CityofGlassCassandraClare

Formymother.

Ionlycountthehoursthatshine.

Acknowledgments

Whenyoulookbackonwritingabook,youcanthelpbutrealizewhatagroupeffortitallis,andhowquicklythewholethingwouldsinkliketheTitanicifyoudidn'thavethehelpofyourfriends.Withthatinmind:ThankstotheNBTeamandtheMassachusettsAll-Stars;thankstoElka,Emily,andClioforhoursofplottinghelp,andtoHollyBlackforhoursofpatientlyreadingthesamescenesoverandover.ToLibbaBrayforprovidingbagelsandacouchtowriteon,RobinWassermanfordistractingmewithclipsfromGossipGirl,MaureenJohnsonforstaringatmeinafrighteningwaywhileIwastryingtowork, and Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld for forcing me to get off the couch and gosomewheretowrite.ThanksalsotoIoanaforhelpingmewithmy(nonexistent)Romanian.Thanksasalways tomy agent,BarryGoldblatt;my editor,KarenWojtyla; the teams atSimon&Schuster andWalkerBooksforgettingbehindthisseries,andSarahPayneformakingchanges longpastdeadline.Andofcourse tomyfamilymymother,myfather, JimandKate, theEsonsclan,andofcourseJosh,whostillthinksSimonisbasedonhim(andhemayberight).

Longistheway

Andhard,thatoutofHellleadsuptoLight.

JohnMilton,ParadiseLost

PartOne

SparksFlyUpward

Manisborntotrouble

asthesparksflyupward.

Job5:7

1

THEPORTAL

Thecoldsnapofthepreviousweekwasover; thesunwasshiningbrightlyasClaryhurriedacrossLukesdustyfrontyard, thehoodofher jacketuptokeepherhairfromblowingacrossherface.Theweathermighthavewarmedup,butthewindofftheEastRivercouldstillbebrutal.Itcarriedwithitafaint chemical smell,mixedwith theBrooklyn smellof asphalt,gasoline, andburned sugar from theabandonedfactorydownthestreet.

Simonwaswaitingforheronthefrontporch,sprawledinabroken-springedarmchair.HehadhisDSbalancedonhisblue-jeanedkneesandwaspokingawayat it industriouslywith thestylus.Score,hesaidasshecameupthesteps.ImkickingbuttatMarioKart.

Clarypushedherhoodback,shakinghairoutofhereyes,andrummagedinherpocketforherkeys.Wherehaveyoubeen?Ivebeencallingyouallmorning.

Simongot tohis feet, shoving theblinking rectangle intohismessengerbag. IwasatErics.Bandpractice.

Clarystoppedjigglingthekeyinthelockitalwaysstucklongenoughtofrownathim.Bandpractice?Youmeanyourestill

Intheband?WhywouldntIbe?Hereachedaroundher.Here,letmedoit.

ClarystoodstillwhileSimonexpertlytwistedthekeywithjusttherightamountofpressure,makingthestubbornoldlockspringopen.Hishandbrushedhers;hisskinwascool,thetemperatureoftheairoutside.Sheshiveredalittle.Theydonlycalledofftheirattemptataromanticrelationshiplastweek,andshestillfeltconfusedwhenevershesawhim.

Thanks.Shetookthekeybackwithoutlookingathim.

Itwashotinthelivingroom.Claryhungherjacketuponthepeginsidethefronthallandheadedtothesparebedroom,Simontrailinginherwake.Shefrowned.Hersuitcasewasopenlikeaclamshellonthebed,herclothesandsketchbooksstrewneverywhere.

IthoughtyouwerejustgoingtobeinIdrisacoupleofdays,Simonsaid,takinginthemesswithalookoffaintdismay.

Iam,butIcantfigureoutwhattopack.Ihardlyownanydressesorskirts,butwhatifIcantwearpantsthere?

Whywouldntyoubeabletowearpantsthere?Itsanothercountry,notanothercentury.

ButtheShadowhuntersaresoold-fashioned,andIsabellealwayswearsdressesClarybrokeoffandsighed.Itsnothing.Imjustprojectingallmyanxietyaboutmymomontomywardrobe.Letstalkaboutsomethingelse.Howwaspractice?Stillnobandname?

Itwasfine.Simonhoppedontothedesk,legsdanglingovertheside.Wereconsideringanewmotto.Somethingironic,likeWeveseenamillionfacesandrockedabouteightypercentofthem.

HaveyoutoldEricandtherestofthemthat

ThatImavampire?No.Itisntthesortofthingyoujustdropintocasualconversation.

Maybenot,buttheyreyourfriends.Theyshouldknow.Andbesides, theyll just thinkitmakesyoumoreofarockgod,likethatvampireLester.

Lestat, Simon said.Thatwould be the vampireLestat.Andhes fictional.Anyway, I dont see yourunningtotellallyourfriendsthatyoureaShadowhunter.

Whatfriends?Youremyfriend.ShethrewherselfdownontothebedandlookedupatSimon.AndItoldyou,didntI?

Becauseyouhadnochoice.Simonputhisheadtotheside,studyingher;thebedsidelightreflectedoffhiseyes,turningthemsilver.Illmissyouwhileyouregone.

Illmissyou,too,Clarysaid,althoughherskinwaspricklingalloverwithanervousanticipationthatmadeithardtoconcentrate.ImgoingtoIdris!hermindsang.IllseetheShadowhunterhomecountry,theCityofGlass.Illsavemymother.

AndIllbewithJace.

Simonseyesflashedasifhecouldhearherthoughts,buthisvoicewassoft.TellmeagainwhydoyouhavetogotoIdris?WhycantMadeleineandLuketakecareofthiswithoutyou?

MymomgotthespellthatputherinthisstatefromawarlockRagnorFell.Madeleinesaysweneedto trackhimdown ifwewant toknowhow to reverse the spell.ButhedoesntknowMadeleine.Heknewmymom, andMadeleine thinkshell trustmebecause I look somuch likeher.AndLukecantcomewithme.HecouldcometoIdris,butapparentlyhecantgetintoAlicantewithoutpermissionfromtheClave, and theywont give it.Anddont say anything about it to him,pleasehes reallynothappyaboutnotgoingwithme.IfhehadntknownMadeleinebefore,Idontthinkhedletmegoatall.

ButtheLightwoodswillbetheretoo.AndJace.Theyllbehelpingyou.Imean,Jacedidsayhedhelpyou,didnthe?Hedoesntmindyoucomingalong?

Sure,hellhelpme,Clarysaid.Andofcoursehedoesntmind.Hesfinewithit.

Butthat,sheknew,wasalie.

ClaryhadgonestraighttotheInsitituteaftershedtalkedtoMadeleineatthehospital.Jacehadbeenthefirstoneshedtoldhermotherssecretto,beforeevenLuke.Andhedstoodthereandstaredather,getting paler and paler as she spoke, as if shewerent somuch telling him how she could save hermotherasdrainingthebloodoutofhimwithcruelslowness.

Yourenotgoing,hesaidas soonasshed finished. If Ihave to tieyouupandsitonyouuntil thisinsanewhimofyourspasses,youarenotgoingtoIdris.

Clary felt as if hed slapped her. She had thought hed be pleased. Shed run all theway from thehospitaltotheInstitutetotellhim,andherehewasstandingintheentrywayglaringatherwithalookofgrimdeath.Butyouregoing.

Yes,weregoing.Wehave togo.TheClavescalledeveryactiveClavememberwhocanbesparedbacktoIdrisforamassiveCouncilmeeting.TheyregoingtovoteonwhattodoaboutValentine,andsincewerethelastpeoplewhoveseenhim

Clarybrushedthisaside.Soifyouregoing,whycantIgowithyou?

Thestraightforwardnessof thequestionseemed tomakehimevenangrier.Because it isnt safe foryouthere.

Oh,anditssosafehere?Ivenearlybeenkilledadozentimesinthepastmonth,andeverytimeitsbeenrighthereinNewYork.

Thats because Valentines been concentrating on the twoMortal Instruments that were here. Jacespokethroughgrittedteeth.HesgoingtoshifthisfocustoIdrisnow,weallknowit

Werehardlyascertainofanythingasallthat,saidMaryseLightwood.Shehadbeenstandingintheshadow of the corridor doorway, unseen by either of them; shemoved forward now, into the harshentryway lights. They illuminated the lines of exhaustion that seemed to draw her face down. Herhusband,Robert Lightwood, had been injured by demon poison during the battle lastweek and hadneededconstantnursingsince;Clarycouldonlyimaginehowtiredshemustbe.AndtheClavewantstomeetClarissa.Youknowthat,Jace.

TheClavecanscrewitself.

Jace,Marysesaid,soundinggenuinelyparentalforachange.Language.

TheClavewantsalotofthings,Jaceamended.Itshouldntnecessarilygetthemall.

Maryseshothimalook,asifsheknewexactlywhathewastalkingaboutanddidntappreciateit.TheClaveisoftenright,Jace.ItsnotunreasonableforthemtowanttotalktoClary,afterwhatshesbeenthrough.Whatshecouldtellthem

Illtellthemwhatevertheywanttoknow,Jacesaid.

MarysesighedandturnedherblueeyesonClary.SoyouwanttogotoIdris,Itakeit?

Justforafewdays.Iwontbeanytrouble,Clarysaid,gazingentreatinglypastJaceswhite-hotglareatMaryse.Iswear.

Thequestionisntwhetheryoullbeanytrouble;thequestioniswhetheryoullbewillingtomeetwiththe Clave while youre there. They want to talk to you. If you say no, I doubt we can get theauthorizationtobringyouwithus.

No,Jacebegan.

IllmeetwiththeClave,Claryinterrupted,thoughthethoughtsentarippleofcolddownherspine.TheonlyemissaryoftheClaveshedknownsofarwastheInquisitor,whohadntexactlybeenpleasanttobearound.

Maryserubbedathertempleswithherfingertips.Thenitssettled.Shedidntsoundsettled, though;shesoundedastenseandfragileasanovertightenedviolinstring.Jace,showClaryoutandthencome

seemeinthelibrary.Ineedtotalktoyou.

She disappeared back into the shadows without even a word of farewell. Clary stared after her,feelingasifshedjustbeendrenchedwithicewater.AlecandIsabelleseemedgenuinelyfondoftheirmother,andshewassureMarysewasntabadperson,really,butshewasntexactlywarm.

Jacesmouthwasahardline.Nowlookwhatyouvedone.

IneedtogotoIdris,evenifyoucantunderstandwhy,Clarysaid.Ineedtodothisformymother.

MarysetruststheClavetoomuch,saidJace.Shehastobelievetheyreperfect,andIcanttellhertheyarent,becauseHestoppedabruptly.

BecausethatssomethingValentinewouldsay.

Sheexpectedanexplosion,butNooneisperfectwasallhesaid.Hereachedoutandstabbedattheelevatorbuttonwithhisindexfinger.NoteventheClave.

Clarycrossedherarmsoverherchest.Isthatreallywhyyoudontwantmetocome?Becauseitisntsafe?

Aflickerofsurprisecrossedhisface.Whatdoyoumean?WhyelsewouldntIwantyoutocome?

Sheswallowed.BecauseBecauseyoutoldmeyoudonthavefeelingsformeanymore,andyousee,thatsveryawkward,becauseIstillhavethemforyou.AndIbetyouknowit.

BecauseIdontwantmylittlesisterfollowingmeeverywhere?Therewasasharpnoteinhisvoice,halfmockery,halfsomethingelse.

Theelevatorarrivedwithaclatter.Pushing thegateaside,Clarystepped into itand turned to faceJace.Imnotgoingbecauseyoullbethere.ImgoingbecauseIwanttohelpmymother.Ourmother.Ihavetohelpher.Dontyougetit?IfIdontdothis,shemightneverwakeup.Youcouldatleastpretendyoucarealittlebit.

Jaceputhishandsonhershoulders,his fingertipsbrushing thebareskinat theedgeofhercollar,sending pointless, helpless shivers through her nerves. There were shadows below his eyes, Clarynoticedwithoutwantingto,anddarkhollowsunderhischeekbones.Theblacksweaterhewaswearingonlymadehisbruise-markedskinstandoutmore,andthedarklashes,too;hewasastudyincontrasts,somethingtobepaintedinshadesofblack,white,andgray,withsplashesofgoldhereandthere,likehiseyes,foranaccentcolor

Letmedoit.Hisvoicewassoft,urgent.Icanhelpherforyou.Tellmewheretogo,whotoask.Illgetwhatyouneed.

MadeleinetoldthewarlockIdbetheonecoming.HellbeexpectingJocelynsdaughter,notJocelynsson.

Jaceshandstightenedonhershoulders.Sotellhertherewasachangeofplans.Illbegoing,notyou.Notyou.

Jace

Illdowhatever,hesaid.Whateveryouwant,ifyoupromisetostayhere.

Icant.

Heletgoofher,asifshedpushedhimaway.Whynot?

Because,shesaid,shesmymother,Jace.

Andmine.Hisvoicewascold.Infact,whydidntMadeleineapproachbothofusaboutthis?Whyjustyou?

Youknowwhy.

Because,hesaid,andthistimehesoundedevencolder,toheryoureJocelynsdaughter.ButIllalwaysbeValentinesson.

Heslammedthegateshutbetweenthem.Foramomentshestaredathimthroughitthemeshofthegatedivideduphisfaceintoaseriesofdiamondshapes,outlinedinmetal.Asinglegoldeneyestaredatherthroughonediamond,furiousangerflickeringinitsdepths.

Jace,shebegan.

Butwithajerkandaclatter,theelevatorwasalreadymoving,carryingherdownintothedarksilenceofthecathedral.

EarthtoClary.Simonwavedhishandsather.Youawake?

Yeah,sorry.Shesatup,shakingherheadtoclearitofcobwebs.ThathadbeenthelasttimeshedseenJace.Hehadntpickedupthephonewhenshedcalledhimafterward,soshedmadeallherplanstotravelto Idriswith theLightwoodsusingAlecas reluctant andembarrassedpointperson.PoorAlec, stuckbetweenJaceandhismother,alwaystryingtodotherightthing.Didyousaysomething?

JustthatIthinkLukeisback,Simonsaid,andjumpedoffthedeskjustasthebedroomdooropened.Andheis.

Hey,Simon.Lukesoundedcalm,maybealittletiredhewaswearingabattereddenimjacket,aflannelshirt, and old cords tucked into boots that looked like theyd seen their best days ten years ago.Hisglasseswere pushed up into his brown hair, which seemed fleckedwithmore gray now than Claryremembered.Therewasasquarepackageunderhisarm,tiedwithalengthofgreenribbon.HehelditouttoClary.Igotyousomethingforyourtrip.

You didnt have to do that!Clary protested.Youve done somuch. She thought of the clothes hedbought her after everything she owned had been destroyed. Hed given her a new phone, new artsupplies,withouteverhavingtobeasked.AlmosteverythingsheownednowwasagiftfromLuke.AndyoudontevenapproveofthefactthatImgoing.Thatlastthoughthungunspokenbetweenthem.

Iknow.ButIsawit,andIthoughtofyou.Hehandedoverthebox.

Theobject insidewas swathed in layersof tissuepaper.Clary tore through it,herhandseizingonsomething soft askittens fur.Shegave a little gasp. Itwas abottle-greenvelvet coat, old-fashioned,withagoldsilklining,brassbuttons,andawidehood.Shedrewitontoherlap,smoothingherhandslovingly down the softmaterial. It looks like something Isabellewouldwear, she exclaimed.Like aShadowhuntertravelingcloak.

Exactly.Nowyoullbedressedmorelikeoneofthem,Lukesaid.WhenyoureinIdris.

Shelookedupathim.Doyouwantmetolooklikeoneofthem?

Clary,youareoneof them.His smilewas tingedwith sadness.Besides,youknowhow they treatoutsiders.Anythingyoucandotofitin

Simonmadeanoddnoise,andClary lookedguiltilyathimshedalmost forgottenhewas there.Hewaslookingstudiouslyathiswatch.Ishouldgo.

Butyoujustgothere!Claryprotested.Ithoughtwecouldhangout,watchamovieorsomething

Youneed topack.Simonsmiled,brightas sunshineafter rain.Shecouldalmostbelieve therewasnothingbotheringhim.Illcomebylatertosaygood-byebeforeyougo.

Oh,comeon,Claryprotested.Stay

Icant.Histonewasfinal.ImmeetingMaia.

Oh.Great,Clarysaid.Maia,shetoldherself,wasnice.Shewassmart.Shewaspretty.Shewasalsoawerewolf.Awerewolfwith a crush on Simon.Butmaybe thatwas as it should be.Maybe his newfriend should be a Downworlder. After all, he was a Downworlder himself now. Technically, heshouldntevenbespendingtimewithShadowhunterslikeClary.Iguessyoudbettergo,then.

I guess Id better. Simons dark eyeswere unreadable.Thiswas newshed always been able to readSimonbefore.Shewonderedifitwasasideeffectofthevampirism,orsomethingelseentirely.Good-bye,hesaid,andbentasiftokissheronthecheek,sweepingherhairbackwithoneofhishands.Thenhepausedanddrewback,hisexpressionuncertain.Shefrownedinsurprise,buthewasalreadygone,brushingpastLukeinthedoorway.Sheheardthefrontdoorbanginthedistance.

Hesactingsoweird,sheexclaimed,huggingthevelvetcoatagainstherselfforreassurance.Doyouthinkitsthewholevampirething?

Probablynot.Lukelookedfaintlyamused.BecomingaDownworlderdoesntchangethewayyoufeelaboutthings.Orpeople.Givehimtime.Youdidbreakupwithhim.

Ididnot.Hebrokeupwithme.

Because youwerent in lovewith him. Thats an iffy proposition, and I think hes handling itwithgrace.Alotofteenageboyswouldsulk,orlurkaroundunderyourwindowwithaboombox.

Noonehasaboomboxanymore.Thatwastheeighties.Claryscrambledoffthebed,pullingthecoaton.Shebuttonedituptotheneck,luxuriatinginthesoftfeelofthevelvet.IjustwantSimontogobacktonormal.Sheglancedatherselfinthemirrorandwaspleasantlysurprisedthegreenmadeherredhairstandoutandbrightenedthecolorofhereyes.SheturnedtoLuke.Whatdoyouthink?

Hewasleaningin thedoorwaywithhishandsinhispockets;ashadowpassedoverhisfaceashelookedather.Yourmotherhadacoatjustlikethatwhenshewasyourage,wasallhesaid.

Claryclutchedthecuffsofthecoat,diggingherfingersintothesoftpile.Thementionofhermother,mixedwiththesadnessinhisexpression,wasmakingherwanttocry.Weregoingtoseeherlatertoday,right?sheasked.Iwanttosaygood-byebeforeIgo,andtellhertellherwhatImdoing.Thatshesgoingtobeokay.

Lukenodded.Wellvisitthehospitallatertoday.And,Clary?

What?Shealmostdidntwanttolookathim,but toherrelief,whenshedid, thesadnesswasgonefromhiseyes.

Hesmiled.Normalisntallitscrackeduptobe.

Simonglanceddownat thepaper inhishandand thenat thecathedral,hiseyesslittedagainst the

afternoonsun.TheInstituteroseupagainstthehighbluesky,aslabofgranitewindowedwithpointedarchesandsurroundedbyahighstonewall.Gargoylefacesleereddownfromitscornices,asifdaringhim to approach the front door. It didnt look anything like it had the first time he had ever seen it,disguisedasarun-downruin,butthenglamoursdidntworkonDownworlders.

Youdontbelonghere.Thewordswereharsh,sharpasacid;Simonwasntsureifitwasthegargoylespeakingorthevoiceinhisownmind.Thisisachurch,andyouaredamned.

Shutup,hemutteredhalfheartedly.Besides,Idontcareaboutchurches.ImJewish.

Therewasafiligreedirongatesetintothestonewall.Simonputhishandtothelatch,half-expectinghisskintosearwithpain,butnothinghappened.Apparentlythegateitselfwasntparticularlyholy.Hepushed it open and was halfway up the cracked stonework path to the front door when he heardvoicesseveralofthem,andfamiliarnearby.

Or maybe not that nearby. He had nearly forgotten how much his hearing, like his sight, hadsharpened since hed beenTurned. It sounded as if the voiceswere just over his shoulder, but as hefollowedanarrowpatharound thesideof the Institute,hesaw that thepeoplewerestandingquiteadistance away, at the far end of the grounds. The grass grewwild here, half-covering the branchingpathsthatledamongwhathadprobablyoncebeenneatlyarrangedrosebushes.Therewasevenastonebench,webbedwithgreenweeds;thishadbeenarealchurchonce,beforetheShadowhuntershadtakenitover.

HesawMagnusfirst,leaningagainstamossystonewall.ItwashardtomissMagnushewaswearinga splash-painted white T-shirt over rainbow leather trousers. He stood out like a hothouse orchid,surroundedbytheblack-cladShadowhunters:Alec,lookingpaleanduncomfortable;Isabelle,herlongblackhairtwistedintobraidstiedwithsilverribbons,standingbesidealittleboywhohadtobeMax,theyoungest.Nearbywas theirmother, looking likea taller,bonierversionofherdaughter,with thesamelongblackhair.BesideherwasawomanSimondidntknow.AtfirstSimonthoughtshewasold,sinceherhairwasnearlywhite,butthensheturnedtospeaktoMaryseandhesawthatsheprobablywasntmorethanthirty-fiveorforty.

AndthentherewasJace,standingoffata littledistance,as ifhedidntquitebelong.Hewasall inShadowhunterblackliketheothers.WhenSimonworeallblack,helookedlikehewasonhiswaytoafuneral,butJace just lookedtoughanddangerous.Andblonder.Simonfelthisshoulders tightenandwondered ifanythingtime,orforgetfulnesswouldeverdilutehisresentmentofJace.Hedidntwant tofeelit,butthereitwas,astoneweightingdownhisunbeatingheart.

Something seemed odd about the gatheringbut then Jace turned toward him, as if sensing hewasthere,andSimonsaw,evenfromthisdistance, thethinwhitescaronhis throat, justabovehiscollar.Theresentmentinhischestfadedintosomethingelse.Jacedroppedasmallnodinhisdirection.Illberightback,hesaidtoMaryse,inthesortofvoiceSimonwouldneverhaveusedwithhisownmother.Hesoundedlikeanadulttalkingtoanotheradult.

