Alec POV
I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to hide how much I was freaking out. I put on a straight face and headed back to my bedroom, to find Magnus in bed.
He hadn't really left the room the last few days and tonight would hopefully be something special. When he saw me enter he mentioned what we needed for our house. He'd been looking for days and so far nothing his style had shown up.
"Two bedrooms, an absolute must. Spacious closets, required." Said, Magnus, as he looked up from his phone and saw me still standing in the doorway. "Do you agree?"
"Yeah, that sounds good." I said quickly with clear nervousness. In front of many I can hide my emotion, but Magnus could see right through me. He noticed my nervous expression and set his phone down.
"Are you okay, Alexander?" Asked Magnus
"I'm fine. Everything is perfect..." I said as I put on a smile. "Now that you're back to your old self."
"Well, let's not get carried away." Said, Magnus, with sad eyes.
"I just mean now that you're healthy." I said as I sat down on the bed beside him. "I was thinking we could have dinner tonight, on the balcony, with a great view of the city. The head chef can prepare something special."
"Oh, how romantic." Said, Magnus, with a smile. "What's the occasion?"
"No occasion, I just thought it would be nice to spend some time with my boyfriend. Is there something wrong with that?" I said
"No, there's nothing wrong with that. I would love to have dinner with you, Alexander. I am one lucky man." Said, Magnus, with a smile.
"Not as lucky as I am." I said as I pecked him on the lips and then quickly got off the bed. "I'll see you tonight at 8 o'clock!"
"I'll be there with bells on." Said Magnus
I walked out of the room and leaned against the wall on the opposite side. I took a few deeps breaths and went about my business. I had to make tonight perfect, because the perfect man deserved a perfect night.
Carly POV
Simon said he had a meeting with Isabelle and he wanted me to come along. I wasn't really welcome in the Institute after what I had done. I wasn't banned from entering, but I could see the looks people gave me. I was the freak and now that I had sided with Jonathan I was even more so.
"Carly, come with me." Said, Simon, as he sat beside me on the bed.
"Simon, I don't think that is a good idea." I said as I dug my face into the pillow. "I'm the demonic vampire who sided with Jonathan; a wanted man. Can we do this meeting anywhere else?"
"Isabelle said it was important." Said, Simon, crouching beside the bed so our faces were at the same level. "I just got you back and I am not going to let you out of my sight. If anyone tries to lay a hand on you, I'll be there. Okay?"
"I can handle myself." I said
"Then there shouldn't be a problem. Please, Carly. Come with me." Said Simon
His eyes went wide and I knew what that meant. When his eyes went wide he would do his puppy dog eyes that no one could resist. The minute I saw the look, I melted. "Fine I'll go, but I'm not happy about it."
"That's okay with me. Now get dressed, Isabelle said it was of high importance." Said, Simon, as he threw a pillow at my head.
I took the pillow and chucked it back in his direction, but he dodged it with a laugh. He winked at me as he vanished around the corner. I rolled my eyes and quickly got dressed. Once I was ready Simon and I travelled to the Institute. We walked into the building and as I expected I got the glares. Some hunters looked annoyed while others looked like they wanted to kill me.
Simon pulled me toward Isabelle when Consul Penhallow appeared out of nowhere. She stood between me and Simon so our hands separated. Simon looked nervous, but I told him to go talk to Isabelle and I would talk to Penhallow. He was adamant, but Simon gave in and made his way over to Isabelle.
"Are you here to arrest me?" I asked as calmly as I could.
"No, you aren't in trouble, Carly." Said Penhallow
I was outright shocked at how serious she just said that. "Really? I worked with Jonathan and the Clave is just gonna let that slide? Don't you guys usually shoot first and ask questions later?"
"The Clave was seriously considering sending you to prison in Idris, but…" Said, Consul Penhallow, as she wrung her hands. "We got word that you stopped Jonathan from killing one of our own and you were part of the reason he is now in our custody. Plus we had a call from a Seelie who told us of your innocence. "
"Alvina..." I said to myself
"She seemed to really care for you and Seelies don't care for anyone, but themselves." Said, Consul Penhallow, as she fixed her blouse. "Don't screw up this second chance we have given you, Carly. If you disgrace this opportunity we won't be afraid to arrest you on the spot."
