When she finally woke up, she wasn't in much pain but she felt very weak. She looked around the room, trying to find something to focus her sight on. When she vision finally settled, it settled on a site that caused Victoria to groan in annoyance. It was her Father, Aaron. He was standing over her, even if he was showing emotion Victoria would have never been able to tell. She hadn't noticed, but she was laying on her back and her upper body was completely exposed.
"Keep still." A voice said from the other side of the bed. Victoria snapped her head around to see Maryse sitting in a chair, she seemed to have been extremely nervous. Victoria could find words to speak so she just groaned again and laid still with her face buried deep in the soft white pillow. Her sensed slowly started to return to her and the first thing she could feel, other than the pain, was icy cold hands. The scent of blood came down strongly over her, making her stomach turn.
"You lost a lot of blood, Victoria." It was her Father this time. Victoria slightly flinched her shoulders, instantly causing pain to shoot down her back. The pain was starting to make her angry and caused her to let out a loud shriek of frustration.
Maryse stood up from her chair and lightly put a hand on Victoria's shoulder, for some reason causing her to feel even more exhausted than before. Victoria sank her face back into the pillow and allowed Aaron to finished his work.
"Just like her mother." It was Aaron again, his voice caused Victoria's eyes to shoot open and set on him once again.
"What did you just say?" She snapped.
"You.. Your anger.. You remind me so much of your mother." His lips didn't move but she could hear the words coming from him in her mind.
"You can sit up now if you'd like." He spoke again, moving back to let her have a bit of room to move.
She sat up slowly, with a little help from Maryse. She slipped a black robe on and sat down on the edge of the bed, looking up at her Father. She couldn't see if he was looking back at her or not, but she could feel him gazing at her.
"I guess I'll give you a moment then." Maryse said carefully as she slid toward the door.
Before Victoria could stop her she was already out the door and probably halfway down the hall. Victoria was now stuck in the room alone with Aaron.
"If you're expecting me to thank you for helping me you're wasting your time." Victoria's words were cold and hateful.
"I understand why you're angry.. But I had no choice. I had to do what was best for me." the voice she heard was soft, like a whisper.
"What's best for you? My mother died while she was in labor with me. I was left alone.. Just to be sent to a school to be raised up as a weapon.. And then they didn't even want me." She turned away from him, looking down at the crisp white sheets on the bed.
"After I heard about your mother it was too late to come for you. I had already joined the Silent Brothers.." He replied.
"Oh right.. Because being a damn Silent Brother is more important than your own child." She stood up, walking toward a close by window and peeking out at the streets.
"I had to make a choice, Victoria. I'm sorry I couldn't choose you." He sounded calm and upset at the same time. Like he was trying really hard not to cry.
"Couldn't? Or just didn't want to, Aaron?" She turned back to give him a sour look of hate. But now he was turned toward the door.
"One day it will all be clear to you, Victoria." His words floated through Victoria's mind as he slowly exited the room.
Darkness surrounded Glass, but a panic was starting to rise in her chest. She opened her eyes to find herself in the media room. She was laying on Will's chest, they must have fallen asleep. His arms were wrapped around her waist holding her to him, but she felt the draw of her parabatai calling to her. Tori needed her. Glass removed herself from the boy's arms as carefully as she could. When she was about to walk out the door he stirred, barely anything, but it sounded as if he'd whispered her name. Glass hurried down the hallway, making sure to rake her fingers through her hair, trying to untangle it a bit. She rounded a corner following her lifeline to her parabatai running straight into someone. The force caused her to lose her balance and sprawl on the floor beneath her bare feet. She groaned and looked up at the person looming above her.
"What the hell?" Glass groaned.
"Where were you?" Jem's silver eyes glared down at her. She groaned, forcing her battered body from the cold floor.
"I was taking a nap," Glass tried to step around the European, but he blocked her advance.
"You were with Will," Jem gave her a knowing look. She didn't answer him, silently agreeing. "You know you're hurting him," Jem told her, a look of pain crossing over his features.
"It's better sooner than later," Glass shoved passed him, her bare feet making no noise on the cold stone.
"It will hurt him sooner and later. You aren't saving him from anything," Jem told her and she halted. Her head tipped forward, shadowing her features as she turned to give him a glare.
"There is nothing good in this world, the only thing we ever receive as Shadowhunters is heartbreak. It's better he learn this now. There is no hope for us," Glass told him words that ever she didn't believe, and hurried down the hall.
It was only a moment later when a knock was placed on the door. "Tori? Are you awake?" Glass asked from the other side of the door.
"Y-yeah.. Yeah I'm awake.." She replied, sitting back on the bed. She knew Glass would be really angry if she knew Victoria had been walking around just after having lost so much blood. Quickly the door swung open, revealing a very tired, worried looking Glass. She walked over to Victoria and sat on the bed next to her.
"I'm impressed, you got through an entire conversation with Aaron and I didn't find you under a bed this time." Glass smirked, but worry was still on her face.
"Yeah.. Kinda proud of myself for that." Victoria spoke quietly.
Glass placed her hand over Victoria's and gave her a caring look. Victoria shrunk into a ball and curl up with her held resting in Glass's lap. Glass gently stroked her violet hair, just like she used to.
"I'm starving.. Can I go get food?" Victoria asked, looking up at Glass who was still petting her best friend.
"Sure. Just promise me if you get tired you'll come back and go to bed." Glass replied in her mothering tone.
Victoria nodded and started walking out the door.
Glass sat on Victoria's Infirmary bed after the girl had gone to the wished there was more she could do for her parabatai, but there was nothing, she had done everything. The blonde sighed, feeling a weight in her chest lessen. Victoria was fine, that much was certain. Glass was unsure of her own well being, but that didn't matter. As long as Victoria was okay she could push on. Glass felt heavier than she had previously. Her body was telling her to sleep. She needed to sleep, but she didn't need to sleep here. Glass forced herself to stand, and staggered toward the door. The pressed her forhead to the cool wood before taking a deep breath. She had to regain her composure. Glass forced herself down the hall toward her room. She found the familiar door and leaned into it. Her vision was swimming and becoming black at the edges. She twisted the door knob and lost her balance, silently thanking herself for having clothes all over her floor. She laid a midst her clothes, trying to regain her strength and crawl into bed.