Maryseindicatedherpermissionwithadistractedwave.Idontseewhyitstakingsolong,shewassayingtoMagnus.Isthatnormal?

WhatsnotnormalisthediscountImgivingyou.Magnustappedtheheelofhisbootagainstthewall.NormallyIchargetwicethismuch.

Itsonlya temporaryPortal.It justhastogetustoIdris.AndthenIexpectyoutocloseitbackup

again.Thatisouragreement.She turned to thewomanatherside.Andyoull remainhere towitnessthathedoesit,Madeleine?

Madeleine.SothiswasJocelynsfriend.Therewasnotimetostare,thoughJacealreadyhadSimonbythearmandwasdragginghimaroundthesideofthechurch,outofviewoftheothers.Itwasevenmoreweedyandovergrownbackhere,thepathsnakedwithropesofundergrowth.JacepushedSimonbehindalargeoaktreeandletgoofhim,dartinghiseyesaroundasiftomakesuretheyhadntbeenfollowed.Itsokay.Wecantalkhere.

Itwasquieterbackherecertainly,therushoftrafficfromYorkAvenuemuffledbehindthebulkoftheInstitute.Youretheonewhoaskedmehere,Simonpointedout.IgotyourmessagestucktomywindowwhenIwokeupthismorning.Dontyoueverusethephonelikenormalpeople?

NotifIcanavoidit,vampire,saidJace.HewasstudyingSimonthoughtfully,asifhewerereadingthepagesofabook.Mingledinhisexpressionweretwoconflictingemotions:afaintamazementandwhatlookedtoSimonlikedisappointment.Soitsstilltrue.Youcanwalkinthesunlight.Evenmiddaysundoesntburnyou.

Yes,Simonsaid.Butyouknewthatyouwerethere.Hedidnthavetoelaborateonwhattheremeant;hecouldseeintheotherboysfacethatherememberedtheriver,thebackofthetruck,thesunrisingoverthewater,Clarycryingout.HeremembereditjustaswellasSimondid.

Ithoughtperhapsitmighthavewornoff,Jacesaid,buthedidntsoundasifhemeantit.

If I feel theurge toburst into flames, Ill letyouknow.SimonneverhadmuchpatiencewithJace.Look,didyouaskmetocomeallthewayuptownjustsoyoucouldstareatmelikeIwassomethinginapetridish?NexttimeIllsendyouaphoto.

AndIllframeitandputitonmynightstand,saidJace,buthedidntsoundasifhisheartwereinthesarcasm.Look,Iaskedyouhereforareason.MuchasIhatetoadmitit,vampire,wehavesomethingincommon.

Totallyawesomehair?Simonsuggested,buthisheartwasntreallyiniteither.SomethingaboutthelookonJacesfacewasmakinghimincreasinglyuneasy.

Clary,Jacesaid.

Simonwascaughtoffguard.Clary?

Clary,Jacesaidagain.Youknow:short,redheaded,badtemper.

IdontseehowClaryissomethingwehaveincommon,Simonsaid,althoughhedid.Nevertheless,thiswasntaconversationheparticularlywanted tohavewithJacenow,or, in fact,ever.Wasnt theresomesortofmanlycodethatprecludeddiscussionslikethisdiscussionsaboutfeelings?

Apparentlynot.Webothcareabouther,Jacestated,givinghimameasuredlook.Shesimportanttobothofus.Right?

Youre asking me if I care about her? Caring seemed like a pretty insufficient word for it. HewonderedifJacewasmakingfunofhimwhichseemedunusuallycruel,evenforJace.HadJacebroughthimoverherejusttomockhimbecauseithadntworkedoutromanticallybetweenClaryandhimself?ThoughSimonstillhadhope,atleastalittle,thatthingsmightchange,thatJaceandClarywouldstarttofeelabouteachotherthewaytheyweresupposedto,thewaysiblingsweremeanttofeelabouteach

other

HemetJacesgazeandfelt that littlehopeshrivel.The lookon theotherboysfacewasnt the lookbrothersgotwhentheytalkedabouttheirsisters.Ontheotherhand,itwasobviousJacehadntbroughthimoverheretomockhimforhisfeelings;themiserySimonknewmustbeplainlywrittenacrosshisownfeatureswasmirroredinJaceseyes.

DontthinkIlikeaskingyouthesequestions,Jacesnapped.IneedtoknowwhatyouddoforClary.Wouldyoulieforher?

Lieaboutwhat?Whatsgoingon,anyway?SimonrealizedwhatitwasthathadbotheredhimaboutthetableauofShadowhuntersinthegarden.Waitasecond,hesaid.YoureleavingforIdrisrightnow?Clarythinksyouregoingtonight.

Iknow,Jacesaid.AndIneedyoutotelltheothersthatClarysentyouheretosayshewasntcoming.Tell them she doesntwant to go to Idris anymore. Therewas an edge to his voicesomething Simonbarelyrecognized,orperhapsitwassimplysostrangecomingfromJacethathecouldntprocessit.Jacewaspleadingwithhim.Theyllbelieveyou.Theyknowhowhowcloseyoutwoare.

Simonshookhishead.Icantbelieveyou.YouactlikeyouwantmetodosomethingforClary,butactuallyyoujustwantmetodosomethingforyou.Hestartedtoturnaway.Nodeal.

Jacecaughthisarm,spinninghimbackaround.ThisisforClary.Imtryingtoprotecther.Ithoughtyoudbeatleastalittleinterestedinhelpingmedothat.

SimonlookedpointedlyatJaceshandwhereitclampedhisupperarm.HowcanIprotectherifyoudonttellmewhatImprotectingherfrom?

Jacedidntletgo.Cantyoujusttrustmethatthisisimportant?

YoudontunderstandhowbadlyshewantstogotoIdris,Simonsaid.IfImgoingtokeepthatfromhappening,therehadbetterbeadamngoodreason.

Jaceexhaledslowly,reluctantlyandletgohisgriponSimonsarm.WhatClarydidonValentinesship,hesaid,hisvoicelow.WiththeruneonthewalltheRuneofOpeningwell,yousawwhathappened.

Shedestroyedtheship,saidSimon.Savedallourlives.

Keepyourvoicedown.Jaceglancedaroundanxiously.

Yourenotsayingnooneelseknowsaboutthat,areyou?Simondemandedindisbelief.

Iknow.Youknow.LukeknowsandMagnusknows.Nooneelse.

Whatdotheyallthinkhappened?Theshipjustopportunelycameapart?

ItoldthemValentinesRitualofConversionmusthavegonewrong.

YouliedtotheClave?Simonwasntsurewhethertobeimpressedordismayed.

Yes,IliedtotheClave.IsabelleandAlecknowClaryhassomeabilitytocreatenewrunes,soIdoubtIllbeabletokeepthatfromtheClaveorthenewInquisitor.Butif theyknewshecoulddowhatshedoesamplify ordinary runes so they have incredible destructive powertheyd want her as a fighter, aweapon.Andshesnotequippedforthat.ShewasntbroughtupforitHebrokeoff,asSimonshookhishead.What?

YoureNephilim,Simonsaidslowly.ShouldntyouwantwhatsbestfortheClave?IfthatsusingClary

Youwantthemtohaveher?Toputherinthefrontlines,upagainstValentineandwhateverarmyhesraising?

No,saidSimon.Idontwantthat.ButImnotoneofyou.Idonthavetoaskmyselfwhotoputfirst,Claryormyfamily.

Jaceflushedaslow,darkred.Itsnotlikethat.IfIthoughtitwouldhelptheClavebutitwont.Shelljustgethurt

EvenifyouthoughtitwouldhelptheClave,Simonsaid,youdneverletthemhaveher.

Whatmakesyousaythat,vampire?

Becausenoonecanhaveherbutyou,saidSimon.

ThecolorleftJacesface.Soyouwonthelpme,hesaidindisbelief.Youwonthelpher?

Simonhesitatedandbeforehecouldrespond,anoisesplitthesilencebetweenthem.Ahigh,shriekingcry, terrible in its desperation, andworse for the abruptnesswithwhich itwas cut off. Jacewhirledaround.Whatwasthat?

The single shriekwas joined by other cries, and a harsh clanging that scraped Simons eardrums.Somethingshappenedtheothers

But Jace was already gone, running along the path, dodging the undergrowth. After a momentshesitationSimonfollowed.HehadforgottenhowfasthecouldrunnowhewashardonJacesheelsastheyroundedthecornerofthechurchandburstoutintothegarden.

Beforethemwaschaos.Awhitemistblanketedthegarden,andtherewasaheavysmellintheairthesharp tang of ozone and something else under it, sweet and unpleasant. Figures darted back andforthSimoncouldseethemonlyinfragments,astheyappearedanddisappearedthroughgapsinthefog.Heglimpsed Isabelle,herhair snappingaroundher inblack ropesas sheswungherwhip. Itmadeadeadly forkofgolden lightning through the shadows.Shewas fendingoff the advanceof somethinglumbering and hugea demon, Simon thoughtbut it was full daylight; that was impossible. As hestumbledforward,hesawthatthecreaturewashumanoidinshape,buthumpedandtwisted,somehowwrong.ItcarriedathickwoodenplankinonehandandwasswingingatIsabellealmostblindly.

Only a short distance away, through a gap in the stonewall, Simon could see the traffic onYorkAvenuerumblingplacidlyby.TheskybeyondtheInstitutewasclear.

Forsaken,Jacewhispered.His facewasblazingashedrewoneofhisseraphblades fromhisbelt.Dozensofthem.HepushedSimontotheside,almostroughly.Stayhere,doyouunderstand?Stayhere.

SimonstoodfrozenforamomentasJaceplungedforwardintothemist.Thelightofthebladeinhishandlitthefogaroundhimtosilver;darkfiguresdashedbackandforthinsideit,andSimonfeltasifheweregazingthroughapaneoffrostedglass,desperatelytryingtomakeoutwhatwashappeningontheother side. Isabellehadvanished;he sawAlec,his armbleeding, ashe sliced through the chestof aForsakenwarriorandwatched itcrumple to theground.Another rearedupbehindhim,butJacewasthere,nowwithabladeineachhand;heleapedintotheairandbroughtthemupandthendownwithavicious scissoringmovementand the Forsakens head tumbled free of its neck, black blood spurting.Simonsstomachwrenchedthebloodsmelledbitter,poisonous.

Hecouldhear theShadowhunterscallingtooneanotheroutof themist, thoughtheForsakenwere

utterlysilent.Suddenlythemistcleared,andSimonsawMagnus,standingwild-eyedbythewalloftheInstitute.Hishandswereraised,bluelightningsparkingbetweenthem,andagainstthewallwherehestood, a square blackhole seemed to be opening in the stone. Itwasnt empty, or dark precisely, butshonelikeamirrorwithwhirlingfiretrappedwithinitsglass.ThePortal!hewasshouting.GothroughthePortal!

Severalthingshappenedatonce.MaryseLightwoodappearedoutofthemist,carryingtheboy,Max,inherarms.Shepaused tocall somethingoverher shoulderand thenplunged toward thePortal andthroughit,vanishingintothewall.Alecfollowed,draggingIsabelleafterhim,herblood-spatteredwhiptrailingontheground.AshepulledhertowardthePortal,somethingsurgedupoutofthemistbehindthemaForsakenwarrior,swingingadouble-bladedknife.

Simon unfroze. Darting forward, he called out Isabelles namethen stumbled and pitched forward,hittingthegroundhardenoughtoknockthebreathoutofhim,ifhedhadanybreath.Hescrambledintoasittingposition,turningtoseewhathedtrippedover.

Itwasabody.Thebodyofawoman,herthroatslit,hereyeswideandblueindeath.Bloodstainedherpalehair.Madeleine.

Simon,move!ItwasJace,shouting;Simonlookedandsawtheotherboyrunningtowardhimoutofthefog,bloodyseraphbladesinhishands.Thenhelookedup.TheForsakenwarriorhedseenchasingIsabelleloomedoverhim,itsscarredfacetwistedintoarictusgrin.Simontwistedawayasthedouble-bladedknifeswungdown towardhim,butevenwithhis improvedreflexes,hewasnt fastenough.Asearingpainshotthroughhimaseverythingwentblack.

2

THEDEMONTOWERSOFALICANTE

Therewasnoamountofmagic,ClarythoughtassheandLukecircledtheblockforthethirdtime,thatcouldcreatenewparkingspacesonaNewYorkCitystreet.Therewasnowhereforthetrucktopullin,andhalfthestreetwasdouble-parked.FinallyLukepulledupatahydrantandshiftedthepickupintoneutralwithasigh.Goon,hesaid.Letthemknowyourehere.Illbringyoursuitcase.

Clarynodded,buthesitatedbeforereachingforthedoorhandle.Herstomachwastightwithanxiety,andshewished,notforthefirsttime,thatLukeweregoingwithher.IalwaysthoughtthatthefirsttimeIwentoverseas,Idhaveapassportwithmeatleast.

Lukedidntsmile.Iknowyourenervous,hesaid.Butitllbeallright.TheLightwoodswilltakegoodcareofyou.

Ive only told you that a million times, Clary thought. She patted Lukes shoulder lightly beforejumpingdownfromthetruck.Seeyouinafew.

Shemadeherwaydownthecrackedstonepath,thesoundoftrafficfadingasshenearedthechurchdoors. It tookherseveralmoments topeel theglamouroff theInstitute this time. It feltas ifanotherlayerofdisguisehadbeenaddedtotheoldcathedral,likeanewcoatofpaint.Scrapingitoffwithhermind felt hard, even painful. Finally it was gone and she could see the church as it was. The highwoodendoorsgleamedasiftheydjustbeenpolished.

Therewasastrangesmell intheair, likeozoneandburning.Withafrownsheputherhandtothe

knob.IamClaryMorgenstern,oneoftheNephilim,andIaskentrancetotheInstitute

Thedoorswungopen.Clarysteppedinside.Shelookedaround,blinking,tryingtoidentifywhatitwasthatfeltsomehowdifferentaboutthecathedralsinterior.

Sherealized itas thedoorswungshutbehindher, trappingher inablacknessrelievedonlyby thedimglowoftherosewindowfaroverhead.ShehadneverbeeninsidetheentrancetotheInstitutewhentherehadnotbeendozensofflameslitintheelaboratecandelabrasliningtheaislebetweenthepews.

Shetookherwitchlightstoneoutofherpocketandhelditup.Lightblazedfromit,sendingshiningspokesofilluminationflaringoutbetweenherfingers.Itlitthedustycornersofthecathedralsinteriorasshemadeherwaytotheelevatornearthebarealtarandjabbedimpatientlyatthecallbutton.

Nothinghappened.Afterhalfaminuteshepressedthebuttonagainandagain.Shelaidherearagainsttheelevatordoorandlistened.Notasound.TheInstitutehadgonedarkandsilent, likeamechanicaldollwhoseclockworkhearthadrundown.

Herheartpoundingnow,Claryhurriedbackdowntheaisleandpushed theheavydoorsopen.Shestood on the front steps of the church, glancing about frantically. The sky was darkening to cobaltoverhead, and the air smelled even more strongly of burning. Had there been a fire? Had theShadowhuntersevacuated?Buttheplacelookeduntouched.

Itwasntafire.Thevoicewassoft,velvetyandfamiliar.Atallfigurematerializedoutoftheshadows,hairstickingupinacoronaofungainlyspikes.Heworeablacksilksuitoverashimmeringemeraldgreenshirt,andbrightlyjeweledringsonhisnarrowfingers.Therewerefancybootsinvolvedaswell,andagooddealofglitter.

Magnus?Clarywhispered.

Iknowwhatyouwerethinking,Magnussaid.Buttherewasnofire.Thatsmellishellmistitsasortofenchanteddemonicsmoke.Itmutestheeffectsofcertainkindsofmagic.

Demonicmist?Thentherewas

AnattackontheInstitute.Yes.Earlierthisafternoon.Forsakenprobablyafewdozenofthem.

Jace,Clarywhispered.TheLightwoods

The hellsmokemutedmy ability to fight theForsaken effectively.Theirs, too. I had to send themthroughthePortalintoIdris.

Butnoneofthemwerehurt?

Madeleine,saidMagnus.Madeleinewaskilled.Imsorry,Clary.

Clarysankdownontothesteps.Shehadntknowntheolderwomanwell,butMadeleinehadbeenatenuous connection to her motherher real mother, the tough, fighting Shadowhunter that Clary hadneverknown.

Clary?Lukewascomingupthepaththroughthegatheringdark.HehadClaryssuitcaseinonehand.Whatsgoingon?

Clary sathuggingherkneeswhileMagnusexplained.Underneathherpain forMadeleine shewasfullofaguilty relief. Jacewasall right.TheLightwoodswereall right.Shesaid itoverandover toherself,silently.Jacewasallright.

TheForsaken,Lukesaid.Theywereallkilled?

Notallofthem.Magnusshookhishead.AfterIsenttheLightwoodsthroughthePortal,theForsakendispersed;theydidntseeminterestedinme.BythetimeIshutthePortal,theywereallgone.

Claryraisedherhead.ThePortalsclosed?ButyoucanstillsendmetoIdris,right?sheasked.Imean,IcangothroughthePortalandjointheLightwoodsthere,cantI?

LukeandMagnusexchangedalook.Lukesetthesuitcasedownbyhisfeet.

Magnus?Clarysvoicerose,shrillinherownears.Ihavetogo.

ThePortalisclosed,Clary

Thenopenanotherone!

Itsnotthateasy,thewarlocksaid.TheClaveguardsanymagicalentryintoAlicanteverycarefully.TheircapitalisaholyplacetothemitsliketheirVatican,theirForbiddenCity.NoDownworlderscancometherewithoutpermission,andnomundanes.

ButImaShadowhunter!

Onlybarely,saidMagnus.Besides,thetowerspreventdirectPortalingtothecity.ToopenaPortalthatwent throughtoAlicante,Idhavetohavethemstandingbyontheothersideexpectingyou.IfItriedtosendyouthroughonmyown,itwouldbeindirectcontraventionoftheLaw,andImnotwillingtoriskthatforyou,biscuit,nomatterhowmuchImightlikeyoupersonally.

ClarylookedfromMagnussregretfulfacetoLukeswaryone.ButIneedtogettoIdris,shesaid.Ineedtohelpmymother.Theremustbesomeotherwaytoget there,somewaythatdoesnt involveaPortal.

The nearest airport is a country over, Luke said. Ifwe could get across the borderand thats a bigiftherewouldbea longanddangerousoverland journeyafter that, throughall sortsofDownworlderterritory.Itcouldtakeusdaystogetthere.

Claryseyeswereburning.Iwillnotcry,shetoldherself.Iwillnot.

Clary.Lukesvoicewasgentle.WellgetintouchwiththeLightwoods.WellmakesuretheyhavealltheinformationtheyneedtogettheantidoteforJocelyn.TheycancontactFell

ButClarywasonherfeet,shakingherhead.Ithastobeme,shesaid.MadeleinesaidFellwouldnttalktoanyoneelse.

Fell?RagnorFell?Magnusechoed.Icantrytogetamessagetohim.LethimknowtoexpectJace.

SomeoftheworryclearedfromLukesface.Clary,doyouhearthat?WithMagnusshelp

ButClarydidntwanttohearanymoreaboutMagnusshelp.Shedidntwanttohearanything.Shehadthoughtshewasgoingtosavehermother,andnowtherewasgoingtobenothingforhertodobutsitbyhermothersbedside,holdherlimphand,andhopesomeoneelse,somewhereelse,wouldbeabletodowhatshecouldnt.

Shescrambleddownthesteps,pushingpastLukewhenhetriedtoreachoutforher.Ijustneedtobealoneforasecond.

ClarySheheardLukecallouttoher,butshepulledawayfromhim,dartingaroundthesideofthecathedral.Shefoundherselffollowingthestonepathwhereitforked,makingherwaytowardthesmall

gardenontheInstituteseastside,towardthesmellofcharandashesandathick,sharpsmellunderthat.Thesmellofdemonicmagic.Therewasmistinthegardenstill,scatteredbitsofitliketrailsofcloudcaughthereandthereontheedgeofarosebushorhidingunderastone.Shecouldseewheretheearthhadbeen churnedup earlier by the fightingand therewas adark red stain there, byoneof the stonebenches,thatshedidntwanttolookatlong.

Clary turned her head away. And paused. There, against the wall of the cathedral, were theunmistakablemarksof rune-magic,glowingahot, fadingblueagainst thegraystone.Theyformedasquarishoutline,liketheoutlineoflightaroundahalf-opendoor.

ThePortal.

Somethinginsideherseemedtotwist.Sherememberedothersymbols,shiningdangerouslyagainstthe smoothmetalhullofa ship.She remembered the shudder the shiphadgivenas ithadwrencheditselfapart,theblackwateroftheEastRiverpouringin.Theyrejustrunes,shethought.Symbols.Icandrawthem.IfmymothercantraptheessenceoftheMortalCupinsideapieceofpaper,thenIcanmakeaPortal.

Shefoundherfeetcarryinghertothecathedralwall,herhandreachingintoherpocketforherstele.Willingherhandnottoshake,shesetthetipofthesteletothestone.

Shesqueezedhereyelidsshutand,againstthedarknessbehindthem,begantodrawwithhermindincurvinglinesoflight.Linesthatspoketoherofdoorways,ofbeingcarriedonwhirlingair,oftravelandfarawayplaces.Thelinescametogetherinaruneasgracefulasabirdinflight.Shedidntknowifitwasarunethathadexistedbeforeoroneshehadinvented,butitexistednowasifitalwayshad.

Portal.

She began to draw, themarks leaping out from the steles tip in charcoaled black lines. The stonesizzled,fillinghernosewiththeacidicsmellofburning.Hotbluelightgrewagainstherclosedeyelids.Shefeltheatonherface,asifshestoodinfrontofafire.Withagaspsheloweredherhand,openinghereyes.

Theruneshehaddrawnwasadarkflowerblossomingonthestonewall.Asshewatched,thelinesofitseemedtomeltandchange,flowinggentlydown,unfurling,reshapingthemselves.Withinmomentstheshapeoftherunehadchanged.Itwasnowtheoutlineofaglowingdoorway,severalfeettallerthanClaryherself.