"I won't, I promise." I said
"Good." Said, Consul Penhallow, as she went off to talk to someone else.
I shook the weirdness of that conversation off and headed over to Simon and Isabelle. Both were curious about what Penhallow wanted and I told them that she was just telling me I was not going to jail. I had a second chance and if I screwed that up I would be taken on the spot. They didn't ask more so Isabelle got me caught up just as Alec walked into the room.
"What was so urgent? I'm very bu…" Said, Alec, as he turned to see us. "What are they doing here?"
"I was able to decrypt the chip I extracted from Sentry Greenlaw. I think it holds the key to breaking Clary and Carly's bond with Jonathan." Said Isabelle
Isabelle used her remote and four files appeared on the screen in front of us. All of them had criminal records and were prisoners from the Gard. Alec read over the files and turned toward Isabelle. "Greenlaw smuggled out prisoner profiles?"
"They've been redirected from the Gard to project Heavenly Fire." Said Isabelle
"Heavenly Fire as in Glorious?" Questioned Alec
"If the sword still exists, there's a good chance it's being kept in the same facility where these prisoners are being sent. This place is totally off the grid. The only way to find it is to get someone on the inside." Explained Isabelle
"But not just anyone a vampire named Zeke Russo." Said Simon
"Who is that?" Alec and I asked at the same time.
Isabelle used her remote and another file appeared with Simon's face on it. I grabbed at Simon's hand and made him look at me. I mouthed for him to explain, but he said it was the only way.
"You're kidding me." Sighed Alec
"This file has all the specifications needed to guarantee a transfer to the facility." Said Isabelle
"You're sending him in there alone? What if something happens? What if he gets hurt? What if he gets caught?" I asked as Simon grabbed my hands with a squeeze.
"I know the risks." Said Simon
"Don't worry. I'll be following him with a tracking rune. Plus, these Seelie rings will help us communicate telepathically." Said, Isabelle, as she passed a ring to Simon.
"Seelie rings?" I asked
"These rings were used by Valentine to communicate with Hodge right under our noses. They glamour to look like your skin as long as you are awake and alert." Explained Isabelle
"So, once Zeke's inside, all he has to do is get the sword?" Asked Alec
"The moment he has Glorious, I will be standing by with a team to extract him. He will get in, find the sword, and then I will get him out. We can do this." Said Isabelle
"I'm going with him." I stated as they all looked toward me with doubt.
"Carly, you can't screw up the second chance the Clave has given you. Besides many Clave members know your face from when you were wanted. We need your help here, talking to Jonathan. As he won't talk to anyone, but you and Clary." Said Alec
"But I can't let you go in there alone." I said as I turned toward Simon. "What if you get hurt? I can't just sit around knowing you could be in danger."
"You have to." Said, Simon, as he placed a hand on my cheek. "If we want to find this sword, we have to be stealthy about this. You coming with me will put both of us in danger. I will find the sword's location and I will come back to you. I promise."
"You better." I said
"I will always come back to you." Said, Simon, as he and Isabelle walked out into another room.
Clary POV
I stood beside Jace as we watched Jonathan's cell. Just being near him made me feel as if I were being drowned in darkness. I took a deep breath as Carly and Alec appeared next to me. Carly didn't look the best and it was obvious.
"Are you okay?" I asked
"I'm fine, Clary." Said, Carly, as she kept a straight face.
"Did he say anything?" Asked Alec
"No. Underhill's been questioning him about the Morning Star sword, but he refuses to speak to anyone except Carly and Clary." Explained Jace
"Let me in." Said Clary
"Clary, if you get any closer to him, you're only gonna strengthen his power over you. He doesn't have the same effect on me, let me go in first. If I can't get the answers, you can try. Okay?" Said Carly
I wasn't happy about it, but I agreed. Carly went up to the cell and the guards let her in. They closed the door behind her as she removed the mask from Jonathan's mouth.
