Back at the Institute, the others were waiting for Jace and/or Clary to let them know what was going on. The Clave allowed Magnus entrance to the Institute because they needed all the help they could get.
Magnus, Alec, and Isabelle waited near one of the monitors in the main room for any response. Suddenly, they got one, just not in the way they hoped. As they waited, a surge of pain shot through Alec's stomach and he clutched the table.
"Alexander, what's wrong?" Magnus asked as he squeezed Alec's shoulder to give him some comfort.
"I don't … ahhh."
Alec punched the table and grabbed his stomach as images flashed across his eyes; memories he shared with Jace. The moment they met, the moment they became parabatai and all the childhood moments they had together flew across his vision. When the images vanished, he lifted up his shirt and noticed the parabatai rune was fading.
"Alec, what's happening?" Isabelle asked as he gasped in pain.
"Jace!" Alec screamed, collapsing onto the floor, crying in pain.
Magnus pulled Alec into his lap and tried to take some of the pain away. Alec cried as pain surged through his body. When the pain came to a halt, Alec cried even harder.
"What happened to Jace?" Magnus asked.
"He's…"
"Can you get us to Lake Lin?" Alec asked, interrupting Isabelle, wiping away his tears, and regaining his composure.
"Easily," Magnus said.
"Meet me in the courtyard in five minutes," Alec ordered, getting up and walking off toward the weapons room.
"What happened to Jace?" Magnus asked, turning to Isabelle.
"Alec's tattoo flickered and so did his pain. If I'm right, which I hope I'm not, Jace is dead."
Clary pulled Jace's head onto her lap as she cried and stroked his hair. She kept hoping he'd open his eyes and smile up at her, but his expression never changed. A few of her tears landed on his cheek as she wiped them away.
"Grief for your precious Jace. I have a world to save," Valentine said, wiping the blood from his hands. Clary half-listening nodded and continued to caress Jace's face. Nothing could be worse, it was so bad she could barely breathe.
Valentine went to the edge of the lake and took out the mortal sword and cup from his duffel bag. Whispering an ancient chant he threw the sword into the lake; the water glowed and sparkled. Then a few more words later he put the cup into the water. This time, unlike the sword, it dissolved in his hand. The water lit up like a Christmas tree and the ground started to shake.
The small earthquake shook Clary out of her despair and reminded her of the promise she made to Jace. Before she could move, Razeel emerged from the lake and he was magnificent. He was the most beautiful being Clary had ever seen. He wore Greek-like clothing and his wings spread out behind him like fluffy clouds.
"What is it you wish, my child?" Razeel asked in a deep and echoing voice.
"Angel, this world has gone into temptation. Your children are poisoned with evil," Valentine said as he took his knife and cut into his hand. Clary knew what was coming so she got to her feet and made her way closer to him.
"My Angel, I wish for…" Valentine began as Clary pushed him back.
The only way the wish would come true is if his blood touched the water and Clary wasn't going to let that happen. She tried to push him again but he grabbed her wrist and slammed her back into the sand.
"Why do you always have to get in the way?" Valentine asked.
"Because I hate you and I'll do anything and everything to make sure you don't succeed," Clary said, kicking him in the shin; hard.
"I don't want to do this," Valentine muttered, picking up a big rock, "But if killing you gets you out of the way, I guess I have no choice."
"Are you kidding me? You'd enjoy watching the life fade from my eyes as you did with Jace," Clary sneered.
"You think I enjoyed that? He wasn't my son but I took care of him during his childhood. I cared for him, like I care for you, Carly, and Jonathan. But this mission is too important to be messed with. If I have to kill my children to clean this world of impurity, I will," Valentine said as he lifted the rock above Clary's head.
He looked at her with murder in his eyes as she noticed his knife only a few feet away. Using her knowledge to her advantage she dodged the rock and barrel rolled to the knife. She grabbed hold of the handle and threw it into Valentine's chest.
"Good shot," Valentine winced, pulling the blade from his shoulder.
"I'm not done yet! Ahhh!"
She ran up to him, taking the blade from his hand, and stabbing him three more times. Blood dripped from his mouth as she embedded the blade into his stomach, causing him to collapse onto the sand.
She grabbed hold of the handle and yanked the knife from Valentine's bloodied stomach. Knowing she didn't have much time she ran to the edge of the beach and cut into her hand; letting the blood drip into the water.
"My Angel, I would like to make a wish," Clary announced.
"What is it you wish, my child?" Razeel asked graciously.
"Bring Jace back. Please..."
Razeel looked at how broken Clary was and how bloodied Jace's body a few feet away seemed to be; he made a decision. Razeel's hands rose into the air and he put them together with a booming clap. The sound waves from his clap caused the trees to bend, water to sway, and Clary to fall on her back. She looked up at him and he gave her a smile before vanishing back into the water.
