Carly POV
After finishing off Heidi, Jonathan and I got back to trying to find the Morning Star sword. If I helped him find it, I might be able to get it away from him and to the Clave. I had try and fix him, but if I couldn't I needed a backup plan. I was reading a book on the couch when Jonathan returned.
For the last few days he had been interrogating Mirek's clients to find the whereabouts of the sword. So far we've had no luck and each time Jonathan returns he is covered in more blood than the day before. I wanted to go with him so I could try and save the innocent people, but he would always leave before I got the chance.
"How'd it go?" I asked as he came into the dinning room, placing his bloody blade on the table.
"Fantastic." Said, Jonathan, throwing his coat on the chair. "One dead end after another. None of Mirek's clients have the Morning Star blade. There's one name left. At least, I think it's a name. It looks like it's written in some Seelie language."
I looked around Jonathan to see he had a seelie with him. She looked terrified and I am betting that was due to him threatening her life. Jonathan noticed my glance and introduced us.
"Carly, this is Alvina. I found her while I was interrogating the last client. I thought she might be of some use to us." Said, Jonathan, as he pulled her forward and pointed to the name on the page, "What is it?"
She stayed silent and he put his blade to her throat. Alvina began crying and begging for him to let her go. "Jonathan, if you want her to help, you can't threaten her. Let me try. Please."
Jonathan was hesitant, but he gave in and removed his blade from her throat. He walked around the table so he was still in hearing distance as he crossed his arms. I looked at her and tried to smile. "Alvina, I won't hurt you. I promise."
"But he will." Said, Alvina, in a quiet voice.
"No, he won't. I'm much stronger than he is. See?" I said as she looked toward me as my fangs extended. I left my eyes hidden for worry it would scare her.
"You're a vampire?" Questioned Alvina
"I am and I will make sure he doesn't lay a hand on you, if you help us. What does the word say. Please." I said as she looked at me and then down at the word.
Alvina analyzed the word for a moment then she translated it. "These are letters from the ancient Seelie alphabet. A-M-A-R-A."
"Amara?" I asked
"Our Queen goes by many names some of them not very well known." Said Alvina
"I had no idea that the Seelie Queen took an interest in antiquities. Will you arrange an audience with Her Highness?" Asked, Jonathan, as Alvina went silent.
Jonathan became impatient and walked toward her with a blade in hand. As he closed in I stood in front of her, blocking his path. "Jonathan, violence isn't the answer."
"Move Carly or I will go through you." Threatened Jonathan
"I am not moving." I said as Alvina looked toward me with surprise. "You can't move to violence when you don't get your way. Fight your urges, Jonathan. Don't let them control you."
Jonathan glared at us both and regretfully agreed. He went to the other side of the room and leaned up against the wall. When he stopped, I turned to face Alvina. "Are you okay?"
"You risked your life for mine. Why?" Asked Alvina
"Because I am just like he is." I said as I showed her my eyes. Alvina jumped, but she didn't back away. "If I can turn him to good, I might have a chance to save myself. Please, arrange a meeting. When we get to the court, I will make sure you are set free. If he tries anything, I will stop him. Okay?"
She nodded and turned toward Jonathan. "I can try."
"Excellent." Said Jonathan
She went into the other room and returned shortly after saying the queen agreed. Alvina led the way as I walked beside her and Jonathan followed behind us. I assured her everything would be alright as we made it to the bridge.
Alvina went in first and we followed after. We landed in the middle of the woodland. I had never visited the Fae Kingdom, but I realize the appeal. It was beautiful, you could just feel the magic coming off of every surface.
We arrived at the castle as guards escorted us to the throne room, their spears pointed at our heads. When we arrived before the queen, Alvina backed away from us and moved back to be hugged by other fairies.
"Your Highness. Is this any way to welcome guests?" Asked Jonathan
"Jonathan and Carly Morgenstern. I would say it's a pleasure to meet you, but alas, we Seelies cannot lie." Said, the queen, as she sat done on her throne.
"We are not your enemy. Whatever quarrel you had with Lilith, that has nothing to do with us. We are only here searching for…" I began
"For the Morning Star sword. I know all about your little quest." Said Seelie Queen
"Then perhaps you could help me out by handing it over." Said Jonathan
"I'm afraid you have more pressing concerns. You see, your mother came into my court and slaughtered dozens of my subjects." Said, Seelie Queen, getting up from her throne to stand before us.
Her guards came closer and a blade appeared before my neck, digging into the skin of my throat. The same was with Jonathan. "Delivering either of your heads to her on a silver platter will be fitting revenge."
"That demon is not my mother. And I assure you, I have no loyalty to Lilith. It's why I left her to rot in Edom after she was banished." Said, Jonathan, as he pushed the blade aside.