"Glass?" A hushed voice came from behind her. She couldn't tell who it was but she moaned slightly.
"I can't move," She whispered to herself. They heard her and turned her over. She looked up at Will's clear blue eyes and sighed. "I don't know what's wrong. I just can't move," She told him and he bit his bottom lip, contemplating what to do. "I just need to rest. I need to sleep," She told him glancing at her bed and he nodded, picking her up carefully and taking her to the bed. The softness of the bed consumed her, she hadn't slept in her bed since the day they had come to the Institute. Will sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at her with worry in his eyes.
"Are you alright?" He asked, his accent barely slipping out.
"I'm fine, just exhausted," She told him and he nodded, leaning down to press his lips to her forehead. She felt her eyes slipping closed of their own accord. She was drifting to sleep, into the darkness.
Will sighed looking down at her. He got up and closed the door to her room quietly. He claimed a spot on the edge of her bed. He had to make sure she was okay. No matter what she had said to Jem, he knew that she was lying, there was hope. He refused to ignore everything he felt. He knew that deep down she felt it too, but she was ignoring it. She was closing herself off to the world, well except Victoria. Even so Glass had opened up to him last night, it may not have been much but it was something. Will would not ignore the fact that she was hiding something important from him, something she didn't want him to know.
"Why do you keep pushing me away?" Will asked the sleeping girl. His pulse was beating in his ears as he sat there watching her. No matter what he wouldn't leave her.
Victoria eventually made it down to the kitchen, only to be greeted by Jace. He was still in his suit, minus the tie and vest. And the shirt was completely unbuttoned now. He was sitting on the counter, holding a small glass of water.
For a moment they just looked at each other, surrounded by silence. Jace slowly hopped off the counter as Victoria moved around the island in the middle of the room. They stopped right in front of each other.
"I'm so glad you're okay.." He whispered, looking down at her. Even though the room was dark, Victoria could still see his golden eyes.
"Me too." Were the only words Victoria could utter at that moment.
"You know.. I had a lot of fun with you tonight. Aside from the fighting off wolves and having you pass out.." He laughed a little, reaching forward and taking Victoria's hand in his. Just as he had in her room when she was hiding. Victoria looked down, she could feel warmth starting to come into her cheeks.
Just then they saw a figure standing in the door. They both turned to see Izzy standing there, she was changed into a red silk night gown, her hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail.
"Victoria! Thank God! We were all so worried!" She gushed as she ran toward Victoria and wrapped her arms around her waist tightly.
Victoria smiled and returned the hug. "Thank you.." She whispered.
Izzy stepped back, glancing at Jace. "Well I'll leave you two alone now." She smiled big and walked toward the door.
After she left, Victoria turned back to Jace. He was now leaning against the counter with his arms crossed.
"Well I think I'm gonna turn in now.." Victoria said, walking back over to the door.
"Sleep tight, Tori.." Jace replied, disappointment in his voice.
Victoria didn't look back, knowing she wouldn't want to leave. She got back to her room and laid down on her stomach, careful not to hurt her back. She pulled up the sheets and slipped out of her robe, tossing it on to a near by chair.
Victoria sunk down into the cool sheets and slowly fell asleep.
When Glass finally woke up everything was dark. She was laying in her bed, but something moved beside her. She turned not knowing what to expect. Will's face was only centimeters away. His breaths were warming her cheeks and Glass felt uncomfortable for the first time around him. Being so close was not something she was accustomed to. He had an arm wrapped around her waist loosely, and she moved away from him, pushing herself off the bed in a frantic hurry. She fell from the bed and her left arm hit the padded floor before the rest of her. She began grabbing up anything she could manage to get her hands on and throwing toward the boy on the bed.
"What the hell are you doing in here?" Glass glowered as she hit Will in the back with a large leather bound book. He lifted his head from her pillow to look to the floor, his brows knit together in concern before he moved to the floor beside her.
"Glass? Whats wrong?" Will's voice was husky but filled with concern. He was kneeling before the blonde girl who was scrambling to get away form him. She backed herself into a corner beside her wardrobe.
"Don't," She whispered the word so softly. He paused, watching the panic controlling her features.
"Alright Glass," Will stood, raising his hands to her and backing away. "Do you wish for me to leave?" He asked and she nodded fiercely, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I would never hurt you," Will muttered before he exited the room. Glass sat in her corner for a long moment. Slowly she stood, using the wall as her support before running to lock her bedroom door. She took in a deep breath, her mind whirling. What had happened last night? Everything was hazy after leaving the Infirmary. She shook her head and slowly bent to grab up a pair of clean jeans. She found a comfortable T-shirt and waltzed into her bathroom.
She turned on the hot water, and stepped into the tiled shower. She felt a memory rising to the surface, like wiping away a glamour. She couldn't help the thoughts that were coming to her mind. Memories of the Academy were haunting her. The nightmares she'd had during the night were not making her feel any better. She grabbed a bar of soap and ran it over her body fiercely. She washed her body and hair twice before sitting in the tiled floor. Her forehead pressed to her knees and she closed her eyes against the images flashing in the darkness of her mind.
The darkness of the old training room at the Academy came into view, the room was much large than any training room at any Institute, and equipped with every weapon known to the Nephilim. She was standing in the center of the room, moon light shining through floor to ceiling windows that lined the far wall. Glass could barely make out a figure coming toward her. He was older, an experienced Shadowhunter. The note in her hand read for her to be there at Midnight because someone had something they wanted to give her, but she had shown up early. He smiled at her as he walked up and her eyes narrowed. Was this some kind of game? She didn't like to be toyed with. She felt a slight anger welling inside her and she let out a heavy sigh.
"You? Really?" The boy smiled, running a hand through his dark hair.
"Expecting someone different?" He asked, his voice smooth with an underlying edge that she hadn't noticed.
"I wasn't expecting anyone," She told him and he laughed softly, taking another step toward her.
"Now Glass you don't honestly mean that. You expected someone to show up, but you never expected me," He smiled softly at her caressing her cheek softly. The boy was right, she had expected someone else, anyone else. This boy shouldn't have noticed her, he was two years above her and on his way to becoming a fine member of the Clave. He had better things to do than notice an outcast like her.