She scrambled to her feet and skidded to Jace's side. He looked so peaceful; like a child sleeping in its crib. She sat there watching him, checking for signs of life. She started to think that her wish couldn't be achieved. Terror began to set in but before it consumed her, his eyes flew open.
Jace sat up with confusion. "Clary, what's going on?"
"It worked!" Clary screamed as she pulled him into the tightest hug she had ever given. Tears of joy fell from her eyes as she dug her face into his shoulder.
"What did you do?" Jace asked as he pulled back. "I died, Clary. What did you do?"
"I used Valentine's wish to bring you back to life. I couldn't lose another person I care about," Clary admitted as a sad glint came into Jace's eyes.
"Don't tell anyone I died," Jace said, not saying what he really wanted to say.
"Jace…"
"I don't want them to worry. Okay?" Said Jace
"Okay."
Footsteps could be heard approaching. Clary readied Valentine's knife in case a circle member was coming to check on them. Luckily, Alec, Isabelle, and Magnus came through instead. Clary lowered her knife as Alec saw Jace. He walked right up to Jace, pulled him to his feet, and brought him in for a hug. Tears fell from his eyes as he spoke.
"I thought you were dead," Alec cried. "I thought I lost you."
"My wound worsened, which almost killed me, but Clary healed me with the little magic she knew," Jace lied as he looked over to Clary and mouthed don't tell anyone; she nodded in response.
"What happened to Valentine and the ritual?" Isabelle asked.
"While I was tending to Jace's wound, Valentine had begun the ritual. He put the sword and cup into the water and a bright light shot out of the lake. Then Razeel rose and he was the most magnificent being I had ever seen. I stopped Valentine before he could make his wish and then I killed him. When he died, Razeel vanished and then you guys arrived a short time after," Clary said, lying through her teeth. She wanted to tell them what actually happened but if Jace didn't want them to know then she had to keep her mouth shut.
Isabelle's phone buzzed as she checked her messages, "Simon got to Carly. He's going to put her in the ground in an hour. We have to hurry back so she has her family."
"At least one good thing will come out of all of this," Clary said as Magnus led the way out of the forest.
An hour later, everyone collected at the cemetery. Luke and Ethan helped Simon dig the hole while Jace, Alec, Magnus, Clary, and Isabelle silently watched. Once the hole was a good depth, Simon picked me up and set me down gently. He then jumped out and everyone took turns putting dirt in the hole. They kept going until the hole was filled back up to the top. When the deed was done, it was time to wait.
"How long does this usually take?" Luke asked with sorrow. She'd been hurting for weeks and he had done nothing. Dealing with his pack and being a cop takes up a lot of time but he should've done something. He felt awful.
"Depends on the person," Raphael said, appearing beside a tree.
"What are you doing here, Raphael?" Simon asked with annoyance.
"When I heard you were turning Carly, I had to see it for myself. It'll be interesting to see how a girl filled with demon blood, will react to being a vampire. Maybe her strength will be unimaginable or maybe the thirst will be too much to handle," Raphael taunted with a smile.
"Why do you care so much? Last time you saw Carly you tried to kill her, what's different now?" Simon asked.
"You tried to kill Carly?" Isabelle asked Raphael. A long time ago she had a small crush on the guy, but the more time that goes on, she realizes how bad a guy he really is.
"If I hadn't, someone else was going to come along and do it. I did the right thing. If I would've killed her then none of this awful crap would've happened to her," Raphael said, trying to justify his actions.
"Did you really think murdering Carly was going to help her?" Simon asked as anger rose inside of him.
"If you had let me kill her then she wouldn't have been tortured, a few of my friends would still alive, and all of this would have been avoided," Raphael pointed out.
"I'm going to kill you!" Simon said with anger seeping out of every word.
"Stop fighting. Look!" Luke said as everyone turned to see my grave shaking.
Seconds later, my hand appeared from under the dirt and I pulled myself out. My senses came back to me all at once and it was overwhelming. It was so dark I could barely open my eyes, every noise sounded like it was blasting from a speaker, the touch of my fingers on the grass made my hands feel tingly and the hunger made my insides burn. I sensed there were people around me but my eyes were too cloudy to see anything.
"I thought you said becoming a vampire would make her normal until the last day of the month," Simon whispered as everyone noticed my black eyes.
"It will, once she finishes the transition. Give her blood and the eyes will vanish," Magnus said with confidence.
I heard voices but they were too loud for me to pick them out. I clutched at my ears and squeezed my eyes shut. I felt a hand on my shoulder, which I knew could only be Simon's. I looked up at where he would be if I could see. I heard something hit the leaves and Simon helped my hand find the object. I felt two bags underneath my hand, and I knew exactly what they were.
My mouth watered as I snatched up the bags and quickly used my teeth to rip a hole in each. I squeezed the contents into my mouth, spilling some onto my shirt as I went. The minute the blood hit my tongue it was like a firework of sensations. I licked the bags clean and when I had consumed most of the blood, things became less hectic.