"How noble. Nevertheless, there is a debt to be paid. Blood for blood." Said, the Seelie, Queen, as a guard put me in a chokehold.
Jonathan tensed up at my sudden predicament. For a second, I was actually flattered by him caring for me. "And what if I can offer you a better deal?"
"I'm listening." Said Seelie Queen
"Your realm will never be safe as long as the Queen of Edom draws breath. But if you offer me the sword as payment that silver platter of yours will soon bear Lilith's head." Said, Jonathan, as the queen contemplated his deal.
She thought to herself for moment before calling her guards back. The queen looked us over and nodded. "Fine, Morgensterns. If you bring me Lilith's head, the sword is yours. If you don't, then you will never see the sword with your own eyes. No exceptions."
We both headed for the door when Alvina ran up to me and grabbed my hand. Jonathan stopped and looked back at us, annoyed. I told him to wait outside and he walked out the palace doors. I turned back toward Alvina as she smiled up at me.
"Thank you, Carly. No one has ever stood in front of a blade for me before and I'm thankful for your kindness." Thanked Alvina
"You're welcome, Alvina." I said as I tried to continue walking, but she pulled me back again.
"I have heard rumors of the vampiric demon known as Carly Morgenstern and you are nothing like they say. You are kind, thoughtful, and brave. You are nothing like your twin and I would know, fairies can't lie." Said, Alvina, with a smile.
"Thank you, Alvina. Truly." I said returning the smile.
"Before you go I would like to leave you with a parting gift." Said Alvina
"Oh thank…" I began as Alvina got closer to my face.
Her nose touched mine and my words froze in my mouth. Her hands appeared on each side of my head and she pulled me in for a kiss. My eyes went wide as I had no idea what to do. Jonathan looked into the room with just as much shock as I had. Alvina's lips danced across mine as I was too shocked to move.
She slowly backed away, her hands lingering on my cheeks. Alvina scanned my face with her eyes as her smile widened. "That is how my people say thank you. Besides, I think you're cute."
"I like boys." I said awkwardly
"Well if you ever want to play for the same team, just come back to the Seelie Court. I will be waiting." Said, Alvina, as she ran off with her friends.
I shook myself out of the trance I was in and I walked out of the court; cheeks bright as cherries. I ran out of the building and Jonathan followed after me. When we got to the entrance of the Fae Kingdom he brought up the kiss.
"So you made out with a girl? A Seelie girl?" Asked, Jonathan, with a mocking smile.
"Let's just go kill Lilith, shall we?" I asked ignoring the comment as we jumped through the entrance.
Alec POV
I called Catarina and she portalled into my office. She made me step back as she checked on Magnus. I felt tears forming in my eyes as Isabelle ran into the room, trying to comfort me. I picked Magnus up bridal style and carried him to the Institute infirmary. I set him down on a gurney and Catarina took him back to get him situated. About 10 minutes later she came back and allowed me to follow her to Magnus' room.
Catarina had to make a few calls so she left me alone with Magnus. He was connected to a bunch of different wires and machines and he looked awful. I felt as if my heart would shatter and I couldn't hold back any longer. I let the tears cascade down my face as I looked at Magnus' peaceful one.
"Magnus, I...I don't know if you can hear me. But...this is my fault. I was selfish. When you first lost your powers and you said you were okay with it I…I didn't think twice." I said as I bit my tongue and felt a tear land on my hand. "I guess I was just so happy that maybe we could...grow old together. I guess I didn't realize, deep down, how much you were suffering."
I couldn't move, I couldn't think, and I could barely breathe. I wanted him to sit up and make some one liner to make me smile. I wanted him to tell me it was alright and that he was okay, but he couldn't. He was trapped inside himself and it was all my fault.
I grabbed ahold of his hand and squeezed. "Magnus, I love you. More than anyone in the world and I'm so sorry."
I heard a knock at the door and turned to see Catarina had returned. I wiped away my tears and walked over to her. "Did you manage to make contact with the people at the Spiral Labyrinth?"
"Yes, and I shared the test results, and he agreed. Magnus's body is rejecting Lorenzo's magic." Said Catarina
"Rejecting? What do you mean?" I asked
"Think of it like a failing organ transplant. Each time Magnus performs a spell, it puts a tremendous strain on his body. He got lucky this time. He will regain consciousness. But if he uses magic again, even for something small, he might not survive." Explained Catarina
"Why can't you just fix him? Why can't you just take Lorenzo's magic out?" I asked
"I wish I could. The only one who can reverse the transfer is the person who gave it to him." Said Catarina
"Lorenzo did this on purpose." I said as anger began to replace my grief.
"Alec, there's no way he could have planned it. With magic transfusions, there's always this possibility." Said Catarina
"No. He knew how desperate Magnus was. He took advantage of him. I'm not gonna let this son of a bitch get away with it." I said
I began walking toward the door, but Catarina stopped me with her hand. I tried to push her hand away, but she was stronger than she looked. "You need to settle down."
