Chapter 4: Commonalities

'He said he comes over here to do some odd jobs and portal openings and what not. We had a very nice talk. He seems to be doing well for himself.'

Jace sank down into a chair, exasperated. "How did you meet Magnus Bane? You testified that you were locked in a single room with no outside contact besides Sebastian and Valentine."

'You're a little slow. I lied.' She wrote and picked at her food simultaneously.

"How? You were holding the mortal sword."

She shook her head and smirked.

"What was the purpose of lying? How do you benefit from it?" Jace combed his fingers through his hair.

'I lied because I didn't want get Magnus involved, but he said he didn't mind. He said it would entertain him more than parties. Also,,' she pause writing. 'I thought I'd test your reaction first… you seemed nicer than the other shadow hunters.'

'Will you answer a question of mine? Will the clave try to punish me for not telling them this?'

"I don't know maybe. They're strict people. They might put you in a cell for a few days."

'Or forever,' She leaned back into her chair. 'Life's short. Why not poke the bear a little? Let's go talk to my supervisor.'

"Alright, then," He popped up from his chair with mock energy and offered her his hand. She took it with even more enthusiasm giving a spin. Jace shook his head and laughed. He led her by the hand to the main office of the Institute. The room was plain, a desk and two chairs positioned in front of it. Maryse sat sternly with the mortal sword sitting on her desk. "So you've come back, eh? How's your brother?"

Clarissa sat down in one of the chairs and begun writing, 'He's well, generally.' She picked the sword up tenderly in her left hand. It clung to her hands as if it were made out of thorns biting into her skin.

"Where did you go last night?" Maryse said sharply.

'I went to see Magnus Bane. I knew him before I left Idris.'

She narrowed her eyebrows, "What was your relationship with Magnus Bane?"

'He was hired by my father on occasion. He was not aware of my brother's existence or of my father's identity. Whenever my fathered would call on him, I would bring him a note to tell him his job. He would do it and leave.'

"This information will be provided to the clave promptly." She folded her hands, "Was there anywhere else you went?"

'No' She wrote.

"Did you visit Sebastian Morgenstern?"

'No, I don't believe he's stupid enough to visit me, now, doll face .'

Maryse reached across the table and grabbed Clarissa by her hair. She hissed in her ear, "Don't you ever disrespect me again. None of the clave's power will make lenient on you Morgenstern."

She tossed Clarissa back in her chair like a rag doll. Clarissa's head was smashed against the backboard. She gave a small grimace in response. Jace grabbed her by her arm and shuttled her out of the room before more damage could be done. He brought her to a bedroom and sat her own on the bed. "Damn, you're stupid."

Clarissa didn't mind him as her aching head. Jace looked at her sympathetically. He brushed her hair behind her ear. "You shouldn't talk that way with her. She has every right to treat you like she does." He sighed heavily, "You know you're wrong."

He plopped down in a nearby chair. After a moment he started to giggle. "Doll face. I should have thought of that one."