My eyes cleared, things became quieter, my skin stopped tingling, and the burning in my chest vanished. I felt more alive than I had in a long time. After my senses returned to normal, I noticed the crowd around me. I could hear all their heartbeats and their blood pumping; it was overwhelming. I tried to ignore the feeling when I noticed Raphael.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
"When I heard Simon was turning you I had to come to see for myself. I wanted to know what would happen and I'm already intrigued," Raphael admitted with a grin.
"Carly, do you feel any better?" Clary asked, stepping forward as I backed away. There was a look of hurt on her face but when she stepped forward the control I had was faltering.
"Don't come near me," I said, cowering away.
"Why?" Clary asked with worry and confusion.
Before I could answer, Simon spoke for me. "Her senses are overwhelming her. Hearing all your heartbeats and blood pumping is too much for her right now. She needs time."
"We'll give you space. Just … are you okay?" Ethan asked.
"Why are you worried about me? I'm the reason you got the crap kicked out of you," I said as my breathing quickened
"I knew it wasn't you," Ethan admitted.
"Stop saying that!" I yelled.
"Saying what?" Magnus questioned.
"That it wasn't me! I hurt all of you in some way or another. Don't forgive me or say it wasn't me because it was. I was born like this and that side will always be a part of who I am. I might not have been in the right mind but it was me," I snapped, losing my temper.
"Carly…" Luke began, getting closer.
"Stay away from me, for your own sake," I said as the heartbeats got really loud. I grabbed my ears to try and lessen the noise.
"Guys, back up," Simon insisted, but Clary didn't listen.
"Carly, calm down," Clary said, putting her hand on my shoulder. The minute I felt the weight of her hand, I lost it.
"I said stay back!" I screamed as I grabbed Clary's throat and ran her back into a tree. My fangs extended and I started squeezing. The others got ready to fight if need be as Simon tried to get me off.
"Carly, control your breathing. Calm down before you hurt Clary," Simon whispered in a soothing voice.
"But it's so loud and her blood smells so good," I muttered.
"I know but you don't want to hurt her. She's your sister, the only family you have left. Do you really want to lose that?" Simon asked.
"Carly, please," Clary begged as her eyes widened from the pressure of my hand.
"Fight through this," Simon said as he put his hand on my hand. The electricity I felt from his touch brought me back to reality. I let go of Clary with a horrified expression on my face.
"You all need to stay away from me. I … I can't … I'm so sorry," I said, using my vampire speed to vanish.
"Carly!" Clary yelled as she rubbed her throat.
As the others bickered, Jace noticed the look on Simon's face. He knew that look anywhere. "We'll finish up here. Go make sure she's okay."
"Go after her lover boy!" Raphael yelled in a mocking tone.
"Shut up, Raphael," Simon snapped as he used his speed to follow me.
I didn't know where I was going but I needed to be away from people. I kept running and running until the city lights were dim. I was in the middle of a field with trees scattering the terrain.
I looked up and could see every star in the sky. It was a beautiful scene that I could barely notice. I dropped to my knees, put my head in my hands, and screamed as loud as I could. Simon found me a few minutes later as I was crunched up in a ball crying.
"Carly, it's gonna be okay," Simon reassured me, rubbing my shoulder.
"Will it?" I asked, lifting my head as tears streamed down my face.
"It will. All you need is time."
"Time isn't going to do anything. I've already hurt them, and now with added abilities, I am even more dangerous," I said.
"Do you regret me saving you?" Simon asked as he wiped away one of my tears.
"No, of course not. You saved me from being that monster every day of my life, but I didn't realize how hard it is to be a vampire. How much pain you must go through every day. I've only been undead for less than an hour and I'm already hating it," I said truthfully.
"It's hard, harder than most realize, but once you learn to control yourself, it'll get easier. It might not seem like it now but it will get better. I promise," Simon insisted.
"How can you be so sure?" I asked as he helped me to my feet.
"I'm not sure. I don't know what the future will bring but we will deal with it when the time comes. I will help you control yourself and I will be by your side for every hardship," Simon said, stroking my cheek.
"But that one night a month. When I have to…" I began.
"We will deal with it when we get there," Simon interrupted.
"Why are you being so nice to me? I've hurt you so many times..." I said as I turned away. As I turned, Simon grabbed my face and turned me back.
"I know you hate hearing this but I knew it wasn't you. Darkness shaded your eyes and now I have you back. That's all that matters, okay? Carly, I love you."
"I love you too."
Simon leaned down and gave me a kiss. Darkness has surrounded my life since before I was born. I've lost my mom, dad, and even my twin brother. Clary is the only family I have left. Even though I feel envious of her, she's all I have. The next few weeks are going to be hard and when I have to kill, it will ruin me. But with Simon by my side, I feel like I might have a chance.