Shecouldnttearhereyesfromthedoorway.ItshonewiththesamedarklightasthePortalbehindthecurtainatMadameDorotheas.Shereachedoutforit

Andrecoiled.TouseaPortal,sherememberedwithasinkingfeeling,youhadtoimaginewhereyouwanted togo,whereyouwanted thePortal to takeyou.Butshehadneverbeen to Idris. Ithadbeendescribedtoher,ofcourse.Aplaceofgreenvalleys,ofdarkwoodsandbrightwater,oflakesandmountains,andAlicante,thecityofglasstowers.Shecouldimaginewhatitmightlooklike,butimaginationwasntenough,notwiththismagic.Ifonly

She took a sudden sharp breath. But she had seen Idris. Shed seen it in a dream, and she knew,withoutknowinghowsheknew,thatithadbeenatruedream.Afterall,whathadJacesaidtoherinthedreamaboutSimon?Thathecouldntstaybecausethisplaceisfortheliving?Andnotlongafterthat,Simonhaddied.

Shecasthermemorybacktothedream.ShehadbeendancinginaballroominAlicante.Thewallshadbeengoldandwhite,withaclear,diamondlike roofoverhead.Therehadbeena fountainasilverdishwithamermaidstatueatthecenterandlightsstrunginthetreesoutsidethewindows,andClaryhadbeenwearinggreenvelvet,justasshewasnow.

Asifshewerestillinthedream,shereachedforthePortal.Abrightlightspreadunderthetouchofherfingers,adooropeningontoalightedplacebeyond.Shefoundherselfstaringintoawhirlinggoldenmaelstromthatslowlybegantocoalesceintodiscernibleshapesshethoughtshecouldseetheoutlineofmountains,apieceofsky

Clary! Itwas Luke, racing up the path, his face amask of anger and dismay. Behind him strodeMagnus,hiscateyesshininglikemetalinthehotPortallightthatbathedthegarden.Clary,stop!Thewardsaredangerous!Youllgetyourselfkilled!

Buttherewasnostoppingnow.BeyondthePortalthegoldenlightwasgrowing.ShethoughtofthegoldwallsoftheHallinherdream,thegoldenlightrefractingoffthecutglasseverywhere.Lukewaswrong;hedidntunderstandhergift,howitworkedwhatdidwardsmatterwhenyoucouldcreateyourown reality just by drawing it? I have to go, she cried,moving forward, her fingertips outstretched.Luke,Imsorry

Shesteppedforwardandwithalast,swiftleap,hewasatherside,catchingatherwrist, justasthePortal seemed toexplodeall around them.Likea tornado snatchinga treeupby the roots, the forceyanked themboth off their feet.Clary caught a last glimpse of the cars and buildings ofManhattanspinningawayfromher,vanishingasawhiplash-hardcurrentofwindcaughther,sendingherhurtling,herwriststillinLukesirongrip,intoawhirlinggoldenchaos.

Simonawoketotherhythmicslapofwater.Hesatup,suddenterrorfreezinghischestthelasttimehedwokenuptothesoundofwaves,hedbeenaprisoneronValentinesship,andthesoftliquidnoisebroughthimbacktothatterribletimewithanimmediacythatwaslikeadashoficewaterintheface.

Butnoaquicklookaroundtoldhimthathewassomewhereelseentirely.Foronething,hewaslyingundersoftblanketsonacomfortablewoodenbed inasmall,cleanroomwhosewallswerepaintedapaleblue.Darkcurtainsweredrawnoverthewindow,butthefaintlightaroundtheiredgeswasenoughforhisvampireseyestoseeclearly.Therewasabrightrugonthefloorandamirroredcupboardononewall.

Therewasalsoanarmchairpulleduptothesideofthebed.Simonsatup,theblanketsfallingaway,and realized two things: one, that hewas stillwearing the same jeans andT-shirt hed beenwearingwhenhedheadedtotheInstitutetomeetJace;andtwo,thatthepersoninthechairwasdozing,herheadproppedonherhand,herlongblackhairspillingdownlikeafringedshawl.

Isabelle?Simonsaid.

Herheadpoppeduplikeastartledjack-in-the-boxs,hereyesflyingopen.Oooh!Youreawake!Shesatupstraight,flickingherhairback.Jacellbesorelieved.Wewerealmosttotallysureyouweregoingtodie.

Die? Simon echoed. He felt dizzy and a little sick. From what? He glanced around the room,blinking.AmIintheInstitute?heasked,andrealizedthemomentthewordswereoutofhismouththat,ofcourse,thatwasimpossible.Imeanwherearewe?

AnuneasyflickerpassedacrossIsabellesface.Wellyoumean,youdontrememberwhathappenedin

thegarden?Shetuggednervouslyatthecrochettrimthatborderedthechairsupholstery.TheForsakenattackedus.Therewerealotofthem,andthehellmistmadeithardtofightthem.MagnusopenedupthePortal, andwewere all running into itwhen I sawyoucoming towardus.You trippedoveroverMadeleine.AndtherewasaForsakenjustbehindyou;youmustnothaveseenhim,butJacedid.Hetriedtogettoyou,butitwastoolate.TheForsakenstuckhisknifeintoyou.Youbledalot.AndJacekilled the Forsaken and picked you up and dragged you through the Portal with him, she finished,speakingsorapidlythatherwordsblurredtogetherandSimonhadtostraintocatchthem.Andwewerealreadyontheotherside,andletmetellyou,everyonewasprettysurprisedwhenJacecamethroughwithyoubleedingalloverhim.TheConsulwasntatallpleased.

Simonsmouthwasdry.TheForsakenstuckhisknifeintome?Itseemedimpossible.Butthen,hehadhealedbefore,afterValentinehadcuthisthroat.Still,heatleastoughttoremember.Shakinghishead,helookeddownathimself.Where?

Ill showyou.Much tohis surprise,amoment later Isabellewasseatedon thebedbesidehim,hercoolhandsonhismidriff.ShepushedhisT-shirtup,baringastripofpalestomach,bisectedbyathinredline.Itwasbarelyascar.Here,shesaid,herfingersglidingoverit.Isthereanypain?

N-no.ThefirsttimeSimonhadeverseenIsabelle,hedfoundhersostriking,soalightwithlifeandvitalityandenergy,hedthoughthedfinallyfoundagirlwhoburnedbrightenoughtoblotouttheimageofClarythatalwaysseemedtobeprintedontheinsideofhiseyelids.ItwasrightaroundthetimeshedgottenhimturnedintoaratatMagnusBanesloftpartythathedrealizedmaybeIsabelleburnedalittletoobrightforanordinaryguylikehim.Itdoesnthurt.

Butmyeyesdo,saidacoollyamusedvoicefromthedoorway.Jace.HehadcomeinsoquietlythatevenSimonhadntheardhim;closingthedoorbehindhim,hegrinnedasIsabellepulledSimonsshirtdown.Molestingthevampirewhilehestooweaktofightback,Iz?heasked.ImprettysurethatviolatesatleastoneoftheAccords.

Imjustshowinghimwherehegotstabbed,Isabelleprotested,butshescootedbacktoherchairwithacertainamountofhaste.Whatsgoingondownstairs?sheasked.Iseveryonestillfreakingout?

ThesmileleftJacesface.MarysehasgoneuptotheGardwithPatrick,hesaid.TheClavesinsessionandMalachithoughtitwouldbebetterifsheexplainedinperson.

Malachi.Patrick.Gard.TheunfamiliarnameswhirledthroughSimonshead.Explainedwhat?

IsabelleandJaceexchangeda look.Explainedyou, Jace said finally.ExplainedwhywebroughtavampirewithustoAlicante,whichis,bytheway,expresslyagainsttheLaw.

ToAlicante?Were inAlicante?AwaveofblankpanicwashedoverSimon,quickly replacedbyapainthatshotthroughhismidsection.Hedoubledover,gasping.

Simon!Isabellereachedoutherhand,alarminherdarkeyes.Areyouallright?

Goaway, Isabelle.Simon,his hands fisted against his stomach, lookedup at Jace, pleading inhisvoice.Makehergo.

Isabellerecoiled,ahurtlookonherface.Fine.Illgo.Youdonthavetotellmetwice.Sheflouncedtoherfeetandoutoftheroom,bangingthedoorbehindher.

JaceturnedtoSimon,hisambereyesexpressionless.Whatsgoingon?Ithoughtyouwerehealing.

Simonthrewupahandtowardtheotherboyoff.Ametallictasteburnedinthebackofhisthroat.ItsnotIsabelle,hegroundout.ImnothurtImjusthungry.Hefelthischeeksburn.Ilostblood,soIneedtoreplaceit.

Of course, Jace said, in the tone of someonewhos just been enlightened by an interesting, if notparticularlynecessary,scientificfact.Thefaintconcernlefthisexpression,tobereplacedbysomethingthatlookedtoSimonlikeamusedcontempt.Itstruckachordoffuryinsidehim,andifhehadntbeensodebilitatedbypain,hewouldhaveflunghimselfoffthebedandontotheotherboyinarage.Asitwas,allhecoulddowasgasp,Screwyou,Wayland.

Wayland,isit?TheamusedlookdidntleaveJacesface,buthishandswenttohisthroatandbegantounziphisjacket.

No!Simonshrankbackonthebed.IdontcarehowhungryIam.Imnotdrinkingyourbloodagain.

Jacesmouthtwisted.LikeIdletyou.Hereachedintotheinsidepocketofhisjacketanddrewoutaglassflask.Itwashalf-fullofathinred-brownliquid.Ithoughtyoumightneedthis,hesaid.Isqueezedthejuiceoutofafewpoundsofrawmeatinthekitchen.ItwasthebestIcoulddo.

Simon took the flask from Jacewith hands that were shaking so badly that the other boy had tounscrewthetopforhim.Theliquidinsidewasfoultoothinandsaltytobeproperblood,andwiththatfaintunpleasanttastethatSimonknewmeantthemeathadbeenafewdaysold.

Ugh,hesaid,afterafewswallows.Deadblood.

Jaceseyebrowswentup.Isntallblooddead?

The longer theanimalwhoseblood Imdrinkinghasbeendead, theworse theblood tastes,Simonexplained.Freshisbetter.

Butyouveneverdrunkfreshblood.Haveyou?

Simonraisedhisowneyebrowsinresponse.

Well,asidefrommine,ofcourse,Jacesaid.AndImsuremybloodisfan-tastic.

Simonset theemptyflaskdownonthearmof thechairby thebed.Theressomethingverywrongwithyou,hesaid.Mentally,Imean.Hismouthstilltastedofspoiledblood,butthepainwasgone.Hefeltbetter,stronger,asifthebloodwereamedicinethatworkedinstantly,adrughehadtohavetolive.Hewonderedifthiswaswhatitwaslikeforheroinaddicts.SoIminIdris.

Alicante,tobespecific,saidJace.Thecapitalcity.Theonlycity,really.Hewenttothewindowanddrewback thecurtains.ThePenhallowsdidnt reallybelieveus,hesaid.That thesunwouldntbotheryou.Theyputtheseblackoutcurtainsup.Butyoushouldlook.

Risingfromthebed,SimonjoinedJaceatthewindow.Andstared.

A few years ago his mother had taken him and his sister on a trip to Tuscanya week of heavy,unfamiliar pasta dishes, unsalted bread, hardy brown countryside, and his mother speeding downnarrow, twisting roads, barely avoiding crashing their Fiat into the beautiful old buildings theydostensibly come to see. He remembered stopping on a hillside just opposite a town called SanGimignano, a collectionof rust-coloredbuildingsdottedhere and therewithhigh towerswhose topssoaredupwardasifreachingforthesky.Ifwhathewaslookingatnowremindedhimofanything,itwasthat;butitwasalsosoalienthatitwasgenuinelyunlikeanythinghedeverseenbefore.

Hewaslookingoutofanupperwindowinwhatmusthavebeenafairlytallhouse.Ifheglancedup,hecouldseestoneeavesandskybeyond.Across thewaywasanotherhouse,notquiteas tallas thisone, and between them ran a narrow, dark canal, crossed here and there by bridgesthe source of thewaterhedheardbefore.Thehouseseemed tobebuiltpartwayupahillbelow ithoney-coloredstonehouses,clusteredalongnarrowstreets, fellaway to theedgeofagreencircle:woods,surroundedbyhillsthatwereveryfaraway;fromheretheyresembledlonggreenandbrownstripsdottedwithburstsofautumncolors.Behindthehillsrosejaggedmountainsfrostedwithsnow.

Butnoneofthatwaswhatwasstrange;whatwasstrangewasthathereandthereinthecity,placedseemingly at random, rose soaring towers crownedwith spires of reflectivewhitish-silverymaterial.Theyseemedtopiercetheskylikeshiningdaggers,andSimonrealizedwherehehadseenthatmaterialbefore:inthehard,glasslikeweaponstheShadowhunterscarried,theonestheycalledseraphblades.

Those are thedemon towers, Jace said, in response toSimonsunaskedquestion.They control thewardsthatprotectthecity.Becauseofthem,nodemoncanenterAlicante.

Theair thatcamein throughthewindowwascoldandclean, thesortofairyouneverbreathed inNewYorkCity:Ittastedofnothing,notdirtorsmokeormetalorotherpeople.Justair.Simontookadeep,unnecessarybreathofitbeforeheturnedtolookatJace;somehumanhabitsdiedhard.Tellme,hesaid,thatbringingmeherewasanaccident.TellmethiswasntsomehowallpartofyouwantingtostopClaryfromcomingwithyou.

Jacedidntlookathim,buthischestroseandfellonce,quickly,inasortofsuppressedgasp.Thatsright,hesaid.IcreatedabunchofForsakenwarriors,hadthemattacktheInstituteandkillMadeleineandnearlykilltherestofus,justsothatIcouldkeepClaryathome.Andloandbehold,mydiabolicalplanisworking.

Well,itisworking,Simonsaidquietly.Isntit?

Listen, vampire, Jace said.KeepingClary from Idriswas theplan.Bringingyouherewasnot theplan. I brought you through the Portal because if Id left you behind, bleeding and unconscious, theForsakenwouldhavekilledyou.

Youcouldhavestayedbehindwithme

Theywould have killed us both. I couldnt even tell howmany of them there were, not with thehellmist.EvenIcantfightoffahundredForsaken.

Andyet,Simonsaid,Ibetitpainsyoutoadmitthat.

Youreanass,Jacesaid,withoutinflection,evenforaDownworlder.IsavedyourlifeandIbroketheLawtodoit.Notforthefirsttime,Imightadd.Youcouldshowalittlegratitude.

Gratitude?Simonfelthisfingerscurlinagainsthispalms.IfyouhadntdraggedmetotheInstitute,Iwouldntbehere.Ineveragreedtothis.

Youdid,saidJace,whenyousaidyouddoanythingforClary.Thisisanything.

BeforeSimoncouldsnapbackanangryretort,therewasaknockonthedoor.Hello?Isabellecalledfromtheotherside.Simon,isyourdivamomentover?IneedtotalktoJace.

Comein,Izzy.JacedidnttakehiseyesoffSimon;therewasanelectricangerinhisgaze,andasortofchallengethatmadeSimonlongtohithimwithsomethingheavy.Likeapickuptruck.

Isabelleenteredtheroominaswirlofblackhairandtieredsilveryskirts.Theivorycorset topsheworeleftherarmsandshoulders,twinedwithinkyrunes,bare.Simonsupposeditwasanicechangeofpace forher tobe able to showherMarksoff in aplacewherenoonewould think themoutof theordinary.

Alecsgoingup to theGard, Isabelle saidwithout preamble.Hewants to talk toyou aboutSimonbeforeheleaves.Canyoucomedownstairs?

Sure.Jaceheadedforthedoor;halfwaythere,herealizedSimonwasfollowinghimandturnedwithaglower.Youstayhere.

No,Simonsaid.Ifyouregoingtobediscussingme,Iwanttobethereforit.

ForamomentitlookedasifJacesicycalmwereabouttosnap;heflushedandopenedhismouth,hiseyesflashing.Justasquickly,theangervanished,tampeddownbyanobviousactofwill.Hegrittedhisteethandsmiled.Fine,hesaid.Comeondownstairs,vampire.Youcanmeetthewholehappyfamily.

The first time Clary had gone through a Portal, there had been a sense of flying, of weightlesstumbling. This time it was like being thrust into the heart of a tornado.Howlingwinds tore at her,rippedherhandfromLukesand thescreamfromhermouth.Shefellwhirling throughtheheartofablackandgoldmaelstrom.

Somethingflatandhardandsilverylikethesurfaceofamirrorroseupinfrontofher.Sheplungedtowardit,shrieking,throwingherhandsuptocoverherface.Shestruckthesurfaceandbrokethrough,into aworld of brutal cold and gasping suffocation. Shewas sinking through a thick blue darkness,tryingtobreathe,butshecouldntdrawairintoherlungs,onlymoreofthefreezingcoldness

Suddenlyshewasseizedbythebackofhercoatandhauledupward.Shekickedfeeblybutwastooweaktobreaktheholdonher.Itdrewherup,andtheindigodarknessaroundherturnedtopaleblueandthentogoldasshebrokethesurfaceofthewateritwaswaterandsuckedinagaspofair.Ortriedto.Instead she choked and gagged, black spots dotting her vision. She was being dragged through thewater,fast,weedscatchingandtuggingatherlegsandarmsshetwistedaroundinthegripthatheldherandcaughta terrifyingglimpseofsomething,notquitewolfandnotquitehuman,earsaspointedasdaggersandlipsdrawnbackfromsharpwhiteteeth.Shetriedtoscream,butonlywatercameup.

Amomentlatershewasoutofthewaterandbeingflungontodamphard-packedearth.Therewerehandsonhershoulders, slammingher facedownagainst theground.Thehandsstruckherback,overandover,untilherchestspasmedandshecoughedupabitterstreamofwater.

Shewasstillchokingwhenthehandsrolledherontoherback.ShewaslookingupatLuke,ablackshadowagainstahighblueskytouchedwithwhiteclouds.Thegentlenessshewasusedtoseeinginhisexpressionwas gone; hewas no longerwolflike, but he looked furious.He hauled her into a sittingposition,shakingherhard,overandover,untilshegaspedandstruckoutathimweakly.Luke!Stopit!Yourehurtingme

Hishandslefthershoulders.Hegrabbedherchininonehandinstead,forcingherheadup,hiseyessearchingherface.Thewater,hesaid.Didyoucoughupallthewater?

Ithinkso,shewhispered.Hervoicecamefaintlyfromherswollenthroat.

Wheres your stele? he demanded, andwhen she hesitated, his voice sharpened.Clary.Your stele.Findit.

Shepulledawayfromhisgraspandrummagedinherwetpockets,herheartsinkingasherfingersscrabbledagainstnothingbutdampmaterial.She turnedamiserable faceup toLuke. I think Imusthavedroppeditinthelake.Shesniffled.Mymymothersstele

Jesus,Clary.Lukestoodup,claspinghishandsdistractedlybehindhishead.Hewassoakingwettoo,water running off his jeans and heavy flannel coat in thick rivulets. The spectacles he usuallyworehalfwaydownhisnoseweregone.Helookeddownathersomberly.Youreallright,hesaid.Itwasntreallyaquestion.Imean,rightnow.Youfeelallright?

Shenodded.Luke,whatswrong?Whydoweneedmystele?

Luke said nothing. He was looking around as if hoping to glean some assistance from theirsurroundings.Claryfollowedhisgaze.Theywereonthewidedirtbankofagood-sizelake.Thewaterwaspaleblue,sparkedhereandtherewithreflectedsunlight.Shewonderedifitwasthesourceofthegoldlightshedseenthroughthehalf-openPortal.Therewasnothingsinisteraboutthelakenowthatshewasnexttoitinsteadofinit.Itwassurroundedbygreenhillsdottedwithtreesjustbeginningtoturnrussetandgold.Beyondthehillsrosehighmountains,theirpeakscappedinsnow.

Claryshivered.Luke,whenwewereinthewaterdidyougopartwolf?IthoughtIsaw

Mywolfselfcanswimbetterthanmyhumanself,Lukesaidshortly.Anditsstronger.Ihadtodragyouthroughthewater,andyouwerentofferingmuchhelp.

Iknow,shesaid.Imsorry.Youwerentyouwerentsupposedtocomewithme.

IfIhadnt,youdbedeadnow,hepointedout.Magnustoldyou,Clary.YoucantuseaPortaltogetintotheGlassCityunlessyouhavesomeonewaitingforyouontheotherside.

HesaiditwasagainsttheLaw.HedidntsayifItriedtogetthereIdbounceoff.

He told you there arewards up around the city that preventPortaling into it. Its not his fault youdecided to play aroundwithmagic you just barely understand. Just because you have power doesntmeanyouknowhowtouseit.Hescowled.

Imsorry,Clarysaidinasmallvoice.Itsjustwherearewenow?

LakeLyn,saidLuke.IthinkthePortaltookusasclosetothecityasitcouldandthendumpedus.WereontheoutskirtsofAlicante.Helookedaround,shakinghisheadhalf inamazementandhalf inweariness.Youdidit,Clary.WereinIdris.

Idris?Clary said, and stood staring stupidly out across the lake. It twinkled back at her, blue andundisturbed.ButyousaidwewereontheoutskirtsofAlicante.Idontseethecityanywhere.

Weremilesaway.Lukepointed.Youseethosehillsinthedistance?Wehavetocrossoverthose;thecityisontheotherside.Ifwehadacar,wecouldgetthereinanhour,butweregoingtohavetowalk,whichwillprobablytakeallafternoon.Hesquintedupatthesky.Wedbettergetgoing.

Clarylookeddownatherself indismay.Theprospectofadaylonghikeinsoaking-wetclothesdidnotappeal.Isntthereanythingelse?

Anythingelsewecando?Lukesaid,andtherewasasuddensharpedgeofangertohisvoice.Doyouhaveanysuggestions,Clary,sinceyouretheonewhobroughtushere?Hepointedawayfromthelake.Thatwayliemountains.Passableonfootonlyinhighsummer.Wedfreezetodeathonthepeaks.Heturned,stabbedhisfingerinanotherdirection.Thatwayliemilesofwoods.Theyrunallthewaytothe

border.Theyreuninhabited,atleastbyhumanbeings.PastAlicantetheresfarmlandandcountryhouses.MaybewecouldgetoutofIdris,butwedstillhavetopassthroughthecity.Acity,Imayadd,whereDownworlderslikemyselfarehardlywelcome.