Glass opened her eyes, and raised her head. The water was still hot but she forced herself from the floor. She turned the water off and wrapped a towel around herself. She dried her body and slid into her clothes quickly. She grabbed a thick coat out of her wardrobe before exiting her room. She grabbed a cup of coffee from the kitchen quickly before Izzy began cooking. Glass was hoping to avoid everyone for the time being and made her way to the library. She grabbed her sketch pad from a drawer and took up residency on a comfy couch in front of the fireplace.
Victoria woke up to the sound of loud footsteps going down the hallway along with hushed fussing. Victoria figured it must be Gabriel and Will. She rose out of bed and rubbed her eyes, still dizzy and dazed from the long night she'd been put through the night before. She grabbed her robe and slipped it around herself and tied the thin silk ribbons around her waist as she walked to the door and pulled it open. She slowly walked down the hallway, stopping at the top of the stairs. The halls ahead were still dark and quiet. "People must still be sleeping." Victoria thought out loud.
Victoria took the short walk back to her room and decided a hot shower might be a good idea. With that thought in mind she stumbled into the bathroom. She dropped her robe on the floor and slipped into the shower, only turning on the hot water. She stood under the stream of water for a minute letting it hit her back, surprised at the lack of pain she was feeling. She grabbed the shampoo and squeezed some out of the bottle and started scrubbing it into her short hair, holding her head back so it wouldn't get into her eyes. After lathering her hair up she stepped back under the stream and let the suds rinse down the drain. After that she went on with her normal routine and got out, wrapping herself in a soft white towel and walked back into her bedroom, pulling out a plain black t-shirt and a pair of ripped dark washed skinny jeans. She dressed herself and finished it off by slipping into her old black converse and a black hoodie.
She brushed through her hair and ran out the door. She made it downstairs and went into the kitchen, the smell of burnt toast and coffee radiating around the room. Izzy and Jem were standing in front of the sink caught up in a very passionate lip lock. Victoria cleared her throat as she pulled a coffee cup off of the shelf. Izzy's head snapped around and she was smiling, being caught kissing Jem didn't seem to phase her at all.
"Morning, Victoria. Sleep well?" Izzy asked, picking the charred bits off a piece of toast.
"Well enough. Where is everyone else?" Victoria asked as she poured coffee into the black cup, mixing in sugar as she did.
"Most everyone is in the library I think. Except for Gideon and Gabriel. They've gone with Alec to see Magnus." Izzy replied hopping up on the counter.
Victoria picked up her coffee and took a sip, careful not to burn her tongue.
"Well I think I'm gonna go find Glass." Victoria said as she walked toward the door. She turned back to get a glance at Jem, who was standing with his head down. She could see his flushed face through the hair that was hung down to hide it. She laughed on the inside and walked to the library, taking her coffee along with her. She entered the large door into the library, Glass and Jace scattered among the chairs and couches. Maryse sat at her desk going through papers, Victoria wasn't going to bother asking about it either. She was still sore with Maryse for leaving her alone with Aaron.
Glass glanced up from a small sketch book and smiled at Victoria. She sat the book down and stood up, throwing an arm over Victoria's shoulder and hugging her lightly.
"Morning." Victoria said, laying her chin on Glass's shoulder for a moment.
"Good morning.. How's your back?" Glass asked, stepping back to take a look at Victoria.
Victoria shot Glass reassuring grin. "Fine. I was able to get a shower without any trouble." She replied running her fingers through her hair.
Maryse stood up from the large desk and walked over to the two girls. She was in her usual black pant suit with her high ponytail. She gave a friendly smile, probably pretending last night didn't happen.
"Victoria, I was told by Aaron to examine your back to make sure the wounds don't get infected." She said, rather out of the blue.
"Uh okay.. Can you get Jace to leave?" Victoria asked.
Maryse simply nodded and turned to Jace, who was sitting, or rather, laying across the large leather couch. He was holding up a book in front of his face.
"Jace, would you mind leaving the room for a moment?" She asked.
Jace looked up from his book and glanced around, then he sat up closing the book and tossing it onto the table beside the couch. "Sure." Was all he said as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
Victoria turned away from Glass and Maryse and lifted her shirt up. Maryse unclasped Victoria's black bra to get a better look. She ran her hands over Victoria's shoulders and down her back, examining closely.
"It's so strange.." Maryse trailed off in amazement.
"What's strange?" Victoria asked, slightly concerned about what her back looked like.
"Your wings.. They just look like runes.. And there are no scars." Maryse replied, re-clasping Victoria's bra and pulling her shirt back down, brushing out the small creases so it laid neatly.
Victoria turned back around, Glass was standing beside Maryse with her arms crossed loosely across her chest. Her expression showing her mind was in a different place.
Glass watched her parabatai walk from the room, she had been captivated by the new things happening but the past would not settle in her mind. Glass sighed and took a seat on the couch she had been previously occupying. A breeze swept through the room, the smell of greenery and moss carried with it. The Fey were sending a message. Glass cast a glance at Maryse who was standing at the window now. A note dropped from the sky, a Fey bird obviously their Currier. Maryse looked down at the paper with a sigh.
"It's for Victoria," Maryse stated and Glass' stomach dropped. She had a terrible feeling about this. Glass exited the Library, her head looking at the ground, not at the people she passed in the hall. She could sense him as he turned the corner, the one person she didn't want to see.
"Glass?" Will's voice was soft. She tried to pretend as if she hadn't heard him. "Glass," He repeated her name as she was about to pass him and she looked up, putting a blank mask over her features.
"Yeah?" She asked, her feet halting as she looked at him.
"Are you okay?" He asked and she smiled at him.
"Yeah, I'm fine," She took another step but he caught her wrist, not letting her take another step. Suddenly his hand wasn't even his anymore, the past was overlaying the future. She no longer saw Will, but instead she saw the boy from the Academy. She jerked her arm away from him and he released her. He eyes wide with fear.
"You don't need to lie to me," He told her and she shook her head before walking away from him once again.