"I can't just let him get away with hurting Magnus." I said
Catarina kept me from leaving and convinced me to think before I act. "What's the Shadowhunter saying? "Emotions cloud judgement?" You lose your temper with Lorenzo, he'll have less incentive to help. Like it or not, Lorenzo Rey is Magnus's only hope."
Jace POV
Once I pulled Clary from the fire, I carried her straight to the City of Bones. The Silent Brothers took her back and it was a good hour before she returned. When she did, she looked even more distraught. "Clary, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I didn't feel a thing." Said, Clary, as I placed my hands on her shoulders.
"Okay, that's good. What'd they do to you?" I questioned
"They couldn't do anything. The demonic tether that binds me to Jonathan is stronger than anything they've ever seen before." Said, Clary, as she looked down at her feet in defeat.
"Okay. Well, look." I said as I grabbed her cheek and turned her face so she'd look a me. "It doesn't mean we're out of options. Look, you you saw that illustration with me. Michael separated himself from Lucifer. That means there has to be a way."
"Maybe, we go straight to the source." Said Clary
"Are you talking about Lilith?" I asked with shock.
"She gave me the rune. She's gotta know how to remove it." Said, Clary, pushing my hands and heading for the door.
I shook my head and pulled her back. "Look, we just got rid of her, and it almost cost you your life."
"I don't know what else to do." Said, Clary, as desperation spread across her face. "Look, when I saw Jonathan last night, I couldn't call for help. I couldn't walk away. I couldn't do anything! And after what happened with Aline, and the fire, I can feel it, Jace! It's this darkness. It's growing, and I…"
"Hey, listen to me." I said pulling her in for a hug. "You are a good person. And there is no rune that's gonna change that."
Suddenly a fire message appeared beside us and I grabbed it with my hand. Clary and I read the note together and rushed out of the City of Bones as fast as our feet could carry us. When we arrived at the Institute Isabelle and Simon were already waiting outside the room.
"What happened?" I asked
"Lorenzo's magic didn't take. It took its toll and caused Magnus to collapse. Catarina is staying with him as Alec goes to talk to Lorenzo. She is going to come get us when he wakes up." Explained Isabelle.
I noticed Clary tense up and everyone else did as well. Simon got up from where he was sitting and tried to calm her down. "Hey, Fray, he's gonna be okay."
"First Luke goes to prison, then Carly is trapped with Jonathan, and now this. Why is everything falling apart?" Said, Clary, ignoring Simon's comment.
"Hey, Fray." Said, Simon, placing his hand on her shoulder.
The second his skin met hers, she changed. Anger suddenly rose to the surface and she snapped. "What, Simon?! What, are you gonna make some joke to try and get me to feel better?"
Simon slinked back and looked like he may cry. I looked from him to her and saw Clary's hands shaking. I stepped forward, clasped her hands in mine. "Clary?"
Clary snapped out of it and looked back Simon with guilt. "I can't live like this. Jace, we have to do it."
Clary walked into the main room as I followed after her. Simon and Isabelle were confused and worried so they followed us. "Do what?"
"Clary, what's going on?" Asked Simon
We all surrounded one of the tables in the main room and I explained the situation. "We went to the Silent Brothers, but they couldn't remove the rune. So, Clary thought summoning the source of the rune might give us answers. I spoke to Catarina. She won't summon Lilith because of the danger."
"Well, can we find another warlock?" Asked Simon
"There's no one else we can trust." I said
"What about me? What if I use my rune ability to summon Lilith?" Asked Clary
"The runes were designed to give us the power to fight demons, not summon them." I explained
"Look, I know it's a long shot but if I can create a rune that can bring back the dead, isn't this worth trying? What other choice do I have?" Questioned, Clary, as she looked around at all of us.
"Okay, let's say we manage to summon Lilith. What's to stop her from escaping? Or attacking us?" I questioned
"The Malachi Configuration. It was built to contain greater demons." Suggested Isabelle
"Right, but not the Queen of Hell. We need a contingency plan. A way to send her back to Edom if she gets loose." I responded
"The Mark of Cain." Suggested Simon
"Yeah, the Mark of Cain would be perfect, If you still had it." I said
"Yeah, I don't, but Izzy and I both know someone that does." Said, Simon, as they looked at one another.
"Do you think you can convince Cain to cooperate?" Asked Isabelle
"Well, I mean, it seemed like he liked me. It's worth a shot." Said Simon
Ignoring the fact that Cain is alive after all this time I continued with the what ifs. "Okay. Let's say we summon Lilith, and we manage to trap her, and Cain is willing to help. The only problem is how do we get her to talk to us?"