"Nice to see you again, Carly. I'm surprised you didn't come to see me sooner, are you okay?" Said, Jonathan, with genuine concern.
"I'm fine, Jonathan." Said Carly
"No, you're not. I can tell you're not feeling well. You should really eat. Letting yourself get this weak only lets everyone else have the power to over take you. I bet they didn't even notice how weak you've gotten." Said, Jonathan, as he looked directly at Clary, Jace, and Alec from the other side of the glass.
"I just haven't had the time. I'll eat as soon as Simon gets back." Said, Carly as she saw the look on my face. I was guilty for not noticing sooner, but I never really noticed until something was really wrong.
Jonathan looked from us and back to her. "The urge to feed is becoming too much, isn't it? I bet it pains you to stand near your friends. I bet a part of you wants to rip their throats out and feel their life essence flowing down yours."
"Jonathan, no." Said Carly
"I'm right, aren't I? If I weren't connected to you, I bet you would even feed from me. If you wait too long you will kill someone. Maybe you should wait, then you will really give in to the darkness in your soul. The darkness that you try so hard to push down." Said Jonathan
"SHUT UP!" Snarled, Carly, as her eyes went dark.
"There's the sister I love! Be who your supposed to be!" Yelled, Jonathan, with a smile. "Stop trying to push the darkness down. Let it be out in the open, let it be you. You are a beautiful creature and you shouldn't have to hide yourself. Let the anger out, let it all out."
"I won't be…" Said, Carly, as she squeezed her eyes shut and with a deep breath they turned back to green. "A monster."
"You're already a monster. Hiding that side of you will only lead to it over powering you. Be in control of your darkness, not the other way around. I am the only one who understands you, Carly. I am the only one who won't shun you." Said Jonathan
Suddenly the door opened and I appeared in the doorway. Carly took a step back and began for the door, but I held her back. She looked down at my hand and then looked back up into my eyes. "Stay. This involves you too."
She gave me a confused look as she went back to where she was standing before. Jonathan smirked at the sight of me and his mood brightened. Mine had fallen into disarray and Carly didn't look much happier.
"Don't worry. I won't bite." Said Jonathan
"Where is the Morning Star sword?" I asked
"I missed you too." Said Jonathan
"Where is the sword? We know it's capable of opening a rift into Edom. Is that why you want it? To release demons?" I stated
Carly's face went white. She had no idea what the sword was truly capable of aside from Jonathan wanting to possess it. She looked over at Jonathan with surprise. He stayed calm and kept his attention on me.
"It's a Morgenstern family heirloom. It belongs in the hands of its rightful owners. Us." Said, Jonathan, as he looked from me to Carly to the window where Jace stood. "Your boyfriend is keeping an awfully close eye on you, isn't he? Do you think he feels guilty about leaving you alone at the ice rink?"
"I'm not here to chat, Jonathan. So, if you're not going to answer my questions, we're done. Have fun in the Gard." I said as I began pulling Carly toward the door.
When her feet got to the edge, she pulled her hand out of my grasp. "Let him explain. Give him a chance to explain."
"I'll tell you everything you want to know if you just stay here a little longer." Said, Jonathan, looking around Carly so we could meet eyes.
I looked at Carly and she was begging with her eyes for me to give him a chance. He just yelled at her and yet she was giving him a chance to talk. For her sake I agreed and walked back into the room, "I'm listening."
"I didn't even know you, either of you, existed 'til not so long ago. I'd been in Edom for what felt like an eternity. A Manibus demon had appeared near our home and they never get banished back to Edom. Lilith told me of a shadowhunter wielding angelic light from their hands had killed it." Explained Jonathan
"Clary..." Said Carly to herself
"I asked how that was possible and Lilith told me that it was another one of Valentine's experiments; a threat to demon-kind. At this point I thought Jace and I were his only experiments. But she told me there was another. A sister.