Victoria walked through the halls, not caring about where she was. She just needed time to think, time to figure out what this was and how to control it. Soon she found her way back to her bedroom, she walked in, kicking the door shut behind her. She walked over pulling the curtains back to let some light in. She glanced over at the large mirror hanging on the wall next to the windows, starring into the eyes of her reflection. She stepped over to it, slipping her shirt off her body and tossing it over to the bed. She pulled the straps of her bra off her shoulders and turned around so her back was facing the mirror, taking a deep breath she turned her head to look over her shoulder. The runes were unlike any Victoria had ever seen, at first glance they were black, but as the light shifted a hint of purple and green, maybe even blue could be seen casting over the black. They looked just as they had floating behind her at the ball, delicate, angelic. Victoria could hardly believe they had been such a powerful weapon.
Victoria didn't have much time to look at her back because out of no where a loud knock was placed on the door to her room. She let out a loud sigh and pulled the straps of her bra back up and grabbed her shirt, pulling it back over her head. She then went to the door and pulled it open, Glass was leaning against the door frame.
"Maryse needs you.." Glass looked worried about something, but Victoria just nodded and walked past Glass.
She made it back down to the Library, hand in her pockets. Maryse was sitting behind the desk, holding a small envelope. Victoria stopped in front of the desk and held out her hand.
"I assume that's for me?" Victoria asked quietly.
Maryse nodded and handed it over to Victoria. She turned it around, a small red seal was placed on the flap of the envelope to hold it down. Victoria carefully opened it, pulling the matching off white paper out and unfolding it. She glanced down to read it's content.
Victoria Starkweather,
You are here by summoned to
the Seelie Court at the Queens request tonight at midnight.
It has also been requested that you attend this meeting alone
for safely purposes. If anyone tries to compromise
this meeting, the punishments may be severe.
We look forward to meeting you and hope you are well.
Her Royal Majesty, The Seelie Queen.
Victoria sat the letting on the desk, "Well, I got a date with the Queen tonight." Victoria smirked, leaning back on the desk.
Glass reached over, picking up the letting to examine it.
"You have to go alone.. None of us can come with you.." Glass looked even more worried than before.
"I'll be okay.. I am a Faerie after all.." Victoria said, trying to reassure Glass but it was obvious it didn't do any good.
Victoria sighed and rubbed a tense spot that had taken up in her neck. She hadn't noticed the others standing around listening to the conversation. Her eyes glanced over to Jace, who stood silently behind everyone. Both hands were curled up in tight fists, his face was a mix of anger and worry. Victoria turned back to Maryse who had her eyes glued to the floor again.
"Well.. Suppose we'd better figure out what we need to do." Victoria's voice wasn't showing the fear she had for herself. She didn't dare show it, knowing she needed to be strong. She kept telling herself she'd be fine.
"We'll wait outside.. Stay hidden around the pond. That way we'll know if Glass's mom or those guys shows up." Izzy spoke up, her voice cracking a trailing off.
"What are you gonna say, Victoria?" Alec asked, curiously.
"Not sure yet. I've just gotta stay calm and not hulk out.. That might make a mess of things." Victoria replied.
"Well it's settled then. I'll request that the Clave send a few more Shadowhunters to help." Maryse said, suddenly rising to her feet.
Victoria nodded over her shoulder at Maryse then turned back to face the others. She stood up straight and walked silently out the door. It was time to prepare for the fun that laid ahead.
Glass couldn't explain the worry seeping into her mind. She didn't want Victoria going into the Seelie Court alone, but it couldn't be helped. They would attack them if anyone went with her. The best thing they could do is keep a safe distance. Glass walked from the Library and straight to her room. Never had she felt so uncomfortable at the Institute in all her time there. She always felt safe in her room, but even her dark sanctuary had been compromised. The blonde slipped into a pair of boots, and ran a brush through her still damp hair. Glass found her feet moving of their own accord, before she knew it she was back on the roof of the Institute, the foliage of the green house surrounding her with the comfort of the home she had left behind as she sat on a solid stone bench.
"I knew I'd find you up here," Will's voice rang out to her and she bit her lip. She didn't want to talk with him, she could barely stand to be in the same room with him.
"Why do you keep chasing after me?" Glass asked him, her voice cracking slightly and he let out a sharp sigh.
"Do you not wish for me to chase after you? Is it such a bad thing?" Will asked as sat next to her on the bench, facing the opposite direction.
"I wish you wouldn't," She told him. They were silent for a long time before Will broke the silence.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," She told him and he chuckled.
"You're lying again love," Will stated pointedly.
"Well I find it's not your business," Glass gave him a sideways glare.
"I'm making it my business," Will told her with a worried look. Slowly her face fell and she stared at her hands. She bit her lip and in that moment she wanted to tell him everything but her mouth wouldn't open. She wanted to tell him about her past, about why they had been thrown out of the Academy, but her jaw held tight. She wanted to tell him every last detail, wanted to tell him the truths she hadn't even told Victoria.
"I can't," She whispered to him.
"Why not?" He narrowed his eyes, but she wasn't looking at him. She knew the words that had to be said.
"Right now we have bigger things to worry about than me. Victoria should be our main concern. She is walking into the lair of the enemy and you are sitting here worrying about me," Glass glared at him. "We have more important shit to do than sit around and talk about our feelings," Glass told him coldly. He scoffed and stood from where he was sitting.
"Perhaps you're right. Maybe you do have more important things to worry about but I don't," With those word Will turned on his heel and walked away from her. This was the first time she had watched him retreat. She had struck a nerve with him this time.
At 11:55 pm, Victoria found herself walking through Central Park. She had dressed up her outfit with a leather jacket and some black boots. She had no weapons on her person, except for the big one that resided just below the surface on her back. She walked alone, Shadowhunters hid throughout the trees and bushes around the moon covered pond in the middle of the park.
"Here goes nothing.." Victoria whispered to herself as she stepped into the pond, moving to the very middle. "Down the rabbit hole.." She said just as she was sucked under. She opened her eyes, seeing that she was standing in a dimly lit hallway. Water was dripping off the edges of her jacket. Two large figures stood in front of her, "Uhm.. I was summoned..?" She spoke putting her hands behind her back.