"Don't worry about it. With the upgrades I made to the Malachi configuration, that shouldn't be an issue." Said, Isabelle, with a proud smile.
"I'll go talk to Cain right now." Said, Simon, as he walked away from the table.
As he began to leave so did Isabelle. "I'll go with you."
Alec POV
I had to get Magnus to wake up and Lorenzo was the only one who could help me. Catarina opened a portal for me and I appeared at Lorenzo's front door. I banged on the door until my hand turned red when a servant opened the door. I pushed past them and ran into the living room to find Lorenzo drinking wine.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Lightwood?" Asked, Lorenzo, slowly turning around with disdain.
"Magnus has fallen ill as a result of the magic you gave him." I said
"I did warn your boyfriend of the risks involved. He assured me he could handle it." Said Lorenzo
"Well, he can't. And I would appreciate if you would take the magic back." I said
"Yes, I'm sure you would appreciate that." Said, Lorenzo, as he put new ice cubes in his glass and added some alcohol. "But he brought this upon himself. Not my fault the pompous old warlock falls by his own hubris."
"Why? Why do you hate him so much?" I asked taking a few steps closer.
"It's simple. All my life, I've had to sit by and watch while the world lavished praise on Magnus Bane. The Prodigy. The High Warlock who could do no wrong." Explained Lorenzo
"Green isn't becoming on you, Lorenzo." I said
Lorenzo looked toward me with hatred. "You have no idea how hard I've had to work for everything that I have. That man was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His celebrity is not based on talent. It's nepotism."
"Lorenzo, you're right about one thing. Magnus is beloved. And when word gets out that you wouldn't help him, purely out of jealousy, how do you think the other warlocks are gonna feel?" I said with just as much hate.
"I guess we'll find out, won't we?" Said Lorenzo
"Oh, you bastard. I swear I will…" I began getting real close to his face.
"You'll what?" Asked, Lorenzo, as he got even closer to mine.
He snapped his fingers and I was shot across the room. I landed right in front of the door as it opened. "I believe we're done here. You can show yourself out."
I let it get heated just as Catarina told me not to do. If I left, Magnus would just get worse and I couldn't lose him. I walked back over to him and this time I went with a different approach.
"You've never been in love, have you?" I asked approaching him slowly
"I'm over 300 years old. Of course I have. More times than I care to admit." Said, Lorenzo, taking a sip of his drink.
"Well for me, it's only one." I said as the tears from before came rushing back. "Magnus. He is my world, and if he dies…"
I bit my lip as a tear rolled down my cheek. Lorenzo noticed my broken state and pitied me with his attention. "Look, Lorenzo he's no threat to you. Okay? He doesn't have his powers. Just please. Please, help him."
Lorenzo sighed and chugged the rest of his drink. He collected his coat and portalled us both to the Institute. We came to Magnus' room just as he was waking up. Magnus smiled toward me and then his face saddened at the sight of Lorenzo.
"Alexander, what's he doing here?" Asked Magnus
"Using Lorenzo's magic is what got you sick. Catarina says that if you use the magic again, even a little bit, it could go horribly wrong. The only way for you to get better is for Lorenzo to take the magic away." I explained
"No, Catarina's just being overly cautious. Trust me, I feel fine." Said, Magnus, as he tried to sit up, but it was too much and he laid back down.
"Magnus…" I began
"No." Stated Magnus
"Can we just get a minute, please?" I said toward Lorenzo
"NO!" Yelled, Magnus, which caused Lorenzo and I to jump. "I'm not getting rid of my magic."
I told Lorenzo to wait outside and he gladly walked out. I noticed Magnus trying to get out of bed again and I tried to help him, but he pushed me away. He got up and dressed himself, without even looking at me.
"Magnus, you stopped breathing. Your heart stopped. I thought you were gone." I said
"I'm so sorry for scaring you. I was clearly adjusting to Lorenzo's magic, and I must have overextended myself. I promise I'll be more careful from now on." Said, Magnus, trying to ignore the face the magic was killing him.
"It doesn't matter how careful you are. As long as you have Lorenzo's magic, you'll be living with an axe over your head." I said
"Oh, could you stop being so morbid?" Said, Magnus, as he turned to look away from me.
"Look, I know how important magic is to you, but is it really worth dying for?" I asked as Magnus stayed silent, but I wasn't gonna take silence as an answer. "Magnus, answer me."
"Maybe." Said Magnus
"How can you even say that?" I asked
"I am nothing without my magic!" Yelled, Magnus, as he turned to look me with most broken expression. He looked as if his world had been destroyed.
"Magnus…" I began
"You fell in love with Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn." Said, Magnus, interrupting me. "Can you honestly say that you don't feel differently about me? Look at me! Can you honestly say you like this?!"
