how we were going to get out of this.
*End of POV*
Clary and I were waiting on news about Jace, and then Michael came out to us.
"The transfusion helped. He's much better. He's gonna wanna see both of you." Michael told us.
Clary and I were grateful, but when we went to walk past him, he stopped us.
"But, uh, can I, um, talk to you for a minute?" Michael asked.
I could tell he was really nervous and I'm not sure why.
"Of course." Clary said and I nodded in agreement.
Michael then sat in the booth next to where we were standing, and I sat in the seat closest to the window. Clary decided to keep standing.
"I'm… I feel as if I know both of you. Both of you are so much like your mothers. Fearless, loving, and both of you have a mind of your own. A little stubborn, perhaps?" Michael said before gesturing to the seat that was open next to me for Clary.
"I should probably work on that." Clary said as she moved closer to the booth, but kept standing.
"Maybe not. It served Jocelyn well. She hid both of you from Valentine long enough for you to grow up without him poisoning your minds." Michael said.
"It was complicated… the way we grew up. But I knew she loved us, whatever else." I said.
"There was no whatever else for her. I knew she was carrying you when she fled from Valentine. But I never told him… no matter how much he tormented me." Michael said.
That right there. Something about that doesn't feel right to me.
Clary glanced at me before looking back at Michael and finally joining us.
"Valentine thought my mother was dead. Why would he ask about her?" Clary asked, and I wanted to know as well.
"Because he never gave up hope. Would it help if you knew how much he loved her? And he would have loved you too. He's fierce in his love." Michael replied.
What the hell? Why is he saying that? Now, I'm 100% sure he's not who he says he is, but I'm not too sure on who he really is just yet.
"Because he was so twisted. He's a mass murderer. And… now he has her somewhere." Clary said with a sigh.
I took notice that Michael's demeanor was slowly changing with every word that Clary was saying. Why would he be getting mad if he's Jace's dad?
"Clary, I swear, I will help you find your mother. I saw and heard a great deal while I was a prisoner. Maybe that's my destiny. To bring your family and mine together. Go see Jace." Michael said.
Clary jumped at the chance to go see Jace, but I stayed seated because I didn't want to be a third wheel. Michael gave me a confused look, so I took a breath and explained.
"I really don't want to be a third wheel." I said.
"Would you mind me asking why?" Michael asked.
I could see that he was curious, so I told him.
"It all started when we all met. For some reason, Jace and I just had this chemistry. I thought we were on the same page, but I guess I was wrong. When we thought Clary was missing, she surprised us, and then they kissed. I can't believe that I actually thought a guy like him would like a girl like me." I explained.
Michael was shocked to say the least, but I could tell that he was wanting to hug me.
"I'm sorry my son did that. He should've been honest with you instead of stringing you along." Michael said.
"Thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me to hear that. I mean, my friends told me that, but to hear it from you, it means so much." I said.
"You're very welcome." Michael said.
Both of us got up and Michael surprised me by giving me a hug. I hugged him back, and even though something is off with him, I really appreciated the hug. Clary, Jace, and Luke then joined us, and now we're planning on trying to relocate Valentine.
"But why would Valentine tell a prisoner what he was planning to do?" Clary asked.
"He didn't. Well, not directly. But he gave me a way to learn all about his plans." Michael replied.
"How do you mean?" Jace asked.
"He injected me with Downworlder blood. The pain was excruciating. Sometimes I was sick for days. But it's not often you got a Shadowhunter to experiment on. So I guess that's why he always stopped short of killing me. But, little by little… I developed enhanced hearing and vision." Michael replied.
"Who's Renwick?" Clary asked.
I quietly sighed because she really didn't pay attention to anything that any of us have said.
"It's not a who. It's a where." I started.
"It's a deserted smallpox hospital on one of the islands of the East River." Luke finished.
"Under our noses is right. And we can't track over water." Clary sighed.
"He left me to die in that cage." Michael said.
"Valentine never wasted time on compassion." Luke added.
"He won't get any from me when the time comes." Jace said before getting up.