They said nothing, they simply turned around and started walking. Motioning for her to follow. She followed quietly into a large room, the Queen sat behind a large table, there was a few other Faeries with her as well as plenty of food and drink. The walls were covered in swirling vines, buds in the shade of amber hung off of them.
The Queen was very lovely, her crystal blue eyes fixed on Victoria, although she had been the one to summon Victoria her expression was that of slightly annoyed, as if she could be doing something else that more suited her mood. She pushed her scarlet hair over her shoulder to let it fall behind her back and sat up straight. The men bowed to her as she shooed them away with a light way of the hand.
"So, Victoria Starkweather I'm guessing?" She asked, leaning forward slightly to look over Victoria.
"Yes.. Her Royal Majesty the Seelie Queen I assume?" Victoria replied in a sarcastic tone. Not caring much about respecting the snobbish Faerie.
"You might want to change that tone." The Queen looked over at the two men standing behind Victoria.
"You'll have to excuse me. I'm not really in a bowing down before your Majesty kind of mood." Victoria spoke through her sarcastic grin.
The Queen grinned, "Fine, It's not like you're going to be here for very long anyway. I just had an offer to give to you. Then you may be on your way." She sat back as she spoke.
"Well, let's not waste any time then." Victoria crossed her arms to wait for the Queen's offer.
"You see, a few of my Allies and I have done a bit of talking. Over the past few days we've seen what you can do, we've seen the changes happening in you. Your.. Developments." She went on, "And we think you would serve as a great weapon in the times to come. We are offering you a place on our side. On the winning side." She spoke formally.
Victoria gave a look of confusion, "You want me? To come fight for you?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes, exactly." She answered.
"We are going to give you some time to think on this of course. But our offer does stand." She said in continuation.
"I don't understand.. I'm just another Faerie. What good could I possibly be to you?" Victoria looked up at the Queen as she asked.
"Oh but you aren't just another Faerie. You have Faerie and Angel blood flowing through those veins, child. Great power awaits you in your future." She leaned forward again.
"And let's face it, all of those Shadowhunters are just pulling you down. You have so much more to offer than them." She smiled down at Victoria.
"When do you want my answer by?" Victoria asked, looking down.
"Sooner than later would be nice." The Queen replied.
"Fine.. I'll let you know soon. Can I go now?" Victoria asked, gritting her teeth loudly.
The Queen only nodded. Turning away from Victoria to take a drink from a glass goblet she'd been holding in her right hand. Victoria turned back toward the exit, not waiting to be escorted. She walked out with her head high as she moved the vines out of her way and headed back in the direction she'd come from.
Her mind was all over the place as she came up out of the pond, standing on the small bank. She stood still for a moment to take a deep breath and clear her head. That was when she heard the sound of footsteps coming through the grass. She turned her head to see a hooded figure standing at the edge of the pond not a far distance from her. Something was telling her to leave, but she rebelled against the feel and silently moved toward him. Soon she was standing right behind him.
"Going somewhere?" She spoke up with a wide grin on her face.
He whirled around to face her. Now she recognized him, the warlock from the ball.
Now he was now looking down at her, she couldn't make out his face under the dark hood. But she could smell the fear on him.
"Y-you.." His deep voice cracked.
"Oh yes, Me." She smirked.
She dropped her jacket off her shoulders and let it fall to the damp ground. Her features had already changed, now was the time to see if she could somehow control this new found ability. She closed her eyes and focused hard on what see wanted, the lust for blood was welling up to the surface. When she opened her eyes she could clearly see his mouth was hanging open in shock, she smiled at this. She glanced back to see her wings had reappeared, hang off her back, barely brushing over the ground. She locked her shoulders causing the large wings to stand up strong behind her, trees russeled from the breeze they had caused.
Now he was scrambling to get into the middle of the pond, just as he was about to go down the wings came across his chest in an X shape and cut deep. Red liquid gushed out into the mucky water, and he fell back. He floated over the water limply under the bright moon. Victoria grinned and closed her eyes once again, as she did her wings slowly started to retract themselves. It still hurt but not nearly as bad as the first time. The back of her shirt was torn, thankfully she had the frame of mind to take her jacket off. She found it laying on the ground by her feet. She swept it up and threw it around her shoulder and slid her arms into the sleeves, walking away from the pond, and away from the offer she'd been handed. No way Victoria was ever going to betray her friends.
Glass watched Tori walk into the lake. She couldn't help feeling as if she helpless in this whole situation. Jace was poised beside her in a large oak tree. They had a perfect view of the breeze caught her shoulder length hair and brought it in front of her face. She pushed her locks back with a nervous sigh.
"You alright?" Jace asked and Glass forced heself to nod.
"Fine, just have a bad feeling about all of this," Glass tried to make her voice sound steady.
"Me too," Jace looked to an adjacent tree, Jem and Will were poised just as they were. Jace caught the worried look Will cast on Glass. They sat in silence and Glass' eyes were glued to the surface of the water. When she saw a ripple and Tori's head breached the surface Glass lept into the bush below them. Her knees burried in mud as she crouched, hiding herself from anyone who was watching. She watched her parabatai's encounter with the warlock and began running toward her. She couldn't let anything else happen to Victoria.
As Tori was walking down the path, Shadowhunters started coming out of the woodwork. Glass and Jace were the first to reach her, breathing heavily from running to her side.
"So? What did she ask?" Jace asked, catching his breath.
"Well.. They asked me to join them. They said I would be a powerful weapon.." Victoria looked down at her feet.
"And..? What did you say?" Glass asked, touching Victoria's shoulder.
Victoria looked up at her best friend, grinning widely as she pointed back to the pond and to the limp body in it. "My answers over there." Victoria said as she started walking again.
Finally, they returned to the Institude Victoria stumbled inside, barely staying on her feet. As much as she would've liked to think she'd gotten control over her new abilities, she still needed a little more practice. And now that she basically killed a guy on the doorstep of the Seelie Court, she was more than liely going to be getting a lot of practice in.
Maryse was waiting just inside the front door, "So? How did it go?" She asked, a nervous tone coming out.
