Chapter 8- Frail Peace
Clary had stood in the spot Jace had left her for a few minutes before she was able to pull herself from her thoughts. So much had happened that day and it was a bit overwhelming. Putting the items the pair had gathered into the cupboard where Jace had instructed early, she made her way towards the small makeshift window.
The giant carving of the wolf that she had seen previously was actually a way to disguise a window. The eyes of the wolf had been cut out into openings where one could look out from the cave. Suppressing a quick yawn the redhead made her way to the bed. She blushed slightly knowing that she had agreed to share it with Jace. If lady Imogene knew, she would have scolded her for her indecent behavior. Still, the lady wasn't here and despite her reluctance a part of her was excited at the chance to spend another moment curled up in Jace's muscular arms.
Shaking her head she pushed the thought away and took off her shoes before sinking into the covers. The bed was softer than she would have thought possible. It rivaled even her bed at Imogene's. Grabbing a pillow she closed her eyes and felt herself drifting off to sleep. She was already lost in slumber when a loud howl filled the air and the hearth exploded with blue flames. Clary didn't see the pair of golden eyes watching her from the flames.
Hours passed before the redhead began to stir. Another nightmare invaded her sleep. A man with dark eyes, the color of coal was commanding a group of demons in a foreign tongue. His face was obscured in shadows but Clary could sense danger in the power coming from his lips. Crackling energy illuminated his fingers, a dense black fog omitting from them. The last thing she remembered before waking up was the stretch of the demons as they rose through the sky.
Clary jolted up from the furs, covered in sweat. Her mother's silver key glowed hot against her skin. A warning or a vision? She couldn't be sure as she made her way to the entrance of the cave. She had no intention of breaking her promise to Jace but she needed to know if her dream was real. Climbing outside she lifted herself onto a nearby ledge and sat on a makeshift landing a few feet above the cave entrance. She quickly canvassed the sky for any traces of demonic activity. Yet, nothing appeared.
The night sky was beautiful. There were so many stars twinkling brightly, more than she could count in a lifetime. Still, a sickening feeling twisted in her stomach. Then, as if she called upon it, a large white ball of fire illuminated the sky. Watching it intently its color changed from white to red as it broke apart into three separate balls of fire. She recognized it instantly to be a fire demon, just like those in the pit of Ignis. Her dream HAD been a warning.
With her heart racing Clary watched in horror before one of the balls stopped moving. As if trapped in the air the demon struggled. His brothers came to his aid before the trio was engulfed in a set of familiar blue flames. With swiftness, the demons were turned into cinders before disappearing into nothingness. Then, the night sky was calm once again.
Clary couldn't help but sit in shock, gazing up at the sky. She would have probably been there all night if it were not for the voice that called out to her. The voice she had heard in her nightmare the first night inside the wall and again as the city burned.
"I believe Jace warned you that it is not safe to wander the forest at night." The guardian spoke. She only had a moment to notice a giant form appear from the woods. Bright golden orbs that had haunted her dreams in the village watched her as the giant wolf came closer.
The guardian of the forest was just as big as she remembered. His beautiful thick white coat shone in the moonlight. Giant paws brushed soundlessly across the forest floor and even the footprints he left began to disappear, leaving no trace that he was ever there. She could sense the intense magical aura around him and despite her best efforts, she wondered how many teeth he had.
"You needn't be afraid." The god purred, taking another step closer to the shelter. The young woman took in a deep breath composing herself.
Showing fear was a weakness and she couldn't afford for anyone or anything to think she was weak. Jace had seen her at her breaking point. Something she would rather he not have and she would be damned if she let the god see her as weak now.
"I'm not afraid." She lied boldly. The wolf grinned clearly seeing through her mask but Clary didn't back down.
"You needn't lie, Clary. I can see you shaking." the wolf replied.
"I am just cold." she maneuvered.
"Perhaps you would be warmer in the cave, nestled in the warm bed. The one you promised Jace you wouldn't leave."
"Technically, I didn't promise not to leave the bed. Just the shelter. Which, since the shelter is a part of this tree one could reason that the entire tree can be considered the shelter." the redhead argued. The wolf didn't seem to agree.
"You will have to take that argument up with Jace. Though, I doubt he will agree with your logic." The guardian bemused. Clary frowned.
The creature gave her a knowing glance, knowing she would have to think of a better one before he returned in the morning.
"Now, why are you out of bed? When I checked up on you last, you were sound asleep." the wolf demanded.
Clary sighed, seeing no point in lying.
"I…I had a nightmare. Just like the first night I was here."
