Chapter 67: Long drama-filled chapter. I was ready to post this earlier today, but decided to change it... a lot. Idris. Alicante. Crazy drama. Angst… dark. The end is nigh. Don't despair! More drama in the next chapter…
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Rated M. Violence. Violence against women and pregnant women. Gun Violence. Rioting. Fire. Mansplaining.
I do not own any of the characters, only the illustrious Cassandra Clare owns them. I do, however, own this particular story, so please don't be lame and copy/paste it elsewhere.
Thank you for the follows, likes, and reviews! It really means a lot!
Previously: "She imagined letting them place their hands on her belly to feel their granddaughter move. I wish you and dad were here. Clary sniffled and allowed her tears to fall. I can't believe I'm going to have your grandchild… without you."
Clary leaned over Jace and peered out through the tinted windows of the large SUV. He rubbed his hand up and down her back and smiled. Jace and Alec had insisted she sit between them, with Maia and Nate in the second row seating behind her. As usual, Aaron drove. They had just entered Alicante and Clary excitedly chattered away about all of the art and culture the capital city of Idris had to offer. She and Nate discussed the restaurants, museums, and parks she had visited, careful not to bring up Jonathan, even though it had all been with him. When I had to pretend to be his happy little fiance. Sad that I will probably have to leave again so soon. Her face fell when they drove past The Jocelyn Fairchild Art Gallery and she sat back between Alec and Jace. Tears stung her eyes and she swallowed. Mom. Jace laced his hand through hers and gently squeezed it, as she laid her head on his shoulder. She still hadn't received verification from Jonathan about his donation of her mother's art to the New York Art Institute. He was probably only using the art to lure me back to him again. I'll have to let it all go, if only to stay away from him.
Clary was pulled from her thoughts when Aaron announced that they would be at The Gard soon. Nate had informed them that The Gard is one of the oldest buildings in Alicante, once used as a fortress stronghold, now as their jail and courthouse. It had been modernized, of course, but still had a medieval appearance and looked intimidating to Clary. Aaron grumbled into his ear-piece then looked at them through the rear-view mirror. "It seems we have a lot of action at the steps of The Gard. As expected there are protesters and big crowds. I guess this is a big deal in Alicante… Be prepared guys. Surround Clary and Maia and get them to the door. Will's team is already in place." Jace nodded at Aaron and looked over at Alec. Clary felt a nervous thrill jolt through her when they pulled up to The Gard. The first thing she noticed was the noise. Yelling, chanting, singing…
Gasping, her eyes flew wide as she took in the sight outside of the SUV. The crowds were enormous. There were hundreds of people on the steps and grassy grounds surrounding The Gard. The street was closed ahead of them, crowded with hundreds more people, forcing Aaron to turn into a parking lot, where police officers directed them to park. Jace turned to her and cupped her face in his hands. "You stick by me, no matter what, baby. I love you." Clary swallowed nervously and nodded as he kissed her lips. I'm so nervous. Aaron opened the door and Jace stepped out first looking around, then nodded. Clary took his hand and stepped out of the SUV. A cold Fall breeze picked up, making her red hair fly around. Clary heard gasps and murmurs from the growing crowd. It's her… she's so pretty… Is that her crazy ex boyfriend?… Is she pregnant?...Where's Jonathan Morgenstern?... Jace tightened his grip on her hand as Alec stood on her other side, with Aaron and Nate escorting Maia. "Okay, let's go. Alec, be vigilant." Clary looked around curiously as the crowds got louder the closer they got to The Gard. She saw groups of women with signs reading Team Fairchild… Let Her Go… Free Clarissa… My Life, My Choice… Fuck The Clave… Say NO to Forced Marriage… Equality for ALL… Clary felt empowered by them and smiled brightly, waving, and the crowd cheered loudly for her. She heard women yelling encouraging words. Then she heard a different tone, passing through a crowd of men and women who were angrier… and a few weird fangirls and shippers. She heard hisses of Go back to your husband… Why are you with your kidnapper… She's been brainwashed!… CLONATHAN forever!... You can work it out!... I love your straight hair!... You belong to your husband!...Come back to us!... That baby belongs to Idris! Clary swallowed nervously, leaning against Jace, placing her hand over her stomach, beneath her coat. Oh my god. He hugged her against him, scanning the crowds for danger. This is scary… apparently Idrians think they own me too.
