A/N: Yay! We're finally at my favourite chapter! 3

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Third POV

A young girl was in a room, hiding behind a pillar whilst gripping a familiar bow in her hands.

She took several deep breaths.

She stepped out of the shadow of the pillar before drawing the string of her bow, causing an arrow to appear. She shot at the first target, hitting the 7th ring. She spun around before pulling the string again, shooting the 8th ring. She did a roll before aiming at the target, however approaching footsteps seemed to startle the girl, causing her to shoot the arrow in the doorway.

"Whoa." the boy said as he looked from the arrow to the girl who still had her bow pointed at him. He raised his hand up in surrender, "Same side."

"My bad." the girl with a smirk before lowering her bow. She approached the boy, "Mommy and Daddy said you weren't coming till tomorrow."

The boy shrugged nonchalantly, "Well, here I am." the boy smirked, "I'm Jace."

The girl rolled her eyes, "Alicia."

"Nah." the boy shook his head, "Your name is too long." he complained, "Hmm. Lissa." He nodded his head happily. "Yeah Lissa. I like that…"

The girl giggled before lunging at the boy. He chuckled as he caught her and spun her around in a circle.

"Jace!" she squealed happily. The boy put her on the floor and released her from the hug, "What's with the repeat of our 'first' meeting?"

"Not really our first meeting. Just the meeting where we asked each other for the other's name despite knowing each other for 3 years and when I made your nickname."

The girl rolled her eyes before swatting the boy with her bow.

"See, you're hesitating on the release." The boy commented smugly.

The girl smirked, rolled her head and clicked her neck, "We both know I'm a perfect shot." The girl quickly held up her bow and shot blindly towards the target. She shot at all three targets. The duo looked at the targets, only to see all arrows were embedded in the centre of each board. The girl turned to the boy and shrugged, "I was just anxious in seeing you." her smile turned into a soft glare, "Plus, I get enough training advice from my parents. Don't need it from you too."

The boy sighed, "Sorry." he shrugged, "You know that I'm not used to, you know, other people."

She gave him a hug before smirking at him, "People aren't me." she nudged his shoulder, "You excited to meet the Lightwood siblings?"

The boy shrugged before returning her smirk, "Mind if I try?" completely ignoring her question.

The girl peered into the boy's eyes incredulously, "You hate the bow and arrow. And no one is allowed to touch this bow."

The boy shrugged, "Just wanted to see if you'd give in." before leading the girl to the table containing daggers and knives, "See, it's all about confidence." She rolled her eyes as she too picked up a knife. "Once you believe you're the best…" he said as he examined his knife before throwing it at the target. It landed in the bullseye. "You'll be unstoppable."

A second knife joined it soon after.

The girl's astral form faded back into existence.

Jace Wayland

I emerged from the water on to shallow water and sand, coughing and spluttering. I panted and gasped for air as my lungs tried to repay the oxygen it had lost.

I hastily patted my pockets of, "My stele." I gasped aloud is worry, realising that I had somehow lost it. I jerked my head upwards as another thought invaded my mind, "Lissa…" I murmured in worry before hastily looking around for a familiar brunette, "LISSA!" I hoarsely yelled.

I hastily looked around the beach, I looked to my right to see a body. Their left hand was outstretched in front of them, covered in blood. Lissa? Clary? I took a second to stare at the dead body, before sighing slightly in relief. It's definitely not Lissa. I'd feel it in our bond if she were dead. Which could only lead to one possibility…

"Clary?" I ran to her side before sliding onto my knees beside her. Oh no… I turned the body over… Please don't be Clary. I prayed silently, "Gretel." I stated. Is it wrong to feel relief that someone died?

I heard someone jogging towards me, "Hey! What's going on?" I jerked my head up to see a mundane, "Oh, my God!" she said in shock. She thinks I murdered her…

I held up my hand out to her, "Hey, wait. Listen. This isn't what you think…"

I rushed up to my feet as she yelled, "Someone call the police!"

"Please." I started walking towards her wearily, "Hey, please stop."

She whacked my hands away as I went to reach for her, "Call 911!"

She's not gonna listen… I shook my head before quickly running away. Where are you, Lissa?

I was in the city again.

I missed this wreck of a city whilst I was trapped on the river.

I was walking down an alley when I saw two cops heading my way. I ducked my head, hoping they wouldn't see me before heading into the closest shop: The Hunter's Moon.

I looked around the bar in curiosity.

"Well, you look like you could use a drink." a voice stated from behind the bar. I turned to her direction as she stated, "And a towel."

I looked away in discomfort, "Just, um…" I pointed at the phone I could see in the distance, "Just your phone?"

I walked forwards as she replied, "I'd ask what happened to yours, but I'm guessing it got wet."

"It's a long story," I stated, giving her a brief look.

I looked around at the occupants of the bar, "Well, I'm stuck here all night, and besides, I hear Shadowhunters-" I spun around to look at her, startled, "…love to hear themselves talk. What, you didn't think I would recognize those runes on the back of your neck?"