"A nightmare?"
"Yes, I had a dream the night you came to the village. You were chasing me through the forest. You were… hunting me." She explained not knowing why the knowledge left her lips.
It certainly wasn't relevant to anything they needed to discuss. The wolf raised an ear curiously.
"Just a dream, I assure you. Perhaps even a premonition of sorts since I was looking for you. I didn't expect the outsider to be a young woman. If I would have known I would have handled things differently. I am sorry that I scared you, Clary." He replied. Clary studied him, still not being able to break eye contact with the creature.
"I had another dream like that tonight." she admitted.
"Where I was hunting you?" he purred.
"No." she replied, quickly. "There was a man with white hair and dark eyes. He was using magic to command demons. It had been so real and I couldn't help but feel like he was telling them to come after me. I wanted to make sure it wasn't true so I climbed up here to get a better look." she explained.
"It would seem you possess a gift and that dreams for you serve a unique purpose," he concluded.
"Were you the one who got rid of the ones in the sky tonight? I saw your blue flames." Clary begged, looking up to meet the wolf's gaze.
"Yes, though I must admit, it isn't uncommon to see them. The king sends his demons here often trying to find a crack in my defenses. You need not worry, though. His demon spawn will find no weaknesses." He purred cockily. Clary smiled.
"Of course not, you are invincible right?" she smiled. The guardian's eyes narrowed in amusement releasing a light chuckle.
"Except for redheads with arrows, apparently." the wolf stated. At this Clary frowned.
"I brought you here for a reason." His soft voice echoed.
"Are you…going to eat me?" she asked immediately, cursing herself.
Jace must have told her a million times that the wolf guardian wasn't going to hurt her but she still had the nagging feeling that he was holding back giving her all the details.
The wolf grunted with disdain, "Humans are not a part of my diet. I have not asked you to come to the center of the forest here to eat you." He replied curtly.
Clary looked on in amazement as his golden eyes locked on hers. They seemed so familiar and something about them made her want to continue speaking to him.
"Why then? Did you make the others stay in the center of the forest with you before you trusted them?" she asked. The guardian looked at her sternly before answering.
"The others were a special exception. They did not shoot an arrow at me, nor do I owe you any details." he replied with annoyance. "It was my desire that you remain here in the forest with me until you have proven yourself trustworthy. For all I know you came here working for the King in order to sly me." The god argued.
"I hate the king and running from his guards is how I ended up here in the first place. Besides, I believe you just told me that your defenses were impenetrable. What can I do to possibly hurt you?" The redhead retorted.
"To demons, yes, but you have already shown me that perhaps I underestimated your skills. There is a reason I had Jace remove all of your arrows. It isn't every day that someone fires one at me." The wolf scolded.
Clary's lips turned down in a frown. Those arrows were a gift from Alec and she didn't appreciate being tricked out of them.
Perhaps if you had bothered to listen to Alec instead of lighting the village on fire I wouldn't have had the need to shoot an arrow to get your attention." Clary replied heatedly.
Golden eyes blazed down upon her. Yet, she could not and would not back down on this.
"If you had not missed and dropped your weapon, I would have attacked you. I assure you, arrows or not, I would have won." he snapped.
"If I had intended to harm you," She stated with annoyance. "I would not have missed." At this the wolf's expression grew furious.
"And yet you insist that you are not a threat to me?" The wolf retorted.
"I'm not a threat to anyone unless they try to hurt the people that I care about." Clarissa replied with conviction.
"Yes, you do seem to be quite the brave and selfless little thing. Jace has told me a great deal about you and your stubbornness."
"I am quite stubborn, I admit… but I am not a murderer. I meant you no harm. All I wanted was your attention."
"And now that you have it…tell me, what do you desire to do with it, Clarissa Fray?"
"I…I want to go home." she spoke, the words trailing out of her despite her constraint. It would seem that Magnus was not the only one who could illicit truth from unsuspecting lips.
"Ah. I see." the wolf replied, studying her even more intently.
"I suppose you are quite beautiful, for a human. Surely, you must have many suitors waiting for you on the other side of the wall." The guardian inquired.
Clary's eyes closed as a hundred thoughts and memories seemed to flash by.
"No, no suitors." Her voice was shaky and just above a whisper.
"A family?" he continued.
Once again Clary shook her head, this time letting a frown form on her lips.
"No, I'm alone. My father was killed by the king after I was born and my mother passed away when I was young. Even the lady who took me in and raised me might be in danger now." Clary sighed.
The god appraised her with vigorous interest. Deciding to change the subject she raised her eyes to meet him once more.