Jace sighed in relief when he locked eyes with Will through the thickening crowd. His cousin gave him the guy nod, indicating it was safe to ascend the steps to enter The Gard. Jace wrapped an arm around Clary and ushered her up the steps. The crowd parted for her, murmuring. Yeah. That's right, stay out of her way. Will cut his eyes to the left then flashed a hand signal. Shit. What? Jace looked to the left and noticed a handful of men wearing black tactical gear over red shirts. They moved through the crowd towards The Gard at the same pace as him and Clary, flanking them. Alec spoke over Clary's head. "I see them too, Jace. They're also flanking us to the right. They're armed and have a red circle on their vests. It's them." Those fucking Circle freaks. The Circle members made no move towards them, just moved parallel to them as they ascended the steps, all eyes on Clary. I have a bad feeling. Jace had the urge to pick Clary up and run back to the SUV. Then the Gard doors opened and they were walking in.
Clary jumped when the doors slammed shut behind them. They stood in a large, grand lobby with many doors along the walls. Maia stepped up beside Clary, between Alec and Jace and they all followed Nate through a set of double doors into an antechamber, outside of what Clary assumed, where she would see the Consul. A tall bald man in a black suit approached them with two uniformed, armed Alicante police officers. He looked vaguely familiar, smiled politely down at Clary and extended his hand. "Good afternoon Mrs. Morgenstern. Ms. Roberts, I presume, and Mr. Ni— Moore?" Clary cleared her throat, her eyes narrowed. "You may call me Ms. Fairchild… Mr.?" Maia stepped up, extending her hand, shaking his professionally. "Clary, this is Samuel Blackwell. He is Jonathan's attorney." Blackwell…he was one of Valentine's lackeys at my wedding. He leaned forward and looked down at her stomach, smirking, and extended his hand. Clary smiled curtly at him, ignoring his extended hand, when the chamber doors opened behind him. Clary peeked past Blackwell to see Jonathan seated in the chambers typing on his phone. Clary shuddered as Jace laid his hand on her shoulder. Blackwell looked at Jace's hand and hummed. "Please come, we are all expected now. The Consul has arrived." Clary looked at Maia and Nate and took a deep breath. Her heart beat wildly in her chest. Stay calm. You can do this. Nate turned to Jace, Aaron, and Alec nervously. "I'm afraid you three will have to wait out here in the antechamber. Only The Clave Consul, parties, and legal teams are allowed, as it is a closed hearing. No bodyguards, weapons, security, etc. allowed." Jace tilted his head at Nate and stepped towards him threateningly, along with Alec and Aaron. Nate calmly stared back at them, tight-lipped. Clary raised her eyebrows and looked between the men. Oh no. "That doesn't work for me, Nate… I go where Clary goes."
The two policemen stepped forward looking the men over as four additional armed policemen appeared behind them. The one closest to Jace sighed and gestured to them. "Look, Detective Herondale. These are the laws here in Idris and you must abide by them or you will be forcibly removed from The Gard. Ms. Fairchild will be in a secure chamber for the hearing and you three may wait right here by the doors or outside with the crowds. It's up to you. There will be two officers stationed inside the hearing and the doors will be locked. She will be safely returned to you after the hearing, you have my word, as a fellow officer of the law." Jace stared hard at the officer. He knew they probably couldn't fight all six of these police officers and not endanger Clary or get thrown out. Fuck.
Clary turned to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up at him nervously. "Baby, I'm going to be okay. There's only a single door between us. I'll be out before you know it." He looked back at her and leaned down, kissing her gently on the lips. "Okay, Clary. I'll be right here, baby. I love you." He hugged her tight against him. "I love you too, Jace." The two original police officers walked ahead of Clary, Maia, and Nate. Opening the heavy chamber doors, they politely gestured them through. Jace watched Clary walk into the room and the police officers followed her. As the last officer turned to close the chamber door behind him, his sleeve slid up, exposing a tattoo on his forearm. A simple circle in red and black. Is that? Jace started to walk towards the chamber, but the door was slammed shut and he heard a heavy metallic whirring, as the heavy door's security locks engaged. Fuck.