I looked away from her. I could leave but I do need her help. I looked back at her, only to see a scar on her neck, "You're a werewolf."

She pointed at me, indicating I was right. Of course, I'm right. "Typically, the phone is for paying customers, but I'm feeling generous, so…" she plunked the phone on the bar before sliding it, alongside a beer, towards me, "On the house."

"Thank you…" I gruffly stated before clearing my throat as a way to get her name.

"Maia." she smiled, "It's nice to meet you."

I nodded before quickly dialling Alec. I can't ring Lissa to know where she is since she didn't have her phone when Valentine took her. Can't ring Clary since her phone is probably soaked with river water so that only leaves Alec and Izzy. After waiting a while, I received no response so I rang another number I memorised.

Izzy Lightwood

I was walking with Clary towards Alec's room.

Alec and I had rang Magnus earlier as soon as Allie's body had disappeared. He arrived soon after and with his help, Alec had managed to summon Allie, only to find that she was bleeding a lot. My older brother, being the noble caring person he is, offered to help as much as he could. The only way we knew to help her whilst her real body was elsewhere was to give her some of our life energy. Allie refused our help, saying it was too dangerous and that as soon as the connection appeared, her spirit would keep drawing energy from my brother until she was rejoined to her body or until said brother dies. I started panicking when the youngest girl clutched her heart. She started to fade in and out, Magnus' powers keeping her anchored with us whilst her body pulled her back. Not giving her a choice, my brother took her hand, transferring some of his energy to hers. However, she needed more energy than we anticipated, causing Alec to collapse. Allie was now corporal again but the pain of what she had gone through must have remained as she too collapsed. Thankfully, we were in Alec's room so no one knew the princess was here but Magnus, Jocelyn, Clary (who was informed of everything by moi when she returned from her meeting with Aldertree) and the unconscious Alec. The word did spread about how Alec collapsed but no one knew why.

I opened the door, causing Magnus to look up from Alec's side, "…Has he been in there with Alec and Lils the whole time?" I heard Clary ask.

"He's the only reason Alec still has a chance. Allie warned us the consequence of doing what we did, but-" I choked up at the thought of losing my brother. "And there's nothing left we can do for Allie but find her body and find Jace." She looks too pale. Alec was right, she's looking too much like death. "Magnus can sustain them for some time but his magic can't last forever." I looked at my brother and best friend. "Sooner or later, he's gonna burn out."

I looked away from Clary's gaze to grab my phone as it started ringing, "Hello?"

"Izzy, it's me." the voice greeted.

I sighed in relief, "Jace." I shared a bug-eyed look with Clary before stepping away from the room, "Are you okay?"

I heard his voice stutter, "I'm a little soggy, but I'll live." he seemed to sigh, "Look. I know Lissa's alive cause our rune is still here but is Clary…"

"She's here. She's safe." I replied before passing the phone to Clary.

"Jace, it's me." she turned to look back to the room, "We need to get you to my sister ASAP."

I heard his voice, albeit a quieter voice, but his voice say, "What do you mean?" I could practically see him tense at her words, "Why?"

Clary began explaining the events, "She tried tracking you with her parabatai rune so that she could get our location. With it she planned on telling the others but now, it's like she's stuck in some kind of nightmare and can't wake up." I could visualise his sorrow at his sister's words, "Her astral body is here but her real body is missing. Alec helped to heal part of her spirit but that caused him to collapse as well." I shared a defeated look with her, "We need to reunite Lily's spirit with her body so that can wake Alec up" she nodded at the forming plan, "You need to be with her to wake her up. She was looking for you, so you're the only one who can help her."

"Okay." he agreed instantly, "I'll… I'll get there."

"But you can't. The Clave still wants you dead." Clary replied.

Why does everything have to be so difficult?

"Yeah, well, who doesn't? They can get in line."

I indicated for Clary to pass the phone back, "You need to find Allie's body so that she can merge her spirit with her body. But meet us at Magnus' with Allie's body. We'll figure out how to get Alec there."

"Okay. I'll get there as soon as I can," he promised before we hung up the phone.

Jace Wayland

"All good?" I heard Maia ask from behind me.

I turned to her and nodded, "Yeah. Thank you." I walked to her and handed back the phone.

"Didn't seem good," she noted.

I shook my head. My brother is dying whilst Lissa's condition is unknown. "It's nothing you need to worry about," I replied gruffly.

"Cool, 'cause we could use your help." she looked down before looking me in the eye again, "Shadowhunter help." she directed her gaze to somewhere behind me, "You see Taito back there?" I turned towards the direction she indicated, "The Circle took his goddaughter." I looked away, uncomfortable at the reciprocal gaze. "Right in front of him. So I was hoping maybe you could help him out."

I shook my head, "I…" I stuttered, "I wish I could."

She was getting mad, "You have something better to do?"

I gave her a deadpanned look, "It's not like that."

"I'm still waiting for an explanation."

"I can't." I shook my head sadly, I need to find Lissa. "I'm sorry," I said as I went to leave.

Her voice stopped me, "You need to do your job, Shadowhunter."

