Alec POV

"Are you sure you want to go to this? I know being High Warlock meant a lot to you. We could stay home and do something else. We don't have to go to this party," I said, walking up to Lorenzo Ray's house. Since he had taken the title he was celebrating at his estate. I tried to convince Magnus not to go, but he wouldn't listen to me.

"Alexander, I am okay," Magnus insisted as he pulled me in for a kiss. He pulled away soon after and spoke. "Lorenzo is the new High Warlock and I want to wish him the best of luck. He might not deserve the title, but being a bad sport is going to get me nowhere."

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked

"Never better." Magnus said as he knocked on Lorenzo's front door.

After a few seconds of silence, the door swung open. Lorenzo was what you would expect out of a bad guy. The facial hair, accent, and attitude fit perfectly. When he saw Magnus, a fake smile appeared on his face.

"Well, if it isn't Magnus Bane. The former High Warlock of Brooklyn. What may I help you with this evening?" Lorenzo said with a bit of a sneer. Magnus put on the same fake smile and ignored his tone.

"Alec and I have come to wish you a congratulations on your promotion," Magnus said.

"Well, come on in. There is food, alcohol, and music. You're just in time to enjoy the party," Lorenzo said as Magnus and I entered the house.

It was bigger on the inside than I had first imagined and more lavish than expected. Lorenzo had crystal chandeliers, nice wooden floors, and a marble fireplace. People were chatting in groups and enjoying the atmosphere. Magus and I went to the alcohol table first before joining the crowd. We chatted with a few of Magnus' friends and tried to ignore the awkwardness. Halfway through the party, Madzi arrived and greeted us kindly. I gave her a warm hug as all hell broke loose.

The house began to shake as red magic lines appeared on the floor. Everyone's magic began to misbehave and go weary. One warlock, in particular, was trying to portal out, when the portal consumed his hand. He screeched in agony as his portal headed for me and Madzi. I held her close as Magnus quickly made the portal disappear.

After that, the house stopped shaking and the lines disappeared. Warlocks and witches alike were terrified at the sudden happening. The crowd quickly dispersed, trying to get as far from the house as they could. Magnus and I made it out just as fast with Lorenzo giving us the dirty eye. Most likely blaming Magnus for the magic incident.

"What the hell was that?" I asked as we portalled to Magnus' apartment. The portal closed while Magnus paced back and forth. I tried to calm him down, but he wouldn't let me get near. He paced for a good while before he answered my question.

"I have no idea, but I am going to find out."

Carly POV

Last night was not one of my best ideas. I woke up this morning with a blaring headache and in more pain than usual. I woke up to find Simon sitting across from me with a cup in his hands. I knew exactly what he was gonna say so I sat up and prepared for a scolding.

"What time is it?" I asked, looking out one of the windows to see sunlight. Even from where I sat it irritated my eyes.

"It's three in the afternoon and I want you to get ready," Simon said as he threw the blanket off and pulled me to my feet. I was confused at his sudden excitement, but I played along anyway.

"Get ready for what?" I asked.

"We are going on a date tonight, something normal. Before we go, I need you to eat. I don't want that to be on your conscience," Simon said as he handed me a cup. I looked into it and saw the blood I needed to survive. I held my breath and backed away.

"Simon, I'm not hungry," I said as he brought the cup closer to me. I tried to keep my eyes off of it, but I just couldn't.

"You need to eat, Carly. I know you're scared about what will happen in a few days, but dying isn't going to fix it. If you die, I will lose the one thing I care most about in this world. I would rather live with you evil than dead. So please eat or I will force-feed you," Simon said as he moved the cup toward me.

I looked up at him and saw his pleading eyes. In two days darkness would consume me and dying now could solve that. Part of me wanted to end it, but then I looked up into Simon's brown eyes and realized I couldn't lose him. I took the cup from Simon's hands and stared at the red liquid inside. My senses took over and I brought the cup to my lips.