"Yes!" I said as I put both his hands in mine. "Your powers were incredible. But that's not why I fell in love with you. I fell in love with you because you're wise, and you're generous, and you're brave, and you're incredible! When you walk into a room, there's a spark in you, magic or not, that lights up everything and everyone around you!"
Magnus tried to pull away, but I pulled him closer. "I won't lose you! I can't."
Carly POV
"Is it even possible to kill a demon as powerful as Lilith?" I asked as Jonathan drew the portal to Edom on the floor.
"In Edom it is. Every demon has their weakness." Said, Jonathan, as he set the paint aside.
"What's hers?" I asked as Jonathan offered his hand to me.
"Me." Said, Jonathan, as I grabbed his hand and he pulled me into the circle. He whispered some latin and fire surrounded us.
It felt exactly as you would imagine being lit on fire feels like. I felt as if the fire was burning me away into nothing but ash. I screamed as the apartment vanished and we landed in the red dirt of Edom. I looked around and was terrified.
The skies were a blood red and you could hear screams coming from every direction. There demonic beasts roaming about in the distance and the dirt was red with blood. I felt a little more sorry Jonathan. Any child who had to live in this place had the right to be evil.
Jonathan pulled me toward a broken down castle. We walked through the front doors and found Lilith on the throne. She looked up with a smile as she saw us enter. Lilith walked before us and placed a hand on each of our cheeks.
"It's you." Said, Lilith, with a smile.
"Hello, Mother." Said Jonathan
"Hi, m...m...mom." I stuttered
Lilith looked toward me with love, as much love as a demon could give I guess. She would never be my mother, but I had to play the part. If she still believed I was controlled by the dark this might go the way we wanted it to.
"You came back for me, my sweet twins." Said Lilith
"Of course we did. When Jonathan rose and realized you were gone he was devastated. I was also lost without you, my...true...family." I said
"And yet, you took your time leaving me here to suffer." Said Lilith
"Suffer? How?" Questioned Jonathan
"When that wretched Daylighter blasted me back to this realm, I was weak, my powers diminished. Asmodeus he took full advantage. That cat-eyed cretin, he took my crown, and he bound me to this room with the magic he took from his son." Explained Lilith
"Mother, we had no idea. If we had we would've come back right away." I said
"What was keeping you so busy?" Questioned Lilith
"Clary. She ran away from us. I had to find her so we could all be together again." Said Jonathan
"I'm afraid that rune was a necessary evil. I would have just connected the two of you, but with Clary you would be even stronger than before. With her you would never have to worry about dying again. It was an evil that had to happen." Said Lilith
"No, it's not evil. It's beautiful." Said Jonathan
"She called you a monster, Jonathan. She wanted you to stay dead." Said Lilith
"It's different now." Said, Jonathan, as I saw the anger rise in his eyes. I tried to stay calm, but I knew Jonathan wasn't going to.
"Your sister will never love you like I do. Believe me, if you didn't need her life force in order to live, I would have taken her heart and ripped it out of her chest and crushed it in my hand!" Yelled Lilith
"SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Screamed, Jonathan, as his eyes went black.
Lilith looked furious and her eyes turned just the same. I kept my eyes green because if we all got angry, this would end badly. I tried pulling him back, but he wouldn't budge.
"How dare you speak to your mother like that?!" Yelled Lilith
"Mother, Jonathan is sorry." I said as they both looked toward me with their eyes turning back to normal. "He is just annoyed with how Clary has been treating us. Please, forgive him. Let us help you. We can defeat Asmodeus together."
"Why do I not trust a word you say?" Questioned Lilith
"She's telling you the truth. I realize I never should have left Edom in the first place. You're the only true family that I have. Mother, I love you." Said, Jonathan, as Lilith perked up.
"I have waited so long to hear you say those words." Said, Lilith, as her smile returned. She walked forward and placed her forehead against his; eyes closed.
She then walked over to me and placed her hands on each side of my face. I tried to fake a smile and it looks like she bought it. Lilith scanned me over and frowned. "I see your friends broke the hold the darkness had on you. The power will always be there, but that pesky conscience will get in the way. Let me help you, Carly."
Before I could tell her no, her lips were on mine. She opened my mouth with her tongue and I felt the demonic mist travel down my throat. I tried to fight her, but I was no match for her. Lilith backed away as I smiled with a dark look in my eyes.
I looked over at Jonathan and we smiled at each other. Lilith turned her back on us so Jonathan pulled a knife from his back pocket and handed it to me. Then with one swift motion he grabbed Lilith's arms and held them behind her back. I looked down at the blade with excitement as I positioned it in front of Lilith's chest. "Goodbye, Mother."
When the blade was centimeters from her body, a beam of light sucked her out of the room and she vanished. Jonathan screamed, grabbing a chair, and throwing it across the room. I slid the knife back into my pocket and asked what the hell just happened.