You always have to protect the innocent first. I heard Lissa's voice warn me in my head. I shook my head, I'm sorry Lis. But your safety comes over anyone else's.

"You're supposed to protect us."

"My brother needs me. I need to find my parabatai." I turned more towards the door, "I just… I just need to go."

I turned around, only to smash into someone's chest. I never feel this small unless I'm near Alec. The man- Taito pushed me backwards, "I think he is the one that needs protecting." he turned his eyes to Maia, "This is the guy who kidnapped Gretel."

"Look…" I look down in shame, "I don't wanna hurt anyone, okay?"

"That's too bad." I heard them begin to growl as I saw Taito's eyes glow green, "' Cause we do."

"Look…" I began to say. But I was cut off when Taito punched me, I flew backwards only to land on another wolf, I elbowed him in the face before he could wrap his arms around me. I kicked Taito, causing him to stumble by a smidgen of a distance. Holy Angel. Why do I have to fight a frickin' werewolf now of all times! "Really?" The man I elbowed to the ground caught me off guard as he punched me. Taito punched me towards the guy on my left who too punched me. What is this?! A game of who can punch Jace the hardest? I groaned as I was punched in the direction of another who kept his hand around my neck, closing my airway slowly. I gotta leave now. I pushed the man's hand down and kicked a man approaching me. I punched the man who choked me before being punched by somebody else. I landed on the bar, only for someone to smash my head in the surface as he flipped over me. That guy Taito dragged my face across the surface, smashing bottles on his way. I saw a bottle in front of me, I quickly grabbed it and smashed it against my assailant's head. "Damn it," I muttered as that didn't affect him. He punched and punched and punched me. Isn't he tired yet? Before then throwing me through a window. I grunted in agony, At least he made it easier to escape. I ran and ran. I needed to find Lissa. Hers and Alec's lives depend on this.

I don't know I end up in these situations. It's probably because I don't have Lissa here to stop me. To be fair she hasn't been here to stop me in years. But then again, Alec took over her role of stopping me from doing stupid things. When we were all reunited, they tag-teamed me and prevented me from doing stupid stuff. But now they're both dying.

I looked up at the hand that was on the wall. I moved my hand, leaving a bloody mark in its wake.

And I'm not that far off.

I leant against the wall for a second before using it to push myself forward into a 'run' (more like a stumble) as I crashed against the walls of the alley I was running down. I slowed down as I registered the pain on my side. I lifted my shirt to reveal a bloody mark.

"You can't hide your scent, Shadowhunter." I heard Maia's voice echo. And I thought she was a nice person.

I grunted in pain as I crashed into the wall. I gotta keep going. I turned around, only to catch sight of Maia. I hurried my movements and escaped the alley. I knocked over a trashcan to delay her, but that caused me to fall on the ground. I crashed on the floor. I'm sorry Lissa. Alec. I've failed you.

"You okay?" I heard a man's distant voice, "You okay?" I grunted in pain as my vision started to go spotty. "I'm calling 911."

I shook my head, "No. No, don't. Please."

He reassured me, "Don't worry, pal. You're gonna be okay." I turned to look towards the wolf hunting me, "Yeah, hi, I need an ambulance. This guy's bleeding real bad. I'm at the Union Street station…" I grunted in pain as I watched Maia back away, "Subway entrance. Looks like he was in an accident."

…Was the last thing I heard before my world went black.

"Room four, stat!" I heard a voice say as I woke up from oblivion.

I groaned as I tried to get up, "I'm okay." I need to find Lissa.

"He's waking up!" the mundane doctor said.

I groaned as the pain hit me, "I gotta get to my brother and fiancé." Okay. She's not my fiancé but I can't call her my parabatai or my betrothed or whatever we are. I'm still confused about what we are and the pain isn't making me feel any better.

"Give him ten milligrams of morphine." The doc ordered.

I turned towards him and begged, "You don't understand. They're gonna die."

The nurse injected me with something, "My job is to save you, not your brother or girlfriend."

My gurney was rolled away as my vision began going black again, "No… No…"

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

I woke up to the sound of an EKG monitor beeping at my side. My eyes fluttered open as I heard an announcement about some patient.

Beep.

Beep.

"This can't be right." I heard my doctor say.

I blinked my eyes open. "I'm telling you… I ran the blood work three times." I looked down to the end of my bed, to see that through the window, the nurse was holding a vial of blood. My blood? "Whatever's going on with this guy, it's not normal. It's almost as weird as that girl's blood that we saw earlier." Is that who I think they're talking about?

I saw the doctor nod, "Ahh. Our Jane Doe?"

"Yeah. It's weird… Two cases in one day…" she replied.

The nurse handed the blood to the doctor as they started to walk away, "I'll take a look."

"Excuse me." I heard a familiar voice ask. Luke?

My nurse briskly replied, "Officer?"

"Any chance you've seen this person?" Yep. That's definitely Luke. I gotta get out of here. "We got a tip that he might be in the ER."