"The Queen asked me to join them.. Said I would be a powerful weapon to them." Victoria replied.
Maryse's eyes widened, "And what did you say to that?" She asked again, even more nervous than before.
"I said no.. By.. Killing the tall scary hooded guy we saw at the ball..." Victoria trailed off as her eyes found her feet.
"I see." Maryse sounded like she was trying extra hard not to faint.
"You do realize you basically declared war on us right?" Gabriel chimed in from the back of the group.
Victoria turned around, giving him a sharp glare. She was about to lay into him when Jace interrupted.
"But he probably would've killed her if he had the chance, she was protecting herself and all of us." Jace said, his eyes locked on Gabriel.
"What would you suggest we do now, Maryse?" Victoria asked, ignoring the argument.
"Well, I suppose laying low would be a good enough idea for now." Maryse replied as she let out a long sigh.
Everyone nodded and slowly started breaking away from the little group.
With everyone agreeing to lay low for a while Glass decided she needed to relax. She couldn't think of anything better than watching a movie, but first she needed to change. She hurried to her room and discarded her muddy clothes. She pulled on a pair of pajama pants and a long sleeve shirt. She sighed and pulled her hair up into a small bun, her golden bangs still hanging down in her face. Glass turned and heard a knock at her bedroom door. She held her breath for a long moment.
"Glass?" It was Jem. What the hell did he want.
"Come in," Glass called and the silver boy stepped into her dark room.
"Well he wasn't kidding about your room being a mess," Jem muttered as he shut the door behind him.
"What do you want James?" Glass asked as she glared at him.
"I wanted to talk to you," Jem sighed and madea gesture to ask if he could sit down. Glass nodded and Jem took a seat on her bed.
"What about?" Glass asked, her curiosity peeking.
"You've been acting wierd today. I wanted to make sure you were okay," Jem told her and she glared.
"Will sent you to check up on me. Is he too mad at me to come do it himself?" Glass asked coldly and Jem grimanced.
"He's scared. He doesn't want you to freak out again. He knows you're afraid to be around him, that's why you're constantly running away," Jem told her and her jaw fell open.
"That's absurd. You two have no idea what's happened to make me act this way. Don't assume things about me of which you have no idea, now please get out," Glass turned away from him and moved the blackout curtain hanging over her window. She stared down at the street with a glare. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she whipped around, her hand grasping his wrist in a death grip. Jem's usually patient eyes held shock.
"It's not just him," Jem realized and Glass' eyes narrowed.
"Don't touch me," Glass growled shoving his arm away from her.
"Something happened to you, didn't it," Jem's words were a soft realization. "Someone did this to you," Jem sighed as he took a step back.
"You have no idea what happened James, now please, leave me alone," Glass begged quietly.
"Will would never hurt you Glass, and neither would I. You mean way too much to him," Jem's words made her stomach drop.
"You don't understand," Glass whispered again to the silver boy.
"Make me understand," Jem told her, his eyes soft. Glass shook her head, her eyes were stinging again, but she held the tears at bay.
"Jem. No offense but you aren't the person I need to talk to," Glass sighed and he smirked.
"Well you won't talk to Will about it," Jem told her and she chuckled to herself.
"He wouldn't look at me the same way," Glass cast her gaze to the floor.
"You're right, because he'd understand you better. He'd see you for who you are," Jem told her and lifted her chin to make her look at him, "And he's going to see that you're strong," Jem told her. She let a smile grace her lips before she gave him a tight hug. Tori had told her that she was beautiful, independent, graceful, perfect, but never strong. It was a word she had been looking for. Glass had always seen herself as broken, but slowly she had put all the pieces back together. That one word made her see that she could in fact do anything.
"Thank you," Glass smiled into his chest and he let out a small laughed.
"You're welcome, for whatever I did," Jem gave her another tight squeeze. "And no matter what happens between you and Will, I will always consider you my sister," Jem told her.
"Okay, can we quit with the emotions," Glass stepped back and wiped at her eyes with her dark sleeve.
"Fine, fine," Jem laughed,"Now Issabelle wantd all of us to watch movies together, get your butt downstairs," Jem smiled. Glass laughed and nodded.
"Alright, I'll go right down," She laughed and followed Jem out of the room. Jem went down the hall in the opposite direction. Glass wlaked into the media room and found Izzy sifting through all of her precious DVDs.
"What is a good movie?" Izzy asked over her shoulder.
"Here let me pick," Will's voice sounded from the conjoined bathroom. He walked out, barely giving Glass a glance. He knelt beside Iz and began skimming, he had to pick the most atrocious movie ever. Parnormal Activity. Glass had bought it to see what it was and had contemplated using it for target practice, now she wished she had.
Victoria went up to her room, pulling off her jacket to expose a ripped up shirt, she was about to pull it off when she heard the door to her room open. Victoria turned around to see Jace leaning against the door looking at her, almost starring.
"Yes?" Victoria asked, turning back around to look for a new shirt.
"I was just seeing if you were alright.." He replied, his voice sounding nervous.
"I'm fine. Just wanted to get another shirt.. This ones kinda ruined." She laughed, pulling a large grey button down out of the drawer. "Mind turning around for a moment?" She asked, looking over her shoulder at Jace. He still had his bright golden eyes fixed on her, making her blush slightly.
Slowly she watched him as he turned around facing the door. She pulled off her ripped shirt and quickly pulled her arms into the new shirt, buttoning it up but leaving the top two buttons undone. She walked over to her bed and sat down, watching Jace's head move from side to side with a curious expression on his face.
"You can turn around now." She spoke up, causing him to jump slightly.
He turned around, just standing there for a moment, looking at her again.
"Are you just going to stand there?" Victoria smirked, laying back on the bed.
"U-uh.. I.." He stuttered, blushing a deep pink color.
"Well?" She said in a playful tone.
She watched as the blush grew deeper, causing her to giggle. He started walking toward the bed when Jem burst through the door, holding a bag of popcorn.
"We're watching a movie downstairs. Care to join us?" Jem asked, not paying attention to the situation going on in front of him.
"Uh yeah. We'll be down in a second." Victoria said quickly, sitting up from the bed.
Jem raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, instead he just closed the door back and walked away.
