Chapter 20 is finally up! God dammit! It took me long enough... I've just been so busy with school. I don't understand why schools need to give so many tests in such a short amount of time. Sure midterms are next week, but seriously... but I digress. Please enjoy and review!

The war continues to wage outside of the secret room. They search for a way out, unbeknownst to them of the destruction of the outside world. It's been a long time coming, but soon, they will see the truth for themselves. Will the demon come after the chosen six? How will they manage to survive the apocalypse? And when will they finally find their missing loved ones? Read on to find out...

Chapter 20

For a while we're stunned silent. I can't believe they would trap us in here just so we wouldn't interfere with a war. If there's something we can do they should let us do it. Why would they let this war just happen? What is it with all these secrets?

A few minutes after telling the others Alec growls in frustration. "What the hell? Why does it always have to be like this? Those stupid adults don't have a clue about what they're doing. I just know it."

"If they did then we wouldn't be in this mess," Isabelle glares, obviously just as upset.

When I sit on the floor with my legs crossed the others do the same. I lean against Jace and sigh. "So no matter how hard we look we're not going to find a way out of here. Not until the war has already started. Who knows how long that might be."

Jace nods in agreement. "That Arcadia must have known all along."

"There's no way she couldn't know," I frown.

I'm really starting to get tired of all these people lying to me. Arcadia I can understand, but that's only because she's a demon. She isn't my mother or father. She doesn't have to tell me the truth. It just would have been nice for someone to be straightforward for once.

I flip through some more of the pages of Luke's book. I rub my temple. "This is so confusing. Why would they want this to happen?"

"Maybe because of fate," Magnus puts in.

Isabelle gives Magnus a look. "You're not really going to believe that load of crap are you?"

Magnus shrugs. "Fate is very powerful. You should really pay more attention to it."

Jace runs his hands through his golden hair. "I'm not someone who believes in that sort of crap, but after everything I've been seeing lately I don't doubt it. We're in here because we're the chosen six, but we're the only ones who can actually do something about the war."

"This is so frustrating," Simon grabs his hair.

Isabelle crosses her arms over her chest. "Who are we going to trust if our own parents can't trust us with these sort of things?"

"We can trust each other," I speak up.

They look at me curiously. Jace puts his arm around me. "Clary is right. If we can't trust anyone else then we need to trust each other. We're here together and we're family. No matter what we can't afford to lose each other."

Everyone nods their agreement. I take Jace's hand in mine. We look at each other lovingly. I'm glad Jace is here. I don't know where I would be if I hadn't found him when I did. Without Jace I don't know where I would be. I guess it would be really bad. I would have been alone.

When we all get too tired to stay awake from the shock we go off on our own to get some rest. Jace and I go lie back down on the couch. Jace pulls me onto his chest. "You're incredibly light."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" I make a face at Jace.

Jace chuckles then strokes my cheek. "You're like a feather. Delicate and beautiful, but also versatile enough to move around danger. It's a really good thing, Clary."

I blush at Jace's words. "You can actually be really sweet when you want to."

Jace grins. "When I want. I don't have to be though."

"Yeah, I know," I make a face.

This makes Jace grin even wider. Jace wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me closer. "I don't understand how someone so beautiful can be so insecure about herself."

I blush and look away. "That's not true."

Jace arches an eyebrow. "Really? You're beautiful, kick ass, and you are half angel. You're all these things yet you still don't think you're really as amazing as I know you are. I've seen you do things I didn't think I would see anyone do. You fought off assassins. Isn't that enough proof of how incredible you are?"

Jace's words really make me think about myself. "I just thought that because I was so different no one would be interested in me. I'm not exactly the most sociable person in the world. I used to be an assassin. How do you explain that to people? I just don't know…"

Out of nowhere Jace sits up and nearly throws me off. I glare at Jace while he just gives me an incredulous look. "Clary, I love you, but you're seriously starting to get on my nerves."