"Over there. He came in a few hours ago." my nurse replied as I hopped out of my bed and hurried to the door. "But we still need to run a few tests before we can clear…"

I distantly heard Luke cut her off as I put on a doctor's lab coat, "It's okay. We just wanna have a quick chat." I heard him command, "Look around. He's gotta be here somewhere." as I stood pretending to talk to other doctors. As soon as Maia walked passed, I removed the coat and began to move away.

I hurried away, hoping to find the exit. I was dashing down the corridors, fast enough that I wasn't walking but slow enough that it didn't look like I was running. I need to find something. I felt this invisible tug to somewhere I didn't know. I walked slowly down these corridors, not in a hurry since I seemed to have lost them for now.

I was halfway down the corridor when I saw her.

Lissa.

I looked through the observation window to see that Lissa was attached to many tubes and monitors. Was her health that bad that she needs to be attached to so many tubes? Her appearance answered my question. Her hair looked black in contrast to her pale skin. She's always been pale but now she looks deathly, worse than how she looked on the ship. Her lips were so pale and there were bags under her eyes. Several cuts littered her face but she was free of the flowing blood I saw the last time I saw her. There was a bandage above her right eye, partially soaked in blood but that seemed to be the extent of her outward injuries.

I looked around to see if anyone was watching before entering the room. There was a chair at her bedside; I sat on it and gently took her hand from its resting position. I made sure that none of her wires were tangled as I cradled her hands between mine. My eyes began to blur as continued to look at her.

"Oh, Lissa. Why does this have to happen to you?" a few tears dropped on to the bed, "You've gotten everyone at the institute worried about your health. But you're gonna be okay." I reassured myself, "You're Lissa. I thought you died 8 years ago but here you are. I have faith in you so-" I choked at the surge of emotions as the possibility of losing her infiltrated my thoughts, "-So don't lose your faith in me okay? I'm gonna get you back to Magnus' and everything is gonna be fine." I smiled shakily at her unconscious form as I chuckled, "Yeah we gotta get married after all…"

"Ooo." I heard a female voice say from behind me. I spun round to see a blond nurse behind me at the door, "Who are you?"

I coughed as I wiped my eyes of tears, "I'm her fiancé" I stated gruffly.

She nodded, "So you know our Jane Doe?" I nodded in response, "What's her name so we can try and find her medical records?"

"It's uh-" Jocelyn would have registered the name Lilianna but I can't have them looking her up. "Alicia." I nodded slowly, "Alicia Vivian Graymark." At least this is the actual truth.

She nodded with a bright smile, "That's great. It's nice to know that she has family and friends- and a boyfriend that cares for her. After what happened to her-"

I cut her off, "What happened to her?"

She looked appalled, "No one has informed you of her condition?" I shook my head in confusion, acting the concerned lover, "She was found washed up on Pier 4 Beach at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, with no heartbeat." I stared at her in shock before turning my gaze to my parabatai. I stood up and leant forward so that my forehead was on hers. I muttered apologies to her as the nurse continued, "It was a good thing that lady found her otherwise she would have stayed dead." I leant away and sat back down holding her hand, "The woman rang 911 before proceeding with CPR. She managed to resuscitate her just as the ambulance arrived to take her here, to The Brooklyn Hospital Center. She's alive, thankfully, but severely weak." I looked at the nurse who was smiling softly at me with a look of recognition that I waved away, It wasn't important now. "Her heart has failed several times whilst she's been here but every time… Every time, she comes back fighting." she winked at me, "She's probably fighting to get back to you."

I tried to smile but it must have turned into a grimace.

"I hope she wakes up for you soon sweetheart," she said warmly before exiting the room.

I'm sorry you had to go through all this without me Lis. I promise. I'm gonna be here as much as I can from now on.

I gently placed her hand back onto her stomach before taking a peek outside. There's no one here. Okay. Better go. I thought before moving back to her bedside. You're gonna be okay Lissa. I shut her monitor off before gently but quickly beginning to take all the needles out of her. She didn't even flinch at this. She hates needles. Goes to show how much she can't feel reality at the moment.

I cradled her to my body before lifting her up into my arms. I took the blanket with her, hoping it'd keep her warm. I checked the corridor was clear once more before stepping outside.

So far, so good. I thought happily as I walked through empty corridors.

Unfortunately, my luck wouldn't last, "Hey, you! What do you think you're doing?" I spun around, to see my nurse and Maia some distance behind her. Oh no! I jinxed myself… "What are you doing with that patient? Look, I'm sorry about your brother and fiancé-" she noticed how protective I was of the girl in my arms, "Is that her?" I nodded gruffly as she continued, "But I already told…"

I cut her off hastily as I saw Maia smirk, "You don't understand. I gotta get out of here right now."

"You're not going anywhere," she said as she pushed my chest backwards, luckily Lissa was light so I didn't tip over at the change in balance. I jerked my head up at the sound of bones cracking, "With the amount of blood you've lost, you're lucky to be alive." I watched as Maia began to transform into a wolf, "If you'd gotten to us a few hours later, you'd be…" The sound of a wolf's growl stopped her from talking. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath as an attempt of staying calm, "What the hell is that sound?" I didn't stop her as she turned around, only to see Maia in her werewolf form, "Oh, my God."

