Chapter twelve: War

Isabelle awoke with an aching chest.

She had seen Gemma watching over her, placing a hand over her forehead - most likely checking for a temperature. Even though Isabelle could have died, all her facial expression held was concern, and not fear. It was no surprise to Isabelle, herself; it didn't take long for her to realize that warlock's viewed death differently. It was more of a relief, rather than a sadness that would overtake a normal human. They lived much too long to feel that sadness a mortal would, and they often wished for their own death so often they felt indifference towards others'. This was as if they felt mortals were receiving a gift – a gift they couldn't have.

"How are you feeling?" Gemma asked. Her hair was wet, loose strands hugging her forehead.

Isabelle groaned, letting out a raspy reply. "I'm not dead yet," she said, lifting an arm to touch her face, "but I'm sure I look like crap."

Gemma shrugged, a smile playing on her lips. "C'mon sweetheart," she said, taking hold of Isabelle's forearm. "We should hurry." Gemma took Isabelle's hand, hoisting her up. It was only then she looked over her surroundings.

Everytime Isabelle had entered the Seelie court, it was always extravagant. It was always adorned with some kind of costly material, and was always made with florists and florists of ornamental plants and other sorts of Victorian architecture. But, this time she had entered, that was not the case; it wasn't the case at all. In fact, the place looked quite old. Almost abandoned. The last time Isabelle was in the court with Jace and Clary, there was music playing and Fae dancing the night away. But at that moment, everything seemed to be silenced. Drapes hung loosely – some with holes – tables were broken, and the ground and stairs nearby looked like they had collected dust.

Isabelle looked from her surroundings, to Gemma's indifferent face. "What's going on?"

Gemma shrugged. "A war," she said, almost shrugging. "At least from what I'm guessing."

At first, Isabelle didn't believe her, but as they went in deeper through the court, she had become more and more weary. Everything was either gone, covered in dust, or in pieces – right until they had gotten to the giant doors that held the Seelie's leader: the Seelie queen. Compared to the rest of the court, those doors shone brilliantly; glittering in gold and silver drapes. Two unfamiliar guards were outside of the door, both adorning graying hair, though every other feature they had looked young. The silver armor they were wearing only made them look younger, and like true warriors; chosen by the queen they would always be loyal to.

One of them spoke with a voice as sharp and as deep as bronze swords. "What's your business here?" He said. His blue eyes reminded Isabelle of Alec's.

"We need to ask the Seelie Queen a favor," Gemma answered. She sounded strong and demanding – but respectful – as that was one of the keys to being in the queen's presence.

As their chatter has diminished, and they had come to an agreement, the guards opened the doors. Isabelle braced herself as she saw what was inside, and told herself one thing quietly as her feet made heavy falls towards the opening: "forget everything. Just be charming."

Alec thought he was going to vomit again. He could feel it; his stomach flipping and turning as if he were on a mundane roller coaster, and his head spinning over and over again as if he were going in circles. He had no problem concealing that, though; it had been hours since his last encounter with death.

"You can't take him out of here, Magnus," Jace said. He was sitting in a chair opposite Magnus and Alec, Clary sitting on the arm. Alec took comfort in watching her fidget and play with her own hands in her lap; it was much better to see than Jace and Magnus's angry faces.

When Magnus started to speak again and start another argument, Alec spoke. "We can't run away," he said, cautious of the people around him. "If we don't figure this out, we won't figure out what Sebastian wants."

"And," Jace cut in, "everyone here is too blind to know what's going on."

Clary gave him a sour look. "A lot of people are working hard. Don't say that." Jace just smiled back, staring at Magnus: most presumably for an answer.

Magnus looked disgusted with him. "Very well," he said. "But we're going to have to find this… rune Alec saw."

Clary sighed; she looked almost nervous. "I can't just pull a rune out of thin air… it doesn't work like that."

Jace rolled his eyes. "Where are these little premonitions coming from, anyway?"

Alec looked at him coolly, ready to bite him back with an answer, but Magnus was the one who had replied. "Does it even matter?" He said, squeezing Alec's hand. "It's all we have right now; we're going to stick with it."

Jace pouted. "I'm aware of that fact," he said. He stared at Alec questioningly, the golden tawny looking as strong as stone. "And I'm aware Max might be trying to help."

Alec grunted; he had enough of Jace for that day. Though he would never admit it, it was most likely the embarrassment from his fit he had, after he was attacked by the former counsel members. "You don't believe it," Alec said. His words came out like fire. "You still can't let go of his death, but you can't believe that."

Alec knew he was picking a fight with him, but he didn't care at that point. All he wanted was for him to understand; believe him like Magnus always did.

A/N: YEYYYY… NEW CHAPTER. XD *runs away* A couple more chapters left!