Victoria laughed as she stood up from the bed, walking over to Jace.
"How come every time I get you alone someone has to tarnish it?" He hung his head a little, pushing his blonde locks back.
"Don't worry, eventually you'll get what you want I'm sure." She grinned, stepping past him.
He grabbed her hand as she past, squeezing it tightly.
"I hope so.." He whispered, it was so soft Victoria thought for a moment she had just imagined it.
Victoria and Jace found there way down to find everyone getting ready to watch the movie. Victoria grabbed a seat on the floor in front of the TV and Jace followed quickly behind her, leaning back against the edge of the couch. Victoria leaned over, laying her head on Jace's shoulder. He nervously lifted his arm and placed it around her back, pulling her closer to him. This caused Victoria to blush and look around to see anyone noticed.
Victoria sighed, instantly disenchanted by the movie, which just so happened to be Paranormal Activity.
"What the hell are we watching?" Victoria spoke up, looking at Glass.
"No idea.. I think Will picked it." Glass replied.
Victoria rolled her eyes and stood up, walking away from the TV.
She stumbled down to the library, opening the large double doors and approaching the long shelves full of books. It was quiet, Victoria was content walking around barefoot on the cold stone floors of the library alone. The isles of books were dimply lit by beautiful antique lamps, much like those back in the library of her home in London. Victoria hoisted herself up one of the dark wooden ladders and perched herself against the shelf full of accident books. She wasn't looking for anything specific, but she was curious to see what all they had there. It didn't take her long to figure out that the shelves were basically replicas of the ones back home, filled with same books about the same stories and lore.
Victoria had planned on just going back to brave the horrid movie, when a clutter of movement came from behind the large door that was placed right in between two large stairwells. Victoria was confused, but still cautious. Adjusting herself on the steady ladder to hide herself from whatever it was that was making these noises. Suddenly there was a clash, from around the corner Victoria could see broken chairs and papers flying everywhere. She peeked through the shelves to the other side, seeing a bright bluish silver light coming from the door. It was a portal, the same glittery, magical consistency as the one they'd past through at Magnus Bane's apartment. All at once the portal changed, into a form like that of a mirror.
Victoria had no time to be curious or wonder what was going on though, because without warning a large monster with yellow eyes emerged through the mirror, it was black and slimy and something Victoria had never seen before. It walked on large scaled webbed feet with long claws hanging off of them, yellowing fangs came down over it's lower lip. It let out a large roar, stomping over crushed tables and pushing over shelves like a giant carelessly. Victoria gulped silently as she heard it let out a noise much like a sniff, smelling around the shelves. Victoria closed her eyes, remembering that she wasn't without a weapon if the situation called for it.
Then, doors flew open. Letting through the small group of Shadowhunters. Jace and Glass stood at the front, holding weapons. Victoria let out a sigh of relief even though she knew this was far from taken care of. She tried hard to think of something, but even she doubted they could take it. Victoria gathered herself and climbed further up the ladder, until she was perched on top of the shelf. Feeling the skin on her back start to move and peel she remained calm, knowing she couldn't focus on the pain right now. No- she had to control her anger, focus it to take down this hideous beast. Like a quick stabbing pain, Victoria felt her wings sprout from her back. Silently fluttering back behind her. She glanced up to see silver strands started to mingle with the violet, her normal skin tone bleeding off to reveal the pastel green. Now she started to flap her razor like wings, sending a heavy breeze around her that made papers fly below. The black wings now lifting her body up to the ceiling, allowing her to stay above the creature. It glanced up from the ground to snarl and growl at Victoria. Now that she had it's attention, she lunged her body forward aiming to the strike the beasts neck. But instead it lifted it meaty arms and hit her right in the chest, sending her back into the portal. Now it was silent, Victoria floated for a moment inside the silver lights until her surroundings changed to something much more familiar. Now Victoria was standing the the Sanctuary of the London Institute. For a moment Victoria had never been so happy to see the darkened room, but that feeling almost instantly changed into that of concern, concern for her friends.. Concern for her other half.
Glass watched her parabatai walk out of the room and considered following, but decided against it. The blonde tried to focus on the TV in front of her with a sigh. Shefound her mind swimming to other places. Not the past she had left behind but the boy on the other side of the room who seemed to be ignoring her. She huffed out another sigh and earned a curious glance from made a motion with his eyes for Glass to go over to him, but Glass rose to her feet and walked into the bathroom. She splashed cold water on her face before she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She didn't know if she could do this. Could she apologize to Will, or had she ruined whatever they had before it had even started. She sighed and turned to the bathroom door. She was about to open the door when the floor shuddered. Her eyes widened as she almost ripped the door from it's hinges and hurried toward the library. Jace ran after her weapons in his grasp, he tossed a sword to Glass who caught it before entering the library.
Tori was perched on top of the bookshelf high above thier heads, a large icky demon stood between Glass and her parabatai. Glass' eye widened as Tori's wings materialized, she lept from the shelf and dove toward the demon, trying to slice at it with her wings. The demon hit her in the chest, sending her into the open portal. Glass stared after her parbatai, the line that connected them growing tight in her chest.
"No," Glass whispered as she bared her teeth, he fangs lengthed and she threw herself into a battle. She lept at the demon, trying to aim for it's throat. Jace was only seconds behind her, everyone else seemed reluctant to jump in. Jem and Izzy were the next to leap into the fight, Glass caught a glimpse of Will, he was standing in the doorway still. The demon's arm slung Glass toward the boy. She hit the ground and slid to his feet. She growled scrambling to her feet. She bent to grab her sword and glared at Will. "You aren't going to help?" Glass asked him and Will's widened eyes returned to normal. Izzy jumped from her place on the demon's back, her ankle gave way and she fell to the ground, Glass reached her before Jem and sliced at the demons leg. Jem lifted Izzy and Jace flanked Glass' other side.
"Will," Jem called and nodded his head toward the portal. Will hurried to them and Glass hurried to the Portal and focused on her connection to Victoria. She took Jace's arm before stepping through the Portal.
Glass let her parabatai connection pull her through the portal and stepped out on the other side. She stepped into the new surroundings and was shocked to find a new institute surrounding them.