Clarylookedathimwithhermouthopen.Luke,Ididntknow

Ofcourseyoudidntknow.YoudontknowanythingaboutIdris.YoudontevencareaboutIdris.Youwerejustupsetaboutbeingleftbehind,likeachild,andyouhadatantrum.Andnowwerehere.LostandfreezingandHebrokeoff,hisfacetight.Comeon.Letsstartwalking.

Clary followedLuke along the edge ofLakeLyn in amiserable silence.As theywalked, the sundriedherhairandskin,butthevelvetcoatheldwaterlikeasponge.Ithungonherlikealeadcurtainasshe trippedhastilyoverrocksandmud, trying tokeepupwithLukes long-leggedstride.Shemadeafewfurtherattemptsatconversation,butLukeremainedstubbornlysilent.ShedneverdoneanythingsobadbeforethatanapologyhadntsoftenedLukesanger.Thistime,itseemed,wasdifferent.

Thecliffsrosehigheraroundthelakeastheyprogressed,pockedwithspotsofdarkness,likesplashesofblackpaint.AsClarylookedmoreclosely,sherealizedtheywerecavesintherock.Somelookedliketheywentverydeep,twistingawayintodarkness.Sheimaginedbatsandcreepy-crawlingthingshidingintheblackness,andshivered.

Atlastanarrowpathcuttingthroughthecliffsledthemtoawideroadlinedwithcrushedstones.Thelakecurvedawaybehindthem,indigointhelateafternoonsunlight.Theroadcutthroughaflatgrassyplainthatrosetorollinghillsinthedistance.Clarysheartsank;thecitywasnowhereinsight.

Lukewas staring toward the hills with a look of intense dismay on his face.Were farther than Ithought.Itsbeensuchalongtime.

Maybeifwefoundabiggerroad,Clarysuggested,wecouldhitchhike,orgetaridetothecity,or

Clary. There are no cars in Idris. Seeing her shocked expression, Luke laughed without muchamusement. The wards foul up the machinery. Most technology doesnt work heremobile phones,computers,thelike.Alicanteitselfislitandpoweredmostlybywitchlight.

Oh,Clarysaidinasmallvoice.Wellabouthowfarfromthecityarewe?

Farenough.Without lookingather,Lukerakedbothhishandsback throughhisshorthair.TheressomethingIdbettertellyou.

Clarytensed.AllshedwantedbeforewasforLuketotalktoher;nowshedidntwantitanymore.Itsallright

Did you notice, Luke said, that there werent any boats on Lake Lynno docksnothing that mightsuggestthelakeisusedinanywaybythepeopleofIdris?

Ijustthoughtthatwasbecauseitwassoremote.

Its not that remote.A few hours fromAlicante on foot. The fact is, the lake Luke broke off andsighed.DidyouevernoticethepatternonthelibraryfloorattheInstituteinNewYork?

Claryblinked.Idid,butIcouldntfigureoutwhatitwas.

Itwasanangel risingoutof a lake,holdinga cupanda sword. Its a repeatingmotif inNephilimdecorations.ThelegendisthattheangelRazielroseoutofLakeLynwhenhefirstappearedtoJonathanShadowhunter,thefirstoftheNephilim,andgavehimtheMortalInstruments.Eversincethenthelake

hasbeen

Sacred?Clarysuggested.

Cursed,Lukesaid.ThewaterofthelakeisinsomewaypoisonoustoShadowhunters.ItwonthurtDownworlderstheFairFolkcallittheMirrorofDreams,andtheydrinkitswaterbecausetheyclaimitgives them true visions. But for a Shadowhunter to drink the water is very dangerous. It causeshallucinations,feveritcandriveapersontomadness.

Claryfeltcoldallover.Thatswhyyoutriedtomakemespitthewaterout.

Lukenodded.AndwhyIwantedyoutofindyourstele.Withahealingrune,wecouldstaveoffthewaterseffects.Withoutit,weneedtogetyoutoAlicanteasquicklyaspossible.Therearemedicines,herbs,thatwillhelp,andIknowsomeonewhowillalmostcertainlyhavethem.

TheLightwoods?

NottheLightwoods.Lukesvoicewasfirm.Someoneelse.SomeoneIknow.

Who?

Heshookhishead.Letsjustpraythispersonhasntmovedawayinthelastfifteenyears.

But I thought you said it was against the Law for Downworlders to come into Alicante withoutpermission.

HisansweringsmilewasareminderoftheLukewhohadcaughtherwhenshedfallenoffthejunglegymasachild,theLukewhohadalwaysprotectedher.SomeLawsweremeanttobebroken.

ThePenhallowshouseremindedSimonoftheInstituteithadthatsamesenseofbelongingsomehowtoanotherera.Thehallsandstairwayswerenarrow,madeofstoneanddarkwood,andthewindowsweretallandthin,givingoutontoviewsofthecity.TherewasadistinctlyAsianfeeltothedecorations:ashojiscreenstoodonthefirst-floorlanding,andtherewerelacquer-floweredtallChinesevasesonthewindowsills.Therewerealsoanumberofsilkscreenprintsonthewalls,showingwhatmusthavebeenscenes from Shadowhunter mythology, but with an Eastern feel to themwarlords wielding glowingseraphbladeswereprominently featured, alongside colorful dragonlike creatures and slithering, pop-eyeddemons.

Mrs. PenhallowJiaused to run the Beijing Institute. She splits her time between here and theForbiddenCity,IsabellesaidasSimonpausedtoexamineaprint.AndthePenhallowsareanoldfamily.Wealthy.

Icantell,Simonmuttered,lookingupatthechandeliers,drippingcut-glasscrystalsliketeardrops.

Jace,onthestepbehindthem,grunted.Moveitalong.Werenottakingahistoricaltourhere.

Simonweighedaruderetortanddecideditwasntworthbothering.Hetooktherestofthestairsatarapidpace;theyopenedoutatthebottomintoalargeroom.Itwasanoddmixtureoftheoldandthenew:Aglasspicturewindowlookedoutontothecanal,andtherewasmusicplayingfromastereothatSimoncouldntsee.Buttherewasnotelevision,nostackofDVDsorCDs,thesortofdetritusSimonassociated with modern living rooms. Instead there were a number of overstuffed couches groupedaroundalargefireplace,inwhichflameswerecrackling.

Alecstoodbythefireplace,indarkShadowhuntergear,drawingonapairofgloves.HelookedupasSimonenteredtheroomandscowledhishabitualscowl,butsaidnothing.

Seatedonthecoucheswere twoteenagersSimonhadneverseenbefore,aboyandagirl.Thegirllooked as if shewere partlyAsian,with delicate, almond-shaped eyes, glossy dark hair pulled backfromherface,andamischievousexpression.Herdelicatechinnarrowedintoapoint likeacats.Shewasntexactlypretty,butshewasverystriking.

Theblack-hairedboybesideherwasmorethanstriking.HewasprobablyJacesheight,butseemedtaller,evensittingdown;hewasslenderandmuscular,withapale,elegant,restlessface,allcheekbonesanddarkeyes.Therewassomethingstrangelyfamiliarabouthim,asifSimonhadmethimbefore.

Thegirlspokefirst. Is that thevampire?She lookedSimonupanddownas ifshewere takinghismeasurements.IveneverreallybeenthisclosetoavampirebeforenotoneIwasntplanningtokill,atleast.Shecockedherheadtotheside.Hescute,foraDownworlder.

Youllhavetoforgiveher;shehasthefaceofanangelandthemannersofaMolochdemon,saidtheboywitha smile,getting tohis feet.Heheldhishandout toSimon. ImSebastian.SebastianVerlac.Andthisismycousin,AlinePenhallow.Aline

IdontshakehandswithDownworlders,Alinesaid,shrinkingbackagainstthecouchcushions.Theydonthavesouls,youknow.Vampires.

Sebastianssmiledisappeared.Aline

Itstrue.Thatswhytheycantseethemselvesinmirrors,orgointhesun.

Verydeliberately,Simonsteppedbackward,intothepatchofsunlightinfrontofthewindow.Hefeltthesunhotonhisback,hishair.Hisshadowwascast,longanddark,acrossthefloor,almostreachingJacesfeet.

Aline took a sharp breath but said nothing. It was Sebastian who spoke, looking at Simon withcuriousblackeyes.Soitstrue.TheLightwoodssaid,butIdidntthink

Thatweweretellingthetruth?Jacesaid,speakingforthefirsttimesincetheydcomedownstairs.Wewouldntlieaboutsomethinglikethis.Simonsunique.

Ikissedhimonce,Isabellesaid,tonooneinparticular.

Alineseyebrowsshotup.TheyreallydoletyoudowhateveryouwantinNewYork,dontthey?shesaid, soundinghalf-horrifiedandhalf-envious.The last time I sawyou, Izzy,youwouldntevenhaveconsidered

The last timeweall saweachother, Izzywaseight,Alec said.Thingschange.Now,Momhad toleavehereinahurry,sosomeonehastotakehernotesandrecordsuptotheGardforher.Imtheonlyonewhoseighteen,soImtheonlyonewhocangowhiletheClavesinsession.

Weknow,Isabellesaid,floppingdownontoacouch.Youvealreadytoldusthat,like,fivetimes.

Alec, who was looking important, ignored this. Jace, you brought the vampire here, so youre inchargeofhim.Dontlethimgooutside.

Thevampire, Simon thought. Itwasnt likeAlec didnt knowhis name.Hed savedAlecs life once.Nowhewasthevampire.EvenforAlec,whowaspronetotheoccasionalfitofinexplicablesullenness,thiswasobnoxious.MaybeithadsomethingtodowithbeinginIdris.MaybeAlecfeltagreaterneedtoasserthisShadowhunter-nesshere.

Thatswhatyoubroughtmedownheretotellme?Dontletthevampiregooutside?Iwouldnthave

donethatanyway.JaceslidontothecouchbesideAline,wholookedpleased.YoudbetterhurryuptotheGardandback.Godknowswhatdepravitywemightgetuptoherewithoutyourguidance.

Alec gazed at Jacewith calm superiority. Try to hold it together. Ill be back in half an hour. Hevanishedthroughanarchwaythatledtoalongcorridor;somewhereinthedistance,adoorclickedshut.

Youshouldntbaithim,Isabellesaid,shootingJaceaseverelook.Theydidleavehimincharge.

Aline,Simoncouldnthelpbutnotice,wassittingveryclosetoJace, theirshoulders touching,eventhoughtherewasplentyofroomaroundthemonthecouch.DidyoueverthinkthatinapastlifeAlecwas an oldwomanwith ninety catswhowas always yelling at the neighborhoodkids to get off herlawn?BecauseIdo,hesaid,andAlinegiggled.JustbecausehestheonlyonewhocangototheGard

WhatstheGard?Simonasked,tiredofhavingnoideawhatanyonewastalkingabout.

Jacelookedathim.Hisexpressionwascool,unfriendly;hishandwasatopAlineswhereitrestedonherthigh.Sitdown,hesaid,jerkinghisheadtowardanarmchair.Ordidyouplantohoverinthecornerlikeabat?

Great.Batjokes.Simonsettledhimselfuncomfortablyinthechair.

TheGardistheofficialmeetingplaceoftheClave,Sebastiansaid,apparentlytakingpityonSimon.ItswheretheLawismade,andwheretheConsulandInquisitorreside.OnlyadultShadowhuntersareallowedontoitsgroundswhentheClaveisinsession.

Insession?Simonasked,rememberingwhatJacehadsaidearlier,upstairs.Youmeannotbecauseofme?

Sebastianlaughed.No.BecauseofValentineandtheMortalInstruments.Thatswhyeveryoneshere.TodiscusswhatValentinesgoingtodonext.

Jacesaidnothing,butatthesoundofValentinesname,hisfacetightened.

Well,hellgoafter theMirror,Simonsaid.The thirdof theMortal Instruments, right? Is ithere inIdris?Isthatwhyeveryoneshere?

TherewasashortsilencebeforeIsabelleanswered.ThethingabouttheMirroristhatnooneknowswhereitis.Infact,nooneknowswhatitis.

Itsamirror,Simonsaid.Youknowreflective,glass.Imjustassuming.

WhatIsabellemeans,saidSebastiankindly,isthatnobodyknowsanythingabouttheMirror.TherearemultiplementionsofitinShadowhunterhistories,butnospecificsaboutwhereitis,whatitlookslike,or,mostimportant,whatitdoes.

We assumeValentinewants it, said Isabelle, but that doesnt helpmuch, since no ones got a cluewhereit is.TheSilentBrothersmighthavehadanidea,butValentinekilledthemall.Therewontbemoreforatleastalittlewhile.

Allofthem?Simondemandedinsurprise.IthoughtheonlykilledtheonesinNewYork.

TheBoneCity isnt really inNewYork, Isabelle said. Its likeremember the entrance to the SeelieCourt, inCentralPark?Justbecause theentrancewas theredoesntmean theCourt itself isunder thepark.ItsthesamewiththeBoneCity.Therearevariousentrances,buttheCityitselfIsabellebrokeoffasAlineshushedherwithaquickgesture.SimonlookedfromherfacetoJacestoSebastians.Theyall

had the same guarded expression, as if theyd just realizedwhat theyd been doing: tellingNephilimsecretstoaDownworlder.Avampire.Nottheenemy,precisely,butcertainlysomeonewhocouldntbetrusted.

Alinewasthefirstonetobreakthesilence.Fixingherpretty,darkgazeonSimon,shesaid,Sowhatsitlike,beingavampire?

Aline!Isabellelookedappalled.Youcantjustgoaroundaskingpeoplewhatitsliketobeavampire.

Idontseewhy,Alinesaid.Hehasntbeenavampirethatlong,hashe?Sohemustrememberwhatitwaslikebeingaperson.SheturnedbacktoSimon.Doesbloodstilltastelikebloodtoyou?Ordoesittastelikesomethingelsenow,likeorangejuiceorsomething?BecauseIwouldthinkthetasteofbloodwould

Ittasteslikechicken,Simonsaid,justtoshutherup.

Really?Alinelookedastonished.

Hesmaking funofyou,Aline, saidSebastian,aswellheshould. Iapologize formycousinagain,Simon. Those of us who were brought up outside Idris tend to have a little more familiarity withDownworlders.

ButwerentyoubroughtupinIdris?Isabelleasked.Ithoughtyourparents

Isabelle,Jaceinterrupted,butitwasalreadytoolate;Sebastiansexpressiondarkened.

Myparentsaredead,hesaid.AdemonnestnearCalaisitsallright,itwasalongtimeago.HewavedawayIsabellesprotestationofsympathy.MyauntAlinesfatherssisterbroughtmeupattheInstituteinParis.

SoyouspeakFrench?Isabellesighed.IwishIspokeanotherlanguage.ButHodgeneverthoughtweneededtolearnanythingbutancientGreekandLatin,andnobodyspeaksthose.

IalsospeakRussianandItalian.AndsomeRomanian,Sebastiansaidwithamodestsmile.Icouldteachyousomephrases

Romanian?Thatsimpressive,saidJace.Notmanypeoplespeakit.

Doyou?Sebastianaskedwithinterest.

Not really, Jace saidwitha smile sodisarmingSimonknewhewas lying.MyRomanian isprettymuchlimitedtousefulphraseslike,Arethesesnakespoisonous?andButyoulookmuchtooyoungtobeapoliceofficer.

Sebastian didnt smile. There was something about his expression, Simon thought. It wasmildeverythingabouthimwascalmbutSimonhadthesensethatthemildnesshidsomethingbeneathitthatbeliedhisoutwardtranquility.Idoliketraveling,hesaid,hiseyesonJace.Butitsgoodtobeback,isntit?

JacepausedintheactofplayingwithAlinesfingers.Whatdoyoumean?

Just that theres nowhere else quite like Idris, howevermuchweNephilimmightmake homes forourselveselsewhere.Dontyouagree?

Whyareyouaskingme?Jaceslookwasicy.

Sebastianshrugged.Well,youlivedhereasachild,didntyou?Anditsbeenyearssinceyouvebeen

back.OrdidIgetthatwrong?

Youdidntgetitwrong,Isabellesaidimpatiently.Jacelikestopretendthateveryoneisnttalkingabouthim,evenwhenheknowstheyare.

Theycertainlyare.ThoughJacewasglaringathim,Sebastianseemedunruffled.Simonfeltasortofhalf-reluctantlikingforthedark-hairedShadowhunterboy.ItwasraretofindsomeonewhodidntreacttoJacestaunts.ThesedaysinIdrisitsallanyonetalksabout.You,theMortalInstruments,yourfather,yoursister

Clarissawassupposedtocomewithyou,wasntshe?Alinesaid.Iwas lookingforwardtomeetingher.Whathappened?

ThoughJacesexpressiondidntchange,hedrewhishandbackfromAlines,curlingitintoafist.Shedidnt want to leave New York. Her mothers ill in the hospital.He never says ourmother, Simonthought.Itsalwayshermother.

Itsweird,Isabellesaid.Ireallythoughtshewantedtocome.

Shedid,saidSimon.Infact

Jace was on his feet, so fast that Simon didnt even see him move. Come to think of it, I havesomethingIneedtodiscusswithSimon.Inprivate.Hejerkedhisheadtowardthedoubledoorsatthefarendoftheroom,hiseyesglitteringachallenge.Comeon,vampire,hesaid,inatonethatleftSimonwiththedistinctfeelingthatarefusalwouldprobablyendinsomekindofviolence.Letstalk.

3

AMATIS

BylateafternoonLukeandClaryhadleftthelakefarbehindandwerepacingoverseeminglyendlessbroad, flatswatchesofhighgrass.Hereand thereagentleriserearedup intoahighhill toppedwithblackrocks.Clarywasexhaustedfromstaggeringupanddownthehills,oneafteranother,herbootsslippingon thedampgrassas if itweregreasedmarble.By the time they left the fieldsbehindforanarrowdirtroad,herhandswerebleedingandgrass-stained.

Lukestalkedaheadofherwithdeterminedstrides.Occasionallyhewouldpointoutitemsofinterestinasombervoice,liketheworldsmostdepressedtourguide.WejustcrossedBrocelindPlain,hesaidastheyclimbedariseandsawatangledexpanseofdarktreesstretchingawaytowardthewest,wherethe sunhung low in the sky.This is the forest.Thewoodsused tocovermostof the lowlandof thecountry.Muchofitwascutdowntomakewayforthecityandtoclearoutthewolfpacksandvampireneststhattendedtocropupthere.BrocelindForesthasalwaysbeenahidingplaceforDownworlders.

Theytrudgedalonginsilenceastheroadcurvedalongsidetheforestforseveralmilesbeforetakinganabruptturn.Thetreesseemedtoliftawayasaridgeroseabovethem,andClaryblinkedwhentheyturnedthecornerofahighhillunlesshereyesweredeceivingher,therewerehousesdownthere.Small,white rowsofhouses,orderlyasaMunchkinvillage.Werehere! sheexclaimed,anddarted forward,onlystoppingwhensherealizedthatLukewasnolongerbesideher.

She turned and saw him standing in themiddle of the dusty road, shaking his head.No, he said,movingtocatchupwithher.Thatsnotthecity.

Thenisitatown?Yousaidtherewerentanytownsnearhere

Itsagraveyard. ItsAlicantesCityofBones.Didyou think theCityofBoneswas theonly restingplacewehad?Hesoundedsad.Thisisthenecropolis,theplaceweburythosewhodieinIdris.Youllsee.WehavetowalkthroughittogettoAlicante.

ClaryhadntbeentoagraveyardsincethenightSimonhaddied,andthememorygaveherabone-deep shiver as she passed along the narrow lanes that threaded among the mausoleums like whiteribbon.Someonetookcareofthisplace:Themarblegleamedasiffreshlyscrubbed,andthegrasswasevenlycut.Therewerebunchesofwhiteflowerslaidhereandthereonthegraves;shethoughtatfirsttheywerelilies,buttheyhadaspicy,unfamiliarscentthatmadeherwonderiftheywerenativetoIdris.Each tomb looked like a little house; some even had metal or wire gates, and the names ofShadowhunter families were carved over the doors. CARTWRIGHT. MERRYWEATHER.HIGHTOWER.BLACKWELL.MIDWINTER.Shestoppedatone:HERONDALE.

SheturnedtolookatLuke.ThatwastheInquisitorsname.

This is her family tomb. Look. He pointed. Beside the door were white letters cut into the graymarble.Theywerenames.MARCUSHERONDALE.STEPHENHERONDALE.Theyhadbothdiedinthesameyear.MuchasClaryhadhatedtheInquisitor,shefeltsomethingtwistinsideher,apityshecouldnt help. To lose your husband and your son, so close togetherThree words in Latin ran underStephensname:AVEATQUEVALE.

Whatdoesthatmean?sheasked,turningtoLuke.

ItmeansHailandfarewell.ItsfromapoembyCatullus.AtsomepointitbecamewhattheNephilimsayduringfunerals,orwhensomeonediesinbattle.Nowcomeonitsbetternottodwellonthisstuff,Clary.Luketookhershoulderandmovedhergentlyawayfromthetomb.

Maybehewasright,Clarythought.Maybeitwasbetternottothinktoomuchaboutdeathanddyingrightnow.Shekepthereyesavertedas theymadetheirwayoutof thenecropolis.Theywerealmostthrough the iron gates at the far end when she spotted a smaller mausoleum, growing like a whitetoadstoolintheshadowofaleafyoaktree.Thenameabovethedoorleapedoutatherasifithadbeenwritteninlights.

FAIRCHILD.

ClaryLuke reached for her, but shewas already gone.With a sigh he followed her into the treesshadow,whereshestoodtransfixed,readingthenamesofthegrandparentsandgreat-grandparentsshehadneverevenknownshehad.ALOYSIUSFAIRCHILD.ADELEFAIRCHILD,B.NIGHTSHADE.GRANVILLE FAIRCHILD. And below all those names: JOCELYN MORGENSTERN, B.FAIRCHILD.

AwaveofcoldwentoverClary.Seeinghermothersnametherewaslikerevisitingthenightmaresshehadsometimeswhereshewasathermothersfuneralandnoonewouldtellherwhathadhappenedorhowhermotherhaddied.

Butshesnotdead,shesaid,lookingupatLuke.Shesnot

TheClavedidntknowthat,hetoldhergently.

