Chapter 12- Summoning
That night Clary had her worst nightmare yet. She was in an elaborate mansion of sorts. She had never seen the place before but wherever she was it was regal with paintings and polished stone floors. A woman was with her. Her face shadowed but she seemed familiar to her. The woman was beautiful, with long red hair and a jeweled tiara on her head. Guards were chasing them as the woman pulled her along.
"My little Clary, you must hurry!" the woman whispered in an urgent voice. Loud footsteps could be heard everywhere but they continued. Rushing through the halls Clary looked up to see a heavy wooden door. The woman reached for it but when she turned the handle nothing happened.
"There you are." A voice called out. Turning, Clary saw a hooded figure. His eyes glowed red; the only visible things were the hands sticking out of his long robe. If you could call them hands. They were more like bird's feet with long claws. Whatever it was, it wasn't human.
"You can run, you can hide, but wherever you go, I will find you Clarissa." the creature spoke as it lept to attack her. However, before it reached her the older redhead blocked her. Clary watched in horror as the creature's long nail stuck out of the woman's chest. Screaming, Clary felt her body warm as a blinding light engulfed everything.
Opening her eyes the first thing Clary saw was the moon in the night sky. It took her a moment to comprehend that she shouldn't be able to see the moon through the cave roof. Lifting herself from the ground she panicked taking in her surroundings. She was in the forest clearing by the lake top where she frequently went fishing with Jace. Only, she wasn't on the shoreside but on the small makeshift island that lay in the center of the lake. The small island was less than twenty feet wide and about thirty feet long. Looking down she saw that she was still in her nightdress and that she was dry.
"Clary?" A familiar voice spoke. Looking up she spotted the Guardian at the shore. With tear-soaked cheeks and shaky legs, she began to lift herself.
"Clary, what are you doing here?" The giant wolf demanded. Looking around widely, she struggled to answer.
"I...I don't know." the redhead cried. "I...I had a nightmare." She tried to explain but nothing was making sense. The giant wolf eyed her carefully before he began to make his way toward her. Clary was still shaking as she watched the Guardian walk on top of the water. When he reached her he leaned his snout down to sniff her dress.
"You're dry," he stated.
"I...I know," she replied, sniffling. "I don't know how I got here. I don't even know how to swim. Jace has been teaching me."
"Calm down, Clary. You're safe." the wolf spoke softly. Clary shook her head profusely.
"No, I'm not! He is coming for me. He is going to find me and hurt me. They're never going to stop!" she shouted, trying to make him understand.
"Who? Who is coming for you?" the wolf demanded.
"I don't know!" she screamed, hiding her face in her hands. Sobs shook her body. She had never felt so scared. Not when she faced the demons in the pits, not when she knocked Captain Zara out, and not even when she faced the wolf god. The woman in her dream had been someone she knew and cared about; though she couldn't remember who. Every time she tried to picture her, what little she remembered began to slip away. Still, she knew she was important and she died protecting her.
"Clary." the Guardian whispered, bringing his snout down in an attempt to comfort her. Right now, she only wanted one person though.
"Where is Jace?" she cried. "Please, I want Jace." The Guardian's chest fell with a deep breath.
"He is gone tonight, Clary." the wolf explained. "He is traveling back now but won't reach you until morning."
Nodding, Clary understood.
"Come, little maiden. Let us get you back home," he spoke, pushing out one of his front legs.
Home? If only the Guardian knew what home was. She knew he was referring to the tree cave but to her home would always be with Lady Imogen. She just wished she could scoop Jace, Max, and the others and take them with her. Reluctantly, and too exhausted to argue, Clary got up onto the wolf god's paw. Standing up, she wrapped her arms around his leg to keep her balance.
"Now, close your eyes," he commanded.
Clary did so obediently, nestling her face into his fur. He was soft, she had to give him that. Soft and clean. His scent reminded her of Jace. It was a small comfort. Clary had expected the beast to begin walking but instead, she felt a rush of wind and a feeling of weightlessness. It was only a moment before everything returned to normal. Opening her eyes she saw that she was back in the clearing in front of the large tree. She should be relieved to be away from the water and part of her was. However, everything else just felt numb. Looking at the tree she closed her eyes and buried her face back into the wolf's fur.
"Relax, little one. You are under my protection."
"You can't protect me against him. No one can." Clary whispered, her words laced with exhaustion. She was exhausted down to the very bone.