"She told me you were an enemy bound to earth. I wanted to meet you, but Lilith told me she made me aware of your presence so I could protect myself. She told me a sibling's love is weak and easily destroyed by envy. That you would abandon and betray me like Valentine did. That was the first time I ever heard your name. Clarissa Morgenstern. It was like music to my ears. I felt something that I had never felt before. Hope." Explained Jonathan
"When did you learn of me?" Asked Carly
Jonathan looked toward Carly with a smile. "I didn't discover your presence until the night you almost killed Valentine. I tracked him to the garden and saw you standing there with your blade in his shoulder. I was going to intervene, but I noticed how similar your face was to mine. Then I saw your eyes. Your eyes that looked exactly like mine.
"I listened in and discovered you were my sister. I had two sisters and one who was exactly like me. I was so happy to know you existed. I watched as you ran off toward the other side of town. I portalled across town and waited until I bumped into you. I could have gone about it better, but I was truly happy to have you in my life Carly." Explained, Jonathan, as Carly began to cry happy tears.
I could tell he was getting into her head and I couldn't that continue. If he turned her dark there wouldn't be a fix this time. I knew being around him made me feel as if my darkest impulses were coming to front, but if he got to her, it would ten times worse.
"This has nothing to do with the sword." I said
"Of course it does! The moment I realized you both existed it changed everything. I realized that you were the only people I needed. I felt it. Finally, I had people to fight by my side. Not against me. Not in spite of me. But with me. I want the Morning Star sword for us." Said Jonathan
Simon POV
Isabelle arrested me and the next thing I know I was in some weird underground facility. I was carried in by two guards and we stopped in front of a girl with a clipboard, "Zeke Russo?"
"That's me." I said
"It's in your best interest to follow my orders in here." Said, the girl, as she opened the door of the room to reveal a ton of vampires inside. There were beams of UV light surrounding all the walls and it looked awful. "Watch your ass in there. They usually like to fry you."
I was thrown into the room and noticed guards looking down from balconies. I got to my feet and wiped the dirt of the gray jumpsuit I was in. I scanned the room for any other exits as I said aloud, "Where the hell are we?"
"Not quite hell. More like purgatory." Said a voice from the darkness. The person got closer and recognized me. "Simon?"
"Raphael?" I asked with surprise.
"What could Simon Lewis possibly have done to end up in here?" Questioned Raphael
I ran forward and shook my head. "Sh! I need you to call me Zeke. I'm Zeke and I killed an old lady in Queens. Okay?"
"You did what?!" Asked, Raphael, as I quickly defused the situation.
"Zeke did. It's a cover story." I said as Raphael calmed down. "I'm looking for an angelic blade called Glorious. It's supposed to be burning with Heavenly Fire. Does that ring any bells?"
"Guards don't typically share information with their inmates." Said Raphael
"Come on, it's a giant flaming sword. It has to be pretty hard to miss." I said
Suddenly guards came into the room and pulled someone out. They grabbed some small vampire girl and carried her out the door. Anyone who tried to get close had a UV flashlight shown on their face.
"Where are they taking her?" I asked
"I don't know. Wherever they're going they never come back." Said, Raphael, as the door slammed shut.
Suddenly I felt a buzz in my ear and Isabelle's voice. "Simon? Simon, are you there?"
"Yeah. And I found Raphael." I thought
"Raphael?" Thought Isabelle
"He's okay, but it's as bad as we thought. They're taking prisoners one by one, and they never come back. Do you have our location?" I thought
"No. Their wards have been reinforced. My tracking rune doesn't work. Any clue to where you are?" Thought Isabelle
"Dark cell. No windows." I thought
"That's helpful. Look, I'll try my best to find out who authorized Raphael's transfer. Hopefully, it could lead me in the right direction." Thought Isabelle
"Okay. Whatever you do, do it quick." I thought
"I'll be there as soon as I can." Thought Isabelle
The buzz stopped and Isabelle was gone. I assured Raphael that Isabelle would be here soon, so we waited. A few hours later a few guards appeared near the door and that meant another would taken. The girl with the clipboard appeared on the balcony and read off a name. "Santiago. Raphael Santiago."
"Where are you taking him?" I yelled
"Quiet." Said the girl
"No. Take me. Please, take me!" I said as I tried to pull Raphael back.
Raphael pushed my hand away and made me stop. He looked into my eyes and begged for me to stay. "It's my time, Si...Zeke. Please leave it alone."