Once the first drop hit my tongue it was all over from there. The spark of hunger I had been feeling for the last few days was satiated. I chugged the cup down in one gulp, some almost dripping down my chin. After consuming the contents, I set the cup down and wiped my face. Simon smiled and pulled me in for a hug.

"Where and when is this date I am supposed to prepare for?" I asked as Simon pulled away with an even bigger smile.

"It will be at 7 pm and somewhere fancy. I'm going to go out and get a surprise for this date. Get ready, I will see you in a few hours. We're going to relax and enjoy a normal evening. See you soon," Simon said as he vanished. I smiled a small smile as I got ready for my date.

I rummaged through the clothes I brought to Simon's. Since I was turned, I wasn't allowed to enter the institute. I only got my clothes because Clary gave them to Simon who then gave them to me. I searched through my belongings when I found the only dress I ever owned. It wasn't anything special, but it would do the trick

The dress went a little past my knees and it was as black as the night sky. The straps were thin, but not too thin where it would fall off. The back was made of lace and just as black as the rest of the dress. I had only worn it once when I went to Pandemonium with Clary the night everything changed.

I slipped into the dress and it still fit me perfectly. I smiled as I applied my makeup and curled my hair. Time zoomed past as I looked at the clock and it was already 7pm. I finished getting ready when Simon appeared behind me. He got closer and back-hugged me, laying his head on my shoulder.

"I got a gift for you before we head out," Simon said as I turned around.

He gave me a big nerdy smile as he handed me a bouquet of roses. I thanked him for the gift as I put them in a vase of water. I gave him one last hug before he pulled me out the door. Simon then covered my eyes and led me to the restaurant we would be eating at.

After a few minutes of walking blind, we ended up at one of the nicest restaurants downtown. I was surprised Simon could afford this, but he told me it was okay. Simon held the door open for me as we entered the lavish eatery. There were velvet drapes on every window, butlers handing out champagne, and an assortment of other fancy things.

Simon went up to one of the butlers and he led us to a table where Clary and Jace were sitting. The second I noticed them I grabbed Simon's arm and pulled him back. Luckily, Clary hadn't noticed us yet. I grabbed Simon and pulled him out of Clary's sight. Then I crossed my arms over my chest and frowned.

"What is she doing here? I thought this was going to be a nice evening for just the two of us," I said as Simon put his hands on my shoulders.

"If I told you what was really happening you wouldn't have come. Clary has been asking for weeks to see you and I denied her at your wishes. It's time to talk to her and set things straight. In two days, you have to kill and that will put you even further into a hole of darkness. Making up with her now, means she'll be there for you. Please, give it a chance," Simon begged.

"Last time I saw her, I almost killed her," I pointed out.

"Yeah, you did, but that is in the past now. She doesn't hate or fear you, Carly. Just talk to her. She's your sister and that means you can't ignore her forever," Simon said as I looked over at Clary's table.

"Fine, but only because I'm humoring yo," I said as he pulled me back into the restaurant.

We walked over to the table, Clary clearly noticing us this time. She smiled at me as I forced one for her. Simon pulled out my chair as I sat across from Clary. Simon sat down next me while sitting across from Jace. Simon and Clary looked happy while Jace and I looked far from it.

"How have you been?" Clary asked, trying to chit chat.

"Fine for the most part. How have you been?" I asked.

"I've been quite well. My ceremony was last week so since then I've been working to solve the demon issue in the city. I even got new blades; one being Valentine's and the other being Mom's. I wish you could've been there to see my ceremony and weapon choosing. I've been worried about you, is everything fine?" Clary rambled on.

"I'm just peachy," I said unable to look her in the eyes. She noticed my discomfort and so did Simon. He grabbed hold my hand squeezing tight as Clary began to talk.

"I know the last time we talked was when your hand was around my throat. I don't blame you, Carly. You were a newborn vampire and the senses overwhelmed you. I pushed when I shouldn't have and that is on me. None of us are angry with you, we just want to make sure you are okay," Clary said, hitting a sore spot.