"Well you're the one who brought this up," I cross my arms over my chest.

"Don't pout," Jace commands.

I turn away. "I'll do whatever the hell I want."

Jace grabs me around the waist. "I said don't pout. I was just saying you need to be more confident in who you are."

I sigh and lean against Jace despite myself. "It's just frustrating because you're the first person not intimidating enough by me to not say anything about it. Damn it, Jace. Why do you have to be such an ass?"

"For being able to speak the truth?" Jace places his hand over his heart and speaks with fever. "I am a man of truth and honesty. Never will you hear me utter a lie."

"Ever?" I narrow my eyes.

Jace leans in and lightly kisses me. "Yes. I will never tell you a lie. That's the one thing you can always count on."

I smile slightly. "Well, at least I can always call you on that. If you lie to me I can just say you lied about never lying to me. I just don't know if I'll never lie to you."

"Just as long as you tell me eventually," Jace kisses my forehead.

We sit together in silent until Isabelle walks over to us with a grin on her face. "Come over here. We're going to play a nice, fun, game of Truth or Dare?"

Jace breaks out in a wide grin. I groan. "Really, Izzy? I thought you would have learned your lesson the last time."

Isabelle just shakes her head and waves her hand at us to follow her. I turn to Jace who has a mischievous look on his face. I frown, but then Jace grabs my hand and pulls me over to the other side of the room where the others are already sitting. Alec has a pained expression on his face.

I smile at Alec then sit between him and Jace. I look over at Alec. "I'm surprised you agreed to play this game again."

Alec gives Magnus a look. "Magnus threatened me with permanent glitter if I didn't play."

"They make permanent glitter?" Simon inquires.

"All glitter is pretty much permanent," I scowl.

Alec makes the same face. Glitter gets everywhere. I don't know how Magnus can stand to have it on him all the time. I sigh and turn to Isabelle. "Alright. Go ahead."

Isabelle claps eagerly then turns to Magnus. "Truth or dare?"

Magnus grins. "Truth."

"How far have you and Alec gotten?" Isabelle smirks.

Alec blushes furiously. Magnus grins, devilishly. "All the way, baby."

Isabelle and Magnus share knowing grins. Then Magnus turns to me. "Clary. Truth or dare?"

I think for a second then answer. "Truth."

Magnus rubs his chin. "Have you and Jace considering having sex at all in the near future?"

I give Magnus a look. "Seriously, Magnus? Are you really going to bring this up again? Remember what happened last time? We all got in an argument."

Magnus shrugs then arches an eyebrow. "Answer the question."

My cheeks turn a faint shade of red. "No. We haven't talked about that yet."

I look up at Jace and I swear I can see a blush rising from his neck. I've never known Jace to blush at anything. Isabelle and Magnus gives us pointed looks. Isabelle crosses her arms. "How long are you two going to wait? We've already slept with our significant others. Why can't you just get it over with already?"

"Because we're not that kind of couple!" I yell.

Isabelle arches a perfect eyebrow. "Oh, really? If you guys aren't doing something else you're always making out. Do you think we can't see the way you two look at each other? You're totally in love and you need to get it over with already."

Jace rolls his eyes. "Leave us alone already. We're not going to do it until we want to. Not because you want us to."

Isabelle looks at me. "Clary, are you sure you want to wait? It might be a long time before you get the chance."

"We're not doing it now and we're most definitely not doing it in here, Izzy!" I turn away so I don't have to look anyone in the eye.

Jace wraps his arms around my waist. I look up to see a smirk on his face. I punch Jace on his shoulder then turn around to pout with my arms crossed over my chest. I'm still blushing furiously. I don't understand what's wrong with these people. Why can't they just leave me and Jace alone? Just because they're Isabelle and Magnus are sexually active it doesn't mean we have to be.

After another second the game continues. I turn to Alec. "Truth or dare, Alec?"

"Um, dare?" Alec winces.