"Raphael, no" I said
The guards grabbed him and headed for the door. I tried following after them and one of the guards turned to hit me in the head with the back of his flashlight. Next thing I know everything is dark and the cool of the cement is against my face.
Carly POV
He actually cared; Jonathan cared. I knew he had done a lot of bad and because of him and Valentine I did just as many awful acts. Yet I wanted to get him out of this cell. He was my twin and we were the only two of our kind. He was the only one who understand what it was like to be me.
I wanted to help him, but I knew that if I did that my second chance would be destroyed. I'd be hunted like an animal and I couldn't put Simon through that kind of pain. I just couldn't.
"So, how did you hear about the sword?" Asked Clary
"Mother. She told me about it. I had been in Edom just a few years. I was still naive enough to think that my time there was temporary. I wanted to go home and Lilith told me I could escape because I was half human, but only with a special sword. A sword that could slice through this dimension and release me and a slew of demons.
"Lilith explained that the sword belonged to Lucifer, but now it was known as the Morning Star sword. Lucifer entrusted the sword to our family meaning the only ones who can wield it must have Morgenstern blood in their veins. I told her someone would come to rescue me, but she told me I was foolish. That no Morgenstern alive cared about me as much as she did. I tried to tell her she was wrong, but then she burned me once again. I was stuck in a burning tower." Explained Jonathan
The moment burning tower left his mouth I froze. I think my face turned so white I blended in with the wall. Clary noticed my sudden reaction and so did Jonathan. Both of them looked concerned.
"Carly, are you okay?" Asked Jonathan
"Carly?" Asked Clary
"I can't be here right now. I have to go." I said as I headed for the door. I was in shock and I was barely holding back tears.
I banged on the door and a guard opened it. As I stepped out Clary grabbed my arm and turned me so I would look at her. "Carly, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. I just need some air." I said as I pulled my arm from her grasp and headed for the elevator.
When I got to the main floor I walked out the front doors and used my speed to get to Simon's apartment. I went into Jordan's old room where we now stored all the boxes we never unpacked. I searched through them until I found my dream journals.
I searched through each one and found the same dream written at least a few times. I reread what I had written when I sensed someone standing in the doorway. I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw red hair.
"Carly, what are you doing?" Asked, Clary, as she saw the mess I had caused all over the floor.
"I'm looking through my old dream journals. When I was a kid, I had this reoccurring nightmare." I said
"Yeah, I remember that. You would wake up panicked and sweaty almost every night. It was awful." Said Clary
"It was terrifying. I would wake up screaming. Mom thought that if I wrote what I was seeing, it would help me deal with it. I dreamt of a boy in a burning tower." I said
"Carly…" Began Clary
"There was this evil queen that kept her prince locked in a burning tower, so that he could never love anyone but her." I said interrupting her to explain the dream. "And I was the princess that was supposed to rescue him. Every time I would climb that tower, and just as I'd reach the top, I would fall. I never made it to the top. I couldn't rescue him."
"The prince was Jonathan." Said Clary
"Maybe I was supposed to save him but I didn't. I couldn't." I said as a tear landed on my shirt.
"Carly, hey." Said, Clary, as she placed her hands on my arms. "Even if this was a message from the angels you were just a kid."
"Yeah, but if I had known, if I could've saved him, then maybe maybe he wouldn't be who he is today. If I was stronger, I could have saved him from the torture of Edom. I could have changed him." I said
"No. It was already too late. You couldn't have changed him. You still can't. Jonathan is who he is and nothing can change that." Said, Clary, as she pulled me in for a hug.
Simon POV
I woke up surrounded by a circle of UV light in some upper level of the facility. I quickly got to my feet to find the clipboard lady standing near me. She was unhappy and she had my ring.
"Where did you get this?" Asked the girl
"It's a priceless Russo family heirloom." I lied
"No. It's a Seelie whisper ring. Developed for Seelie spies to aid in the French Revolution." Said the girl
"Agree to disagree." I said
"Trust me I know what I'm talking about." Said, the girl, lifting her hair to show her pointed ears. "Dad's a Shadowhunter. Mom's a Seelie."