I had been hiding how bad I truly felt for the last weeks. Simon knew I was anxious, but not how bad it truly was. The minute the are you okay left Clary's mouth, I exploded. I don't know if it was anger, anxiety, or a mix of both; but I snapped. I turned to look at her and I let her have it.

"I am far from okay, Clary. I killed a lot of people when I went dark. Then I got turned into a vampire and I almost killed you too. For the last 3 weeks, I have been moping and crying because of all the pain I caused. In two days, I have to kill again so the darkness fades away for another month. Even then I don't know if it will backfire or not," I blurted out as everyone at the table looked at me with pity; I hate when people do that.

"Carly, I know it's scary. Living with all you have done is going to haunt you, but we are here for you. You don't have to go through this alone," Clary said as Simon and Jace both nodded. Instead of making me feel better, it made me angrier.

"You have no idea what I'm going through. There is nothing you can do to help me and I don't want your help in the first place. All I want is to stay with Simon and handle this with him. I trust him and I know he won't look at me like I'm a freak," I yelled.

"Carly, I've never thought that," Clary insisted.

"Yes, you have. When I was 8 years old, I wanted to go and play. You wouldn't let me because your friends were coming over. I decided to come along anyway and when I began playing with a stray cat you looked at me with disgust. You thought I was a freak for playing with a cat who clearly had no diseases. I was only 8 and you already looked at me like something was wrong with me." I said

"Carly, that was a long time ago. I was a kid."

"How about when I went dark? The others looked at me with worry and compassion; wanting me to come back and be me. When I looked at you, all I saw was the same look of hatred and disgust. I did a lot of terrible things Clary and I am not proud of any of them, but at least I had Simon to help me. All you did was come along for the ride," I said, getting up from the table.

"Where are you going?" Simon asked as he grabbed my hand.

"I need some air. Please, just don't follow me," I said. pulling my hand out of Simon's grasp. I looked over at Clary who had tears in her eyes. I knew she was just trying to help, but I couldn't forget. I straightened out my jacket and headed out the backdoor.

Everyone at the table was silent for several moments. Simon decided to get up and check on me, but Jace pulled him back. "I'll go check on her. I can understand some of the pain she is going through."

Magnus POV

"Do you know what caused this?" Alec asked as I looked over my books.

I had been alive for a long time and I had never seen anything like this. From the feeling I got and the information I had found in my books, it was obvious. Something that is hard to do.

"The ley lines were corrupted," I said as Alec looked concerned

"How did they become corrupted?" Alec asked.

"From what I can tell, it was flooded with demonic energy. The ley lines are what give us warlocks our powers and they are blue. What I saw at the party were the ley lines bright red. Whatever demon did this was powerful and very old. No average demon could cause that much damage so quickly. My father is one of the only people I know who could have the power to do this," I explained.

"How are we going to fix the ley lines?" Alec asked.

"Well, there is a magic center at the Institute. It powers the building and some of the wards. If we move the ley lines to the power and flood it with angelic energy it should do the trick. It will reset all the demon's work, even if my father was the one who did it," I explained.

"Getting the approval for moving the ley lines to the Institute and using angelic power is going to be tricky. Shadowhunters are not keen on working with downworlders and doing this could backfire. The demonic energy could get into the Institute or worse. Are you sure this is the only way?" Alec asked.

"It is the only way, Alexander. This demon is stronger than any demon you have faced. If it is not my father then it is a demon just as bad. Clearing the ley lines of demonic energy is the first priority. If the ley lines become completely corrupted, no magic will be able to be used. This is the only way," I insisted.

Alec nodded in response as he picked up his phone. He made a few calls with some heated conversations. After that we portalled to the Institute, entering the main work area. When we arrived, a lot of people stood arms crossed and annoyed. This was not going to be a fun conversation.

The first to speak was Mcavoy. "Alec, this is not a good idea. If the ley lines are corrupted then bringing them here is the last thing we should do. If a surge happens again, the energy will get into the Institute. It will corrupt our power source leaving us helpless. We can't take that chance."