Clarygasped.ShecouldnolongerhearLukesvoiceorseehimstandinginfrontofher.Beforeherroseajaggedhillside,gravestonesprotrudingfromthedirtlikesnapped-offbones.Ablackheadstone

loomedupinfrontofher,letterscutunevenlyintoitsface:CLARISSAMORGENSTERN,B.1991D.2007.Under thewordswas a crudely drawn childs sketchof a skullwith gaping eye sockets.Clarystaggeredbackwardwithascream.

Lukecaughtherbytheshoulders.Clary,whatisit?Whatswrong?

Shepointed.Therelook

Butitwasgone.Thegrassstretchedoutaheadofher,greenandeven,thewhitemausoleumsneatandplainintheirorderlyrows.

Shetwistedtolookupathim.Isawmyowngravestone,shesaid.ItsaidIwasgoingtodienowthisyear.Sheshuddered.

Lukelookedgrim.Its thelakewater,hesaid.Yourestartingtohallucinate.Comeonwehaventgotmuchtimeleft.

JacemarchedSimonupstairsanddownashorthallwaylinedwithdoors;hepausedonlytostraight-armoneofthemopen,ascowlonhisface.Inhere,hesaid,half-shovingSimonthroughthedoorway.Simon sawwhat looked likea library inside: rowsofbookshelves, longcouches, andarmchairs.Weshouldhavesomeprivacy

Hebrokeoffasafigurerosenervouslyfromoneofthearmchairs.Itwasalittleboywithbrownhairandglasses.Hehadasmall,seriousface,andtherewasabookclutchedinoneofhishands.SimonwasfamiliarenoughwithClarysreadinghabitstorecognizeitasamangavolumeevenatadistance.

Jacefrowned.Sorry,Max.Weneedtheroom.Grown-uptalk.

ButIzzyandAlecalreadykickedmeoutofthelivingroomsotheycouldhavegrown-uptalk,Maxcomplained.WhereamIsupposedtogo?

Jace shrugged. Your room? He jerked a thumb toward the door. Time to do your duty for yourcountry,kiddo.Scram.

Lookingaggrieved,Maxstalkedpastthemboth,hisbookclutchedtohischest.Simonfeltatwingeof sympathyit sucked tobeoldenough towant toknowwhatwasgoingon,but soyoungyouwerealways dismissed. The boy shot him a look as he went pasta scared, suspicious glance. Thats thevampire,hiseyessaid.

Comeon. JacehustledSimon into the room, shuttingand locking thedoorbehind them.With thedoorclosedtheroomwassodimlylitevenSimonfounditdark.Itsmelledlikedust.Jacewalkedacrossthefloorandthrewopenthecurtainsat thefarendof theroom,revealingatall,single-panedpicturewindowthatgaveoutontoaviewofthecanaljustoutside.Watersplashedagainstthesideofthehousejustafewfeetbelowthem,understonerailingscarvedwithaweather-beatendesignofrunesandstars.

JaceturnedtoSimonwithascowl.Whatthehellisyourproblem,vampire?

Myproblem?Youretheonewhopracticallydraggedmeoutoftherebymyhair.

BecauseyouwereabouttotellthemthatClarynevercanceledherplanstocometoIdris.Youknowwhatwouldhappenthen?Theydcontactherandarrangeforhertocome.AndIalreadytoldyouwhythatcanthappen.

Simonshookhishead.Idontgetyou,hesaid.SometimesyouactlikeallyoucareaboutisClary,andthenyouactlike

Jacestaredathim.Theairwasfullofdancingdustmotes;theymadeashimmeringcurtainbetweenthetwoboys.Actlikewhat?

YouwereflirtingwithAline,Simonsaid.ItdidntseemlikeallyoucaredaboutwasClarythen.

Thatissonotyourbusiness,Jacesaid.Andbesides,Claryismysister.Youdoknowthat.

Iwasthereinthefaeriecourttoo,Simonreplied.IrememberwhattheSeelieQueensaid.Thekissthegirldesiresmostwillfreeher.

Ibetyourememberthat.Burnedintoyourbrain,isit,vampire?

Simonmadeanoiseinthebackofhisthroatthathehadntevenrealizedhewascapableofmaking.Oh,noyoudont.Imnothavingthisargument.ImnotfightingoverClarywithyou.Itsridiculous.

Thenwhydidyoubringallthisup?

Because,Simonsaid.IfyouwantmetolienottoClary,buttoallyourShadowhunterfriendsifyouwantmetopretendthatitwasClarysowndecisionnottocomehere,andifyouwantmetopretendthatIdontknowaboutherpowers,orwhatshecanreallydo,thenyouhavetodosomethingforme.

Fine,Jacesaid.Whatisityouwant?

Simonwassilentforamoment,lookingpastJaceatthelineofstonehousesfrontingthesparklingcanal.Pasttheircrenellatedroofshecouldseethegleamingtopsofthedemontowers.IwantyoutodowhateveryouneedtodotoconvinceClarythatyoudonthavefeelingsforher.Anddontdont tellmeyoureherbrother;Ialreadyknowthat.Stopstringingheralongwhenyouknowthatwhateveryoutwohavehasnofuture.AndImnotsayingthisbecauseIwantherformyself.ImsayingitbecauseImherfriendandIdontwantherhurt.

Jace looked down at his hands for a longmomentwithout answering. Theywere thin hands, thefingersandknucklesscuffedwitholdcalluses.ThebacksofthemwerelacedwiththethinwhitelinesofoldMarks.Theywereasoldiershands,notateenageboys.Ivealreadydonethat,hesaid.ItoldherIwasonlyinterestedinbeingherbrother.

Oh.SimonhadexpectedJacetofighthimonthis,toargue,nottojustgiveup.AJacewhojustgaveupwasnewandleftSimonfeelingalmostashamedforhavingasked.Clarynevermentionedittome,hewantedtosay,butthenwhywouldshehave?Cometothinkofit,shehadseemedunusuallyquietandwithdrawnlatelywheneverJacesnamehadcomeup.Well,thattakescareofthat,Iguess.Theresonelastthing.

Oh?Jacespokewithoutmuchapparentinterest.Andwhatsthat?

WhatwasitValentinesaidwhenClarydrewthatruneontheship?Itsoundedlikeaforeignlanguage.Memesomething?

Menemene tekelupharsin, Jace saidwitha faint smile.Youdont recognize it? Its from theBible,vampire.Theoldone.Thatsyourbook,isntit?

JustbecauseImJewishdoesntmeanIvememorizedtheOldTestament.

Its theWriting on theWall. God hath numbered thy kingdom, and brought it to an end; thou artweighedinthebalanceandfoundwanting.Itsaportentofdoomitmeanstheendofanempire.

ButwhatdoesthathavetodowithValentine?

Not just Valentine, said Jace. All of us. The Clave and the Lawwhat Clary can do overturnseverythingtheyknowtobetrue.Nohumanbeingcancreatenewrunes,ordrawthesortofrunesClarycan.Onlyangelshavethatpower.AndsinceClarycandothatwell,itseemslikeaportent.Thingsarechanging.TheLawsarechanging.Theoldwaysmayneverbetherightwaysagain.JustastherebellionoftheangelsendedtheworldasitwasitsplitheaveninhalfandcreatedhellthiscouldmeantheendoftheNephilimastheycurrentlyexist.Thisisourwarinheaven,vampire,andonlyonesidecanwinit.Andmyfathermeansittobehis.

Thoughtheairwasstillcold,Clarywasboilinghotinherwetclothes.Sweatrandownherfaceinrivulets,dampeningthecollarofhercoatasLuke,hishandonherarm,hurriedheralongtheroadundera rapidly darkening sky. Theywerewithin sight ofAlicante now. The citywas in a shallow valley,bisectedbyasilveryriverthatflowedintooneendofthecity,seemedtovanish,andflowedagainouttheother.Atumbleofhoney-coloredbuildingswithredslateroofsandatangleofsteeplywindingdarkstreets backedup against the sideof a steephill.On the crownof thehill rose a dark stone edifice,pillaredandsoaring,withaglitteringtowerateachcardinaldirectionpoint:fourinall.Scatteredamongtheotherbuildingswere the same tall, thin,glasslike towers, eachone shimmering likequartz.Theywere likeglassneedlespiercing thesky.Thefadingsunlightstruckdull rainbowsfromtheirsurfaceslikeamatchstrikingsparks.Itwasabeautifulsight,andverystrange.

YouhaveneverseenacitytillyouhaveseenAlicanteoftheglasstowers.

Whatwasthat?Lukesaid,overhearing.Whatdidyousay?

Claryhadntrealizedshedspokenoutloud.Embarrassed,sherepeatedherwords,andLukelookedatherinsurprise.Wheredidyouhearthat?

Hodge,Clarysaid.ItwassomethingHodgesaidtome.

Lukepeeredathermoreclosely.Youreflushed,hesaid.Howareyoufeeling?

Clarysneckwasaching,herwholebodyonfire,hermouthdry.Imfine,shesaid.Letsjustgetthere,okay?

Okay.Lukepointed;attheedgeofthecity,wherethebuildingsended,Clarycouldseeanarchway,twosidescurvingtoapointedtop.AShadowhunterinblackgearstoodwatchinsidetheshadowofthearchway.ThatstheNorthGateitswhereDownworlderscanlegallyenterthecity,providedtheyvegotthe paperwork.Guards are posted there night and day.Now, ifwewere on official business, or hadpermissiontobehere,wedgointhroughit.

Buttherearentanywallsaroundthecity,Clarypointedout.Itdoesntseemlikemuchofagate.

Thewardsareinvisible,buttheyrethere.Thedemontowerscontrolthem.Theyhaveforathousandyears.Youllfeelitwhenyoupassthroughthem.Heglancedonemoretimeatherflushedface,concerncrinklingthecornersofhiseyes.Areyouready?

Shenodded.Theymovedawayfromthegate,alongtheeastsideofthecity,wherebuildingsweremorethicklyclustered.Withagesturetobequiet,Lukedrewhertowardanarrowopeningbetweentwohouses.Claryshuthereyesastheyapproached,almostasifsheexpectedtobesmackedinthefacewithaninvisiblewallassoonastheysteppedontothestreetsofAlicante.Itwasntlikethat.Shefeltasuddenpressure,asifshewereinanairplanethatwasdropping.Herearspoppedandthenthefeelingwasgone,andshewasstandinginthealleybetweenthebuildings.

JustlikeanalleyinNewYorklikeeveryalleyintheworld,apparentlyitsmelledlikecatpee.

Clarypeered around the corner of oneof the buildings.A larger street stretched awayup the hill,linedwithsmallshopsandhouses.Theresnoonearound,sheobserved,withsomesurprise.

InthefadinglightLukelookedgray.TheremustbeameetinggoingonupattheGard.Itstheonlythingthatcouldgeteveryoneoffthestreetsatonce.

Butisntthatgood?Theresnoonearoundtoseeus.

Itsgoodandbad.Thestreetsaremostlydeserted,which isgood.Butanyonewhodoeshappenbywillbemuchmorelikelytonoticeandremarkonus.

IthoughtyousaideveryonewasintheGard.

Lukesmiledfaintly.Dontbesoliteral,Clary.Imeantmostofthecity.Children,teenagers,anyoneexemptedfromthemeeting,theywontbethere.

Teenagers.ClarythoughtofJace,anddespiteherself,herpulseleapedforwardlikeahorsechargingoutofthestartinggateatarace.

Lukefrowned,almostasifhecouldreadherthoughts.Asofnow,ImbreakingtheLawbybeinginAlicantewithoutdeclaringmyselftotheClaveatthegate.Ifanyonerecognizesme,wecouldbeinrealtrouble.Heglancedupatthenarrowstripofrussetskyvisiblebetweentherooftops.Wehavetogetoffthestreets.

Ithoughtweweregoingtoyourfriendshouse.

Weare.Andshesnotafriend,precisely.

Thenwho?

Justfollowme.Lukeduckedintoapassagebetweentwohouses,sonarrowthatClarycouldreachout and touch thewalls of both houseswith her fingers as theymade theirway down it and onto acobblestonedwindingstreetlinedwithshops.ThebuildingsthemselveslookedlikeacrossbetweenaGothic dreamscape and a childrens fairy tale. The stone facings were carved with all manner ofcreatures out of myth and legendthe heads of monsters were a prominent feature, interspersed withwingedhorses,somethingthatlookedlikeahouseonchickenlegs,mermaids,and,ofcourse,angels.Gargoyles jutted fromeverycorner, their snarling facescontorted.Andeverywhere therewere runes:splashedacrossdoors,hiddeninthedesignofanabstractcarving,danglingfromthinmetalchainslikewindchimes that twisted in thebreeze.Runes forprotection, forgood luck, even forgoodbusiness;staringatthemall,Clarybegantofeelalittledizzy.

Theywalkedinsilence,keepingtotheshadows.Thecobblestonestreetwasdeserted,shopdoorsshutandbarred.Clarycastfurtiveglancesintothewindowsastheypassed.Itwasstrangetoseeadisplayofexpensive decorated chocolates in onewindow and in the next an equally lavish display of deadly-lookingweaponscutlasses,maces,nail-studdedcudgels,andanarrayofseraphbladesindifferentsizes.Noguns,shesaid.Herownvoicesoundedveryfaraway.

Lukeblinkedather.What?

Shadowhunters,shesaid.Theyneverseemtouseguns.

Runeskeepgunpowderfromigniting,hesaid.Nooneknowswhy.Still,Nephilimhavebeenknowntousetheoccasionalrifleonlycanthropes.Itdoesnttakearunetokillusjustsilverbullets.Hisvoice

wasgrim.Suddentlyhisheadwentup.Inthedimlightitwaseasytoimaginehisearsprickingforwardlikeawolfs.Voices,hesaid.TheymustbefinishedattheGard.

Hetookherarmandpulledhersidewaysoffthemainstreet.Theyemergedintoasmallsquarewithawellatitscenter.Amasonrybridgearchedoveranarrowcanaljustaheadofthem.Inthefadinglightthewaterinthecanallookedalmostblack.Clarycouldhearthevoicesherselfnow,comingfromthestreets nearby.Theywere raised, angry-sounding.Clarys dizziness increasedshe felt as if the groundweretiltingunderher,threateningtosendhersprawling.Sheleanedbackagainstthewallofthealley,gaspingforair.

Clary,Lukesaid.Clary,areyouallright?

Hisvoicesoundedthick,strange.Shelookedathim,andthebreathdiedinherthroat.Hisearshadgrownlongandpointed,histeethrazor-sharp,hiseyesafierceyellow

Luke,shewhispered.Whatshappeningtoyou?

Clary.Hereachedforher,hishandsoddlyelongated,thenailssharpandrust-colored.Issomethingwrong?

She screamed, twisting away from him. She wasnt sure why she felt so terrifiedshed seen LukeChangebefore, andhednever harmedher.But the terrorwas a live thing insideher, uncontrollable.Lukecaughtathershouldersandshecringedawayfromhim,awayfromhisyellow,animaleyes,evenashehushedher,begginghertobequietinhisordinary,humanvoice.Clary,please

Letmego!Letmego!

Buthedidnt. Its thewateryourehallucinatingClary, try tokeepit together.Hedrewher towardthebridge,half-draggingher.Shecouldfeel tearsrunningdownherface,coolingherburningcheeks.Itsnotreal.Trytoholdon,please,hesaid,helpingherontothebridge.Shecouldsmellthewaterbelowit,greenandstale.Thingsmovedbelowthesurfaceofit.Asshewatched,ablacktentacleemergedfromthewater,itsspongytiplinedwithneedleteeth.Shecringedawayfromthewater,unabletoscream,alowmoaningcomingfromherthroat.

Lukecaughtherasherkneesbuckled,swingingherupintohisarms.Hehadntcarriedhersinceshewasfiveorsixyearsold.Clary,hesaid,buttherestofhiswordsmeldedandblurredintoanonsensicalroar as they stepped down off the bridge. They raced past a series of tall, thin houses that almostremindedClaryofBrooklyn rowhousesormaybe shewas just hallucinatingher ownneighborhood?Theairaroundthemseemedtowarpastheywenton,thelightsofthehousesblazinguparoundthemliketorches,thecanalshimmeringwithanevilphosphorescentglow.Clarysbonesfeltasiftheyweredissolvinginsideherbody.

Here.Lukejerkedtoahaltinfrontofatallcanalhouse.Hekickedhardatthedoor,shouting;itwaspaintedabright,almostgarish,red,asinglerunesplashedacrossitingold.TherunemeltedandranasClary stared at it, taking the shapeof a hideousgrinning skull. Its not real, she toldherself fiercely,stiflingherscreamwithherfist,bitingdownuntilshetastedbloodinhermouth.

Thepainclearedherheadmomentarily.Thedoorflewopen,revealingawomaninadarkdress,herface creased with a mixture of anger and surprise. Her hair was long, a tangled gray-brown cloudescaping from twobraids;herblueeyeswere familiar.Awitchlight rune-stonegleamed inherhand.Whoisit?shedemanded.Whatdoyouwant?

Amatis.Lukemovedintothepoolofwitchlight,Claryinhisarms.Itsme.

Thewomanblanchedandtottered,puttingoutahandtobraceherselfagainstthedoorway.Lucian?Luketriedtotakeastepforward,butthewomanAmatisblockedhispath.Shewasshakingherheadsohard thatherbraidswhippedbackand forth.Howcanyoucomehere,Lucian?Howdareyoucomehere?

Ihadverylittlechoice.LuketightenedhisholdonClary.Shebitbackacry.Herwholebodyfeltasifitwereonfire,everynerveendingburningwithpain.

Youhavetogo,then,Amatissaid.Ifyouleaveimmediately

Imnothereforme.Imhereforthegirl.Shesdying.Asthewomanstaredathim,hesaid,Amatis,please.ShesJocelynsdaughter.

Therewasa longsilence,duringwhichAmatisstood likeastatue,unmoving, in thedoorway.Sheseemedfrozen,whether fromsurpriseorhorrorClarycouldntguess.Claryclenchedher fistherpalmwas sticky with blood where the nails dug inbut even the pain wasnt helping now; the world wascoming apart in soft colors, like a jigsaw puzzle drifting on the surface of water. She barely heardAmatissvoiceastheolderwomansteppedbackfromthedoorwayandsaid,Verywell,Lucian.Youcanbringherinside.

BythetimeSimonandJacecamebackintothelivingroom,Alinehadlaidfoodoutonthelowtablebetween the couches.Therewasbread andcheese, slicesof cake, apples, and evenabottleofwine,whichMaxwasnotallowedtotouch.Hesatinthecornerwithaplateofcake,hisbookopenonhislap.Simonsympathizedwithhim.Hefeltjustasaloneinthelaughing,chattinggroupasMaxprobablydid.

HewatchedAline touch Jaceswristwith her fingers as she reached for a piece of apple, and felthimselftense.Butthisiswhatyouwanthimtodo,hetoldhimself,andyetsomehowhecouldntgetridofthesensethatClarywasbeingdisregarded.

JacemethiseyesoverAlinesheadandsmiled.Somehow,eventhoughhewasntavampire,hewasable tomanagea smile that seemed tobeallpointed teeth.Simon lookedaway,glancingaround theroom. He noticed that the music hed heard earlier wasnt coming from a stereo at all but from acomplicated-lookingmechanicalcontraption.

HethoughtaboutstrikingupaconversationwithIsabelle,butshewaschattingwithSebastian,whoseelegantfacewasbentattentivelydowntohers.JacehadlaughedatSimonscrushonIsabelleonce,butSebastiancoulddoubtlesshandleher.Shadowhunterswerebroughtuptohandleanything,werentthey?AlthoughthelookonJacesfacewhenhedsaidthatheplannedtobeonlyClarysbrothermadeSimonwonder.

Wereoutofwine,Isabelledeclared,settingthebottledownonthetablewithathump.Imgoingtogetsomemore.WithawinkatSebastian,shedisappearedintothekitchen.

Ifyoudontmindmysayingso,youseema littlequiet. ItwasSebastian, leaningover thebackofSimonschairwithadisarmingsmile.Forsomeonewithsuchdarkhair,Simonthought,Sebastiansskinwasveryfair,asifhedidntgooutinthesunmuch.Everythingallright?

Simonshrugged.Therearentalotofopeningsformeintheconversation.ItseemstobeeitheraboutShadowhunterpoliticsorpeopleIveneverheardof,orboth.

Thesmiledisappeared.Wecanbesomethingofaclosedcircle,weNephilim.Its thewayof those

whoareshutoutfromtherestoftheworld.

Dontyouthinkyoushutyourselvesout?Youdespiseordinaryhumans

Despiseisalittlestrong,saidSebastian.Anddoyoureallythinktheworldofhumanswouldwantanything to dowith us?Allwe are is a living reminder thatwhenever they comfort themselves thattherearenorealvampires,norealdemonsormonstersunderthebedtheyrelying.HeturnedhisheadtolookatJace,who,Simonrealized,hadbeenstaringat thembothinsilenceforseveralminutes.Dontyouagree?

Jacesmiled.Dececrezic?v?ascultamconversatia?

Sebastianmet his glancewith a look of pleasant interest.M-ai urmarit de când ai ajuns aici, hereplied.Nu-midauseamadac?num?placioridac?eştiatâtdeb?nuitorcutoatalumea.Hegottohisfeet.IappreciatetheRomanianpractice,butifyoudontmind,ImgoingtoseewhatstakingIsabellesolonginthekitchen.Hedisappearedthroughthedoorway,leavingJacestaringafterhimwithapuzzledexpression.

Whatswrong?DoeshenotspeakRomanianafterall?Simonasked.

No,saidJace.Asmallfrownlinehadappearedbetweenhiseyes.No,hespeaksitallright.

BeforeSimoncouldaskhimwhathemeantbythat,Alecenteredtheroom.Hewasfrowning,justashehadbeenwhenhedleft.HisgazelingeredmomentarilyonSimon,alookalmostofconfusioninhisblueeyes.

Jaceglancedup.Backsosoon?

Notforlong.Alecreacheddowntopluckanappleoffthetablewithaglovedhand.Ijustcamebacktogethim,hesaid,gesturingtowardSimonwiththeapple.HeswantedattheGard.

Alinelookedsurprised.Really?shesaid,butJacewasalreadyrisingfromthecouch,disentanglinghishandfromhers.

Wantedforwhat?hesaid,withadangerouscalm.Ihopeyoufoundthatoutbeforeyoupromisedtodeliverhim,atleast.

OfcourseIasked,Alecsnapped.Imnotstupid.