"Before it does, you need a strategy. Waiting a day could mean the difference between failure and success." Michael said while stopping Jace.
"Okay. Clary and I will scout Renwick's tonight." Jace said.
I rolled my eyes because of course he wants to search with just Clary.
"Jace, don't. Your runes are still weak. Luke and I will go. Just take this extra time to rest and… Scar will stay back just in case something happens." Clary said.
"I'll be fine, Clary." Jace said.
"Jace, please." Clary practically begged.
"Don't let her get you into trouble." Jace sighed.
Luke and Clary left and I followed Michael and Jace. I know Jace and I know that he won't rest because he's dead set on going after Valentine.
*Serena's POV*
"You know what? I'd rather be stripped of my runes and sent into exile… then be part of this world. What kind of people sacrifice justice for law?" Izzy asked after we told her what happened.
"That's very noble, Izzy." I started.
"But the high road's not gonna look so great when you're running for your life from a pack of demons with no Shadowhunter powers to protect you." Alec finished.
"Jocelyn lived as a mundane." Izzy said.
"You know Jocelyn had her runes and her weapons. You think the demons won't find you? You haven't exactly kept a low profile. You can't just let them convict you. You need an advocate." Alec sighed before going to get Izzy an advocate.
I have an idea on where he's going and I hope that he comes back with the help that we need.
*End of POV*
I sat back and watched as Jace and his father sparred because I knew that Jace wasn't going to sit down and just relax.
"Ahh! Come on! Again." Michael said as he and Jace sparred.
I could tell that Michael was wanting to push Jace, but he is still weak and needs to rest. I'm not going to say anything because I also believe that father and son need to reconnect.
"Come on! Something's wrong. Us Shadowhunters mend quickly, but after all my time in prison, I shouldn't be able to get a hit in on you. You're still weak." Michael said after getting another hit in.
"It's my bond with Alec Lightwood. He purposefully weakened it trying to find me… and Scar and Clary." Jace said.
"Clary." Michael said with a hint of something on his voice.
"What do you mean, "Clary"?" Jace asked.
I'm wondering the same thing, but then again, I'm also confused on why he just said Clary's name.
"You were with Clary instead of Alec. If he was so desperate he weakened the bond to find you, you were hiding from him. How does that happen?" Michael questioned.
"Clary has the Mortal Cup. The Clave wants it. Alex sided with the Clave. We can't trust the Clave." Jace answered.
"And you don't trust Alec? So Clary means more to you." Michael said.
"No, I do. I trust him. This is different." Jace said.
"It should be. But I've been watching you. When she suggested that she and Luke go to scout Renwick's…" Michael started to say.
"Well, she was right. You said so yourself, I needed to train." Jace interrupted.
"Nothing would have stopped the Jace I know from going on a mission, even as a child. I see how attached you are to her, but this kind of thing… doesn't always make you stronger." Michael finished.
"Shadowhunters have relationships." Jace said.
"Yes, of course. When we find someone, it's for life. But we're also warriors, born to serve. And some of us are meant to render greater services than others. I thought you were one of those. Getting involved too deeply with any woman will only weaken your resolve." Michael added.
"So you're saying I can't be with Clary?" Jace asked.
"I'm saying it wasn't what I expected of you. But seeing you two… (Michael sighed and I knew that he was trying to figure out what to say) What kind of father would deprive his son of that happiness? Maybe you should rest." Michael said before leaving the room.
Jace glanced at me, but I just shrugged my shoulders. I don't know what he wants me to say because even I know his father is right. He let his feelings for Clary get in the way of doing his job, and it nearly got him killed.
*Serena's POV*
I hate that we're even going through with the trial, but hopefully Magnus can get Izzy out of this.
"Will I survive if I touch it?" Magnus asked as he looked skeptically at the sword in front of him.
"If you tell the truth." Inquisitor Herondale replied.
"By the power of this sword, do you swear to defend your client with integrity and honesty?" the Silent Brother asked as Magnus wrapped his hands around the sword.
"No argument from me on that." Magnus replied before removing his hands.