"Let the mundane go," I said, stepping in front of the nurse. She growled at me as I heard the nurse run away. "You have every reason to want me dead, but if you just let me explain, I…" she snarled at me. Okay. She doesn't want to listen. I gasped before holding onto Lissa tighter and running in the same direction the nurse went in. I kicked the supply cart into the middle of the corridor, to stall for time as I tried to run away as fast as I could. I caught sight of the 'Exit' sign, I rammed into the door before running up the stairs to the third floor. I couldn't open the door with my hands so I tried to kick the door down only for it to still be shut. I turned around to face the wolf, only to be pulled backwards.

"Jonathan," Jocelyn said in greeting as she held me against the door before looking down at the girl in my arms. "Alicia." She looked close to tears as she drew the locking rune on the door. She looked back at me, "Let's go."

"How'd you find me?" I asked instantly when we stopped running once we got onto the roof.

She alternated her gaze from me to Lissa, "I followed the wolves." She had a tense stance as she spoke, "Alec needs the both of you. I'm here to help."

I looked at her in annoyance as I took several gulps of fresh air, "Like you did last time when you shot an arrow at my head?" I shook my head to deny her offer, "I love those maternal instincts, but I think I'll pass."

"Jonathan…" her eyes were shut as if she was in pain as she sighed.

I cut her off angrily, "It's Jace."

She nodded sadly in acceptance, "I'm so sorry." She stepped closer to me as I tried not to flinch away from her, "What your father did to you, the choices I had to make…"

I heard the sound of police sirens approaching as I glared at my mother, "Yeah, well, I guess we both drew the short straw. Life lesson, don't fall in love with the devil, right?"

"And you've suffered the most." she sounded sincere, "I can't change what happened. Just let me help the two of you get back to Alec."

I scoffed at her, "And back to the Clave, who wants me dead?"

"The Clave can be reasoned with." she argued, "The wolves can't." We both took a glance back at the door to the roof, "Just let me do this one thing for my son and daughter."

She went to touch my face but I jerked away, "She's not your daughter."

"She'll always be my daughter." she said sadly, "Even when the day comes and you marry her, she's still going to be my daughter."

So she knew about the betrothal. I wonder how long she's known…

"Let me help you please." she begged me with her eyes, "If not for you…" she looked at the girl in my arms, "Then for her."

I shook my head as I glared at her and backed away, "You know, I made it this far on my own. I think I'll keep it that way." I ran away from her before grasping a better hold on Lissa. This can't be like last time. I jumped off the roof and landed onto the street below. Once I landed, the impact reverberated to my wound on my side. I grunted in slight pain before shaking it off. I began to walk away, not even looking back at the woman who abandoned me.

I turned the corner, only to find Maia and several other wolves in front of me.

"End of the line."

I sighed before softly complaining as I rolled my eyes, "So close."

I spun around praying to find a free route to escape only to find another snarling wolf approaching, "And yet, so far."

"Gretel was our pack member." she told me as she sashayed towards me, "And she was my friend. You need to pay for what you did to her."

I approached her, "I didn't kill her." I panted in exhaustion from all the running. I know I said that Lissa was really light but running for 20 minutes with her in my arms can get exhausting. If only I had the money for a cab. "Valentine used me, just like he's using you right now. Us fighting with each other is only giving him what he wants."

"Really?" she said with a dark laugh. I held Lissa closer towards me as the wolves snarled at me. "Give me one good reason why I should believe you."

"Because I know what it's like to lose someone you love." I burst out, thinking back to when I lost Lissa the first time. Maia jumped back, startled, "My brother is counting on me." I looked down at Lissa, "This girl in my arms, she's gonna die if I don't get her back. Just…" I sighed in defeat, "You can kill me… Just please let me get her…" gesturing down to Lissa, "…to him first so she can save him."

She looked suspicious, "What's an almost dead little girl gonna do for your brother."

I growled at her before angling Lissa's head towards her, "Recognise her?" I asked mockingly. Her eyes widened in shock, "Yeah. Your alpha's niece and our beloved Princess." I tucked her back towards me, "She's my parabatai and she's dying. I need to help her."

The wolves continued to growl as Maia seemed to almost be convinced by pleas. A loud growl seemed to decide her course of action, "Well, I wish I could, but, uh…" she indicated to the wolves behind her, "It's them you'll have to convince."

I stared despondently at the snarling wolves. They're never gonna let me save Alec or Lissa. I'm sorry Alec. I'm sorry Lissa. I hope you forgive me. I thought sorrowfully. I can't believe this is how I'm gonna die! At the hands of a werewolf…

"STOP!" I spun around to face the newcomers.

"Stand down!" Luke ordered.

I heard Maia warn Luke from behind me, "Keep out of this, Luke."

"Jace didn't kill Gretel. It was Valentine." Clary revealed. I turned to Gretel, waiting for her reaction, "I'm telling you the truth. I swear!"