Jonathan stood up and watched his wife enter the chamber with her legal team and two armed policemen. She had her curls straightened and wore a long black coat. He smiled when he saw her jump and turn when the officer locked them in the chamber. She's nervous. Good. The two officers smiled down at her and stood guard at the door. It was doubtful anyone or anything could get through that door in time for… well, what he had planned. I know you're waiting right outside the door. Too bad, Herondale. Clary turned back towards him and walked down the short aisle to sit at her table, adjacent to his. She refused to look at him and he clenched his jaw. Look at me, Clarissa. Her lawyer, Maia, sat down next to her and whispered to her and Nate. Nate Moore… or Nathaniel Nightshade as he's known in The Circle. Nate had been quite the resource lately. Clary stood, facing Jonathan, finally looking at him impassively, as she unbuttoned her coat. Well… Hello, kitten. Jonathan watched her fingers work the buttons and clenched his fists when he saw the tall young man stand behind her and slowly pull her coat from her shoulders. He locked eyes with Jonathan over her shoulder. Watch your hands, Nightshade. Jonathan swallowed, his eyes widening, as he flicked his eyes up and down his wife's body. Oh my—
She wore the same aubergine cashmere dress from the first time they met, nearly a year ago. Jonathan swallowed and felt the crotch of his pants tighten. His eyes slowly traveled up her black suede boots to her dress– how deliciously, yet tastefully it hugged her pregnant curves. She wore a lovely coordinating velvet scarf with shades of black and aubergine, which hung loosely, teasingly, barely covering her luscious– Cleavage… There, hanging just above her impressive bosom was not the Morgenstern pendant that she should be wearing, but a new one. The Fairchild family symbol. Jonathan pursed his lips, the smirk fading from his face as he raised his eyes to meet her hate-filled emerald gaze. Her eyes said everything she was thinking. Not yours. Never yours. Smirking at him, she shook her long, thick hair and smoothed it behind her ear, dragging her fingers across the pendant, then across her cleavage, her diamond engagement ring glittering at him in defiance. He remembered the last words she spoke to him. I love Jace, Jonathan, and I belong to him. That's all you'll ever hear from me… She then turned away from him and sat at her table. Saucy, defiant Clarissa is always so hot. Jonathan sat back down, his arousal becoming painful, and took a deep, shaky breath, attempting to quell it. Heart pounding, he clenched his fists. He could feel his other side itching to come out. Stop it Sebastian. We'll have her soon… punish her. We still have to give her our present, afterall.
Clary looked up from her discussion with Maia and Nate when a door at the front of the chamber opened. She raised her eyes and smiled when a young pregnant woman, about her age walked in. She had shoulder-length wavy dark reddish hair. Like my mom's… I wonder if she's a Fairchild relative? She looked to be about thirty-ish weeks along, as well. She smiled encouragingly at Clary and sat at a desk at the front of the chamber, putting on a headset and opening something similar to a laptop. She must be the court stenographer. Behind her entered a stout man with spiky gray hair and a beard. He looks familiar as well. He wore red robes and had an entitled air about him. He looked at Clary curiously, flicking his eyes to her stomach, pursing his lips. He took a deep breath and smiled at her. "Well, it is my pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Morgenstern. I was present at your nuptials to Jonathan, but believe the last time was at Valentine's funeral. I'm glad to see you have fully recovered from your injuries. In case you have forgotten, I am Consul Victor Aldertree. I shall be handing down my decision regarding your plea for annulment." Aldertree… one of Valentine's High-Idrian ass-kissers. Mrs. Morgenstern… asshole. Clary fake-smiled at him and nodded politely. "Of course, Consul Aldertree. It's nice to see you again." Clary swallowed nervously and rubbed her hand across her belly as her daughter did summer-saults inside of her. He cleared his throat. "Alright Ms. Roberts. The other Clave members and I have gone over the affidavits and your case thoroughly. The fact that Mrs. Morgenstern is pregnant with her husband's child doesn't bode well for your case. But, since you traveled so far…" He opened the files in front of him and looked at Blackwell and Maia. "Let's discuss why you think Mrs. Morgenstern should get her annulment request granted or not."
Maia and Blackwell approached the Consul's desk and began arguing the case. Clary had trouble paying attention. I have a bad feeling. Something's off. Nate hummed and placed his hand on her back, rubbing it up and down reassuringly. "How's mama and baby doing?" She didn't like it and shook him off. "Please don't… We're fine." Nate is acting so weird. Clary shivered and quickly looked over at Jonathan. He held his face in one hand, his elbow resting on the table. He stared back at her lustfully, his thumb slowly sliding back and forth across his bottom lip. His black eyes wandered down to her belly, following the movement of her hand as she rubbed soothing circles across her stomach. Clary turned away from him in disgust and leaned closer to Nate. "I have a bad feeling, Nate. Like something's very wrong…" He hummed, smiled softly at her, and handed her an open bottle of water. "Don't worry. Everything will work out. Here, drink this. You need to stay hydrated." Clary smiled nervously and nodded her thanks, drinking deeply. She looked over her shoulder at the officers guarding the doors. One of them smirked at her and winked. Jesus. Clary quickly turned back around, staring helplessly at Maia's back. I want to leave. Something's off.