Oh,comeon,saidIsabelle.ShehadreappearedinthedoorwaywithSebastian,whowasholdingabottle.Sometimesyouareabitstupid,youknow.Justabit,sherepeatedasAlecshotheramurderousglare.

TheyresendingSimonbacktoNewYork,hesaid.ThroughthePortal.

Buthejustgothere!Isabelleprotestedwithapout.Thatsnofun.

Itsnot supposed tobe fun, Izzy.Simoncomingherewasanaccident, so theClave thinks thebestthingisforhimtogohome.

Great,Simonsaid.MaybeIllevenmakeitbackbeforemymothernoticesImgone.WhatsthetimedifferencebetweenhereandManhattan?

Youhaveamother?Alinelookedamazed.

Simonchose to ignore this.Seriously, he said, asAlec and Jace exchangedglances. Its fine.All Iwantistogetoutofthisplace.

Youllgowithhim?JacesaidtoAlec.Andmakesureeverythingsallright?

TheywerelookingateachotherinawaythatwasfamiliartoSimon.ItwasthewayheandClarysometimeslookedateachother,exchangingcodedglanceswhentheydidntwanttheirparentstoknowwhattheywereplanning.

What?hesaid,lookingfromonetotheother.Whatswrong?

They broke their stare; Alec glanced away, and Jace turned a bland and smiling look on Simon.Nothing,hesaid.Everythingsfine.Congratulations,vampireyougettogohome.

4

DAYLIGHTER

Nighthad fallenoverAlicantewhenSimonandAlec left thePenhallowshouseandheadeduphilltoward theGard. The streets of the citywere narrow and twisting,wending upward like pale stoneribbonsinthemoonlight.Theairwascold,thoughSimonfeltitonlydistantly.

Alecwalked along in silence, striding ahead of Simon as if pretending that hewere alone. In hisprevious lifeSimonwouldhavehad tohurry,panting, tokeepup;nowhediscoveredhecouldpaceAlec just by speeding up his stride.Must suck, Simon said finally, as Alec staredmorosely ahead.Gettingstuckwithescortingme,Imean.

Alecshrugged.Imeighteen.Imanadult,soIhavetobetheresponsibleone.ImtheonlyonewhocangoinandoutoftheGardwhentheClavesinsession,andbesides,theConsulknowsme.

WhatsaConsul?

HeslikeaveryhighofficeroftheClave.HecountsthevotesoftheCouncil,interpretstheLawfortheClave,andadvisesthemandtheInquisitor.IfyouheadupanInstituteandyourunintoaproblemyoudontknowhowtodealwith,youcalltheConsul.

HeadvisestheInquisitor?IthoughtisnttheInquisitordead?

Alecsnorted.Thatslikesaying,Isntthepresidentdead?Yeah,theInquisitordied;nowtheresanewone.InquisitorAldertree.

Simonglanceddownthehilltowardthedarkwaterofthecanalsfarbelow.Theydleftthecitybehindthemandweretreadinganarrowroadbetweenshadowytrees.Illtellyou,inquisitionshaventworkedoutwellformypeopleinthepast.Aleclookedblank.Nevermind.Justamundanehistoryjoke.Youwouldntbeinterested.

Yourenotamundane,Alecpointedout.ThatswhyAlineandSebastianweresoexcitedtogetalookatyou.NotthatyoucantellwithSebastian;healwaysactslikehesseeneverythingalready.

Simonspokewithoutthinking.AreheandIsabelleIstheresomethinggoingonthere?

ThatstartledalaughoutofAlec.IsabelleandSebastian?Hardly.SebastiansaniceguyIsabelleonlylikes dating thoroughly inappropriate boys our parents will hate. Mundanes, Downworlders, pettycrooks

Thanks,Simonsaid.Imgladtobeclassedwiththecriminalelement.

I thinkshedoes it forattention,Alecsaid.Shes theonlygirl in the family too,soshehas tokeepprovinghowtoughsheis.Oratleast,thatswhatshethinks.

Ormaybeshestryingtotaketheattentionoffyou,Simonsaid,almostabsently.Youknow,sinceyourparentsdontknowyouregayandall.

AlecstoppedinthemiddleoftheroadsosuddenlythatSimonalmostcrashedintohim.No,hesaid,butapparentlyeveryoneelsedoes.

ExceptJace,Simonsaid.Hedoesntknow,doeshe?

Alec took a deep breath. He was pale, Simon thought, or it could have just been themoonlight,washing the color out of everything. His eyes looked black in the darkness. I really dont see whatbusinessitisofyours.Unlessyouretryingtothreatenme.

Tryingtothreatenyou?Simonwastakenaback.Imnot

Thenwhy?saidAlec,andtherewasasudden,sharpvulnerabilityinhisvoicethattookSimonaback.Whybringitup?

Because,Simonsaid.Youseemtohatememostofthetime.Idonttakeitthatpersonally,evenifIdidsaveyourlife.Youseemtokindofhatethewholeworld.Andbesides,wehavepracticallynothingincommon.ButIseeyoulookingatJace,andIseemyselflookingatClary,andIfiguremaybewehavethatonethingincommon.Andmaybeitmightmakeyoudislikemealittleless.

SoyourenotgoingtotellJace?Alecsaid.ImeanyoutoldClaryhowyoufelt,and

Anditwasntthebestidea,saidSimon.NowIwonderallthetimehowyougobackaftersomethinglikethat.Whetherwecaneverbefriendsagain,orifwhatwehadisbrokenintopieces.Notbecauseofher,butbecauseofme.MaybeifIfoundsomeoneelse

Someoneelse,Alecrepeated.Hehadstartedwalkingagain,veryquickly,staringattheroadaheadofhim.

Simonhurried tokeepup.Youknowwhat Imean.For instance, I thinkMagnusBane really likesyou.Andhesprettycool.Hethrowsgreatparties,anyway.EvenifIdidgetturnedintoaratthattime.

Thanks for theadvice.Alecsvoicewasdry.But Idont thinkhe likesmeall thatmuch.HebarelyspoketomewhenhecametoopenthePortalattheInstitute.

Maybeyoushouldcallhim,Simonsuggested,tryingnottothinktoohardabouthowweirditwastobegivingademonhunteradviceaboutpossiblydatingawarlock.

Cant,Alecsaid.NophonesinIdris.Itdoesntmatter,anyway.Histonewasabrupt.Werehere.ThisistheGard.

Ahighwallroseinfrontofthem,setwithapairofenormousgates.Thegateswerecarvedwiththeswirling, angular patterns of runes, and though Simon couldnt read them as Clary could, there wassomething dazzling in their complexity and the sense of power that emanated from them.The gateswereguardedbystoneangelstatuesoneitherside,theirfacesfierceandbeautiful.Eachheldacarvedswordinitshand,andawrithingcreatureamixtureofrat,bat,andlizard,withnastypointedteethlaydyingatitsfeet.Simonstoodlookingatthemforalongmoment.Demons,hefiguredbuttheycouldjustaseasilybevampires.

AlecpushedthegateopenandgesturedforSimontopassthrough.Onceinside,heblinkedaroundin

confusion.Sincehedbecomeavampire,hisnightvisionhad sharpened toa laserlikeclarity,but thedozensoftorchesliningthepathtothedoorsoftheGardweremadeofwitchlight,andtheharshwhiteglowseemedtobleachthedetailoutofeverything.HewasvaguelyawareofAlecguidinghimforwarddown a narrow stone pathway that shone with reflected illumination, and then there was someonestandingonthepathinfrontofhim,blockinghiswaywithanupraisedarm.

Sothisisthevampire?Thevoicethatspokewasdeepenoughtonearlybeagrowl.Simonlookedup,the light stinging his eyes to burningtheywould have teared up if hed still been able to shed tears.Witchlight,hethought,angellight,burnsme.Isupposeitsnosurprise.

The man standing in front of them was very tall, with sallow skin stretched over prominentcheekbones.Under a close-cropped dome of black hair, his foreheadwas high, his nose beaked andRoman.Hisexpressionashe lookeddownatSimonwas the lookofasubwaycommuterwatchingalargeratrunbackandforthontherails,half-hopingatrainwillcomealongandsquishit.

ThisisSimon,saidAlec,alittleuncertainly.Simon,thisisConsulMalachiDieudonné.IsthePortalready,sir?

Yes,Malachisaid.Hisvoicewasharshandcarriedafaintaccent.Everythingisinreadiness.Come,Downworlder.HebeckonedtoSimon.Thesoonerthisisallover,thebetter.

Simonmovedtogotothechiefofficer,butAlecstoppedhimwithahandonhisarm.Justamoment,he said, addressing theConsul.Hell be sentdirectlyback toManhattan?And therewill be someonewaitingthereontheothersideforhim?

Indeed,saidMalachi.ThewarlockMagnusBane.SinceheunwiselyallowedthevampireintoIdrisinthefirstplace,hestakenresponsibilityforhisreturn.

IfMagnushadntletSimonthroughthePortal,hewouldhavedied,Alecsaid,alittlesharply.

Perhaps, said Malachi. Thats what your parents say, and the Clave has chosen to believe them.Againstmyadvice,infact.Still,onedoesnotlightlybringDownworldersintotheCityofGlass.

Therewasnothinglightaboutit.AngersurgedinSimonschest.Wewereunderattack

MalachiturnedhisgazeonSimon.Youwillspeakwhenyouarespokento,Downworlder,notbefore.

AlecshandtightenedonSimonsarm.Therewasalookonhisfacehalfhesitation,halfsuspicion,asifheweredoubtinghiswisdominbringingSimonhereafterall.

Now, Consul, really! The voice carrying through the courtyard was high, a little breathless, andSimon sawwith some surprise that it belonged to amana small, roundmanhurrying along the pathtoward them. He was wearing a loose gray cloak over his Shadowhunter gear, and his bald headglistenedinthewitchlight.Theresnoneedtoalarmourguest.

Guest?Malachilookedoutraged.

ThesmallmancametoahaltbeforeAlecandSimonandbeamedatthemboth.Weresogladpleased,reallythat you decided to cooperate with our request that you return to New York. It does makeeverythingsomucheasier.HetwinkledatSimon,whostaredbackathiminconfusion.Hedidntthinkhed ever met a Shadowhunter who seemed pleased to see himnot when he was a mundane, anddefinitelynotnow thathewasavampire.Oh, Ialmost forgot!The littlemanslappedhimselfon theforehead in remorse. I should have introducedmyself. Im the Inquisitorthenew Inquisitor. Inquisitor

Aldertreeismyname.

Aldertreeheldhis handout toSimon, and in awelter of confusionSimon took it.Andyou.YournameisSimon?

Yes,Simonsaid,drawinghishandbackassoonashecould.Aldertreesgripwasunpleasantlymoistandclammy.Theresnoneedtothankmeforcooperating.AllIwantistogohome.

Imsureyoudo, Imsureyoudo!ThoughAldertrees tonewas jovial, something flashedacrosshisfaceashespokeanexpressionSimoncouldntpindown.Itwasgoneinamoment,asAldertreesmiledandgesturedtowardanarrowpaththatwoundalongsidetheGard.Thisway,Simon,ifyouplease.

Simonmovedforward,andAlecmadeasiftofollowhim.TheInquisitorheldupahand.Thatsallwellbeneedingfromyou,Alexander.Thankyouforyourhelp.

ButSimon,Alecbegan.

Willbe just fine, the Inquisitorassuredhim.Malachi,pleaseshowAlexanderout.Andgivehimawitchlightrune-stonetogethimbackhomeifhehasntbroughtone.Thepathcanbetrickyatnight.

Andwithanotherbeatificsmile,hewhiskedSimonaway,leavingAlecstaringafterthemboth.

TheworldflareduparoundClaryinanalmosttangibleblurasLukecarriedheroverthethresholdofthehouseanddowna longhallway,Amatishurryingaheadof themwithherwitch- light.More thanhalf-delirious,shestaredasthecorridorunfoldedbeforeher,growinglongerandlongerlikeacorridorinanightmare.

Theworldturnedonitsside.Suddenlyshewaslyingonacoldsurface,andhandsweresmoothingablanketoverher.Blueeyesgazeddownather.Sheseemssoill,Lucian,Amatissaid,inavoicethatwaswarpedanddistortedlikeanoldrecording.Whathappenedtoher?

ShedrankabouthalfofLakeLyn.ThesoundofLukesvoicefaded,andforamomentClarysvisioncleared:Shewas lyingonthecold tiledfloorofakitchen,andsomewhereaboveherheadLukewasrummaging in a cabinet. The kitchen had peeling yellowwalls and an old-fashioned black cast-ironstoveagainstonewall;flamesleapedbehindthestovegrating,makinghereyeshurt.Anise,belladonna,hellbore Luke turned away from the cabinet with an armful of glass canisters. Can you boil thesetogether,Amatis?Imgoingtomoveherclosertothestove.Shesshivering.

Clarytriedtospeak,tosaythatshedidntneedtobewarmed,thatshewasburningup,butthesoundsthatcameoutofhermouthwerent theonesshed intended.SheheardherselfwhimperasLuke liftedher, and then there was heat, thawing her left sideshe hadnt even realized she was cold. Her teethclickedtogetherhard,andshetastedbloodinhermouth.Theworldbegantotremblearoundherlikewatershakeninaglass.

The Lake of Dreams? Amatiss voice was full of disbelief. Clary couldnt see her clearly, but sheseemedtobestandingnearthestove,along-handledwoodenspooninherhand.Whatwereyoudoingthere?DoesJocelynknowwhere

And the world was gone, or at least the real world, the kitchen with the yellow walls and thecomfortingfirebehindthegrate.InsteadshesawthewatersofLakeLyn,withfirereflectedinthemasifinthesurfaceofapieceofpolishedglass.Angelswerewalkingontheglassangelswithwhitewingsthathungbloodiedandbrokenfromtheirbacks,andeachofthemhadJacesface.Andthentherewereotherangels,withwingsofblackshadow,andtheytouchedtheirhandstothefireandlaughed.

She keeps calling out for her brother. Amatiss voice sounded hollow, as if filtering down fromimpossiblyhighoverhead.Heswith theLightwoods, isnthe?Theyrestayingwith thePenhallowsonPrincewaterStreet.Icould

No,Lukesaidsharply.No.ItsbetterJacedoesntknowaboutthis.

WasIcallingoutforJace?WhywouldIdothat?Clarywondered,butthethoughtwasshort-lived;thedarknesscameback,andthehallucinationsclaimedheragain.ThistimeshedreamedofAlecandofIsabelle;bothlookedasiftheydbeenthroughafiercebattle,theirfacesstreakedwithgrimeandtears.Thentheyweregone,andshedreamedofafacelessmanwithblackwingssproutingfromhisbacklikea bats. Blood ran from his mouth when he smiled. Praying that the visions would vanish, Clarysqueezedhereyesshut.

Itwasalongtimebeforeshesurfacedagaintothesoundofvoicesaboveher.Drinkthis,Lukesaid.Clary,youhavetodrinkthis,andthentherewerehandsonherbackandfluidwasbeingdrippedintohermouthfromasoakedrag.Ittastedbitterandawfulandshechokedandgaggedonit,butthehandsonherbackwerefirm.Sheswallowed,pastthepaininherswollenthroat.There,saidLuke.There,thatshouldbebetter.

Claryopenedher eyes slowly.KneelingbesideherwereLukeandAmatis, theirnearly identicallyblueeyesfilledwithmatchingconcern.Sheglancedbehindthemandsawnothingnoangelsordevilswithbatwings,onlyyellowwallsandapalepinkteakettlebalancedprecariouslyonawindowsill.

AmIgoingtodie?shewhispered.

Lukesmiledhaggardly.No.Itllbealittlewhilebeforeyourebackonform,butyoullsurvive.

Okay.Shewastooexhaustedtofeelmuchofanything,evenrelief.Itfeltasifallherboneshadbeenremoved, leaving a limp suit of skin behind. Looking up drowsily through her eyelashes, she said,almostwithoutthinking,Youreyesarethesame.

Lukeblinked.Thesameaswhat?

Ashers,Clarysaid,movinghersleepygazetoAmatis,wholookedperplexed.Thesameblue.

TheghostofasmilepassedoverLukesface.Well,itsnotthatsurprising,considering,hesaid.Ididntgetachancetointroduceyouproperlybefore.Clary,thisisAmatisHerondale.Mysister.

TheInquisitorfellsilentthemomentAlecandthechiefofficerwereoutofearshot.Simonfollowedhimupthenarrowwitch-litpath,tryingnottosquintintothelight.HewasawareoftheGardrisinguparoundhimlikethesideofashiprisingupoutoftheocean;lightsblazedfromitswindows,stainingtheskywith a silvery light.Therewere lowwindows too, set at ground level. Severalwere barred, andtherewasonlydarknesswithin.

At length they reached a wooden door set into an archway at the side of the building. Aldertreemoved to free the lock, and Simons stomach tightened. People, hed noticed since hed become avampire, had a scent around them that changedwith theirmoods.The Inquisitor stankof somethingbitter and strong as coffee, butmuchmore unpleasant. Simon felt the prickling pain in his jaw thatmeantthathisfangteethwantedtocomeout,andshrankbackfromtheInquisitorashepassedthroughthedoor.

Thehallwaybeyondwas longandwhite, almost tunnel-like, as if it hadbeencarvedoutofwhiterock. The Inquisitor hurried along, his witchlight bouncing brightly off thewalls. For such a short-

leggedmanhemovedremarkablyfast,turninghisheadfromsidetosideashewent,hisnosewrinklingas if hewere smelling the air.Simonhad tohurry tokeeppace as theypasseda set ofhugedoubledoors, thrownwideopenlikewings.In theroombeyond,Simoncouldseeanamphitheaterwithrowuponrowofchairsinit,eachoneoccupiedbyablack-cladShadowhunter.Voicesechoedoffthewalls,manyraisedinanger,andSimoncaughtsnatchesoftheconversationashepassed,thewordsblurringasthespeakersoverlappedeachother.

ButwehavenoproofofwhatValentinewants.Hehascommunicatedhiswishestonoone

Whatdoes itmatterwhathewants?Hesa renegadeanda liar;doyou really thinkanyattempt toappeasehimwouldbenefitusintheend?

YouknowapatrolfoundthedeadbodyofawerewolfchildontheoutskirtsofBrocelind?Drainedofblood.ItlookslikeValentinescompletedtheRitualhereinIdris.

WithtwooftheMortalInstrumentsinhispossession,hesmorepowerfulthananyoneNephilimhasarighttobe.Wemayhavenochoice

MycousindiedonthatshipinNewYork!TheresnowaywerelettingValentinegetawaywithwhathesalreadydone!Theremustberetribution!

Simonhesitated,curioustohearmore,buttheInquisitorwasbuzzingaroundhimlikeafat,irritablebee.Comealong,comealong,hesaid,swinginghiswitchlightinfrontofhim.Wedonthavealotoftimetowaste.Ishouldgetbacktothemeetingbeforeitends.

Reluctantly,Simonallowed the Inquisitor topushhimalong thecorridor, theword retributionstillringinginhisears.Thereminderofthatnightontheshipwascold,unpleasant.Whentheyreachedadoor carvedwith a single stark black rune, the Inquisitor produced a key and unlocked it, usheringSimoninsidewithabroadgestureofwelcome.

Theroombeyondwasbare,decoratedwithasingletapestrythatshowedanangelrisingoutofalake,clutchingaswordinonehandandacupintheother.ThefactthathedseenboththeCupandtheSwordbeforemomentarilydistractedSimon.Itwasntuntilheheard theclickofa lockslidinghomethatherealizedtheInquisitorhadboltedthedoorbehindhim,lockingthembothin.

Simonglancedaround.Therewasnofurnitureintheroombesidesabenchwithalowtablebesideit.Adecorativesilverbellrestedonthetable.ThePortalItsinhere?heaskeduncertainly.

Simon,Simon.Aldertreerubbedhishandstogetherasifanticipatingabirthdaypartyorsomeotherdelightfulevent.Areyoureallyinsuchahurrytoleave?ThereareafewquestionsIhadsohopedtoaskyoufirst.

Okay.Simonshruggeduncomfortably.Askmewhateveryouwant,Iguess.

How very cooperative of you!How delightful!Aldertree beamed. So, how long is it exactly thatyouvebeenavampire?

Abouttwoweeks.

Andhowdid ithappen?Wereyouattackedon thestreet,orperhaps inyourbedatnight?DoyouknowwhoitwaswhoTurnedyou?

Wellnotexactly.

But,myboy!Aldertreecried.Howcouldyounotknowsomething like that?The lookhebenton

Simonwasopenandcurious.Heseemedsoharmless,Simon thought.Like someonesgrandfatherorfunnyolduncle.Simonmusthaveimaginedthebittersmell.

Itreallywasntthatsimple,saidSimon,andwentontoexplainabouthistwotripstotheDumort,oneasaratandthesecondunderacompulsionsostrongithadfeltlikeagiantsetofpincersholdinghimintheirgraspandmarchinghimexactlywhere theywantedhimtogo.Andsoyousee,hefinished, themomentIwalkedinthedoorofthehotel,IwasattackedIdontknowwhichofthemitwaswhoTurnedme,orifitwasallofthemsomehow.

TheInquisitorclucked.Ohdear,ohdear.Thatsnotgoodatall.Thatsveryupsetting.

Icertainlythoughtso,Simonagreed.

TheClavewontbepleased.

What?Simonwasbaffled.WhatdoestheClavecarehowIbecameavampire?

Well,itwouldbeonethingifyouwereattacked,Aldertreesaidapologetically.Butyoujustwalkedoutthereand,well,gaveyourselfuptothevampires,yousee?Itlooksabitasifyouwantedtobeone.

Ididntwanttobeone!ThatsnotwhyIwenttothehotel!

Ofcourse,ofcourse.Aldertreesvoicewassoothing.Letsmovetoanothertopic,shallwe?Withoutwaiting for a response, hewent on.How is it that the vampires let you survive to rise again, youngSimon?Consideringthatyoutrespassedontheir territory, theirnormalprocedurewouldhavebeentofeeduntilyoudied,andthenburnyourbodytopreventyoufromrising.

Simonopenedhismouthtoreply,totell theInquisitorhowRaphaelhadtakenhimtotheInstitute,andhowClaryandJaceandIsabellehadbroughthimtothecemeteryandwatchedoverhimasheddughiswayoutofhisowngrave.Thenhehesitated.HehadonlythevaguestideahowtheLawworked,buthedoubtedsomehowthatitwasstandardShadowhunterproceduretowatchovervampiresastheyrose,or to provide themwith blood for their first feeding. I dont know, he said. I haveno ideawhy theyTurnedmeinsteadofkillingme.