"I can and I will. Though, it would be easier if I knew who is after you." the wolf sighed. Clary sensed his frustration and that it was probably time to go. Releasing her hold on his paw, she began to step back onto the soft grass.
"I wish I knew. I would tell you if I knew." Clary answered, tiredly. Then, a shooting pain laced through her body.
Clutching her head, and crimping over, she screamed. It was like the dream all over again but this time she was awake. She felt her body being lifted into the air and propelled forward. Her body once again glowed with bright warm light and her mother's necklace burned painfully against her skin. Then, her body slammed into something.
The pain in her head stopped as she felt herself weightless and falling through the air. Before falling to the ground hard. Rolling over, she struggled to breathe. Clary had had the wind knocked out of her once when she was young. It wasn't pleasant but at least she knew she wasn't dying. She struggled to lift herself, possibly preparing for another attack as blue flames engulfed her. Closing her eyes, she waited for the burn but it never came.
"Someone is trying to summon you through magic." The Guardian explained. A tense moment passed before Clary's body began to relax and she was finally able to take in a breath. Opening her eyes she looked up into a pair of golden eyes. Feeling his concern, she struggled to sit herself up.
"This is very dark and powerful magic. My flames should be enough to stop another attempt." the wolf continued, trying to comfort her.
"How...how do I stop it?" Clary asked, struggling to sit upright.
"I am not sure. My magic seems to protect you for now but I am not familiar with this kind of magic. We will have to consort Magnus Bane." he explained.
"We'll isn't that just wonderful." Clary huffed, finally pulling herself up onto her legs. Then, a wave of exhaustion hit her, causing her to hunch back over.
"Are you alright, Clary?" the giant wolf asked, bringing his snout down to help her balance.
"I think so but my magic is exhausted and I feel... so tired," she answered weakly. Growling in frustration the wolf laid down on the grass.
"Come rest with me, Clary. You should stay close to me for tonight until we can figure this out." the wolf commanded. Clary didn't honestly care where she rested at this point as long as she could sleep. Taking a step forward she lowered herself down in between his front legs. Leaning her head against his chest, she relaxed against his soft snowy fur.
"You smell like Jace," Clary whispered, closing her eyes.
"Is that a good thing?" he inquired, his ears perking up?
Clary smiled and replied, "It is the best." Before she fell back to a thankfully dreamless sleep.
The next time the redhead opened her eyes she was back in the cave and under the layers of soft covers. Bright sunlight streamed through the windows assaulting her sensitive eyes. Her head was pounding and her body was sore. Something shifted under her as she lifted her head to see a shirtless Jace beside her.
"Did you have another nightmare?" he asked, looking down at her; his brows furrowing with concern.
"No, I just wasn't sure where I was," Clary replied, closing her eyes and nestling herself back into his chest. He was so warm and smelled so good; like the forest and sunshine.
"Are you hungry? Can I get you anything?" he asked, sweetly.
"Not hungry. Too tired to eat," she whispered, drowsily. "I just want you to stay here and hold me," Clary responded truthfully. The next moment she felt his arms wrap around her as she fell back to sleep.
"Don't worry, Clary. I'll be here to protect you." the blonde whispered, kissing her sweetly on the forehead.
Jace spent the next few hours going back and forth between reading a book and watching Clary. The redhead didn't stir and remained glued to his side. He was happy that she had asked for him last night. It touched his heart to know that he was able to make her feel safe. Now, he just needed her to truly BE safe.
"Should I come back later?" a familiar voice called out from the doorway. Jace looked up to see his friend and second brother, Magnus Bane.
"I fear that if you do, Clary might not be here." Jace motioned, gently sitting up. Clary adjusted herself to his new position in her sleep; thankfully without stirring.
"I must admit, I thought she might not be here at all given that it has been almost a month," Magnus explained. "Does the Guardian not trust her yet?" he smiled.
"The Guardian does trust her. What the Guardian doesn't trust is that she would be safe anywhere else." Jace responded in exasperation.
Looking down at the pair cuddling in bed, Magnus asked, "Are you sure YOU have not grown "attached" to her and that is the reason the Guardian has not bestowed his blessing?"
"Our "attachment" isn't what you think it is," he replied. "She Magnus' eyebrow told him that he didn't completely believe him.
"Ah, so you have been enjoying someone who is just as hardheaded as you are?"
Jace's frown was answer enough to Magnus' question.
"I figured you would enjoy that tidbit of information after sending her to me all dolled up," Jace replied, giving Magnus a knowing look.