I smirk then rub my chin. "Let me think… I dare you to…"

Alec gives a frustrated growl. "Just say it already!"

I tilt my head. "Alright. I dare you to… take off your shirt and wear nothing, but a lacy pink bra."

"But I don't have one," Alec gives me a look.

I smirk then turn to Isabelle. "I know you're wearing one, Isabelle. Hand it over."

For a second Isabelle looks like she would refuse, but then she sees the look on her brother's face and decides to give up her bra. It's exactly like the one I told Alec to wear. Simon's mouth is hanging open and is drooling slightly as Isabelle removes the bra. Magnus has the same reaction when Alec takes off his shirt and puts on the bra.

Jace rubs my back gently. "You're just a little bit evil, aren't you?"

I smirk at Jace's comment. "Well, if you put it that way I guess that's one way of putting it. Anyway, it's your turn to go, Alec."

Alec glares at me then turns to Isabelle who seems to be trying her hardest not to burst out laughing. "Isabelle! Truth or dare?"

"Dare!" Isabelle yells.

Alec hesitates when Magnus leans in to whisper into his ear. Alec turns a bright shade of red before clear his throat and turning back to Isabelle. "I dare you to let Simon hug you."

"Not a halfhearted hug either," Magnus blurts out. "A full on embrace."

Isabelle flushes bright red and Simon might have too if he could. They press together for a few seconds before breaking apart. I didn't think that a couple that was so open to their sexual relationship could be embarrassed by something so small. Well, wonders never cease I suppose.

About an hour later just about everything in the room is blushing to some extent. Even Magnus and he never blushes. Jace is definitely on blushing from anger. Maybe I shouldn't have dared Isabelle to chose two people in the room to kiss. I didn't know she would chose Jace and Magnus.

We sit around not really talking or making eye contact with one another. I'm blushing because of the make out scene I just saw between Alec and Magnus. They were dared to.

Now that our game has ended we have nothing left to do. I don't know how we're going to spend the rest of our time here. I don't know how long it's been since we've been in here, but it can't have been more than a couple of days. Then again the state the city is in could mean it's been more than just a couple of days.

I sigh and stare off at the wall. Jace notices my distracted moon. "What's the matter, Clary?"

The sound of Jace's voice snaps me out of my spacing. "I was just thinking about how long we're going to have to stay in here. I know we're basically trapped in here until the war begins, but maybe the war already began without us knowing it. Maybe there are people out there waiting for us to open those doors and step out."

"Maybe that demon is still out there waiting for us too," Jace mumbles softly.

We all look at each other. Then I stand up making a frustrated sound. "I can't stand sitting around like this anymore. I'm going to look for a way out of here before I completely lose my mind. You can help me if you want or not. Whatever you want."

I walk over to the shelves of books and start browsing. A lot of these are books are in that language I was taught when I was little. I flip through a few pages of each book that catches my eye.

Suddenly, I'm spun around and pinned against the bookshelf behind me. I look up in a defensive pose to see Jace's smirking face. I scowl. "What the hell, Jace? I could have killed you."

"I'm sure," Jace leans in to kiss me.

Then a cough stops us. We both look up to see Isabelle standing there with her hands on her hips. "I thought you said we should focus on looking for a way out of here, but I guess that's not the case for you two."

Jace gives Isabelle a look. "Can't you find something better to do other than bothering us. If this keeps up I'm going to start annoying you and Simon when you want to get intimate. Then you'll see how it feels. You know I will too. I don't give a damn about what compromising position I might find you in."

Isabelle's face flushes red like before. "You better not, Jace."

"Try me," Jace arches an eyebrow.

For a second Isabelle contemplates it then she turns on her heel to storm off. Jace turns back to me, chuckling. I give him a look then lightly slap his arm. "Stop doing that."

"What? Making sure people don't interrupt us when we're trying to get some quality time together?" Jace leans in and kisses me passionately.