"Where is Heavenly Fire?" I asked
"Who are you in contact with?" The Seelie girl asked
"I told you. No one." I said
"Fine. Then I am calling my supervisor, who will not be as kind as I am." Said the seelie girl
"Please, do that. I look forward to meeting them." I said as she walked off down one of the hallways.
When she was out of sight I walked out of the circle of UV light and up some stairs. I made my way into some kind of laboratory with some scary looking equipment. I heard voices in the room next door and found it filled with prisoners. I noticed someone by the window and I got scared.
"Raphael, is that you?!" I said as I ran over to him and turned him around to see him in the sunlight with no burns. "Are you a Daylighter now?"
"No. I'm not a Daylighter. I'm human." Said, Raphael, with a genuine smile.
"I don't understand. What happened in that room?" I asked with confusion
"They injected me with something, and my body felt like it was burning from the inside out. And just when I thought I was dying I suddenly became human again. It was the greatest gift I could receive." Explained Raphael.
"It's gotta be the Heavenly Fire." I said to myself
Suddenly the doors shot open and I turned around to see the seelie girl looking pissed. "Hello, Simon Lewis."
"Okay, you got me. My name's not Zeke, and I didn't kill anyone. I just need the Heavenly Fire to save my girlfriend and her sister's life. Only reason I'm here, I swear." I said with my hands raised.
"Look, I thought I was here to help people rehabilitate the prisoners. I just found out that I was helping Aldertree create a weapon of mass destruction against Downworlders." Said the seelie girl
"Aldertree? As in Victor Aldertree?" I questioned
"Your friend Isabelle filled me in." Said, the seelie girl, as she tossed the ring at me. "Aldertree wants to dump Heavenly Fire in the water supply and turn every Downworlder into a mundane against their will. Starting with New York and working to make a worldwide cure."
"You can't let him do that." I said
"I don't plan on it. Look, I might be a Shadowhunter, but I'm a Downworlder too. And no one gets to take that away from me. But I can't stop him by myself. I'm gonna need help." Said the seelie girl
"I'm in." I said
"So am I." Said Raphael with a nod.
"Okay. Isabelle's sending back-up, but Aldertree is already onto the two of you. We need to destroy the supply of Heavenly Fire. Now." Said, the seelie girl, as the doors opened and two guards came into the room.
Raphael and I looked at each other and nodded. I ran at one guard and he ran at the other. I used my strength to knock the guard out quite quickly. Raphael took a little longer, but he also got the guard unconscious.
"Not bad for a mundane." I taunted
"I might've lost my strength, but I'll never lose my will to fight." Said, Raphael, with a smile.
When the guards were out cold, the seelie girl led us back to the lab I found before. Guards followed close behind so we entered the lab, I pushed a cabinet in front of it. Raphael held the door closed as I walked over to the seelie girl.
"Where's Glorious?" I asked
"The Clave secretly obtained a shard from the Mariana Trench decades ago, but it disintegrated in the process of making the serum." Said, the seelie girl, as she set a tray of ten vials on the counter.
"Is that what those vials are?" I asked
"Yeah. Most of its in a bunker beneath the facility. Thank the Angel for self-destruct mechanisms." Said, the seelie girl, as she activated the self destruct and a timer for 30 seconds started.
"Here. Give this to your girl and her sister. It's not Glorious, but it's the next best thing. Use it for something good." Said, the seelie girl, as she handed the vials to me.
"I hope it's enough to save them. It has to be. Thank you…" I began as I realized I never learned her name. "I don't even know your name."
"I'm Helen. Helen Blackthorn." Said Helen
"Thank you, Helen. We owe you one." I said as the building began to shake.
Clary POV
Aldertree was arrested for his crimes and Simon made it back in one piece. The minute he came in the door Carly ran to him and squeezed him tight. He returned the hug as everyone gathered in the Institute's lab with the vials.
"So, you think this can separate Carly and I from Jonathan?" I asked
"I have to run some tests, but yeah. That's the idea." Said, Isabelle, with a smile.