"Where did she go?" I asked
"Someone summoned her and we are going to find them." Said Jonathan
Simon POV
Cain agreed to help us so we met Clary at the warehouse. Isabelle set the the configuration in place and Cain stood beside me. Clary was preparing herself when she looked over at Cain with a thankful smile.
"Thank you so much for coming. I know how hard this must be for you." Said Clary
"I have spent centuries cowering in the dark it was finally time to come into the light." Said Cain
"Hey good job getting him here." Said, Jace, as he looked toward me.
"No problem." I said as I realized something. "That might be one of the first compliments you have given me, Jace."
"It might be, but now, go away." Said Jace
"What?" I questioned
"Look, I don't have time to babysit you. Without your your Mark, you're defenseless. You will just get in the way if this goes badly. I am thankful for your help, but you need to leave." Explained Jace
"Defenseless?! Do these look defenseless to you?" I asked as I extended my fangs and showed them of with pride. "I am much faster and stronger than you are. I think I can handle myself."
"Are you kidding?" Questioned, Jace, with a jokey tone.
I ignored his rude comment and retaliated. "Look, we're a package deal, me and Clary! I'm not going anywhere. I can't leave knowing my best friend is in danger. I am staying."
"Alright, I'm going to open a summoning portal inside the Malachi Configuration. Once Lilith surfaces, she'll be trapped inside. If she breaks free, use your vamp speed and act as our shield." Said, Clary, as she looked at all of us and specifically Cain.
"I will do my best." Said Cain
"Everyone keep their eyes open. Don't take any chances." Warned Jace
Clary closed her eyes and her eyeballs moved back and forth with rapid speed. Suddenly her hand shot up as her eyes opened and she began drawing a rune in the air. It shimmered with gold as her steele swirled around in the air. When the rune was complete she pushed it into the configuration and a second later Lilith appeared inside.
"Welcome back, Lilith." Said Clary
"So many familiar faces. Son of Adam. My precious Owl. How lovely to see you both." Said, Lilith, as she turned to look toward Clary. "And you, the girl who stole my boy's heart."
"You put that rune on me, Carly, and Jonathan. Now, you're gonna tell me how to remove it." Said Clary
"Why would I do that? Jonathan and Carly, those ungrateful brats, tried to kill me. As far as I'm concerned, you three deserve each other." Spit, Lilith, with anger.
"Carly, tried to kill you?" I asked with surprise
Lilith turned toward me and nodded. "She did. Jonathan held me down and Carly held the blade over my chest. If you hadn't summoned me when you did, she would have killed me. Even after I gave her a pick me up."
"Pick me up?" I questioned
"You had broke the hold the darkness had on Carly, so I mended the wall. I brought her back to herself and she repays me by trying to kill me. No mother should be treated with such an act." Explained Lilith
"Enough! If you're not gonna cooperate willingly, we're gonna have to make you." Said, Isabelle, as she walked over to the configuration
She kneeled beside one of the corners and twisted the blade. Electricity shot from the sides and electrocuted Lilith. She screamed as she tried to escape, but the voltage just got stronger. Lilith fell onto her knees as Isabelle let go of the blade.
"Ready to talk now?" Asked Clary
"There's only one way to break the bond between you three." Said, Lilith, as she pulled herself and sighed in pain. "You've heard of Michael and Lucifer? Huh? Lucifer possessed the Morning Star blade, but Michael had a sword of his own called Glorious. It was imbued with heavenly fire which gave it the power to purge demonic energy."
"Heavenly fire?" Said, Isabelle, to herself.
"By stabbing Lucifer with Glorious, Michael was able to nullify the rune's power, and break the connection." Said Lilith
"Where is Glorious now?" Asked Clary
"Nowhere. Glorious was destroyed the moment Michael pierced Lucifer. Its blade was shattered into a thousand pieces and lost to time. There is no hope for you or Carly, Clary Fairchild. You will turn dark just like Carly and Jonathan, it is only a matter of time." Said, Lilith, with a mocking smile.
"No! You put that rune on her, you're gonna take it off!" Yelled, Jace, as he twisted the blade.
Lilith screeched in agony and barely stayed on her feet. "I told you, there's nothing I can do!"
Clary noticed the look on Lilith's face and how she said the words. Lilith wasn't lying. Either she truly believed that or it was the truth. "Jace, stop! I think she's telling the truth."
Jace let go of the blade as a portal opened beside the configuration. We all watched as Carly and Jonathan stepped through. Jonathan and Carly were ready to fight. Her eyes were just as dark as Jonathan's and there was nothing but anger on her face.
"Jonathan." Said, Clary, with disgust.
"Hello, sister." Said Jonathan
"Carly." I said
"Simon." Said Carly
"You stay away from her!" Yelled, Jace, as he ran at Jonathan.
