So guys... it's been a very very long time. Thank you for being so patient and sticking with my story all this time. By the way I changed my username to c. herondale (except no space between the c and herondale, it wouldn't let me save it without a space), formally perseuseaton816. So without further ado, here's what you've all been waiting for. Chapter 20, also the last chapter.

Even though it must not have been more than a couple seconds, I waited what felt like an eternity before finally turning my head to look at him. And he was definitely something to look at. Gasps were heard throughout the room as eyes met him. But no one dared talk.

His head was wrapped in many bandages covered in dried blood. His left arm was missing up to the shoulder, while the other hung limply to the floor like a weight was pulling it. Sword dragging in his somewhat good hand across the ground as he walked. I also noticed that he had a severe limp as he slowly made his way up the aisle. Rage and blood was all over his face. His black eyes were a storm. Mouth twisted into a startling scowl.

Once he made it about half way, he stopped and his mouth formed a dangerous smirk. "Miss me?" Sebastian said.

"What do you want?" Jace said in the most threatening voice I have ever heard him use, and that's saying something. I had almost forgot he was standing there.

Sebastian regarded Jace with cold eyes and spread his arms wide, gesturing to the room and everything in it. "Power," he smiled again. "Surely you know what power feels like and why someone would want it, Jace. You're a prince."

"That doesn't mean anything," Jace replied stoically.

"Ah, but it means everything. All that wealth, people bowing down to you, ready to address your every need. What about all those girls? I heard you had a lot of power over girls before." Jace looked pained. Then he looked to me, "and Clary. I'm sure you know power too. All those years of you just being some little princess. But you worked for that power and look what you became! Power is what gave you the strength to do all those things you did, all the people you hurt."

His words struck me hard. Not only about what he said about Jace, but me. Without power, I wouldn't be where I am now, a bandit princess standing here waiting to become queen. However, I realized that this kind of power is different from Sebastian's idea of it. Dark and menacing. That may have been me before but not anymore. And that's what brought me back to remembering what's actually happening.

My dress had no room for weapons, however Jace already had a sword attached to his belt which he quickly took out.

"And love. Power would be so much better with a loved one by your side. So what do you say Clarissa, I spare all these people, if you decide to be my queen."

"You and what army." This was the first thing I've said so far.

"I don't need an army." Somehow I believed that. His evil grin returned, "so what's it going to be? Death by hundreds, or join me?" He walked closer so that he was only a few feet away and held out his hand. There was something in his face then. Only for a flash, I'm not even sure I saw it. Was that vulnerability in his expression?

Jace, who was standing next to me, tried to push me behind him. I glared at him. Now was not the time for him to try and "protect me". Especially when I finally saw Max, silently sneaking up behind Sebastian. Everyone had been so dead silent this whole time, I partially thought we were the only ones in the room. I think Sebastian thought that too, because when someone gasped at the sight of Max, who was now just a few feet away, he quickly turned at the sound. Max took this as an opportunity and stabbed Sebastian through the heart.

Surprised, Sebastian watched as his white shirt rapidly turned red through black eyes, sword sticking out of his chest. Max, with rapid breaths that couldn't be heard and wide eyes, slowly stumbled away. Sebastian fell to his knees then to his side. With a single finger, mouth forming the word Clary, he beckoned me towards him. With a quick warning glance at Jace, I made my way to him. As I leaned in close to his face where he was motioning for me to come, he whispered something so quietly, "thank you." He released his final breath.

I'm not sure how long I sat there. On my knees staring at the lifeless body. He seemed so peaceful, I'm not sure if someone like him deserved to finally have peace. But I believe everyone should have that chance. I stared at the blood splayed across his face, his white blonde hair matching his pale body. Eventually someone gently touched my shoulder, as if not to scare me. I expected it to be Jace, but Max was standing behind me. "Hey," he offered.

"Hey. So he's finally dead," I replied.

"Yeah. Figured someone had to do it, and things were going downhill fast so 'Max to the rescue'!" I realized then just how young Max actually is. I always considered him to be the same age as me. Since we were basically the same height. What is he now, 14? He's killed and fought just as much as the rest of the group has, or even more, while being several years younger. Max is like the backbone to us, he is always there to save the day when you least expect it.

I looked around and saw that most of the people have left. Save the bandits, Jace, my father and the priest. Max smiled. "What do you say we finish this wedding?"

Later that night, we invited everyone back for the big party after the wedding. Since everyone else had left, I got married with the only people I wanted there. The people I really love.

The party was extravagant. Held in the ball room, people were dressed in their finest clothes. Illuminating bright lights were strung throughout the room.

Jace and I were swinging in the middle of the dance floor surrounded by couples dancing to their own beat. I felt like I was floating. Everything was beautiful. Luke and Jocelyn held one another's hands and swung in circles and laughed like they were 10 year olds. Alec, not being much of a dancer, was talking to a man I remembered being named Magnus both blushing. Simon and Isabelle were closely attached to each other, slow dancing even though the orchestra was playing an upbeat song. Having no one to dance with, Max was alone at the tables. I beckoned him to join us. And Jace, my beautiful Jace, looked so handsome in his suit under the moonlight shining through the roof. Nothing was in our way anymore.

A servant made his way onto the floor towards us. He had a bright red apple in his hand and handed it to me without a word. Confused but also very famished, I took a bite.

Savoring the wonderful taste, we danced into the night.

I hope you liked this last chapter. Don't forget to review! Writing this story was a very fun experience, even I though I had some writers block for a while there... I had no idea this story would get so much feedback! Thanks guys!

Once again, thanks for sticking with my story,

c. herondale