I'm trying to update often enough to where it's not an unbearable wait, but it's still an event when you get an email saying the story has a new chapter, you know? I'm sure you get it.

Anyway.

No reviews, BUT I can not even count the number of follows and favorites, you guys. Thanks a ton, and welcome to all of the new, appreciated followers. My offer still stands; every review gets a response. Thanks again, and enjoy the chapter!

Clary's blood was boiling, as hot as her hair. She wanted her older sister to feel welcomed, to be comfortable in the institute. Clary wanted Bella to stay more than anything. She was almost sure now that nothing could make Bella leave, with her engagement to Alec and all of her other new-found friendships. Clary could not be sure, but she could pray, because she couldn't hold it in much longer.

She was so angry with herself. If she hadn't let the pretending go on for so long, Alec would not be a vampire. Maurice and Robert wouldn't have run away to Idris, so that they wouldn't have to face their own son. Alec wouldn't have to accompany Clary where ever she went, just in case Jace popped around a corner and tried to murder her again. And maybe, just maybe, Izzy would come out of her room for the first time in three days (since they had discovered Alec's vampirism).

Everything was Clary's fault.

"Bella? We really need to talk," Clary said, entering Bella's room. Bella and Alec were on the ground, playing some sort of card game.

"Sure, baby sis, whatever you want," Bella laughed. Oh god, Clary felt so bad. Bella was in such a good mood, Clary hated to ruin it. But things had to get worse for Bella before they could get any better.

"Alone, please," Clary added quietly.

Alec sharply turned his head to look at the girl hovering over them. "No," Alec said fiercely.

"Alexander. I think we've kept this from her long enough!" Clary insisted. Bella stood immediately.

"Alec, love, go. I need to talk to my sister. I'll catch up to you later, promise."

At her command, Alec went. He hated to see his soon-to-bride so serious. But Clary was right. Through the joy of having Bella, everyone had nearly forgotten what they had brought her here for.

"Bella, has anyone ever told you exactly what happened with Jace and I?"

"Not exactly, no. But I've gathered that you're somewhat long-lost siblings. I assumed maybe all three of us were put up for adoption, or something of the like. Then, by complete coincidence, you two both ended up in New York City, and magically found out you're siblings, after falling in love of course."

"Close, but not quiet," Clary said uncomfortably. "You were the first to be born, I suppose. As you know, Valentine hooked up with a vampire, your mother. He did not want to be publicly shamed for mating with a Downworlder, while he was married. So, he gave you to the Lightwoods, who gave you then to your parents." Bella nodded. She knew.

"Next was Jonathan Christopher. J.C. Jace. Jocelyn and Valentine kept him, and loved him. During Jocelyn's pregnancy, Valentine begun to go mad. He wanted to create a perfect race. His young, scared wife was terrified, but not scared enough to leave her son, only a year old." Bella stared. Poor Jace.

"But then, she was left with no other option. She found she was pregnant with a third. A little girl. Me." Clary stopped to put her hand lightly on her chest and gulp. "So Jocelyn, still pregnant, left the world of the Nephilium, her crazy husband and young son along with it."

"Clary..." Bella put a hand on her sister's shoulder. She was at a loss of words. How does one respond to that kind of story? But it was not over.

"Valentine then faked the death of him and his son. He burned down his house, with Michael Wayland and his son, who was still an infant, inside. So, to the world, Jace and Valentine were dead. Jace was raised by Valentine believing that his father was Michael Wayland. When he was about ten, two men that worked for Valentine again staged his death, leading Jace believing he was orphaned, and forcing him to come here."

Poor Jace. No wonder the poor kid was so angry, sarcastic, and bitter. He grew up with a father that was, without a doubt, cruel and sadistic. How does a little kid get over something like that? Well, Jace was a prime example. They don't.

"But then, not too long ago, Valentine believed he was powerful enough to take over the world, so to speak. He tried to kidnap my mother so that he could find this thing called 'the mortal cup' which she had stolen from him, but she took a potion that knocked her unconscious, and he took her. My search for my mother led me to Jace, who helped me eventually to find Valentine and the Cup. Valentine then revealed that we are siblings and what not. Valentine escaped with the cup, and could have been anywhere."

Valentine, her father, was still out there.

"A lot of really bad things happened. Valentine killed a bunch of Silent Brothers, and then stole the Mortal Sword. That means that right now, Valentine has two out of three of the Mortal Instruments. With the third, the mirror, he will be granted a wish from the angel Raziel, which he will use ultimately for something reallyyy bad. So we have to stop him."

That's why Clary and Jace had called out to her in her dreams. They subconsciously needed her help to save the world from a monster.

"And recently," Clary added a little quieter. "I met a woman. Her name is Madeleine. She was a friend of my mothers, and she knows how to wake her up."

Alright ladies and gentlemen. There was basically a quick summary to everything that has happened up to the point of Bella arriving at the Institute. For those of you wondering, that means that what happened so far in this story takes place right in between City of Ashes and City of Glass.

Someone asked me to interact with my followers a little more, so from now on, I'll do a question of the chapter. You can just comment your answers. Answers to question of the chapter will not qualify for a response, unless you ask me a question or ask for a response. All comments not having to do with the QOTC will be responded to, as well as anything added on to the QOTC answer.

Hope that wasn't too confusing!

QOTC: Have you seen the City of Bones movie? If so, what did you think?