"Make your case, warlock." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"My case is simple. It is true that Isabelle Lightwood acted against the orders of the Clave by trying to free the Seelie, Meliorn. But she did not act against the interests of Clave. Preventing the forced questioning and possible death of a Seelie may have saved the Accords." Magnus said.
"We're not here to speculate what might have happened if the defendant hadn't interfered." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"You mean what might have happened if she hadn't stopped the Silent Brothers from torturing a Seelie?" Magnus fired back.
"I await a valid argument. Do you have one?" Inquisitor Herondale questioned.
"What you really want is the Mortal Cup. My client doesn't have it. Since this whole proceeding isn't about what it's really about, I move to have this case dismissed." Magnus said.
"You're out of order." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"No. This whole thing is out of order. It's not Isabelle's fault. It's the Cup! Put the Cup on trial." Magnus said before rejoining Izzy.
*End of POV*
"We couldn't even count the demons." Clary said.
"Yeah, but we still gotta get Jocelyn out of there." Luke added.
"That would be a suicide mission." Jace said as he joined me and his dad.
"Doesn't have to be. I have the Cup. Demons have to obey me." Clary said.
"That's what Valentine wants. He knows you'll do anything to save your mother. He wants you to take out the Cup and use it." Michael said.
"And if I do?" Clary asked.
"He'll take it." Michael said.
"And he'll kill us, too." I added.
"Let him try." Clary said.
*Serena's POV*
"You have led us to believe that you alone carried out this operation. But Clary Fairchild and Scarlett Sageman were both seen near the City of Bones that night." Lydia said as she started questioning Izzy.
"Maybe they were out for a walk." Izzy said.
"And you expect us to believe that you distracted the guards, and escaped with the prisoner on your own?" Lydia asked.
"Pretty slick, right?" Izzy asked while looking at the Inquisitor.
"I suggest you think about how slick it would be when Valentine uses the Mortal Cup to raise an army of rogue Shadowhunters." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"I don't want Valentine to succeed." Izzy said.
"Well, that's the first sane thing I've heard from you." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"You know what's insane? Thinking we have the right to treat a Downworlder's life as worthless." Izzy said.
"Isabelle, I should warn you that everything you say here will be considered in the verdict." Lydia warned.
"Good. Consider this. Valentine didn't come out of nowhere. We use our angel blood to justify everything we do, just like him. Like him, we forget that we are not only angels. We are part mundane. We can be afraid. And we turn our fear to Downworlders just as Valentine did. And just as he did… we will end up turning on each other." Izzy said.
"You think we're doing that to you?" Inquisitor Herondale questioned.
"You have to answer that for yourself… Madam Inquisitor." Izzy replied.
*End of POV*
"That doesn't make any sense. There were a thousand demons here last night." Luke said as we walked closer to Renwicks.
"That's what he wants. He wants to draw us in, force Clary to use the Cup." Michael said.
We were then attacked, but we all stood our ground, and I helped Jace because I knew he was still a little weak. We killed all of our attackers, and boy was it nice to fight alongside Jace's dad.
One of Valentine's goons then called out to Luke. I knew right then that we were going to have to leave Luke and go to Clary. We took off after Clary, and slammed the door behind us.
"Where's Luke?" Clary asked.
"We left him fighting Blackwell." Jace replied.
Clary went to argue, but I stopped her.
"Luke told us to leave him, Clary." I said.
After Jace and Michael secured the door, for now, Jace had to stop Clary from trying to go out the door.
"No! What are you doing? Get back!" Jace growled.
"Jace, we cannot shut Luke out! He has to make it inside!" Clary yelled.
"No, Clary, there is not enough time!" I replied.
"We have to secure the room. We don't even know if Luke is still…" Michael added.
"Alive? Jace, no. You have to tell him! We cannot shut Luke out! He will die for nothing! I can't wake her!" Clary exclaimed.
The demons started screeching louder and I knew that if Clary didn't calm down, that none of us would survive. I got ready for a fight and let Jace handle Clary.
"Luke wants you, Scar, and Jocelyn out of here. That's all he cares about." Michael said.