After a few minutes we break apart. I lick my lips then run my fingers through my hair. "Um, I really think I should look through some of books to find a way out of this room."

"Maybe the enchiridion has something in it?" Jace tilts his head.

I shrug then look up at the rows of books. Jace takes the opportunity to kiss the base of my throat. I choke back a giggle. I can't remember the last time I giggled, but Jace makes me want to do a lot of strange things I haven't done in a long time. Sometimes things I've never done before.

I clear my throat then firmly push Jace away. "I'm going to go look in the enchiridion then. You might just be right. Or maybe Luke's book has something useful in it."

"But you'll enjoying being with me better," Jace quickly grabs my hips and pulls me back to him.

"Jace, stop being so greedy," I try to pull away, but Jace is very strong.

Jace leans in and sweetly kisses my lips. "I want to spend time with my love."

I smile slightly. "I love you too, but things need to be done. I promise we can have as many hot, make out, sessions as you want once we figure out how to get out of here."

"I'm going to hold you to that promise," Jace growls.

With that I saunter away in a way that I know will make Jace crazy. All my years of practicing to seduce men to get closer to them is really starting to come in handy with Jace. If it weren't for all that experience then I really wouldn't have the confidence to be with such an incredibly beautiful person. Of course I would never tell him that to his face. Jace's head is inflated enough by his ego as it is.

At the table again I pick up the books I had been reading. I look down at both covers. I sigh then open Luke's book. I want to get this over with so I'm not shocked if any more family secrets happen to come out sometime in the near future.

Knowing that my parents kept so much from me is unnerving. How can parents love their child if they refuse to trust them with the truth? I would have understood. I know how to keep a secret. Probably better than more people. Why couldn't they see that?

Of course adults always think they're right and what they do is what is right. Adults can be so stupid. That's why people my age don't trust them at all. It's just an instinct that comes naturally to most teenagers. Adults lie about a lot of things and our feelings are never considered. It's a good thing that I have my friends here to trust and support me. We've all been burned in one way or another by the people we cared about.

As I'm looking through Luke's book I come across something that I find very interesting. It's about my angel blood and the writing. Apparently it's called the language of the angels and it's the key to unlocking a lot of things. I see this writing everywhere in the world. I go to the enchiridion.

My heart is racing as I read. Somehow I feel like I'm learning things I might not have known if I never found this room. I think my blood, this writing, and something about runes has to do with all of this.

I look up from my book and find Alec searching through some papers. "Hey, Alec. Come here for a second."

Alec walks over with a stack of papers in his hands. "What is it?"

I lick my lips. "Do you think you can find a book on runes for me? I think I'm on to something."

Alec nods and sets down the stack of papers and turns to the books. I bite my lip as I read through another few pages. If this is right then I need to learn to draw these runes. There's one specifically that I need. I'm getting a feeling that I should know it, but it's just out of my reach. Teasing my mind with its hidden presence.

That rune is still not coming to me when Alec comes back with a book in his hands. "I found this. It looks like it could be the original copy of runes ever created. It has to be over a thousand years old. What exactly did you need it for?"

I dive for the book immediately and flip through the pages as quickly as possible. I lift the book and tilt it to let the pages pass quicker. I narrow my eyes and watch carefully. My eyes widen when I see something. I slam my hand onto the book, covering the rune.

Alec gives me an unsure look. "What is it?"

I take a deep breath and move my hand. The image is instantly burned into my mind. I gasp and place my hand over the rune again. That rune was definitely not the one I was looking for, but it was more powerful than the other runes. I flip the page quickly and continue on from there until I see the rune I need. I see it then quickly cover it with my hand.

My breathing is unsteady when I look up at Alec, wide eyed. "This rune is the key to getting out of here."

Jace hears the commotion and runs over to me. "What's the matter, Clary? What happened?"

The others come over quickly too. I stand and look around at each of their faces. I reach out for Jace's hand. He gives it to me without a second though. I take a deep breath. "This rune I found is the key to getting out of this room. I don't know how I know that, but I just do. I have it burned in my memory now and I just know it's really, really, important."