Her lawyer seemed frustrated and angry, while the Consul looked bored and preoccupied. Maia turned towards her, beckoning her forward. Clary stood and walked before the Consul's desk. He cleared his throat and looked at her, smiling. "I apologize for the personal nature of my questions, Mrs. Morgenstern. But, I have to ask. Were you or were you not married to Jonathan Morgenstern when your child was conceived?" Clary frowned and blushed deeply, embarrassed. "We were married at the time, Consul Aldertree, yes… but I was not given a choice. I was forced to marry him… forced to– to have sex with him." The Consul held up his hand and Clary stopped speaking. "Remember, Mrs. Morgenstern. I was at your wedding. You seemed like a happy bride, much in love with your new husband. I witnessed many dances and kisses between you." Clary shook her head in horror. "You may have seen those things, but they were not my true feelings. I was forced–" He held up his hand again. "Yes, yes… so you say–" he opened a file and read for a few minutes. "In his affidavit, Mr. Morgenstern, your husband, indicates that you and he had many consensual sexual experiences, one of which most likely led to the conception of your child… um, he said– 'In the stateroom after discussing our family's past, Clarissa and I spent an afternoon making love in front of the fireplace… and several times over the next few days. I believe our beloved daughter was conceived that day…' Is this true? Did you consent to have relations with him?"
Clary scoffed, her voice raising in fury. "I did that day, yes. You're twisting the facts– You have to understand the pressure and manipulations he constantly laid on me… I was trapped. You have read my affidavits and case files, you say? Then you must know the lengths he has gone to take me from my home to imprison me here, druggings, abuse and rape… all to keep and control me. He thinks he OWNS me for Christ's sake!" Clary turned back to see Jonathan sitting stoically, calmly staring back at her. She growled then turned back to the Consul. "He's brutal and dangerous. Why is that okay with you? After everything that I have suffered at the hands of Valentine and Jonathan Morgenstern, you focus on the ONE day I said yes, out of so many days that I cried and begged NO. Believe me. If I HAD said no, he would have most definitely taken me by force. Yes, I may have conceived that day, but that is irrelevant. I love my baby, but not the rapist that put her in me. I do not wish to be his wife. I never did. Give me my annulment!"
Clary didn't realize that she had been crying until Maia walked up to her and hugged her, wiping her tears. She whispered in Clary's ear as she held her. "You are so brave, my friend. I love you, Clary." Clary squeezed Maia back and returned to her table, as Maia and Blackwell angrily spoke to each other, arguing the case to the Consul. Sitting down, she looked over at Jonathan. He looked pissed. His jaw clenched and he narrowed his eyes at her. Clary shivered nervously. I have to get out of here. He's going to blow.
She looked up in shock as Consul Aldertree dramatically banged a gavel on his desk. "Enough of this nonsense. This concludes our hearing. Plaintiff's motion is denied. Annulment refused. The very pregnant Mrs. Morgenstern shall be remanded into the custody of her husband, where she and their child are meant to be. Jonathan, control your wife. Hearing adjourned." Custody? He's giving me to him? Fuck that! Clary stood up and pounded her fist on the table. "I will be remanded to no one! I am an American citizen first. I will be damned if anyone has fucking custody of me! I–"
Clary jumped and screamed as she heard gunshots coming from outside in the antechamber. She turned around in time to see the two police officers running past her, up the aisle. Nate put a protective arm around her, pulling her against him. She heard a shriek behind her. Clary whirled around to see Aldertree and Jonathan's lawyer rush from the room and the court stenographer jump from her desk in terror, as one of the policemen had Maia in a chokehold. Clary screamed as she watched her friend fall unconscious to the floor. Running around the desk towards the exit, the pregnant girl rolled her ankle and fell forward, her head smashing against the corner of the Consul's desk. Her headset sat awkwardly on her head, blood spurted from her temple then she laid too still on the floor. Jonathan ran to the girl, standing over her, as one of the policemen squatted, checking her pulse. He sighed heavily and looked at Jonathan. "Shit. She's dead… What do we do now?" Oh my god. Dead? That poor girl… Maia.