I turned to see a wolf growl as it got ready to lunge at me. I guess this is it. I shut my eyes as the beast jumped at me. Next thing I know, the wolf is whining on the floor and I'm still alive. I looked at the werewolf, to see it had a familiar whip around its neck. My eyes followed the whip to its owner.

Dressed as impeccably as always, stood my sister in all her glory. "Stay," she commanded. The wolf growled softly but complied, "Good doggy." She turned to look at the rest of us, "By the order of the Clave, Jace Wayland is coming with me!"

At least I'm not gonna die now…

I sighed in relief and hugged Lissa closer to me. "You're gonna be okay Lis."

"Maia." I heard Luke order as I kept my gaze on Lissa's face. Her face had lost all colour. "I said stand down." I placed to finger on her neck. Her heartbeat was so faint.

I looked up to see that Maia and the other wolves had submitted to Luke's command. "Thanks, Izzy. I owe you one." I looked at the girl in my arms, "I just hope we're not too late."

She shook her head as she too looked at the girl in my arms, "Don't thank me yet."

I learnt what she meant moments later when more shadowhunters came through a portal.

An unfamiliar man with a sense of superiority walked forwards, "Jace Wayland. My name is Victor Aldertree. By the order of the Clave, you are to come with us."

I nodded in exasperation as I walked towards them, Luke and Clary following me. "Yeah. I know." I looked at the rapidly fading girl in my arms, "I'll go with you. I just-" I looked at Izzy in worry, "I just need to save Lissa and Alec first."

Aldertree jerked into attention, "Lissa? You don't mean…" he took at the girl in my arms and his eyes widened in surprise, "Her highness… Wha-What happened?"

"It's a long story but in short: when we escaped Valentine's ship, Lissa was already bleeding. We jumped from the ship and was separated. I ended up in hospital after a run-in with the wolves. I found Lissa there. Apparently, when we jumped and were separated, she couldn't swim on her own. She drowned and washed up at Pier 4 Beach, someone found her and resuscitated her but her heart has been failing ever since." I became more determined, "I need to get her to Magnus'."

Aldertree nodded before turning to Izzy, "Take the Princess back to the warlock's apartment."

We looked at him incredulously.

"NO!" Clary said, "Jace needs to be there to wake her up after she saves Alec."

He nodded, "And he will be." He looked at me, "After we've had our talk with him."

I gently handed Lissa to Iz. We shared a look of worry and reassurance as I let my parabatai go.

"I'll go." I stepped away from them, "Just hurry up. She's fading." I looked at her in worry, "Fast."

The man nodded in agreement before ordering another portal to open to allow Izzy to quickly travel to Magnus'. I watched as Clary and Izzy stepped through with the unconscious girl.

I hope I get back to you in time Lis.

Izzy Lightwood

We stepped through the portal to see Magnus rushing from Allie's side to over to my brother's body.

"Magnus," Clary called out.

The Warlock of Brooklyn spun around and sighed in relief to see us. "Oh great! You're here!" I strode towards the couch, "And you brought the Princess. Good. Good."

At the last 'Good'. Something happened.

We watched as the astral Allie began slowly fading away from the couch as the real Allie's body crept closer and closer to her. Her astral form disappeared completely by the time I placed Allie on the couch.

"We need to step away from Alicia and Alec as the process begins," Magnus says before grabbing Clary's and my arms and tugging us away.

As soon as he finished talking, Allie made the first sign of movement since we've reunited. Not that it was a good move. I watched as her body jerked, spine arched so much I worried that she would break it. Her body glowed and a shimmer of gold/pink light washed over her body.

"Her soul has melded back with her body," Magnus informed us quietly.

The first part of the process is complete.

I couldn't turn away as I watched Allie's silent body.

"Nothings happening," Clary stated.

I looked wildly at Magnus, "Why isn't anything happening?"

He stammered a reply as he stared wide-eyed at the unconscious figures in front of us. "I- I don't know."

Then suddenly, Allie's eyes flew wide open alongside her mouth as she made a strangled gasp. We watched startled as a gold light shone through her eyes. It was like two golden lights from a flashlight being shone through her eye sockets. I gaped at her as a small white light began exiting her mouth. It spun and tumbled in the air, growing larger in size as it approached my brother's body.

"Is that his-" I began to ask.

"His soul?" Clary finished.

Magnus nodded, eyes washed in awe, "Yeah it is."

Allie's eyes stopped glowing, her mouth shut as she collapsed on the sofa again whilst the glowing white light floated above my brother's heart. A second later, it began to sink into his still form.

"Ahhh!" he suddenly screamed as he jolted up from his resting position. But you see, we didn't think he'd get up, or even be awake so soon so we all ended up screaming back at him shock.

I was the first one to get out of my shock, "Alec!" I said before rushing over to give him a hug.

Magnus soon joined me at his side, checking to see if he was back to normal. After a few moments, he nodded to me. I smiled before stepping back, allowing them to reunite.

"Lily?" I heard Clary's voice murmur.

I spun around to look at Allie. Her chest wasn't moving.