"Are you going to let us see the rune?" Jace inquires.

I shake my head. "No. It's too powerful. Just a glance was almost too much for me. I think this rune will release us from this place, but it's going to need to be specific. I need to know how this place was built. Look for anything that looks like building plans or ritual books."

"Ritual books?" Simon asks.

I nod. "This place was built using magic. I can feel it. There had to be some kind of ritual for it."

Magnus hums and crosses his arms. "You caught up really quickly to this whole shadow hunter world. How'd you figure that stuff out so fast?"

I shrug and look down at the books in front of me. "I'm not as stupid and defenseless as some people believe I am. Despite not really caring that much for school I have an IQ of over a hundred and ninety."

"Whoa," Simon whispers.

I shrug. "It's the only way I'm was in the grade I was at school after missing two years of it."

"What do you mean?" Jace tilts his head.

This story is really getting old. I don't like it and the memories it brings, but whatever. "After my mom died I got into some bad crowds. I told you this. I didn't go to school for a long time. It was only after I had decided that what I was doing was wrong that I went back. I took a placement test and I was actually supposed to reenter a year above the one I was in."

"My girl, a genius," Jace wraps his arm around me and kisses my neck lightly.

I turn to meet Jace's lips, full on. "Well, one of us has to be."

Before we get to kiss again Isabelle groans. "Alright. Enough with the lovey-dovey stuff already. You said you weren't going to have sex in here and I'm holding you to your word. Now stop being distracted. We're trying to escape from here, remember?"

Jace glares at Isabelle. "Just up. I don't like it when my hot make-out sessions are interrupted by people who obviously don't have anything better to other than to stare at us while we're having an intimate moment."

That comment leaves everyone fuming. In less than a second Jace is arguing with everyone. It's just him against the four of them… and he's winning. It's amazing how Jace knows just where to poke to make everyone back down. It gives him a sense of satisfaction.

When the yelling dies down Jace turns to me and kisses me softly before whispering in my ear. "We'll get to finish eventually and I promise it's going to be the best experience of your life."

My face goes totally red. Jace saunters away. Isabelle sees my expression and walks over. "What did he say to make you turn into a tomato?"

I shake my head. "Nothing. Get to searching already."

Isabelle holds her hands up. "Alright. You don't have to be so damn pushy."

As Isabelle walks away the meaning behind Jace's words linger in my mind. The image of the couple in the meadow flashes through my memory. My face heats up even more. I sit down at the table and start reading as much as I can as quickly as I can so I can distract myself.

Two hours later the others come back with some books and papers stuffed in their arms. I eye everything suspiciously. Jace walks back with a single book. He's reading it intensely. I guess that one isn't written in the angel language.

Jace looks up at me then neatly slides onto the table next to me. "Take a look at this, Clary."

I lean over to see what has Jace's attention. I narrow my eyes and lean in closer. "Is this what I think it is?"

Jace pulls the book away with a smirk. "Stop leaning in like that. You'll fall over. Now, this book contains all kinds of rituals and ceremonies that used to be used by the original shadow hunters. They were obsessed with it. Tradition was a big thing back then."

I try to take the book from Jace, but he keeps it away from me. I give Jace a look. "Give me the damn book, Jace!"

Jace just laughs and holds the book away from me. "It talks about a releasing ritual here. It's written in a language that looks like a combination of Latin and old English. It's really weird. It's completely different from the language Luke taught you, Clary."

"Can you just give me the damn book so I can read it," I dive for the book one more time.

This time Jace lets me get the book. I hold it up to look at it then my eyes widen when I look at the page. A dream of mine enters my mind. The sensation of falling through soft clouds.

I look away from the book quickly, gasping. "That's what it was."

Magnus gives me a skeptical look. "You've been doing a lot of freaking out lately. What is it this time?"