"Pull yourself together." I mumbled.
"Clary, if you don't help us, no one survives. Do you understand? We will get her home. Look at me! We will find a way to wake her up. Do you believe me?" Jace said.
"Get ready." Michael said as he stepped back further from the door.
*Serena's POV*
"I'd like to call Lydia Branwell to the stand." Magnus said.
"I don't see the relevance." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"Well, that makes two of us. I don't see the relevance of this whole trial. Ms. Branwell? If you'll take the stand?" Magnus said before asking Lydia to take the stand again.
Lydia slowly got up and took the stand, and I hope Magnus knows exactly what he's doing.
"I just have one question. Why are you prosecuting this case?" Magnus asked.
Lydia looked like she didn't want to answer the question, but I'm not sure why.
"Answer the question, Counselor." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"Because the Law is hard, but… it is the Law. (She sighed before continuing) But that doesn't make it right. We're trying someone for being compassionate, thinking for herself. She saved a life that was being sacrificed for nothing." Lydia said.
"That will be enough, Branwell." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"No… it isn't. I'm looking out at the faces here. A brother and two sisters who disagree on everything except for how much they love one another… and how loyal they are to each other. (Alec, Izzy, and I shared looks with each other because it's true) A man who took this case pretending to want payment in rare objects, but who really believes that injustice toward his friends is intolerable. (I could tell that she hit the nail on the head with Magnus) Loyalty, decency, compassion, love. These are the concepts that we should consider to decide guilt or innocence in a case like this." Lydia said.
"Those are not the concepts of the Law. Now, enough of this nonsense." Inquisitor Herondale said.
"I agree. The case is nonsense. I withdraw the charges." Lydia said as she stepped down from the stand.
All of us clapped and cheered, but that soon turned to silence.
"Silence! Order! Silence!" Inquisitor Herondale yelled as she banged her gavel.
"If you think refusing to prosecute exculpates the defendant, you are wrong. She is guilty. The defense was correct. The Clave wants the Mortal Cup. If it is returned within 24 hours, this ruling will be vacated. If not, Isabelle Lightwood will be stripped of her runes and exiled from the society of the Shadowhunters forever." Inquisitor Herondale said before banging her gavel.
I hope that Scar, Jace, and Clary return soon so we can save Izzy because I would hate to see what happens when Scar finds out.
*End of POV*
"Clary, now! We can't wait any longer." Jace said as he headed back to me and Clary.
Clary pulled out the cup and I was hoping that this will work.
"Demons, I command you! Find Valentine!" Clary yelled.
The demons kept attacking, so Jace and I got ready to fight.
"Demons, find Valentine!" Clary yelled again.
"Let me try." Michael said once the demons kept attacking.
Clary handed over the cup and now I'm going to see if my feeling is right, and Michael isn't who he says he is.
"Come on. No. No." Jace said once Michael turned to us before cutting himself.
"Valentine." Jace said as Valentine stood up.
"Demons… attack my enemies! I command you!" Valentine yelled.
"Knock it off, guys!" Clary yelled.
The demons got quiet after that and Valentine was confused.
"You're not the only one who knows how to cast glamour." I said as Clary pulled out the real Cup.
Valentine saw his mug and chunked it to the ground.
"Should we let the demons take care of this? Or…" Clary asked.
"No. Send them away. He's mine." Jace said.
"Demons, be gone!" Clary commanded.
The demons left and I can't wait for Jace to take Valentine out.
"You pretended to be my father." Jace said.
"I wasn't pretending, Jace." Valentine said.
"You murdered him. You're a liar!" Jace yelled before putting his blade against Valentine's neck.
"I am your father. I always have been. The face that you saw as Michael Wayland was mine. Then and now. It was a powerful glamour. I want you to know me as I am. To know the truth about me… and you." Valentine said.
"Jace! Jace, don't listen to him!" I yelled.
"He's my father. We know that for a fact." Clary added.
"Yes, that's true. That's a fact. I am your father, Clary. And Jace's. Think about it. Why are the two of you so drawn together? You are meant to be. Blood calls to blood, no?" Valentine said.