"She's not breathing!" I shouted before rushing over and starting CPR.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pumps. Don't die on us, Allie. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. 2 breaths. I carried on until I finally received a heartbeat.

"We need Jace here," Clary stated as Magnus rushed over with a hobbling Alec behind him.

"Is she going to be okay?" Alec asked worriedly as we watched as Magnus did his work.

After a while, he sighed, "Her vital signs are critical. She's on death's doorstep." I watched as Alec turned away in anger before I shut my eyes in pain, all the while hearing Clary's sobbing, "There's nothing more I can do. It's all up to Jace now."

Please get here soon Jace. We need you. Your parabatai, the girl who loves you, your Lissa needs you. Please, Jace. Get here soon…

Jace Wayland

"She can't last much longer." I heard Magnus say as I turned the corner to enter the room.

That meeting took longer than I expected. That Aldertree is a douche.

I looked ahead to see that Alec was standing watching Magnus and Izzy who were at Lissa's side whilst Clary was pacing the floor. At least I know Alec is okay now.

My footsteps alerted every one of my presence, so I watched as everyone turn to me in hope.

"Lissa…" I gasped in horror before heading towards her, "Oh Lis."

This reminded me of when Lissa and I were 8 (although, she argued that she was 8 and a half) and 11 respectively and we were practising for our parabatai ceremony. We were told that since we created the bond and runed each other initially when we were 6 and 8, we needed to be older and more trained before we did the official ceremony when she was 16 (it was the youngest age they allowed her to do it at). We were plotting a way to do it the following year which we later accomplished due to the two of us taking our training seriously and becoming protégées.

We were both lying on her bed, on our stomachs in her bedroom in the house we stayed in with her parents whenever we weren't at the institute. They'd taken me in when my father had died when I was 10 and then Lissa's parents died when I was 11 and a half. We were then taken to live at the New York institute with the Lightwoods until Lissa disappeared half a year later.

"Why are we learning this now?" 11 year old me complained.

Little Lissa rolled her eyes, "Duh Jacey." Little me scrunched his nose at the name causing his best friend to laugh, "We have to practise if we wanna get this right." She beamed at little me as she waved a book, "If we show those old sots that we can do this then maybe they'll put forward the ceremony."

Little me nodded in understanding as Lissa opened the book, "Alright. Let's do this."

Magnus gave me a solemn look as he offered me the Adamas stone. I clasped his hands before returning his look. I plucked the stone from his hands before heading towards Lissa.

Clary, Alec and Izzy stepped away, all heading to stand beside Magnus to allow me to concentrate on bringing Lissa back from wherever she is.

I knelt by her side before tenderly picking up her limp hand. I clasped the Adamas stone between our hands.

The rock began to glow a golden light as it felt the presence of two parabatai souls.

"Okay, it says here that…" Lissa read ahead before turning to me, "Apparently when the ceremony starts, we clasp hands on top of a tablet with the parabatai stone." She read a bit more, "Err- there will be Clave members watching alongside friends and family." She looked at me, "We can invite Alec and Izzy!" she squealed happily. "Going to the New York Institute with mummy and daddy was the best decision we ever made."

Little me nodded in agreement, "Of course your parents will be there. We can invite Maryse and Robert too."

"Good idea Jacey!" she turned back to the book, ignoring her counterpart's look, "The book says that a circle of flames depicting our bond will surround us. I wonder what the colour of our flames will be?"

"Gold probably." I mused. She turned to me in confusion and I just smirked back, "It's 'cause we're just the best. We're the golden pair, Lissa! We're gonna get the best flames…" I was right, we did have gold flames when we did the ceremony a year later.

Little Lissa giggled before whacking her friend with the book, "You're the eldest. You can start the vow…"

"Fine!" I said with a fake huff before turning to the book,
"Entreat me not to leave thee…
Or to return from following after thee."

I smiled sadly at the memories of a happier time, I wish we got to have the time to be who we should and could have been - together. I scrutinised her with regret. She was always full of life. Where did it go?
"Entreat me not to leave thee…
Or to return from following after thee." I breathed heavily as I remembered how it was her turn to respond.

Little Lissa began to dictate the words in the book softly,
"For whither thou goest, I will go.
And where thou lodgest…"

I gaped as Lissa gasped, it was the first sign of movement I'd seen from her since I saw her convulse on the ship before we jumped. Her tiny body jolted, causing the Adamas rock to drop on to the ground beside the sofa she laid on. The rock had stopped glowing as soon as it landed.

No. This can't be happening. I can't lose her like this.

"What's happening?" I heard Iz ask in confusion.

Magnus' response terrified me, "She's slipping."

"No…" Clary and Alec responded in denial simultaneously.

Lissa wheezed and tried to gasp for air. No. You gotta breath. You have to live for me. Please. I grasped her face before placing my forehead on hers as tears began to form in my eyes. She continued to wheeze as another flash reminded me of the past.

"…And where thou lodgest, I will lodge."

Little Lissa winced as she jerked forward, a sudden pain in her chest. Little Jace gave her a look of concern but she just smiled in response, nodding for him to go on.