I give Magnus a look then turn back to Jace. "What do you feel when you look at this picture?"

Jace sticks his hands in his pockets and shrugs. "It feels familiar. It's like I've seen it somewhere before, but I can't really place it. It makes me feel lonely and sad. Like something is missing."

I sigh and nod. "It was a dream I had. It happened right before I woke up after the first time I did the astral projection. I was falling through the clouds. It felt like I was floating at first. Then I hit the ground incredibly hard. Then I saw shadows all around me. I started rising from the ground and I looked down at them. The dream ended there."

Jace watches me carefully. "I had the same dream."

"Really?" I look up at Jace.

Jace nods and rubs the back of his neck. "I was looking at the sky as something fell. It had to be the size of a mountain. It landed so hard it made me fall. There was a huge cloud of dirt. I went to look at whatever it was and it was a lot smaller than I expected it to be. It looked like a person. There was light shining off of it then the dream ended."

"The same dream, but in two different points of views," I rub my chin in thought.

I take the book Jace had and flip to the next page. This is a weird form of writing. I can read it, but it's a little difficult. Latin has always been a very dry language and old English is something I haven't studied in a while. I tilt my head as I try to read the two basically dead languages. I flip through a few other pages until I find what I'm looking for. I place the book on the table for everyone to see.

Jace places his finger on one spot of the page. "These are the floor plans for this room. Does it say Sacred Temple?"

"I guess that's what they called this place," I swat Jace's hand away.

Alec gestures at another part of the page. "It has a lot of intricate designs and symbols. I can see that this is for the doors we can in through. I don't see any other exits though. Maybe there's a secret door somewhere?"

I look through more of the pages, but don't find anything. I shake my head. "Nope. Nothing like that. Those doors is the only way in or out. Maybe it can be added at some point, but right now there isn't another way out. That means I need to get to work as quickly as possible."

"Didn't Luke's book say we weren't going to be able to get out until after the war started?" Simon steps forward.

I sigh and nod. "That's what I'm counting on. If I can open the doors that means the war has started. It's depressing, but at least now we can do something about it. I don't want to feel trapped in here anymore. I feel helpless enough as it is."

The others nod in understanding. I turn to the doors. We all stare at it. I don't know what we're waiting for. If I open those doors I might let that horrible demon in. Or I might open it to the apocalypse. Either way, it's not going to be good.

I turn to Jace. "Let me use your stele."

Jace hands over the stele from his waist. I walk over to the doors. I look over my shoulder at the others. They followed me to the doors. I turn back to the doors and raise the stele. I close my eyes and imagine the rune in my mind. I press the tip of the stele against the doors. I open my eyes when I feel a strange tingly sensation.

The tip of the stele is on the wrong spot. I look around the doors until I find a locking rune where the two doors meet. Each door has one half of the rune. It takes up a good deal of space. I lick my lips and move forward. I can feel the power of the rune. I place the stele tip against the doors. I move my hand quickly and surely. The rune doesn't have to be huge, but big enough.

My hand moves with the fluidity of an artist. I must have inherited it from Jocelyn. I've never really been interested in it before, but I've been considering it.

When I finish with the rune I take a step back to admire my work. It worries me that the rune doesn't start working immediately. My eyebrows furrow then I realize something. I take out one of my daggers and press the tip of it against my finger. I let a drop of my blood fall onto the stele. Then I press the bloody tip to the rune

That's when the rune glows faintly. I back away quickly as the rune I made seems to make the rune under it come undone. Jace grabs my hand and looks at my finger. "Seriously. Stop hurting yourself, Clary."

"Stop being so damn protective," I pull my hand away.

"What's with you and the word 'damn' today?" Jace frowns slightly.

I shrug. "It just seems appropriate."

Without saying another word I turn back to the doors. They open, excruciatingly slowly. We all hold our breaths in expectation of what might be waiting for us on the other side of those doors.

Light surges through the door and engulfs us…