She started to run up to help Maia when Nate wrapped his arms around her from behind. "What the fuck, Nate. Let go! We have to call an ambulance– We need to get Maia and get out of here. Stop–" She struggled against him as he placed his hands over her belly, whispering in her ear. "Shh, Clary. Shh.. be still, little mama." What is wrong with him? Clary looked down at his hands and grabbed his arm, trying to pry his hands off of her. His sleeve rode up and Clary noticed a large red and black tattoo on his forearm… a circle. Oh my god. Nate's in The Circle. Clary screamed.
Jace paced back and forth in the antechamber like a caged animal. Clary had already been in there for over two hours. Alec and Aaron stood near the door to the chamber, making steady eye contact with the four remaining police officers. He had told them both about the tattoo on the arm of the cop that went inside the chamber with Clary. Jace jerked his head to the main entrance, where they had entered a few hours ago. There was screaming and banging on the antechamber doors from the lobby outside. The police officers yelled things to one another and one ran to the doors, opening them to investigate. Gunshots rang out as the officer fell to the ground, grunting in pain. Jace, Alec, and Aaron dropped to the ground, pulling their guns and rolling behind furniture around the perimeter of the room for cover. After dragging the injured officer to the side of the room, the other policemen rushed into the lobby to try to control the chaos. Jace peeked out from behind a large table he'd tipped over. Through the doors he could see the same Circle members that had stalked them outside of The Gard, as well as about ten more. They had infiltrated the lobby and were indiscriminately beating protesters, supporters, and everyone they encountered. It seemed they were interested in stoking a riot… causing chaos. But why would they attack people that aren't protesting… that even support Jonathan's cause? Jace's blood ran cold. They're here for Clary. Jace looked over to Alec and Aaron. "I think they work for Jonathan! It's a fucking diversion. Cover me! We have to get her out of here– we have to get in the chambers before–" Alec and Aaron stood up and pointed their guns towards the lobby. Jace's eyes grew wild and he screamed. "Look out! Get down…" He threw himself on top of Alec and Aaron, knocking them down, as some sort of Molotov cocktail flew right over their heads, hitting the Consul's chamber doors behind them.
Clary went limp, falling down the front of Nate, then jabbed her elbow back sharply into his groin. He groaned loudly and doubled over, relaxing his hold on her. She slipped from his grasp, turned and brought her knee up, smashing his nose. He fell over holding his face. "Ouch, Clary! No fair!" She rushed away from Nate towards Maia and the pregnant girl, but stopped as she saw the two policemen standing over them. The men poured a thick reddish fluid over them from a large glass jug and over the Consul's desk and the perimeter of the room. Clary smelled kerosene, as nausea and terror bubbled up within her. Oh my god, are they going to burn them? Clary began to tremble. Where's Jonathan? Oh shit where the fuck is Jonathan? I need my phone to call for help. I need Jace. Where is Jonathan? She had been too preoccupied with the shitshow that was unfolding around her to keep an eye on him. Feeling his eyes on her, she whirled around. There leaning casually against her table, in front of her purse and phone was Jonathan. Clary jumped and screamed again as something crashed against the locked doors leading to the antechamber. Clary covered her mouth in terror as she saw smoke billowing beneath the doors from the antechamber. Jace. Alec…oh my god. Fire!
Jonathan smiled smugly up at her and nodded at Nate, who grabbed her hand, pulling off her engagement ring. She started punching wildly at Nate, grabbing him by the hair as he laughed. "Give it back you fucking psycho… little bitch traitor. How could you do that to Maia! Give it b–" Clary screamed as she felt strong, too familiar hands tightly grip her upper arms from behind and jerk her back against a solid chest. No, no, no. Jonathan murmured softly into her ear. "It's time to go home, Clarissa." He turned her around to face him, holding her tightly. She screamed in his face. "NO– fuck you!" Growling, he wound his hand tightly into her hair, shaking it angrily, shushing her. Tearfully, Clary pushed against his chest. "Jonathan, please… Please don't let them kill Maia and that poor woman needs an ambulance. Sh-she's pregnant… y-you can't– her baby…" Jonathan pressed his lips against hers softly and she shuddered. He murmured into her mouth. "Darling, Maia's fate was sealed when she helped you try to annul our blessed union... a transgression I cannot forgive. And that poor young woman is already dead. I'm sorry that happened, I am… but I shan't be calling an ambulance. Her untimely death has become a blessing in disguise for me. Now I can convince your detective that you're dead, Clarissa." Clary's eyes widened in terror and understanding, as she looked into the black vortex of his madness.