Jace tackled Jonathan onto the floor. They took out their blades and sliced at one another. Jace was losing clearly as Jonathan pushed him back. Their blades kept slamming into one another, Jonathan getting closer and closer to Jace.
Carly tried to go for me, but Cain was faster. He grabbed her from behind and held her down. She tried to fight him off, but he was much older and so much stronger.
Clary tried to help Jace, but I held her back. "Clary, wait! Remember what happens when you get close to him"
"Simon, I can't just watch this!" Yelled, Clary, as she pulled against my hand, but I wasn't going to let go.
"You don't have a choice." I said as we both looked back over at the fight.
Jonathan slammed his blade against Jace's, causing it to fall to the floor. He then sliced down toward Jace's head, but he maneuvered out of the way just in time. He recollected his blade and they began circling each other.
"As happy as I am to see Clary, I'm here for Lilith." Said, Jonathan, as their blades met and their faces got close to one another.
"I don't care why you're here. You're not getting away." Said, Jace, pushing Jonathan back.
Jonathan's anger rose and he used all his strength to rush Jace. Jace's blade went flying as Jonathan grabbed ahold of Jace's collar, pushing his blade deep into Jace's shoulder.
"You can't beat me." Said, Jonathan, as he pushed the blade deeper into Jace's shoulder.
"I'm not alone." Said Jace
Isabelle came up from behind and threw her whip at Jonathan's hand. It wrapped around his fingers as Clary and Carly held their hands. Jonathan sighed as he pulled the blade from Jace and dropped him onto his back.
"You don't learn, do you?" Questioned, Jonathan, as he grabbed the whip with both hands and yanked.
Isabelle was thrown toward Jonathan as he grabbed her by the throat and threw her toward a cement pillar. Her back hit the pillar with a crack, causing her to lose all the breath in her lungs. Jonathan wiped the blood from his blade and walked over to Isabelle.
He stood above her and pulled up her hair, placing his blade against her throat. I was the only fighter left so I left Clary's side to protect Isabelle. I knocked Jonathan on his ass and pried the blade from his fingers, throwing it across the room. I got cocky and he tackled me.
He got me on my back and put his heel against my throat. He began to crush my windpipe as I screamed. Carly suddenly went still when she heard me scream. She stopped fighting Cain as she looked over at me.
"Simon…" Said, Carly, to herself.
Carly's eyes turned green and she quickly broke out of Cain's grip. She grabbed the blade that she had dropped and held it over her stomach. Clary looked back at her and Carly mouthed I'm sorry. Then she looked over at me as she plunged the blade into her stomach.
Jonathan screeched in pain as he backed away from me and collapsed onto his knees; Clary doing the same. I was getting my breath back as I noticed Cain and Lilith.
"Son of Adam. Release me. Please." Said, Lilith, as she walked over to the edge of the configuration closest to him.
"Never." Said, Cain, as he began walking over to help us.
"Lift that sword and come to Edom with me. I need your Mark to protect me from Jonathan. Do me this one favor and I'll bring your brother Abel back to life." Promised, Lilith, as Cain stopped in place.
"Cain, don't listen to her! She's just trying to manipulate you like before!" I yelled as my throat healed from the damage Jonathan caused.
"You have my word. I promise." Said Lilith
Cain stared down at his feet and then looked up with desperation. I began walking toward them as Cain shook his head.
"Forgive me." Said, Cain, as he pulled the sword from the cement.
Lilith and Cain vanished with the configuration. Jace and Isabelle healed their wounds as I noticed Carly pull the blade from her stomach. I ran over to Carly and helped her stand. Clary had already stood as she looked down at Jonathan.
"Sister! Help me!" Yelled, Jonathan, as he reached his hand toward her.
"Clary! No!" Yelled, Jace, as Clary's hand began moving toward Jonathan's.
Her hand stopped when Jace yelled. She blinked a couple of times and opened a portal. She shot it at Jonathan and he vanished from the room. When he was gone she healed her wound and checked on Jace.
"Jace! Are you okay?" Asked Clary
"Where did you send him?" Asked Jace
"Where he belongs." Said Clary
As everyone was getting back up, I looked down at Carly. Her wound had healed and her eyes were the beautiful green I remembered. I looked down at her as she looked right back up at me.
"You broke the darkness' hold on you." I said
"Your voice broke me out of it. I love you, Simon." Said, Carly, with a smile.
"I love you too." I said as I leaned down and gave her a kiss.
Alec POV
It took some prodding, but I got Magnus to agree to get rid of his magic. I know it means the world to him, but I can't watch it kill him. I won't.
I called Lorenzo back and he strutted in as his annoying self. "Are you ready? You understand once I take back my magic, that's it. I cannot give you another transfusion."
"Just do it." Said, Magnus, as he stood up straight.