"What will you do with me once I have gained your trust?" Clary begged. At this the wolf hesitated.
"We will decide that when the time comes. Until then, I urge you to get your rest. You still have not recovered from last night and need to sleep." The guardian urged.
Clary blushed. He was clearly referring to her crying herself to sleep the other night. She detested that he knew that.
"Next time you have a nightmare, I would like you to tell me about it. You can summon me by calling out to the flame in the hearth. Regardless where I am, I will hear you."
Clary began making her way off of the ledge but was having trouble finding a safe way down.
"If it's all the same I would rather figure it out by myself." the redhead replied distractedly.
The guardian smiled, raising his nose to sniff her. He had moved so quickly that Clary lost her footing and fell right onto the beast's long snout. Coming face to face with the wolf she froze. Bright golden eyes blazed into her as she felt her skin grow warm. Her gift causing her skin to glow. The color didn't go unnoticed by the creature's watchful eyes.
"What was that you were saying about me eating you?" the creature's thoughts rocked through her.
She vaguely remembered the guardian didn't need to use its mouth to speak.
"I believe you said humans were not part of your diet." The redhead nervously replied.
"Ah I did, yes. You do look very tasty though." the wolf purred.
"I will have you know humans are terrible for your health. You wouldn't want to ruin your godlike figure. All those other female guardians would be very disappointed." she quipped.
Chuckling the wolf smiled, "Alas, there are no other guardians. However, Jace would be very disappointed if I ate you. Perhaps you would be willing to tell him if you have any more dreams, little one?" The creature spoke, lifting his head to align with the cave entrance.
"Unless, Jace makes you uncomfortable. I am told he has that effect on women." The guardian smiled gleefully. He continued, causing the petite woman to frown.
"Oh yes, I am sure women just faint at the sight of his handsome face." Clary replied sarcastically, leaping off of the wolf and safely onto the cave ledge.
"Do you find him handsome, sweet Clary? I know Jace does not have a mate and is rather fond of you."
Turning bright red, Clary found herself stumbling over how to reply. Of course she found Jace attractive and yes, there were times where she was tempted to act "unladylike" with him. However, she was in no position to court anyone. The feeling of being that way with him, given someone a chance to hurt her like that chilled her to the bone.
"I am sure Jace is too busy being your lap dog, If you pardon the pun," the redhead acknowledged, "to be trying to find a mate. He seems the type to prefer to dote on many women then limit himself to one.." Clary replied, dishearteningly. Many of the men from Idris were like that.
"I believe that once you get to know him your ill opinion of him might change." the wolf replied gruffly.
The redhead had the sense that she had somehow offended him.
"I didn't mean to suggest that I have an ill opinion of your...helper." Clary answered, stumbling for the correct noun. "Jace has been nothing but kind to me and I am thankful to have his company."
"Yet, you think him a bad suitor?"
"I…" she hesitated.
"I only need Jace's presence after sunset, Clary." the wolf spoke. "You will find that the forest can be quite a lonely place. Even if you find him repulsive as a mate, you would be wise to take him as a friend. The doe that you have befriended is not a replacement for a human presence." The creature reasoned.
Clary stared at him blankly. She knew it wouldn't be wise to turn down the guardian since he seemed to be insisting on this point.
"I do consider Jace a friend and I never said he was repulsive." she countered, carefully. Why she felt the need to defend herself she didn't know. Perhaps, it was that she felt guilty speaking ill of someone who had been so kind to her? Yet something didn't sit right with her.
"Did you bring me here to earn your blessing," she asked bitterly, trying to keep the anger from her voice and not succeeding. "Or am I here to be a consort for your lackie?"
The guardian's lips turned up, showing off the tops of his teeth as he released a low grown. Clary stood still, meeting his angry gaze head on. Her mother's pendant warmed against her skin as magic coursed through her veins.
"I think it is time that you go back to bed, Clary." the creature redhead stood firm, not backing down.
"Now!" the creature's eyes blazed, as she felt her body move involuntarily. Whatever magic the wolf possessed was greater than hers. For now she had to be content in backing down but she would do it her way.
"As you wish, master." Clary replied gruffly bowing in a curtsey.
The insult only served to fuel the creature's anger. Still, she had to give him credit. He didn't move to attack her. Turning around she made her way back into the cave, heading straight for the bed. She could still feel the guardian's presence outside of the cave, his magic somehow controlling her movements. Throwing herself onto the bed, she quickly covered herself up and hid her face under the pillow; falling asleep immediately.