I could tell that that bothered both Jace and Clary, but I know different because if Jace was Clary's brother, then we would've known about it before now, so, what's Valentine's game here?
"Ah… my dear family… together at last. A lost mother, found. A brother and sister, finally united." Valentine said as he opened a portal.
Jace yelled before running at Valentine.
"You won't kill me. You won't kill me. I said that you were weak, and I meant it. What's wrong, Jace? Can't kill the man who raised you, hmm?" Valentine taunted.
"I can!" Clary yelled before running at Valentine.
Valentine turned Jace around and held the blade to his neck.
"Go ahead, Clary. Two for one. We can't even fight back, huh?" Valentine taunted.
"If she doesn't. I will and I won't miss." I growled as I got ready to attack.
Clary held up her hand for me to stand down. I stood my ground, but let Clary know that I wouldn't attack.
"No? Come with me, son. You know you love me. Your sister and her friend are welcome to join us. And bring your mother along. We can find a way to get her moving again." Valentine said.
Valentine then tossed Jace to us before disappearing into the portal. I walked over to Jace because at this moment, he needed me more than Clary did. Luke then came in.
"Jocelyn. I'm taking you home." Luke said.
I gave Jace a hug and he returned it. I could tell that he needed it, and now I'm disgusted with myself because Valentine knows about my feelings for Jace. I hope he doesn't try to use that against Jace or any one else, but I'm also not holding my breath.
We got back to the Institute and boy was I happy to see Alec, Izzy, and Serena again. Serena wrapped me in a hug and clued me in on what's been going on. I also gave Alec a hug and was shocked that he hugged me back. I missed him too, even though he can be an ass.
"Clary gave Lydia the Cup." I told Alec.
"Hodge is taking her to lock it up until she goes back to Idris." Jace added.
"Okay." Alec said, but it was more directed towards Jace.
" "Okay"? That's it, Alec?" Jace asked.
"I don't want to get into it." Alec replied.
"Stop. I do wanna get into it. You almost killed me. You weakened our parabatai bond just to find me." Jace said.
"You betrayed me. You lied to me. You attacked me when I was doing what we should've been doing together." Alec said.
I shifted off to the side because I knew that they needed to have this conversation, but I wasn't too far in case I had to step in.
"I didn't betray you, Alec. I saved you from yourself! If you'd have taken Meliorn to be tortured, you would have that on your conscience for the rest of your life." Jace said.
"Really?" Alec scoffed.
"Really." Jace repeated.
"Everything you do is for a higher principle. You took the Cup, and you nearly handed it over to Valentine." Alec said.
"That was not our intention. You know that." Jace said.
Wrong choice of words Jace.
"Our intention"? Was it your intention to risk Izzy's life for hers? This isn't about Clary. This is about you. Now, I'm gonna go tell my sister… that she still has a future." Alec said before walking off.
I followed after Alec because I missed Izzy and really wanted to see her. He told me to wait outside and he would let me know when to come in. I nodded my head and listened as he told Izzy and Magnus about our return and that Lydia now has the Cup, and that Izzy was free.
"You can come in now." I heard Alec say.
I walked into the room and hugged Izzy the second she ran to me. I missed her so much. Magnus then asked Alec to walk him out, and both Izzy and I told him to go. Izzy and I then sat on the couch, Serena soon joined us, and we all talked for quite a while before we decided to head to bed. I took a nice hot shower, got comfortable, and then went to check on Jace. I saw Clary leaving his door, but I knew that she was trying to give him space.
"Knock knock." I said as I softly knocked on the door.
Jace looked at me and I could tell that everything was weighing on him.
I walked over to him and just hugged him. Jace hugged me back and I could tell that he really appreciated the hug because he tightened his hold.
"It's ok, Jace. I got you." I said.
Jace let his emotions out and I guess he tired himself out because I tucked him in and headed back to my room. Everything that was learnt earlier is enough to bother anybody, but we all need to be strong because Valentine cannot win.
Scarlett's outfit: pin/553731716695031137/