"Oh hell," Jem muttered behind her. He knew where they were and somehow Glass knew as well. London. She was in London.
"Tori?" A voiced called out. Victoria's body spun around to meet the gaze of the tiny Sophie.
"Sophie! Oh my god it's so good to see you!" Was all Victoria could think to say at this point. And it was completely and utterly true.
"Darling are you alright? And what's on your back?" Sophie asked as she walked over to Victoria, examining her well.
"Well uhm.. It's a really long story.." Victoria mumbled, rubbing the back of her neck.
Sophie raised an eyebrow, taking Victoria to a near by wooden chair to sit her in. From there, Victoria went on to spill her heart out to Sophie, even her feelings toward Jace. As the truth poured out of her, she could feel tears pouring from her eyes as well. All the fear that she'd held back was now rushing over her and spilling out of her mouth like vomit. Victoria could almost sense a bitter taste in her mouth as she went on, like she'd been sucking on something metallic.
"And now you have wings?" Sophie asked, raising a hand to motion toward the black razor like feathers hanging together on Victoria's back.
"They aren't just wings.. They retracted into my body and leave runes." Victoria explained, looking back to them. Examining them herself for a moment, lifting them up to meet her eyes. They looked so soft, yet still deadly in an odd sort of way.
"What the hell!" All of the sudden, a voice shouted from the middle of the Sanctuary. Victoria let her gaze fall over toward the direction the voiced had come from to set her eyes on Glass, Jace, Izzy, Jem, Will, Gabriel, and Gideon.
Victoria looked down quickly rubbing tears off her face. Then she stood up, rushing over to embrace Glass tightly. Glass returned the embrace, Victoria sensing she had been just as worried as her if not more.
"I'm so glad you're okay, Tori.." Glass whispered, letting her grip on Victoria's shoulders loosen.
"Same here.." Victoria replied, sniffling away more tears.
The girls let go of each other and looked back at the group. Everyone was bloody and hurt, although it seemed to be Izzy who'd seen the worst of it this time. She was leaning against Jem, favoring her left ankle. Sophie rushed over to her, shouting at Jem to help her take Izzy to get her ankle checked out. Jem obeyed the small girl, carrying the injured Izzy from the room.
Victoria now felt breathless, like she hadn't slept in years. She whirled her head around to meet the gaze of a also very worn out Jace. His blond hair covered in black dust, demon blood stained his shirt. Victoria stood up straight and turned away, moving toward the door.
"Come along. We need to find rooms for you." Victoria spoke softly.
The rest didn't bother to argue or ask questions, just followed silently.
The halls of the London Institute were much more comforting to Victoria, more familiar. Victoria felt much safer within these walls. One by one Victoria found a room for the guests until finally she was left with only Glass. The two girls turned a sharp corner leading down into a darkened hall. The high ceilings seemed never ending and the decor on the walls was even more aged than that of the New York Institude. It was much more haunting, cool air swished through the hollow hall.
"My room is this way." Victoria grinned.
Glass returned the grin as they continued down to the end of the hall. One door stood alone at the very end, it was a very dark cherry color with swirling designs of rose thorns around the frame. She took hold of the golden handle and softly pushed the door open, revealing the room within. It was simple, not many pictures on the wall or decorations. Very Victoria as Glass would've put it. The walls were a dark red, the quilt on the bed matched the design on the door frame only it was done in a bright silver against the black background.
"Well, very nice indeed." Glass smirked, examining the room.
Victoria flushed a bit and went over to her closet. Thanking the good lord most of her clothes had been left here. She opened the door to her closet, it was just as organized as the rest of the room. Clothes hung in order of color, which was mostly black and grey. Pants and other such things were stacked neatly together, also by color. She took out a black shirt and slowly pealed off the shredded remains of the grey shirt she had been wearing.
"I need to invest in backless shirts." Victoria said jokingly.
"That might be a good idea." Glass giggled at Victoria's statement.
Victoria slipped into the shirt and an extra pair of boots she had under her bed. After that, Glass and Victoria walked down to the Library together. Making little stops a long the way so Victoria could show Glass the Institute. When they finally made it into the Library, the rest of their small group had also founds it way.
"Well.. Now what do we do?" Izzy asked from the small leather couch she and Jem were sitting on.
Soon after, Charlotte entered with Henry by her side. Victoria's eyes brightened, running toward the average sized man holding up god knows what in his hands, some sort of metal thing Victoria assumed.
"Henry, what in the world are you holding?" Victoria asked.
"It's something called an instant coffee maker.. I found in the cupboard in the kitchen and thought I might see what I could make out of it." He said pleased with his inventing abilities.
"Uhm.. What have you been using it for?" Will chimed from the back.
"I've been using it to turn that funny looking green plant you had in the green house into a liquid." He said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"You mean his weed?" Jem asked with a giggle under his breath.
"Yes! Yes! It looked a lot like that of a weed!" Henry went on ever so innocently.
Charlotte just shook her head and turned to the group of young shadowhunters.
"Welcome and welcome back." Charlotte said, standing up straight.
A random thought came into Victoria's mind, Jessamine.. Where had she been. Even though she was mad when she left New York, she still wouldn't have been able to keep her nose out of anything. More so considering the entrance they all made.
"Where's miss prissy britches." Victoria asked, looking around the room.
"Jessamine is.. Missing. Has been for a few days. We'd planned on sending word but when we found out you had been hurt we decided just to handle ourselves.. But considering the fact you're here now.." Charlotte trailed off.
"Oh great.. On top of everything.. Now I have to track miss priss down.. Fan-fucking-tastic." Victoria sighed, rolling her emerald eyes at the thought.
"Oh there's more.. We just heard that the UnSeelie Court wants to see you.." Charlotte put her head down, obviously worried.
"Well that's amazing." Victoria smirked, sarcastically.
The UnSeelie Count was always known for it Faeries being dark, evil. And after seeing what the Seelie Court was like, Victoria knew it could only be down hill from there.
Later, Victoria had herself ready once again for a journey back into the Faerie world. It was better this time though, the UnSeelie Court is allowing the other to come along. The others also had themselves ready, ready for whatever could possibly could get thrown at them.