Butoneofthemmusthaveletyoudrinkhisblood,oryouwouldntbewell,whatyouaretoday.Areyousayingyoudontknowwhoyourvampiresirewas?

Myvampire sire? Simonhadnever thought of it thatwayhedgottenRaphaels blood in hismouthalmostbyaccident.Anditwashardtothinkofthevampireboyasasireofanysort.RaphaellookedyoungerthanSimondid.Imafraidnot.

Oh,dear.TheInquisitorsighed.Mostunfortunate.

Whatsunfortunate?

Well,thatyourelyingtome,myboy.Aldertreeshookhishead.AndIhadsohopedyoudcooperate.Thisisterrible,justterrible.Youwouldntconsidertellingmethetruth?Justasafavor?

Iamtellingyouthetruth!

TheInquisitordroopedlikeanunwateredflower.Suchashame.Hesighedagain.Suchashame.Hecrossedtheroomthenandrappedsharplyonthedoor,stillshakinghishead.

Whatsgoingon?AlarmandconfusiontingedSimonsvoice.WhataboutthePortal?

ThePortal?Aldertreegiggled.YoudidntreallythinkIwasjustgoingtoletyougo,didyou?

BeforeSimoncouldsayawordinreply,thedoorburstopenandShadowhuntersinblackgearpouredintotheroom,seizingholdofhim.Hestruggledasstronghandsclampedthemselvesaroundeachofhisarms.Ahoodwas tuggeddownoverhishead,blindinghim.Hekickedout at thedarkness;his footconnected,andheheardsomeoneswear.

Hewasjerkedbackwardviciously;ahotvoicesnarledinhisear.Dothatagain,vampire,andIllpourholywaterdownyourthroatandwatchyoudiepukingblood.

Thatsenough!TheInquisitorsthin,worriedvoiceroselikeaballoon.Therewillbenomorethreats!Im just trying to teachourguesta lesson.Hemusthavemoved forward,becauseSimonsmelled thestrange, bitter smell again,muffled through the hood. Simon, Simon, Aldertree said. I did so enjoymeetingyou.IhopeanightinthecellsoftheGardwillhavethedesiredeffectandinthemorningyoullbeabitmorecooperative.Idostillseesuchabrightfutureforus,oncewegetoverthislittlehiccup.HishandcamedownonSimonsshoulder.Takehimdownstairs,Nephilim.

Simonyelledaloud,buthiscriesweremuffledbythehood.TheShadowhuntersdraggedhimfromtheroomandpropelledhimdownwhatfelt likeanendlessseriesofmazelikecorridors, twistingandturning. Eventually they reached a set of stairs and he was shoved down it bymain force, his feetslippingonthesteps.Hecouldnttellanythingaboutwheretheywereexceptthattherewasaclose,darksmellaroundthem,likewetstone,andthattheairwasgrowingwetterandcolderastheydescended.

At last they paused. There was a scraping sound, like iron dragging over stone, and Simon wasthrownforwardtolandonhishandsandkneesonhardground.Therewasaloud,metallicclang,asofadoor being slammed shut, and the soundof retreating footsteps, the echoof boots on stone growingfainterasSimonstaggeredtohisfeet.Hedraggedthehoodfromhisheadandthrewittotheground.The close, hot, suffocating feeling around his face vanished, and he fought the urge to gasp forbreathbreath he didnt need. He knew it was just a reflex, but his chest ached as if hed really beendeprivedofair.

Hewasinasquarebarrenstoneroom,withjustasinglebarredwindowsetintothewallabovethesmall,hard-lookingbed.ThroughalowdoorSimoncouldseeatinybathroomwithasinkandtoilet.Thewestwalloftheroomwasalsobarredthick,iron-lookingbarsrunningfromfloortoceiling,sunkdeeplyintothefloor.Ahingedirondoor,madeofbarsitself,wassetintothewall;itwasfittedwithabrassknob,whichwascarvedacrossitsfacewithadenseblackrune.Infact,allthebarswerecarvedwithrunes;eventhewindowbarswerewrappedwithspiderylinesofthem.

Thoughheknewthecelldoormustbelocked,Simoncouldnthelphimself;hestrodeacrossthefloorandseizedtheknob.Asearingpainshotthroughhishand.Heyelledandjerkedhisarmback,staring.Thinwispsofsmokerosefromhisburnedpalm;anintricatedesignhadbeencharredintotheskin.ItlookedalittlelikeaStarofDavidinsideacircle,withdelicaterunesdrawnineachofthehollowspacesbetweenthelines.

Thepainfelt likewhiteheat.Simoncurledhishand inon itselfasagasprose tohis lips.What isthis?hewhispered,knowingnoonecouldhearhim.

ItstheSealofSolomon,saidavoice.Itcontains,theyclaim,oneoftheTrueNamesofGod.Itrepelsdemonsandyourkindaswell,beinganarticleofyourfaith.

Simonjerkedupright,half-forgettingthepaininhishand.Whosthere?Whosaidthat?

Therewasapause.Then,Iminthecellnexttoyours,Daylighter,saidthevoice.Itwasmale,adult,

slightly hoarse. The guards were here half the day talking about how to keep you penned in. So Iwouldntbother trying toget it open.Yourebetteroff savingyour strength till you findoutwhat theClavewantsfromyou.

They cant holdme here, Simon protested. I dont belong to thisworld.My familywill notice Immissingmyteachers

Theyve taken careof that.There are simple enough spellsabeginningwarlock coulduse themthatwillsupplyyourparentswiththeillusionthattheresaperfectlylegitimatereasonforyourabsence.Aschool trip.Avisit tofamily. Itcanbedone.Therewasno threat in thevoice,andnosorrow; itwasmatter-of-fact.DoyoureallythinktheyvenevermadeaDownworlderdisappearbefore?

Whoareyou?Simonsvoicecracked.AreyouaDownworldertoo?Isthiswheretheykeepus?

Thistimetherewasnoanswer.Simoncalledoutagain,buthisneighborhadevidentlydecidedthathedsaidallhewantedtosay.NothingansweredSimonscriesbutsilence.

Thepaininhishandhadfaded.Lookingdown,Simonsawthattheskinnolongerlookedburned,butthemarkoftheSealwasprintedonhispalmasifithadbeendrawnthereinink.Helookedbackatthecellbars.Herealizednowthatnotalltheruneswererunesatall:CarvedbetweenthemwereStarsofDavidandlinesfromtheTorahinHebrew.Thecarvingslookednew.

Theguardswereherehalfthedaytalkingabouthowtokeepyoupennedin,thevoicehadsaid.

Butithadntjustbeenbecausehewasavampire,laughably;ithadpartlybeenbecausehewasJewish.TheyhadspenthalfthedaycarvingtheSealofSolomonintothatdoorknobsoitwouldburnhimwhenhetouchedit.Ithadtakenthemthislongtoturnthearticlesofhisfaithagainsthim.

ForsomereasontherealizationstrippedawaythelastofSimonsself-possession.Hesankdownontothebedandputhisheadinhishands.

PrincewaterStreetwasdarkwhenAlecreturnedfromtheGard,thewindowsofthehousesshutteredand shaded, only the occasional witchlight streetlamp casting a pool of white illumination onto thecobblestones.ThePenhallowshousewasthebrightestontheblockcandlesglowedinthewindows,andthefrontdoorwasslightlyajar,lettingasliceofyellowlightouttocurvealongthewalkway.

JacewassittingonthelowstonewallthatborderedthePenhallowsfrontgarden,hishairverybrightunderthelightoftheneareststreetlamp.HelookedupasAlecapproached,andshiveredalittle.Hewaswearingonlyalightjacket,Alecsaw,andithadgrowncoldsincethesunhadgonedown.Thesmelloflateroseshunginthechillyairlikethinperfume.

AlecsankdownontothewallbesideJace.Haveyoubeenoutherewaitingformeallthistime?

WhosaysImwaitingforyou?

Itwentfine,ifthatswhatyouwereworriedabout.IleftSimonwiththeInquisitor.

Youlefthim?Youdidntstaytomakesureeverythingwentallright?

Itwasfine,Alecrepeated.TheInquisitorsaidhedtakehiminsidepersonallyandsendhimbackto

The Inquisitor said, the Inquisitor said, Jace interrupted. The last Inquisitor we met completelyexceededhercommandifshehadntdied,theClavewouldhaverelievedherofherposition,maybeevencursedher.WhatstosaythisInquisitorisntanutjobtoo?

Heseemedallright,saidAlec.Nice,even.HewasperfectlypolitetoSimon.Look,JacethisishowtheClaveworks.Wedontgettocontroleverythingthathappens.Butyouhavetotrustthem,becauseotherwiseeverythingturnsintochaos.

Buttheyvescrewedupalotrecentlyyouhavetoadmitthat.

Maybe,Alecsaid,butifyoustartthinkingyouknowbetterthantheClaveandbetterthantheLaw,whatmakesyouanybetterthantheInquisitor?OrValentine?

Jaceflinched.HelookedasifAlechadhithim,orworse.

Alecsstomachdropped.Imsorry.Hereachedoutahand.Ididntmeanthat

Abeamofbrightyellowlightcutacrossthegardensuddenly.AleclookeduptoseeIsabelleframedintheopenfrontdoor,lightpouringoutaroundher.Shewasonlyasilhouette,buthecouldtellfromthehands on her hips that she was annoyed.What are you two doing out here? she called. Everyoneswonderingwhereyouare.

Alecturnedbacktohisfriend.Jace

ButJace,gettingtohisfeet,ignoredAlecsoutstretchedhand.YoudbetterberightabouttheClave,wasallhesaid.

AlecwatchedasJacestalkedbacktothehouse.Unbidden,Simonsvoicecameintohismind.NowIwonderallthetimehowyougobackaftersomethinglikethat.Whetherwecaneverbefriendsagain,orifwhatwehadisbrokenintopieces.Notbecauseofher,butbecauseofme.

The front door shut, leaving Alec sitting in the half-lit garden, alone. He closed his eyes for amoment,theimageofafacehoveringbehindhislids.NotJacesface,forachange.Theeyessetinthefaceweregreen,slit-pupiled.Cateyes.

Openinghiseyes,hereachedintohissatchelanddrewoutapenandapieceofpaper,tornfromthespiral-boundnotebookheusedasajournal.Hewroteafewwordsonitandthen,withhisstele,tracedtheruneforfireatthebottomofthepage.Itwentupfasterthanhedthoughtitwould;heletgoofthepaperasitburned,floatinginmidairlikeafirefly.Soonallthatwasleftwasafinedriftofash,siftinglikewhitepowderacrosstherosebushes.

5

APROBLEMOFMEMORY

AfternoonlightwokeClary,abeamofpalebrightnessthatlaiditselfdirectlyoverherface,lightingtheinsidesofhereyelidstohotpink.Shestirredrestlesslyandwarilyopenedhereyes.

Thefeverwasgone,andsowasthesensethatherbonesweremeltingandbreakinginsideher.Shesat up and glanced aroundwith curious eyes. Shewas inwhat had to beAmatiss spare roomitwassmall,white-painted,thebedcoveredwithabrightlywovenragblanket.Lacecurtainsweredrawnbackoverroundwindows,lettingincirclesoflight.Shesatupslowly,waitingfordizzinesstowashoverher.Nothinghappened.Shefeltentirelyhealthy,evenwellrested.Gettingoutofbed,shelookeddownatherself.Someonehadputherinapairofstarchedwhitepajamas,thoughtheywerewrinklednowandtoobigforher;thesleeveshungdowncomicallypastherfingers.

Shewenttooneofthecircularwindowsandpeeredout.Stackedhousesofold-goldstoneroseupthesideofahill,andtheroofslookedasiftheyhadbeenshingledinbronze.Thissideofthehousefacedawayfromthecanal,ontoanarrowsidegardenturningbrownandgoldwithautumn.Atrelliscrawledupthesideofthehouse;asinglelastrosehungonit,droopingbrowningpetals.

Thedoorknobrattled,andClaryclimbedhastilybackintobedjustbeforeAmatisentered,holdingatrayinherhands.SheraisedhereyebrowswhenshesawClarywasawake,butsaidnothing.

WheresLuke?Clarydemanded,drawingtheblanketclosearoundherselfforcomfort.

Amatissetthetraydownonthetablebesidethebed.Therewasamugofsomethinghotonit,andsomeslicesofbutteredbread.Youshouldeatsomething,shesaid.Youllfeelbetter.

Ifeelfine,Clarysaid.WheresLuke?

Therewas a high-backed chair beside the table;Amatis sat in it, foldedher hands in her lap, andregardedClarycalmly.InthedaylightClarycouldseemoreclearlythelinesinherfaceshelookedolderthanClarysmotherbymanyyears, though theycouldntbe that farapart inage.Herbrownhairwasstippledwithgray,hereyesrimmedwithdarkpink,asifshehadbeencrying.Hesnothere.

Notherelikehejustpoppedaroundthecornertothebodegaforasix-packofDietCokeandaboxofKrispyKremes,ornotherelike

Heleftthismorning,arounddawn,aftersittingupwithyouallnight.Astohisdestination,hewasntspecific.Amatisstonewasdry,andifClaryhadntfeltsowretched,shemighthavebeenamusedtonotethat it made her sound much more like Luke. When he lived here, before he left Idris, after hewasChangedheledawolfpackthatmadeitshomeinBrocelindForest.Hesaidhewasgoingbacktothem,buthewouldntsaywhyorforhowlongonlythathedbebackinafewdays.

Hejustleftmehere?AmIsupposedtositaroundandwaitforhim?

Well,hecouldntverywelltakeyouwithhim,couldhe?Amatisasked.Anditwontbeeasyforyoutoget home.Youbroke theLaw in cominghere likeyoudid, and theClavewont overlook that, or begenerousaboutlettingyouleave.

I dont want to go home. Clary tried to collect herself. I came here toto meet someone. I havesomethingtodo.

Luketoldme,saidAmatis.LetmegiveyouapieceofadviceyoullonlyfindRagnorFellifhewantstobefound.

But

Clarissa.Amatislookedatherspeculatively.WereexpectinganattackbyValentineatanymoment.AlmosteveryShadowhunterinIdrisishereinthecity,insidethewards.StayinginAlicanteisthesafestthingforyou.

Clarysatfrozen.Rationally,Amatisswordsmadesense,butitdidntdomuchtoquietthevoiceinsideherscreamingthatshecouldntwait.ShehadtofindRagnorFellnow;shehadtosavehermothernow,shehadtogonow.Shebitdownonherpanicandtriedtospeakcasually.Lukenevertoldmehehadasister.

No,Amatissaid.Hewouldnthave.Wewerentclose.

LukesaidyourlastnamewasHerondale,Clarysaid.ButthatstheInquisitorslastname.Isntit?

Itwas,saidAmatis,andherfacetightenedasifthewordspainedher.Shewasmymother-in-law.

WhatwasitLukehadtoldClaryabouttheInquisitor?Thatshedhadason,whodmarriedawomanwithundesirablefamilyconnections.YouweremarriedtoStephenHerondale?

Amatislookedsurprised.Youknowhisname?

IdoLuketoldmebutIthoughthiswifedied.IthoughtthatswhytheInquisitorwassoHorrible,shewantedtosay,butitseemedcrueltosayit.Bitter,shesaidatlast.

Amatis reachedfor themugshedbrought;herhandshooka littleasshe lifted it.Yes,shediddie.Killedherself.ThatwasCélineStephenssecondwife.Iwasthefirst.

Andyougotdivorced?

Somethinglikethat.AmatisthrustthemugatClary.Look,drinkthis.Youhavetoputsomethinginyourstomach.

Distracted,Clarytookthemugandswallowedahotmouthful.Theliquidinsidewasrichandsaltynottea,asshedthought,butsoup.Okay,shesaid.Sowhathappened?

Amatiswasgazingintothedistance.WewereintheCircle,StephenandI,alongwitheveryoneelse.WhenLukewaswhenwhathappenedtoLukehappened,Valentineneededanewlieutenant.HechoseStephen.AndwhenhechoseStephen,hedecidedthatperhapsitwouldntbefittingforthewifeofhisclosestfriendandadvisertobesomeonewhosebrotherwas

Awerewolf.

Heusedanotherword.Amatis soundedbitter.HeconvincedStephen toannulourmarriageand tofindhimself anotherwife,one thatValentinehadpicked forhim.Célinewas soyoungsocompletelyobedient.

Thatshorrible.

Amatisshookherheadwithabrittle laugh.Itwasalongtimeago.Stephenwaskind,IsupposehegavemethishouseandmovedbackintotheHerondalemanorwithhisparentsandCéline.Ineversawhimagainafterthat.IlefttheCircle,ofcourse.Theywouldnthavewantedmeanymore.TheonlyoneofthemwhostillvisitedmewasJocelyn.SheeventoldmewhenshewenttoseeLuke.Shepushedhergrayinghairbackbehindher ears. Iheardwhathappened toStephen in theUprisingonce itwasallover.AndCélineIdhatedher,butIfeltsorryforherthen.Shecutherwrists,theysaybloodeverywhereShe took a deep breath. I saw Imogen later at Stephens funeral, when they put his body into theHerondalemausoleum.Shedidnt even seem to recognizeme.Theymadeher the Inquisitornot longafterthat.TheClavefelttherewasnooneelsewhowouldhavehunteddowntheformermembersofthe Circle more ruthlessly than she didand they were right. If she could have washed away hermemoriesofStephenintheirblood,shewouldhave.

ClarythoughtofthecoldeyesoftheInquisitor,hernarrow,hardstare,andtriedtofeelpityforher.Ithinkitmadehercrazy,shesaid.Reallycrazy.ShewashorribletomebutmostlytoJace.Itwaslikeshewantedhimdead.

Thatmakessense,saidAmatis.Youlooklikeyourmother,andyourmotherbroughtyouup,butyourbrotherShecockedherheadtotheside.DoeshelookasmuchlikeValentineasyoulooklikeJocelyn?

No,Clarysaid.Jace just looks likehimself.Ashiverwent throughherat the thoughtofJace.Hes

hereinAlicante,shesaid,thinkingoutloud.IfIcouldseehim

No.Amatisspokewithasperity.Youcantleavethehouse.Nottoseeanyone.Anddefinitelynottoseeyourbrother.

Notleavethehouse?Clarywashorrified.YoumeanImstuckhere?Likeaprisoner?

Itsonlyforadayortwo,Amatisadmonishedher,andbesides,yourenotwell.Youneedtorecover.Thelakewaternearlykilledyou.

ButJace

Isoneof theLightwoods.Youcantgoover there.Themoment they seeyou, theyll tell theClaveyourehere.AndthenyouwontbetheonlyoneintroublewiththeLaw.Lukewillbetoo.

ButtheLightwoodswontbetraymetotheClave.Theywouldntdothat

Thewordsdiedonherlips.TherewasnowayshewasgoingtobeabletoconvinceAmatisthattheLightwoods shed known fifteen years ago no longer existed, thatRobert andMarysewerent blindlyloyalfanaticsanymore.ThiswomanmightbeLukessister,butshewasstillastrangertoClary.Shewasalmost a stranger toLuke.Hehadnt seenher in sixteenyearshadnever evenmentioned she existed.Claryleanedbackagainstthepillows,feigningweariness.Youreright,shesaid.Idontfeelwell.IthinkIdbettersleep.

Good idea.Amatis leanedoverandplucked theemptymugoutofherhand. Ifyouwant to takeashower,thebathroomsacrossthehall.Andtheresatrunkofmyoldclothesatthefootofthebed.YoulooklikeyoureaboutthesizeIwaswhenIwasyourage,sotheymightfityou.Unlikethosepajamas,she added, and smiled, aweak smile that Clary didnt return. Shewas too busy fighting the urge topoundherfistsagainstthemattressinfrustration.

The moment the door closed behind Amatis, Clary scrambled out of bed and headed for thebathroom,hopingthatstandinginhotwaterwouldhelpclearherhead.Toherrelief,foralltheirold-fashionedness, the Shadowhunters seemed to believe inmodern plumbing and hot and cold runningwater.TherewasevensharplyscentedcitrussoaptorinsethelingeringsmellofLakeLynoutofherhair.Bythetimesheemerged,wrappedintwotowels,shewasfeelingmuchbetter.

InthebedroomsherummagedthroughAmatisstrunk.Herclotheswerepackedawayneatlybetweenlayersofcrisppaper.Therewerewhatlookedlikeschoolclothesmerinowoolsweaterswithaninsigniathat looked like fourCs back to back sewed over the breast pocket, pleated skirts, and button-downshirtswith narrow cuffs. Therewas awhite dress swathed in layers of tissue paperawedding dress,Clarythought,andlaiditasidecarefully.Belowitwasanotherdress,thisonemadeofsilverysilk,withslenderbejeweledstrapsholdingupitsgossamerweight.ClarycouldntimagineAmatisinit,butThisisthesortofthingmymothermighthavewornwhenshewentdancingwithValentine,shecouldnthelpthinking,andletthedressslidebackintothetrunk,itstexturesoftandcoolagainstherfingers.

AndthentherewastheShadowhuntergear,packedawayattheverybottom.

Clarydrewout thoseclothesandspreadthemcuriouslyacrossher lap.Thefirst timeshehadseenJaceandtheLightwoods,theyhadbeenwearingtheirfightinggear:closefittingtopsandpantsoftough,darkmaterial.Upcloseshecouldseethatthematerialwasnotstretchybutstiff,athinleatherpoundedvery flat until it became flexible. There was a jacket-type top that zipped up and pants that hadcomplicatedbeltloops.Shadowhunterbeltswerebig,sturdythings,meantforhangingweaponson.

Sheought,ofcourse, toputononeof thesweatersandmaybea skirt.ThatwaswhatAmatishadprobablymeant her to do.But something about the fightinggear called to her; shehadalways beencurious,alwayswonderedwhatitwouldbelike.

A few minutes later the towels were hanging over the bar at the foot of the bed and Clary wasregardingherselfinthemirrorwithsurpriseandnotalittleamusement.Thegearfititwastightbutnottootight,andhuggedthecurvesofher legsandchest. Infact, itmadeher lookas ifshehadcurves,whichwassortofnovel.Itcouldntmakeherlookformidableshedoubtedanythingcoulddothatbutatleastshelookedtaller,andherhairagainsttheblackmaterialwasextraordinarilybright.InfactI looklikemymother,Clarythoughtwithajolt.