"I understand the consequences of this action, but it is the only way. If the ley lines continue like this, warlocks will be out of control. Fixing these lines is a number one priority. I've talked with my associate," Alec said, looking over at me, "And he says this is the only way. It's a risk we have to take."

"So instead of listening to reason, you're gonna take advice from your warlock boyfriend?" Mcavoy asked with 5 or so other shadowhunters agreeing.

Alec looked annoyed and continued, "I did not consult Magnus because he is my boyfriend. I consulted him because he is a warlock with an expansion of knowledge. He has been around for a long time and if he says it is the only way, I believe him. Magnus might be very special to me, but that doesn't mean he isn't right."

"Alec, this isn't a good idea."

"You don't think I know that? This could backfire and I will take full responsibility if it does, but we have to try. If you don't agree, you can leave. Magnus and I will handle this ourselves so you can sit back and not get your little hands dirty. Understood?" Alec said with anger.

"Do as you please, but we are not helping you," he said as everyone left Alec and I alone.

I squeezed his hand for comfort and he smiled back at me. There wasn't much time so we headed down to the lowest level. A few hallways later we were at the core and it was exactly as I remembered it.

Alec worked on opening the chamber the core was in while I moved the ley lines. I swayed my hands in the air and whispered to myself. I imagined pulling the lines to the Institute and soon after they began moving. I continued to concentrate to make sure they were in correct order. Once in place it was getting harder to keep them that way,

"Alexander, you need to hurry."

"They locked me out of the system, we'll have to do it manually," Alec said, running to the side of the room and opening a panel. Inside was a lever and it was awfully rusted. Alec tried pulling on it, but it wouldn't budge. He tried again, but to no avail.

"Alexander, I can't hold the ley lines much longer," I said, collapsing onto one knee.

"It's rusted stuck, just give me a minute," Alec said, taking out his stele. He lifted his sleeve and activated his strength rune. He grasped the handle and yanked with all his might. After a few more tugs he got it to move. On the third, he opened the chamber.

Suddenly a blast of energy hit Alec, the ley lines, and myself. We shot back as the ley lines were flooded with angelic power. Once saturated with it, Alec closed the chamber and I put the ley lines back where they were supposed to be. Alec ran to my side, helping me to my feet.

"Are you okay?" Alec asked.

"Never better," I said, smiling at him as he brought me in for a hug.

Jace POV

After leaving the table, the world began to spin. I ran outside to try and calm Carly down, but I also needed air myself. I busted out the back doors to find Jonathan standing before me. This was not the first time I had seen him and it was getting on my nerves. I didn't know if he was real or if I was losing my mind, but it was gonna stop here and now.

"Hello, Jace. I heard you were having a nice dinner and I thought I would drop in and chat," Jonathan said with a smirk.

"Jonathan, I am going to kill you. I don't know if this is real or my imagination, but it is stopping now," I said, pulling out my shadowblade and pointing it at Jonathan.

"I am very real Jace. You think you killed me, but you never saw the body. I hit the water and floated downstream. I have been through a lot to get here and you are not going to defeat me. I know how to win a fight," Jonathan said, pulling out his shadowblade.

"We'll see about that."

I advanced toward Jonathan. He smiled as I swung my blade. Jonathan's blade clinked against mine as he deflected. We went at it for several minutes, dodging and blocking. Jonathan got the upperhand and knocked my blade away from me. He then pointed his blade at my throat.

"You can't beat me, Jace," Jonathan said, raising his blade into the air.

"I don't think you're correct about that," I said dodging his blade as I grabbed ahold of mine.

I swung up quickly knocking Jonathan's blade from his hand. Then before he could attack I pushed him up against the brick siding. I shoved my blade deep into his side as blood came to his lips.

As I relished in my victory, Jonathan transformed into Carly. I blinked several times and realized I had stabbed Carly, not Jonathan. She looked up at me with fright and pain, "Jace, why?"