Hours passed as Clary drifted in and out of darkness. While many of her dreams she would wake up hoping would not come true, this one was different. It was the same dream she had been having for years now; her favorite. She was falling through the darkness as a familiar set of strong arms wrapped around her. Catching her and pulling her into his embrace. The young woman couldn't help but sink into the warmth; completely at peace with the man who held her.
Clary had had this dream many times before that she knew that the moment she turned her head to look at the man's face, he would disappear. She lost count of the nights she would wake up in frustration. So she had long gotten into the habit of not trying to see the man's face. Content in the feeling of being in his arms with his lips lovingly kissing her the top of her head. Clary remained still and enjoyed the sound of the man's heart beating against her back.. A lifetime seemed to pass before she felt the stranger's hand move her long red hair to her side, as his soft lips began to leave a trail of kisses along her neck.
"When will I finally learn your identity?" Clary asked, tilting her head to the side to give him better access. It was a question she had asked many times before. His lips brushed the soft virgin skin under her ear, causing her to shiver.
"Soon." The shadow spoke.
Clary's breath caught in her throat as her eyes grew wide. The man would never speak or answer her before. She concentrated hard on his voice but he said no more. Reluctantly, she turned and as always, the outline of a man reseeded. The only thing she could make out was a pair of golden eyes before she jolted awake in the bed. Bringing her hand to her beating heart, she felt the jewel on her mother's necklace burning.
"Jace?" She whispered.
"Yes?" a voice replied from across the room.
Clary looked up and saw the very man in question staring at her. He was seated on one of the wooden chairs at the table, reading a book. Sunlight streamed in, making his hair appear pure gold; matching the glow of his eyes. Pure, bright golden eyes just like the ones in her dream. Could he really be the one who had haunted her dreams for so long?
"What's wrong, Clary? Did you have another nightmare?" Jace asked, in a condescending tone. He seemed to be in a bad mood.
"Another…another nightmare? How did you know about the first one?" Clary asked. Jace's eyes grew wide before composing himself.
"The guardian of the forest told me." He answered. "Obviously as his "lackie he would tell me these sort of things…. Now are you going to tell me what you dreamed? I have a long list of women I need to "dote on" before I leave at sunset."
Clary now understood the cause of his anger. She should have known that conversation wouldn't have just stayed between the guardian and her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"
"For me to hear it? Yeah, well fat chance at that." Jace spoke, standing up from the chair.
"Jace, I'm-"
"Sorry?" he interjected again. "Or sorry I know what you really think of me?"
"I think of you as a friend!" she replied hotly.
"Yeah, your "lackie" friend, Jace." he spat. "Well, your highness, you won't have to worry about me doting on you."
"What does that mean?" Clary demanded.
"It means that you won't have to worry about me bothering you anymore. The guardian has asked his favorite "lap dog" to scout the area where those demons fell last night." he huffed. "So I will be gone all day."
Hesitating at his words, she felt the blood drain from her face. Jace was leaving her to go and fight demons.
"Is it safe to go by yourself? I can help you?" she asked, making her way out of the bed. Jace's laugh startled her.
"Don't bother, I can take care of myself." The blonde retorted. Clary frowned.
"I know you think you can but these are demons, Jace! They are dangerous, I am from Ignis, remember? I know their weaknesses. I can help!" the redhead explained.
"You are just a little girl, Clary," Jace snapped, getting up from his chair. "I doubt you could do much against demons. You are scruffy, and I doubt you would even make good bait." Jace hissed, his chest rising and falling quickly.
It shouldn't have hurt but coming from Jace, it did. A part of Clary had always felt like the ugly duckling next to someone like Isabelle. Sure, she knew she was pretty in her own way. Still, Isabelle was beautiful. Imogine had always said that the pair were like two flowers, each unique and special in their own way. Clary's beauty was underrated and still blooming while Isabelle's was stunning and sexual. While her friend once confided in her that she wished she was smaller like her, Clary had always wished she was more like Isabelle.
Jace seemed to hesitate, seeing the tears well up in Clary's eyes. She hadn't meant for him to see them. It was just that the reaction was so instant, she didn't have time or even the thought to cover them up.
"Clary," he hesitated. "I'm….I'm sorry. I was just mad-"
"I think you said enough Jace. Have fun hunting demons, hopefully the guardian lets me go or kills me. Either way, I will be out of your hair soon." she replied, turning her back to him. Wiping away a tear she wanted him to go before the damn in her chest burst. How she detested letting others see her cry. She heard his boots coming closer.
"Clary," he sighed, approaching her. Reaching out, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "I didn't mean it. I'm sorry."