"I can't believe you guys did this. Without you, we would have nothing." I said
"We have Heavenly Fire. We don't know where the Morning Star sword is, but the only two people who can use it are right here at the Institute." Stated Alec
"Plus Aldertree will be prosecuted for his crimes against the Accords. And Jia is considering commuting Raphael's sentence, along with the other Downworlders now turned into mundanes." Said Isabelle
"It's the least they could do." Said Simon
"I need to see Jonathan." I said with urgency. I need to tell him what we found so I could wash that cocky smile from his face.
"I'll come with you." Said Carly
"And so will I." Said Jace and Simon at the same time.
We all headed to Jonathan's cell. Simon and Jace followed Carly and I inside. They stayed near us, but let us take the stand. Jonathan looked over at Jace with a smirk. "What's wrong, Jace? Are you jealous of our bond?"
"I feel nothing towards you." Said Jace
"What about you Simon?" Asked, Jonathan, turning his attention to him. "Are you jealous of Carly and I? I am her identical twin and the only one who truly understands her."
"Just because your twins doesn't mean you are the same. Carly is nothing like you and I am not jealous of a monster." Said, Simon, as Carly never looked up from her feet.
"We found a way to destroy the twinning rune. You won't be down here much longer." I said
Jonathan's smile vanished from his face and he looked toward me. He looked as if he might cry. "No. It's not possible."
"It's more than possible. It's inevitable." Said Simon
"No. You won't do it. I have so much more to share with both of you. I'm your brother." Said, Jonathan, as he looked over at Carly. "Don't let them do this!"
"You almost killed my brother. You killed a dozen Shadowhunters. People I trained with. Clary and Carly want you gone just as much as the rest of us." Said Jace
"LET THEM SPEAK!" Yelled Jonathan
Neither of us said a thing. It was deadly silent for almost a minute before I walked forward and wiped away the tears. "It's the only way. You've done too much evil to be forgiven. When this mark is gone, you will be taken to the Gard and punished."
"No…" Said, Jonathan, as he began to cry.
Jace helped me out of the room as Jonathan turned to look at Carly. There was nothing she could do. "I'm sorry, Jonathan. I'm sorry. This is the way it has to be. I really wish I could help you, but if I do I will be taken by the Clave. I'm so sorry."
"No!" Yelled, Jonathan, as Simon helped Carly out of the room. When Carly's feet got to the edge of the door Jonathan cried out. "You were supposed to be my princess."
"I'm so sorry." Said, Carly, as she burst into tears.
Simon helped her out of the room as the guards closed the door. We all headed for the elevator as Jonathan screamed after us. Carly looked broken and starving. Simon noticed her weak state and helped her toward the doors of the Institute. Before he carried her out, I pulled Carly from him so I could talk to her alone.
"Carly, you couldn't have done anything." I said
"I was supposed to save him and I failed. I failed to save the only person who understands me more than anyone else. If I had just gotten to the top of that tower maybe none of this would have happened." Cried Carly
"Carly, he is past saving. There nothing you can do. He's killed people and liked it. He is a monster. A freak of nature.." I said
I realized what I had said and saw the look on Carly's face change from sadness to anger. "Yeah, well I'm his twin so I guess I'm a freak of nature too."
"Carly, you know that's not what I meant." I said
"No, it's exactly what you meant and your right. I am just like him physically and mentally. We are two sides to a coin and I am sick of denying that." Said, Carly, as her eyes went black and her fangs extended.
"Carly, you aren't like him." I said
"Stop saying that!" Yelled, Carly, as she placed her hand around my throat and slammed my back into the wall.
Simon ran from outside and saw what Carly was doing. He placed his hand on hers and tried to make her let go. "Carly, let Clary go. You need to calm down."
"I am calm." Said, Carly, as she pushed Simon away and turned her attention back to me. "I'm exactly like him and in the end you might have to kill me just like your going to kill him."
"Carly, no." I gasped as I began to cry
"Don't pretend you care because you don't. You have never cared. In the last year you've tried, but have failed miserably because you know I am not worth saving. Right?" Asked, Carly, as I stayed silent. "RIGHT!"