Breaking her gaze, he looked past Clary and smiled cruelly. "Nate, put that shitty diamond ring on the dead girl's hand, please." Jonathan leaned down, nuzzling her neck and inhaling deeply. "After she burns, well, the fucking Herondales will finally give up… he'll think it's you, love. If you'd just been reasonable and come back to me on your own… I wouldn't have had to take such– drastic measures. When will you learn? This one's kind of on you, Clarissa… Mmm. I love your outfit, by the way. It really takes me back. So soft… so sexy. All mine." He nipped and licked her neck, released her hair, and roughly ran his hands up and down her back, petting her dress, squeezing her ass. Clary whimpered. Oh my god. He is absolutely out of his fucking mind.
Jace heard a woman scream within the chamber. Clary! The doors burst into flames, as another flaming bottle flew into the antechamber, followed by two more. Jace coughed as acrid smoke filled the room, the walls aflame all around them. He got up, covering his mouth, running to the chamber doors, coughing violently and screaming. "Open up! Clary! Clary–" Jace felt himself being tackled and pinned. Looking back he saw Alec behind him and Aaron grabbing his legs. He screamed "No, Alec! Let go– Clary! We have to save her– the baby! Clary–" Jace grunted and struggled wildly as the two men pulled him from the burning antechamber and into more chaos. Jace heard sirens howling in the distance. Fire trucks! Alec leaned into his ear. "Goddammit Jace. We can't get through that way. The fire is burning out of control and spreading. Now get your shit together and help us fight our way out of here before we're all dead. I'm sure Clary got out… Morgenstern probably got her out. We have to find another way in, brother. Now man up!" Jace looked at Alec for a beat and nodded. Standing, he, Alec, and Aaron rushed into the fighting crowd as the flames spread into the lobby. Suddenly the entire mood of the lobby changed from anger and violence to terror as the crowd began rushing to the exits. Bodies collided and smashed against Jace and Alec. He saw Aaron standing at the door looking frantically into the lobby, pulling panicked people out and tossing them into the grass. His eyes caught a certain movement through the crowd. His cousin, Will Herondale, shouted towards him, pointing his gun towards them, he fired. Jace heard Alec yell his name, then felt a strong blow to the back of his head… then nothing but darkness.
Clary struggled against Jonathan wildly to no avail. "We must get going love, the fire is going to burn through that door soon." Looking over at Maia and the girl, laying on the floor, she began to tremble and gasp for air, her knees giving way. "Maia. No, please Jonathan… She's my friend. Please don't let them–"Jonathan hummed and scooped her up into his arms, cooing comforts and declarations of love in her ear. Walking towards the exit, he nodded to Nate and the officers. The last thing Clary saw before she was carried from the Consul chamber was Nate lighting what looked to be a Molotov cocktail, she'd only ever seen them in movies… he and the two officers lit and threw them into the chamber as they followed her and Jonathan outside. Clary suddenly stopped struggling, the horror of what she'd just witnessed paralyzing her. Her eyes widened in terror as she watched flames licking up the door they just exited, smoke pouring out. She covered her belly with her hands, feeling her daughter kicking. Dead… that poor girl, Maia, the baby… all my fault. Maia…My fault. My fucking fault. Oh my god.
Her ears ringing, she blinked up at Jonathan as he hummed pleasantly, smiling triumphantly down at her. What's wrong with me. Fight. She jumped when Nate opened the door to a large elegant SUV, parked in a small lot behind The Gard. Jonathan slipped effortlessly inside, with Clary on his lap. Clary sniffled and gasped against his chest as the door slammed shut. Why can't I move? I can't fight... Gently, Jonathan set her down next to him on the seat and opened a bottle of water, handing it to her. "Clarissa, darling. I think you may be in shock. Have some water, love. We need to take care of our little daughter, hmm?" Terrified, Clary took the water and drank it obediently. She flicked her eyes to the front of the SUV to see Nate watching her through the rear-view mirror. Winking at her, he started the vehicle and drove away from the Gard. I will kill him for Maia. Clary stiffened as Jonathan slid across the seat and wrapped his arms around her, rubbing his hand over her belly. "I think we both deserve a nice lavender bath when we return home, love. Hmm?" Tearfully, she sighed and turned her head away from him, looking out the window, watching smoke fill the sky as The Gard burned. Jace and Alec are safe. I know it. I'm not dead, Jace. I'm not dead... don't believe it.