Lorenzo rolled his eyes as his arm shot out. His hand began at Magnus' stomach and slowly traveled up. As his hand moved a golden mist followed. When he reached Magnus' face, the mist came from Magnus' mouth and eyes and went into Lorenzo. When it was all gone Magnus collapsed into my arms.
Lorenzo began for the door when I yelled after him. "Lorenzo, thank you."
"Yes, well I hope you know this changes nothing. I'll be keeping the apartment." Said Lorenzo
"Oh, fine. I have everything I need right here." Said, Magnus, as he breathed deeply against my chest.
When Lorenzo had left I carried Magnus to my room and allowed him to get some much needed rest. Once he was comfortable I met my mom at the bookstore she now owned. I was proud of what she accomplished, but that is not why I came. We sat down at one of her tables as I got to the reason I came.
"There's actually something I wanted to talk to you about." I said
"What is it?" Said, Maryse, with curiosity.
"Um...Magnus had a little health scare." I said as I saw my mother become worried. "He's okay. Everything's fine. But, when it happened, it made me realize how much he means to me. And that I can't live without him."
"That's what love is. I'm so happy you two found each other." Said Maryse
"Me too. And I need the family ring." I said as my mother smile widened. "I'm gonna ask Magnus to marry me."
"Alec that's amazing. Congratulations!" Said, Maryse, as she ran around the table and hugged me.
I dug my face into her shoulder and we hugged for a long while. Magnus meant the world to me and losing him would mean losing a part of myself. I can't live without him and I won't take no for an answer.
Clary POV
The fight took a toll on all of us so we headed to the Institute to see the bastard where he belonged. Carly and Simon were allowed entrance to see Jonathan restrained, but then both were to exit soon after. Since the fight I hadn't said one word to Carly and I couldn't just sit still.
When we arrived in the lower levels, Jonathan was restrained. His arms chained to each wall, his body wrapped in a straight jacket, and a mask covering his mouth. I felt a little bad, but I was mostly glad the monster was trapped.
Jace and Isabelle had to handle paperwork and dealing with other hunters so Carly, Simon, and I watched Jonathan from the other side of the glass. It was only one sided, but it felt like he could see us as his eyes followed our movement.
I looked over and saw Carly looking depressed. "He deserves to be in there."
"I was getting through to him." Said, Carly, turning toward me. "I prevented him from killing Jace, a teenage boy, a seelie girl, and Simon. He might be a monster, but I was making progress. Now that he's in there, it's ruined."
"Carly, there was no way to save him. He has ruined too many lives to be good. He is the reason you were drowned in darkness all over again. He almost made you just as much of a killer as he is." I said as Simon rubbing Carly's shoulders.
"Lilith did that to me, not Jonathan. He can be kind if you get past his evil urges." Said, Carly, as she looked from me to Jonathan.
"You think he's kind?" I asked with surprise.
"He isn't a complete monster. He loves watching the sun rise and he saved me from getting beheaded by Seelies." Said, Carly, as Jonathan's face looked actually moved. "He even laughed when a Seelie girl kissed me."
"A Seelie girl kissed you?" Asked Simon
"He isn't a good guy by any means, but he is still part human." Said, Carly, ignoring Simon's question. "Trapping him in here like an animal will just undo all the work I have done. Once the mark is gone, the Clave will kill him."
Jace returned to us and pulled me off to the side. Simon and Carly stayed by the glass as Carly watched Jonathan. While they were distracted, me and Jace got to talking.
"Jace. When we were out there, there was a moment where I felt compelled to help Jonathan. And then, I heard your voice. It snapped me out of it. The same thing happened with Aline, and with the fire, and today in the Infirmary. Every time I get close to the edge you pull me back." I explained
"What are you saying?" Questioned Jace
"I didn't think I was strong enough to fight the rune's influence. But maybe, with your help, I can be." I said as smiled up at him.
"Still I hate the idea of you being connected to that monster forever." Said, Jace, as he looked over at Jonathan and then back at me. "You shouldn't have to endure that."
"Hopefully, she won't have to." Said, Isabelle, as she appeared from around the corner. "Do you remember when Lilith mentioned "heavenly fire?""
"Yeah, it's what gave Michael's sword the power to purge demon energy. What about it?" I asked
"The sentry who was killed, he said the words "heavenly fire" in Latin before he died. Alec and I asked mom about it and apparently, it's the name of an off-the-books Clave program." Explained Isabelle
"You think someone at the Clave knows about Glorious?" Asked Jace
"It's possible." Said Isabelle
"What's Glorious?" Asked, Carly, as she and Simon walked over to us.
"Glorious is a sword imbued with heavenly fire. If Jonathan is stabbed with the blade the connection between you three will be gone. It's the only chance you have at ending this." Explained Isabelle