Turning around, Clary shrugged his hand off and met his gaze. Yes, he looked apologetic but anger still ran hot through her veins. This is what she was afraid of. Letting someone get close to her like that. She had already seen so much of her, things she hid from everyone. Clary knew the man could break her heart.
"I did." she replied, hotly.
"You did what?"
"I meant what I said to the guardian last night." she explained. "All of it! You are just like the rest of the men from the capital. You think that just because you look like Adonous that you can use women and throw them out when you are done with them!" she hissed.
Jace looked taken back and didn't move as she began to close the distance between them.
"Well, I am not going to be used by you or anyone. You think that just because I am small that I am weak? Well, I wasn't weak when I stood up to your precious guardian!" she snapped. "I wasn't weak when I knocked out Captain Zara and freed the prisoners before coming here!" The blonde stared at her as she took another step towards him. "And I wasn't weak when Izy, Simon, and I blew up the demon trenches in Ignis!"
Taking another step she lifted herself on her toes and glared up at him. Bringing a finger to poke his chest.
"I don't care if a womanizer like you cares if I am pretty or not. But don't you ever assume I am weak again. You don't know me!" She finished scowling.
Jace's chest rose and fell with bated breath. His eyebrows furrowed into a deep frown she could tell that he was trying to keep his temper. A pregnant moment passed before he finally spoke.
"You tell me not to make assumptions of you or your capabilities yet you are quick to assume my character without knowing anything about me. Perhaps, you should take your own advice sometime, sweetheart." Jace spat, his voice low…dangerously low.
Clary's eyes grew wide as realization swept through her. As quickly as her anger had come, it was gone. She had always hated hypocrites, yet here she was being one herself.
"There is a present for you on the table from Magnus. I'll stop by in the next few days to check on you. Doe will keep you company. Stay in the clearing or don't. I don't care. Just be back here before dark so the guardian doesn't send me out to find you crying again." Jace instructed, clearly annoyed before turning on his heel and walking away.
"Jace…" she called. He stopped for a moment.
"You're right." Clary spoke. "I…I shouldn't have assumed…I'm sorry."
"You and I both." he replied curtly.
Then he was down the rope and gone before she even had the chance to ask him what he meant. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and tried to calm the racing of her heart. She was stuck in the forest being held prisoner by a magical wolf god and the only person she had for company she sent away because she couldn't risk letting them get close to her. No, that wasn't quite it. She had no problem letting others in. Magnus, Alec, and Max had warmed their way right into her heart with some kindness. Jace had shown her kindness and she returned it by insulting him.
No, Clary didn't trust him from the beginning because of one reason… She liked him. She hesitated to call it simple attraction. Sure he was handsome but even more than that, he was kind. Honorable, even. She felt lost in his gravity when he was near here and yet, despite all of his flirting he never made a move on her. Even when she lay in his arms all night he didn't try to take advantage of her. Clary liked him a lot and the thought scared her as much as the guardian of the forest.
Turning to face the cave she spotted a small pile of clothes on the table. Jace had said that he had a present from Magnus. She had forgotten all about it in the heat of their argument. Looking down she saw a long white nightdress. Under it were two sets of ladies undergarments, perfect since the ones she had on no doubt needed to be washed. Finally, at the bottom of the pile was a new dress.
The dark green fabric was soft as it rubbed against her fingers. It had a scooped neckline with an attached hood to account for weather. A red beaded design decorated the neckline, hood, and the ends of the long sleeves. It was floor length and had a light corset straps in the back to adject for sizing. A dark crimson beaded belt was loosely tied around the waist meaning to hang off the hips and fall down the center. It was beautiful and Clary loved it instantly.
To the side of the pile was a large bag filled with basic supplies such as sugar, flour, salt, a tooth brush, hair ties, a brush, a fishing rod, and some small jars filled with potions. It was an extremely thoughtful gift. On top of the items there was a note with a toy soldier wrapped inside.
Magnus and Alec said these will come in handy. I put my toy soldier in this to keep you company. I hope you come back soon so we can play again.
Sincerely, Max Lightwood
Clary stood looking at the note for a long time. It was sweet that Max had thought of her to include a toy but it was the last name that he signed that caused her to pause.
"Lightwood?" she breathed. "Could they be a relative of Isabelle, I wonder?"
Now she really wished she had not sent Jace away. Vowing to make things right next time she saw him she folded the note and began gathering up the clothes. Since Jace was gone by now she wanted to take this time to wash herself and change. Seeing as there were no bathtubs the only logical place to bathe was the lake spring.