"Carly, let her go." Said, Simon, as he pried her hand away and I fell on the floor gasping for air.
Carly was prepared to come after me again, but Simon wouldn't let her go. She fought against him like an animal when he got her to calm down. She shook out of her trance and began crying again.
"I'm so sorry." Said, Carly, as I got to my feet. "I don't know what came over me. Your comment just made the anger in me rise up and I couldn't control myself. Even with my urges I am stronger than that."
"It looks like Jonathan can also influence you. Neither of us should go near him until this mark is off. Can you do that?" I asked
"Yes." Said, Carly, as Simon carried her out the front doors.
Alec POV
While dealing with Jonathan and Simon's mission I set up dinner for Magnus and I. I chose a terrace looking over the city with a dozen roses and steak prepared by the private chef. Everything was as perfect as I could make it until Magnus arrived.
"You know, I really love this pre-war architecture, it is just gorgeous." Said, Magnus, as he tapped my cheek and heading for the table with a flask. "Just like you."
"Have you been drinking?" I asked with worry
"Yes, I have been drinking. Why? Are you judging me? I hear judginess in that tone of yours, Alexander." Said, Magnus, as he took a bottle from the table and took a big sip of vodka.
"No, I'm not judging you. I'm just concerned. I've never seen you like this." I said as Magnus walked over to look off the edge of the balcony. "Did something happen?"
"Oh, you didn't hear? I lost my magic. Twice!" Said, Magnus, as he giggled. "And I'm just coming to terms with how useless I am without it."
"Magnus, you're not useless." I said
"Oh, easy for you to say. You're at the top of your game with an institute of Shadowhunters at your beck and call. Me? Well, I'm just a has-been warlock who isn't good for anything, except comic relief and drinking." Said, Magnus, as he took another swig. "But hey, I'm a mundane now, right? Just like you've always wanted."
"All I've ever wanted is for you to be happy." I said
"Well, I'm not!" Yelled, Magnus, causing me to jump. He noticed this and set the bottle of vodka down. "What am I doing? You put this beautiful night together and I am picking a fight. It's pathetic."
"It's okay. You're just you're going through a hard time." I said
"Please, Alexander. Don't make me pretend this is just a phase. Because it's not. What I'm feeling now...it may never pass. For as long as I live." Said, Magnus, as he looked crushed. As if he had nothing.
"Magnus…" I began
"I should go. I've probably killed both of our appetites." Said, Magnus, heading for the door.
I stepped in front of him as he tried to walk past me. I grabbed his shoulders and made sure he didn't try to leave. "Magnus, I love you. Can you just, I just want to help."
"I know you do. But you can't." Said, Magnus, as he pushed my arms away.
He walked a foot before I grabbed his hand and pulled him in for a forced hug. He fought against me, but I wasn't gonna budge. I wasn't gonna let him walk away like this. "Listen to me for a second! Listen to me! Just let me be here with you!"
"Alec, let me go! You can't help me, Alec!" Yelled, Magnus, as he fought in my arms.
"I'm not leaving you." I said
Magnus tried to break free one last time before he broke down. He collapsed onto me and dug his face into my chest; crying. He looked so sad it made me start to cry as I held him tight. He clung to me just repeating the same thing. "I'm sorry."
Carly POV
I didn't think that Jonathan could influence me like he had with Clary, but I was mistaken. What I'd said...I meant every word. It scared me even more than attacking Clary did. When Simon and I got back to the apartment, Simon let me rest in the bedroom with a few bags of blood to get my strength back.
I consumed the blood and felt my strength return to me. It wasn't as good as fresh blood, but it worked for what I needed. When I knew Simon was in the living room watching tv, I took the ring from my pocket and placed it on my finger.
"Hello?" I thought
"Hello, Carly. I like what you did with the rings. What are you planning to do?" Thought Jonathan
"I failed you as a kid, but I won't fail you now. You are like this because of me and I am not going to let them kill you for it." I thought
"Is my princess finally coming to my rescue?" Thought Jonathan
"I'm going to get you out of there, Jonathan. I'm going to save the prince at the top of the tower." I thought