I remember this. This was our actual parabatai runing ceremony. If only Jocelyn had never taken her from me that day, everything would be so different. Maybe Lissa wouldn't be laying in front of me, dying.

My mind flashed further back, to when we were just practising our oath. Before all of this happened, when she and I were happy. When her parents were still alive.

"Thy people will be my people, thy God will be my God." Little me stated, much further back in my past.

Little Lissa then continued, "When thou diest, I will die. And there will I be buried."

She looked down at the book before pointing her fingers at the next words, "We have to do this bit together. Apparently this bit is the hardest bit to do."

"Thy people will be my people, thy God will be my God." I shook my head to try and clear the tears,
"When thou diest, I will die. And there will I be buried.
The Angel do so to me." I pulled my head away from hers but kept one hand on her face.

Lissa exhaled slowly. I watched as her head slowly fell against the sofa she was lying on as the tears began to fall. My hand pulled away slightly from her face. She can't be-

Simultaneously our younger selves soft voices began to finish off the oath.
"The Angel do so to me, and more also,
If aught but death part thee and me."

She made no signs of movement. Her chest no longer moved. I couldn't feel her breath on my face anymore. She's leaving me. At that thought, I gently pulled Lissa's now motionless body to me, cradling her head to my shoulder as I wept on hers.

Little Lissa turned to me, "I can't wait until we make our oath." She shook little Jace's body before suddenly shouting out as an idea formed, "Let's make a promise."

"We're already making an oath, we have to make a promise too?" Little me complained teasingly.

I remember how she gave Little me her adorable puppy dog eyes causing me to give in with a small nod.

"I want us to be together forever."

I had given her a confused look, "Of course we're gonna be together. We're parabatai."

"No." she shook her head vigorously, "I meant that outside of the bond, we stay together. No leaving one another. Together forever."

Little me nodded, "Whether friends. Best friends. Lovers." he said with a wink to Little Lissa, causing her to giggle and whack him in the head, "We'll be together forever."

"Promise?" Lissa said, holding out her tiny pinky finger.

Little Jace completed the tradition, "Promise."

"And more also…
If aught but death part thee and me." I completed the oath with a sob. You said you wouldn't leave. Why did you? "Please don't leave me, Lissa. You promised." I finished off with a whisper.

I began to sob softly as the realisation that she's truly gone hit me. My shoulders shook with the weight of the truth. I was too late. I'm sorry for not getting here on time Lissa. I stroked her hair for second before reinforcing my hug. I hope that you'll find happiness wherever you end up. I hope you find Aunty Vivvy and Uncle Chris. I promise to never forget you. You'll always be here with me in my hear-

"And more also…" I went stiff as the girl in my arms murmured those words in my shoulder, "…If aught but death" I began to turn my head to try and get a good look at her, "…part thee and me."

I heard the sounds of relief from behind me but I ignored them in favour of gently reclining Lissa back on to the couch. I watched happily as her eyes fluttered open. I've never been so happy to see these cerulean orbs. I released my hold on her as I stared in shock and she stared back in confusion. After a few moments, she cracked a smile. I leant forward and pulled her back into a hug, this time she returned the hug. I sighed in relief before beginning to cry in happiness.

"You're safe… You're still here. You didn't leave me." I murmured, delirious with happiness.

She nodded into my neck, "I promised didn't I?" I felt her smile. "We're back and we're both safe."

"Together forever, right?" I questioned with a smile as we pulled apart. She nodded in agreement, "Together forever."

I put my pinky finger out, "Promise?"

She smiled as I heard the others begin to approach us. She linked her pinky finger with mine. "Promi-"

She was cut off by Alertree entering, "Jace Wayland!" we pulled away to look at their approaching figures, "You are hereby sentenced to the City of Bones…" I patted Lissa's hand in comfort before grabbing it and giving it a quick kiss. I got up and started heading in their direction, "…to await trial for the charge of high treason and aiding Valentine in the war against the Clave."

I was stood in front of them, trying to cover Lissa. I don't want them near her.

"Wait, what…" Lissa shifted uncomfortably on the couch as she tried to get up, only to moan in pain. I motioned for Clary to help her. She helped her sister sit down comfortably despite my parabatai's stubbornness, "What the hell is going on?" Lissa refused to obey and tried to get up again, "Why are we in Magnus' apartment and not at the Institute? Don't we have to go to Alec's wedding…" a thought seemed to come over her, "…which I still need to learn how to conduct." she looked around to the guy who called for my arrest, "And who the hell are you people?"

Izzy gave her a confused look, "You don't remember anything that's happened in the past week?"

"Past-what now?" Lissa deadpanned her before turning to me, "Jay?" But… But she didn't give me that nickname until we were on the boat… What the hell is going on? Oh… I get it!

I turned my body towards her so no one would see as I gave her a quick secret smirk before turning it into a sad smile, "It's all right, Lis." I nodded encouragingly as I choked on my words, to go along with our act, "All that matters is you're back."

And with that, I was dragged away from the one person I could say I'd trust my life with.

A/N: Please tell me what you guys think about it…