"I didn't do too much." the warlock smiled, looking down at the young woman. "She is very beautiful."
"She is."
"Have you fallen in love with her, Johnathan?"
"I believe so…" the blonde replied. "It would be easier if I didn't. If I wasn't..."
Magnus crossed the room and leaned down towards Jace, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Life isn't always easy," Magnus explained. "But sometimes, the most important things are worth fighting for." he smiled, his eyes moving over to the redhead in slumber.
"Speaking of work...I need your help." Jace spoke, changing the subject.
"I assumed as much when I got your message that you needed me. What happened? She looks pale and I sense that her aura has weakened." the warlock questioned.
"In the middle of the night, someone or something tried to summon her through magic. I watched her scream out as she was raised in the sky before something blocked her." Jace explained. Magnus' eyes grew wide.
"That is very dangerous indeed. Such dark magic isn't practiced often as it usually drains either its host or the one performing the spell. Not to mention it needs to be done in a certain proximity." Magnus explained.
"Will she be alright?" Jace asked.
"Yes, but it drained her but I doubt that was the intent. Whoever is after her wouldn't do all of this just to have a corpse appear." he frowned, raising his hand to caress the young woman's aurora. "It happened once?"
"Twice. The first time she ended up in the lake." Jace explained.
"I do not doubt that either her magic protected her or the one summoning her died during the first attempt. The fact that they tried again tells me that they assumed the first summon wouldn't work." the warlock elaborated as blue sparks fell from his fingertips.
"She has been sleeping for hours. How long does something like this take to recover from?"
"Had the summoning worked, she would be unaffected. It is resisting the spell that has caused her magic to be drained. She will most likely continue to sleep, possibly for days until she recovers her energy. I doubt the ones responsible will attempt this again so soon but regardless, I will need to put measures in place so it does not happen again."
"What should I do until then?"
"Stay beside her and watch over her. No doubt those who attempted this will try again. The Guardian's power along with the spirit's protective shield should be enough to stop any new attempts. Without it, I do fear that her magic is not protected enough to withstand such an attack on its own. I will prepare the necessary protection spell but it will take time."
"Thank you, Magnus." Jace sighed. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"No need to thank me." the warlock smiled. "I have grown fond of this little one and even fonder knowing that she has stolen your heart."
Smiling down, Jace played with a lock of Clary's long red hair.
"Is there anything I can do to make her recover faster?" the blonde inquired.
"You can transfer some of your magic to her. I would but I think it would be more appropriate for someone she loves to do it."
"How do I transfer magic to her?" Jace asked.
"Well, the easiest way would be to make love to her." Magnus shrugged. "Call your magic, push it into her and she should receive it. Shouldn't be a problem for you two love birds."
"I have not made love to her," Jace replied flatly.
Not very often did things surprise Magnus.
"My...I didn't think I had to ask this but does she not return your feelings?"
"She does," he replied. "I've been taking things slow."
"Well, I am hoping that you at least have kissed her in your endeavors to woo the young maiden who has stolen your heart.
Jace smirked.
"Then, a kiss should do it. You won't be able to transfer as much energy but enough to ease her recovery." Magnus retorted in amusement.
Jace nodded and turned his body to the sleeping redhead.
"Clary, I need you to wake up." the blonde called out.
Slowly, her bright green eyes met his. She was drowsy but awake.
"Jace, I'm tired," she whispered.
"I know but I need you to stay awake for a minute," Jace whispered sweetly, smiling tilting her face up to see him.
"Why?" she asked, her eyes beginning to close again.
"Because I am going to make you feel better," he responded, glancing down at her flushed skin. Taking a deep breath and calling forth his magic, he leaned down and gently brought his lips against hers. The feeling was like pure electricity flowing throughout his body. His heart pounded, sending rushing blood through his ears. It was as if he was underwater and Clary was his air. His lips molded to hers and his hand lifted, knotting his fingers in her long crimson hair.
Calling forth his magic, he pushed it out into her, hoping that she would take it; and she did. Clary's body pushed forward, her breasts pressing against his bare chest. Her hands knotting in his shirt, desperately pulling him closer. Opening her mouth, she invited him in and he obliged, pressing his advantage. A small moan escaped Jace's lips as the beautiful redhead rolled her hips against a now very hard part of him.
Jace could feel her draining his energy but it was a fluttering thought that came and went as her tongue danced with his. Another roll of her hips against him had the blonde rolling on top of her. Jace's lips bruised against hers as his fingers began to curl around the hem of Clary's nightgown. Jace was about to tear the fabric off of her body and claim her when a firm hand grabbed his shoulder.
"Jace!" Magnus' voice called out with urgency. "JACE!"
The blonde could hear the concern in the warlock's tone and broke apart from the beautiful redhead to look at his friend. He had a moment to try to assess the look of concern on his friend's face before his body began to speak to his brain once again. Pure exhaustion flooded him. He suddenly felt weak, as if he had just run a long race after not sleeping for days. Releasing a breath, Jace leaned back and fell onto the covers beside Clary. The young maiden didn't move, still wide-eyed and attempting to catch her breath.
"It is a good thing you stopped just then, lover lips," Magnus spoke, making Jace remember that he was there. "She was about to drain you dry." the warlock teased, raising his hand to Clary.
Clary yawned, her eyes fluttering closed. Then, she sleepily nestled herself back into Jace's side. Falling back to sleep almost instantly. Jace and Magnus watched her with complete fascination.
"You need to be careful, Jace. You were born with magic but have not had the training to attempt such feats yet. Even with the Guardian's power, only someone with a vast amount of power, and the knowledge of how to control that power, can withstand swiping energy with someone like her."
"Someone like her?" Jace asked. "Do you know something about her that I don't?" Magnus frowned.
"After watching your little exchange, I have my suspicions but right now you need your rest. Sunset will be in two hours and I need to begin preparing for the protection ritual as soon as possible." the warlock replied, making his way towards the door.
Jace wanted to argue but the warlock had a point. He was exhausted and needed to recover his energy. Looking up, he went to wish Magnus farewell but the warlock was gone.
Another week passed in a blur with Jace reluctant to leave Clary's side. The redhead didn't mind. She had learned how to fish, though she still couldn't stomach skewering the worm, and her swimming and swordsmanship skills had also improved. Jace even allowed her unrestricted access to her bow and arrows again. Things were taking a turn for the better and the pair grew closer every day.
"Again?" Jace commanded as Clary lifted herself from the ground. It had been three weeks since he had begun to train her, she was still no match for Jace in swordsmanship.
"I think I should quit while I am ahead," Clary replied, dusting off some dirt from her green dress. The redhead had foolishly challenged Jace to a sparring match and was losing quite badly.
"I would normally agree with you if lunch weren't on the line." the blonde grinned. "Care to wager anything else?" he suggested. Clary glared at him.
"You have been holding back!" The redhead accused. Jace shrugged.
"Oh course, Red. I was holding back then too, just ...less so." he grinned cockily.
Rolling her eyes, Clary took up her stance, once again. Jace became focused again; raising the wooden training sword. While Jace did have her train with the real thing he insisted on the wooden ones for sparing. Clary was the first to move; lunging forward she faked to the left before moving right.
The blonde had read her body and went to the block left; leaving him open. She doubted he would make that mistake if he was sparing someone more trained. Clary intended on making him regret that. Throwing her weight behind her, she swung and hit the right side of his waist hard. Jace briefly gasped but quickly collected himself. Ducking down, he twisted around and kicked her legs out from under her. As she fell he lifted his weapon. His wooden sword collided with hers, knocking it out of her hand. The next thing she knew she was on the ground, weaponless, with Jace on top of her.
"Very sneaky, Red." Jace smiled looking down at her arrogantly and with a bit of pride. "I had to improvise." Taking a deep breath, Clary knew she had been beaten.
Jace smiled, leaning forward to give her a gentle peck on the lips. Clary attempted to use the moment to her advantage but Jace saw through her act, twisting his body to pin her again.
"Fine," Clary relented. "you win. Fish it is for lunch... again." They had had fish three times already that week so when Jace insisted she challenged him to a sparring match. She thought she would have stood a better chance though.
"Sure you don't want to go another round? Maybe we could wager something else?" the blonde smiled, clearing, enjoying the feeling of her pinned beneath him. Clary would be lying if she said that she didn't enjoy the feel of his muscular body against hers. Not that she would ever admit that to Jace. She knew she was falling for him but the thought that he could just as easily get bored and discard her frightened her. In the outside world, there would be marriage and protocols to insure his attachment. Yet here…she wasn't sure what would happen if or when he claimed her. Would he grow tired of her as he had other women? Clary pushed the thoughts away. Right now he was hers and she needed to focus on that. As long as she kept him safe, they could remain in their happy secluded world forever. At least, she hoped so.