Andshedid.Jocelynhadalwayshadasteelycoreoftoughnessunderherdoll-likelooks.Claryhadoften wondered what had happened in her mothers past to make her the way she wasstrong andunbending, stubborn and unafraid.Does your brother look as much like Valentine as you look likeJocelyn?Amatishadasked,andClaryhadwantedtoreplythatshedidntlookatalllikehermother,thathermotherwas beautiful and shewasnt.But the Jocelyn thatAmatis had knownwas the girlwhodplottedtobringdownValentine,whodsecretlyforgedanallianceofNephilimandDownworldersthathadbroken theCircle and saved theAccords.That Jocelynwould never have agreed to stay quietlyinsidethishouseandwaitwhileeverythinginherworldfellapart.

Withoutpausingtothink,Clarycrossedtheroomandshothometheboltonthedoor,lockingit.Thenshewenttothewindowandpusheditopen.Thetrelliswasthere,clingingtothesideofthestonewalllikeLikealadder,Clarytoldherself.Justlikealadderandladdersareperfectlysafe.

Takingadeepbreath,shecrawledoutontothewindowledge.

TheguardscamebackforSimonthenextmorning,shakinghimawakeoutofanalreadyfitfulsleepplaguedwithstrangedreams.Thistimetheydidntblindfoldhimastheyledhimbackupstairs,andhesnuckaquickglancethroughthebarreddoorofthecellnexttohis.Ifhedhopedtogetalookattheownerofthehoarsevoicethathadspokentohimthenightbefore,hewasdisappointed.Theonlythingvisiblethroughthebarswaswhatlookedlikeapileofdiscardedrags.

TheguardshurriedSimonalongaseriesofgraycorridors,quicktoshakehimifhelookedtoolonginanydirection.Finallytheycametoahaltinarichlywallpaperedroom.TherewereportraitsonthewallsofdifferentmenandwomeninShadowhuntergear,theframesdecoratedwithpatternsofrunes.Belowoneof the largestportraitswasa redcouchonwhich the Inquisitorwas seated,holdingwhatlookedlikeasilvercupinhishand.HehelditouttoSimon.Blood?heinquired.Youmustbehungrybynow.

HetippedthecuptowardSimon,andtheviewoftheredliquidinsideithithimjustasthesmelldid.Hisveinsstrained toward theblood, likestringsunder thecontrolofamasterpuppeteer.The feelingwasunpleasant,almostpainful.Isithuman?

Aldertreechuckled.Myboy!Dontberidiculous.Itsdeerblood.Perfectlyfresh.

Simonsaidnothing.Hislowerlipstungwherehisfangshadslidfromtheirsheaths,andhetastedhisownbloodinhismouth.Itfilledhimwithnausea.

Aldertrees face screwed up like a dried plum. Oh, dear. He turned to the guards. Leave us now,gentlemen,hesaid,andtheyturnedtogo.OnlytheConsulpausedatthedoor,glancingbackatSimonwithalookofunmistakabledisgust.

No,thankyou,Simonsaidthroughthethicknessinhismouth.Idontwanttheblood.

Your fangs sayotherwise, youngSimon,Aldertree repliedgenially.Here.Take it.Heheldout thecup,andthesmellofbloodseemedtowaftthroughtheroomlikethescentofrosesthroughagarden.

Simonsincisorsstabbeddownward,fullyextendednow,slicingintohislip.Thepainwaslikeaslap;hemovedforward,almostwithoutvolition,andgrabbedthecupoutoftheInquisitorshand.Hedraineditinthreeswallows,then,realizingwhathehaddone,setitdownonthearmofthecouch.Hishandwasshaking.Inquisitorone,hethought.Mezero.

Itrustyournightinthecellswasnttoounpleasant?Theyrenotmeanttobetorturechambers,myboy,more along the linesof a space for enforced reflection. I find reflectionabsolutely centers themind,dontyou?Essentialtoclearthinking.Idohopeyougotsomethinkingin.Youseemlikeathoughtfulyoungman.TheInquisitorcockedhishead to theside. Ibrought thatblanketdownforyouwithmyownhands,youknow.Iwouldnthavewantedyoutobecold.

Imavampire,Simonsaid.Wedontgetcold.

Oh.TheInquisitorlookeddisappointed.

IappreciatedtheStarsofDavidandtheSealofSolomon,Simonaddeddryly.Itsalwaysnicetoseesomeonetakinganinterestinmyreligion.

Oh,yes,ofcourse,ofcourse!Aldertreebrightened.Wonderful,arentthey,thecarvings?Absolutelycharming,andofcoursefoolproof.Idimagineanyattempttotouchthecelldoorwouldmelttheskinrightoffyourhand!Hechuckled,clearlyamusedby the thought. Inanycase.Couldyou takeastepbackwardforme,myman?Justasafavor,apurefavor,youunderstand.

Simontookastepback.

Nothinghappened,but the Inquisitors eyeswidened, thepuffy skinaround them looking stretchedandshiny.Isee,hebreathed.

Youseewhat?

Lookwhereyouare,youngSimon.Lookallaboutyou.

Simonglancedaroundnothinghadchangedabouttheroom,andittookamomentforhimtorealizewhatAldertreemeant.Hewas standing in a bright patch of sun that angled through awindowhighoverhead.

Aldertreewasalmostsquirmingwithexcitement.Yourestandingindirectsunlight,anditshavingnoeffectonyouatall.IalmostwouldnthavebelieveditImean,Iwastold,ofcourse,butIveneverseenanythinglikeitbefore.

Simonsaidnothing.Thereseemedtobenothingtosay.

Thequestionforyou,ofcourse,Aldertreewenton,iswhetheryouknowwhyyourelikethis.

MaybeImjustnicerthantheothervampires.Simonwasimmediatelysorryhedspoken.Aldertreeseyesnarrowed,andaveinbulgedathistemplelikeafatworm.Clearly,hedidntlikejokesunlesshewastheonemakingthem.

Very amusing, very amusing, he said.Letme ask you this:Have youbeen aDaylighter since themomentyourosefromthegrave?

No. Simon spokewith care.No.At first the sun burnedme. Even just a patch of sunlightwouldscorchmyskin.

Indeed.Aldertreegaveavigorousnod,asiftosaythatthatwasthewaythingsoughttobe.Sowhenwasityoufirstnoticedthatyoucouldwalkinthedaylightwithoutpain?

ItwasthemorningafterthebigbattleonValentinesship

DuringwhichValentinecapturedyou,isthatcorrect?Hehadcapturedyouandkeptyouprisoneronhisship,meaningtouseyourbloodtocompletetheRitualofInfernalConversion.

Iguessyouknoweverythingalready,Simonsaid.Youhardlyneedme.

Oh,no,notatall!Aldertreecried,throwinguphishands.Hehadverysmallhands,Simonnoticed,sosmall that they looked a little out of place at the ends of his plump arms. You have so much tocontribute,mydearboy!Forinstance,Icanthelpwonderingiftherewassomethingthathappenedontheship,somethingthatchangedyou.Isthereanythingyoucanthinkof?

IdrankJacesblood,Simonthought,half-inclinedtorepeatthistotheInquisitorjusttobenastyandthen, with a jolt, realized, I drank Jaces blood. Could that have been what changed him? Was itpossible? And whether it was possible or not, could he tell the Inquisitor what Jace had done?ProtectingClarywasonething;protectingJacewasanother.HedidntoweJaceanything.

Except thatwasnt strictly true. Jacehadofferedhimhisblood todrink,had savedhis lifewith it.WouldanotherShadowhunterhavedonethat,foravampire?AndevenifhedonlydoneitforClaryssake,diditmatter?Hethoughtofhimselfsaying,Icouldhavekilledyou.AndJace:Iwouldhaveletyou. Therewas no tellingwhat kind of trouble Jacewould get into if theClave knewhe had savedSimonslife,andhow.

I dont remember anything from the boat, Simon said. I thinkValentinemust have druggedme orsomething.

Aldertreesfacefell.Thatsterriblenews.Terrible.Imsosorrytohearit.

Imsorrytoo,Simonsaid,althoughhewasnt.

Sothereisntasinglethingyouremember?Notonecolorfuldetail?

IjustrememberpassingoutwhenValentineattackedme,andthenIwokeuplaterononLukestruck,headedhome.Idontrememberanythingelse.

Ohdear,ohdear.Aldertreedrewhiscloakaroundhim.IseetheLightwoodsseemtohavebecomeratherfondofyou,buttheothermembersoftheClavearenotsounderstanding.YouwerecapturedbyValentine,youemergedfromthisconfrontationwithapeculiarnewpoweryouhadnthadbefore,andnowyouvefoundyourwaytotheheartofIdris.Youdoseehowitlooks?

If Simons heart had still been able to beat, it would have been racing. You think Im a spy forValentine.

Aldertreelookedshocked.Myboy,myboyItrustyou,ofcourse.Itrustyouimplicitly!ButtheClave,oh, theClave, Imafraid theycanbeverysuspicious.Wehadsohopedyoudbeable tohelpus.YouseeandIshouldntbetellingyouthis,butIfeelIcanconfideinyou,dearboytheClaveisindreadfultrouble.

TheClave?Simonfeltdazed.Butwhatdoesthathavetodowith

Yousee,Aldertreewenton,theClaveissplitdownthemiddleatwarwithitself,youmightsay,inatimeofwar.Mistakesweremade,bythepreviousInquisitorandothersperhapsitsbetternottodwell.But you see, the very authority of the Clave, of the Consul and the Inquisitor, is under question.Valentinealwaysseemstobeastepaheadofus,asifheknowsourplansinadvance.TheCouncilwillnotlistentomyadviceorMalachis,notafterwhathappenedinNewYork.

IthoughtthatwastheInquisitor

AndMalachiwastheonewhoappointedher.Now,ofcourse,hehadnoideashewouldgoasmadasshedid

But,Simonsaid,alittlesourly,thereisthequestionofhowitlooks.

Theveinbulged inAldertreesforeheadagain.Clever,hesaid.Andyourecorrect.Appearancesaresignificant,andnevermorethaninpolitics.Youcanalwaysswaythecrowd,providedyouhaveagoodstory.Heleanedforward,hiseyeslockedonSimon.Nowletmetellyouastory.Itgoeslikethis.TheLightwoods were once in the Circle. At some point they recanted and were granted mercy on thegrounds that they stayedoutof Idris,went toNewYork, and ran the Institute there.TheirblamelessrecordbegantowinthembackthetrustoftheClave.ButallalongtheyknewValentinewasalive.Allalongtheywerehisloyalservants.Theytookinhisson

Buttheydidntknow

Be quiet, the Inquisitor snarled, and Simon shut his mouth. They helped him find the MortalInstruments and assistedhimwith theRitual of InfernalConversion.When the Inquisitor discoveredwhattheyweresecretlyupto,theyarrangedtohaveherkilledduringthebattleontheship.Andnowtheyhavecomehere,totheheartoftheClave,tospyonourplansandrevealthemtoValentineastheyaremade,sothathecandefeatusandultimatelybendallNephilimtohiswill.Andtheyhavebroughtyouwiththemyou,avampirewhocanwithstandsunlighttodistractusfromtheirtrueplans:toreturnthe Circle to its former glory and destroy the Law. The Inquisitor leaned forward, his piggy eyesgleaming.Whatdoyouthinkofthatstory,vampire?

Ithinkitsinsane,saidSimon.AnditsgotmoregiantholesinitthanKentAvenueinBrooklynwhich,incidentally,hasntbeenresurfacedinyears.Idontknowwhatyourehopingtoaccomplishwiththis

Hoping?echoedAldertree. Idonthope,Downworlder. Iknowinmyheart. Iknowit ismysacreddutytosavetheClave.

Withalie?saidSimon.

Withastory,saidAldertree.Greatpoliticiansweavetalestoinspiretheirpeople.

TheresnothinginspirationalaboutblamingtheLightwoodsforeverything

Somemustbesacrificed,saidAldertree.Hisfaceshonewithasweatylight.OncetheCouncilhasacommonenemy,andareasontotrusttheClaveagain,theywillcometogether.Whatisthecostofonefamily,weighedagainstallthat?Infact,IdoubtanythingmuchwillhappentotheLightwoodchildren.Theywontbeblamed.Well,perhapstheeldestboy.Buttheothers

Youcantdothis,Simonsaid.Nobodywillbelievethisstory.

Peoplebelievewhattheywanttobelieve,Aldertreesaid,andtheClavewantssomeonetoblame.Icangivethemthat.AllIneedisyou.

Me?Whatdoesthishavetodowithme?

Confess.TheInquisitorsfacewasscarletwithexcitementnow.Confess thatyoureaservantof theLightwoods, thatyoureall in leaguewithValentine.Confess and Ill showyou leniency. Ill sendyoubacktoyourownpeople.Isweartoit.ButIneedyourconfessiontomaketheClavebelieve.

Youwantmetoconfesstoalie,Simonsaid.HeknewhewasjustrepeatingwhattheInquisitorhadalreadysaid,buthismindwaswhirling;hecouldntseemtocatchholdofasinglethought.ThefacesoftheLightwoodsspun throughhismindAlec,catchinghisbreathon thepathup to theGard; Isabellesdarkeyesturneduptohis;Maxbentoverabook.

AndJace.JacewasoneofthemasmuchasifhesharedtheirLightwoodblood.TheInquisitorhadntsaidhisname,butSimonknewJacewouldpayalongwiththerestofthem.Andwhateverhesuffered,Clarywouldsuffer.Howhadithappened,Simonthought,thathewasboundtothesepeopletopeoplewhothoughtofhimasnothingmorethanaDownworlder,halfhumanatbest?

HeraisedhiseyestotheInquisitors.Aldertreeswereanoddcharcoalblack;lookingintothemwaslikelookingintodarkness.No,Simonsaid.No,Iwontdoit.

ThatbloodIgaveyou,Aldertreesaid,isallthebloodyoullseeuntilyougivemeadifferentanswer.Therewasnokindnessinhisvoice,notevenfalsekindness.Youdbesurprisedhowthirstyyoucanget.

Simonsaidnothing.

Another night in the cells, then, the Inquisitor said, rising to his feet and reaching for a bell tosummontheguards.Itsquitepeacefuldownthere,isntit?Idofindthatapeacefulatmospherecanhelpwithalittleproblemofmemorydontyou?

ThoughClaryhadtoldherselfsherememberedthewayshedcomewithLukethenightbefore,thisturnedoutnot tobeentirely true.Heading toward thecitycenterseemed like thebestbet forgettingdirections,butonceshefoundthestonecourtyardwiththedisusedwell,shecouldntrememberwhethertoturnleftorrightfromit.Sheturnedleft,whichplungedherintoawarrenoftwistingstreets,eachonemuchlikethenextandeachturngettinghermorehopelesslylostthanbefore.

Finallysheemergedintoawiderstreetlinedwithshops.Pedestrianshurriedbyoneitherside,noneof themgivingherasecondglance.Afewof themwerealsodressedinfightinggear,althoughmostwerent:Itwascoolout,andlong,old-fashionedcoatsweretheorderoftheday.Thewindwasbrisk,andwithapangClarythoughtofhergreenvelvetcoat,hangingupinAmatisssparebedroom.

LukehadntbeenlyingwhenhedsaidthatShadowhuntershadcomefromallovertheworldforthesummit.ClarypassedanIndianwomaninagorgeousgoldsari,apairofcurvedbladeshangingfromachainaroundherwaist.A tall, dark-skinnedmanwith anangularAztec facewasgazing into a shopwindow full of weaponry; bracelets made of the same hard, shining material as the demon towersladderedhiswrists.Fartherdownthestreetamaninawhitenomadicrobeconsultedwhatlookedlikeastreetmap.ThesightofhimgaveClarythenervetoapproachapassingwomaninaheavybrocadecoatand ask her the way to Princewater Street. If there was ever going to be a time when the citysinhabitantswouldnt necessarily be suspiciousof someonewhodidnt seem toknowwhere theyweregoing,thiswouldbeit.

Herinstinctwasright;withoutatraceofhesitationthewomangaveherahurriedseriesofdirections.And then right at the end ofOldcastleCanal, and over the stone bridge, and thatswhere youll findPrincewater.ShegaveClaryasmile.Visitinganyoneinparticular?

ThePenhallows.

Oh,thatsthebluehouse,goldtrim,backsupontothecanal.Itsabigplaceyoucantmissit.

Shewashalf-right.Itwasabigplace,butClarywalkedrightbyitbeforerealizinghermistakeandswervingback around to look at it again. Itwas reallymore indigo thanblue, she thought, but thenagain not everyone noticed colors that way.Most people couldnt tell the difference between lemonyellowandsaffron.Asiftheywereevenclosetoeachother!Andthetrimonthehousewasntgold;itwasbronze.Anicedarkishbronze,asifthehousehadbeenthereformanyyears,anditprobablyhad.Everythinginthisplacewassoancient

Enough,Clarytoldherself.Shealwaysdidthiswhenshewasnervous,lethermindwanderoffinallsortsofrandomdirections.Sherubbedherhandsdownthesidesofhertrousers;herpalmsweresweatyanddamp.Thematerialfeltroughanddryagainstherskin,likesnakescales.

Shemountedthestepsandtookholdoftheheavydoorknocker.Itwasshapedlikeapairofangelswings, andwhen she let it fall, she could hear the sound echoing like the tolling of a huge bell. Amomentlaterthedoorwasyankedopen,andIsabelleLightwoodstoodonthethreshold,hereyeswidewithshock.

Clary?

Clarysmiledweakly.Hi,Isabelle.

Isabelleleanedagainstthedoorjamb,herexpressiondismal.Oh,crap.

BackinthecellSimoncollapsedonthebed,listeningtothefootstepsoftheguardsrecedeastheymarchedaway fromhisdoor.Anothernight.Anothernightdownhere inprison,while the Inquisitorwaitedforhimtoremember.Youdoseehowitlooks.Inallhisworstfears,hisworstnightmares,ithadnever occurred to Simon that anyone might think he was in league withValentine. Valentine hatedDownworlders, famously. Valentine had stabbed him and drained his blood and left him to die.Although,admittedly,theInquisitordidntknowthat.

Therewasarustlefromtheothersideofthecellwall.Ihavetoadmit,Iwonderedifyoudbecomingback, said the hoarse voice Simon remembered from the night before. I take it you didnt give theInquisitorwhathewants?

Idontthinkso,Simonsaid,approachingthewall.Heranhisfingersoverthestoneasiflookingforacrackinit,somethinghecouldseethrough,buttherewasnothing.Whoareyou?

Hesastubbornman,Aldertree,saidthevoice,asifSimonhadntspoken.Hellkeeptrying.

Simonleanedagainstthedampwall.ThenIguessIllbedownhereforawhile.

Idontsupposeyoudbewillingtotellmewhatitishewantsfromyou?

Whydoyouwanttoknow?

The chuckle that answeredSimon sounded likemetal scraping against stone. Ive been in this celllongerthanyouhave,Daylighter,andasyoucansee,theresnotalottokeepthemindoccupied.Anydistractionhelps.

Simon lacedhishandsoverhis stomach.Thedeerbloodhad taken the edgeoffhishunger, but ithadntbeenquiteenough.Hisbodystillachedwiththirst.Youkeepcallingmethat,hesaid.Daylighter.

Iheardtheguardstalkingaboutyou.Avampirewhocanwalkaroundinthesunlight.Nooneseverseenanythinglikeitbefore.

Andyetyouhaveawordforit.Convenient.

ItsaDownworlderword,notaClaveone.Theyhavelegendsaboutcreatureslikeyou.Imsurprisedyoudontknowthat.

IhaventexactlybeenaDownworlderforverylong,Simonsaid.Andyouseemtoknowalotaboutme.

Theguards like togossip, said thevoice.And theLightwoodsappearing through thePortalwithableeding,dyingvampirethats agoodpieceofgossip.Though Ihave to say Iwasnt expectingyou toshowupherenotuntiltheystartedfixingupthecellforyou.ImsurprisedtheLightwoodsstoodforit.

Whywouldntthey?Simonsaidbitterly.Imnothing.ImaDownworlder.

MaybetotheConsul,saidthevoice.ButtheLightwoods

Whataboutthem?

There was a short pause. Those Shadowhunters who live outside Idrisespecially those who runInstitutestendtobemoretolerant.ThelocalClave,ontheotherhand,isagooddealmorehidebound.

Andwhataboutyou?Simonsaid.AreyouaDownworlder?

ADownworlder?Simoncouldntbesure,buttherewasanedgeofangerinthestrangersvoice,asifheresentedthequestion.MynameisSamuel.SamuelBlackburn.IamNephilim.YearsagoIwasintheCircle,withValentine.IslaughteredDownworldersattheUprising.Iamnotoneofthem.

Oh.Simonswallowed.Hismouthtastedofsalt.ThemembersofValentinesCirclehadbeencaughtand punished by the Clave, he rememberedexcept for those like the Lightwoods, whodmanaged tomakedealsoracceptexileinexchangeforforgiveness.Haveyoubeendownhereeversince?

No. After the Uprising, I slipped out of Idris before I could be caught. I stayed away foryearsyearsuntil like a fool, thinking Id been forgotten, I came back. Of course they caught me themoment I returned.TheClavehas itswaysof tracking itsenemies.Theydraggedme in frontof theInquisitor, and I was interrogated for days.When they were done, they tossed me in here. Samuelsighed.InFrenchthissortofprisoniscalledanoubliette.Itmeansaforgettingplace.Itswhereyoutossthegarbageyoudontwanttoremember,soitcanrotawaywithoutbotheringyouwithitsstench.

Fine.ImaDownworlder,soImgarbage.Butyourenot.YoureNephilim.

ImNephilimwhowasinleaguewithValentine.Thatmakesmenobetterthanyou.Worse,even.Imaturncoat.

ButthereareplentyofotherShadowhunterswhousedtobeCirclememberstheLightwoodsandthePenhallows

Theyallrecanted.TurnedtheirbacksonValentine.Ididnt.

Youdidnt?Butwhynot?

BecauseImmoreafraidofValentinethanIamoftheClave,saidSamuel,andifyouweresensible,Daylighter,youwouldbetoo.

ButyouresupposedtobeinNewYork!Isabelleexclaimed.Jacesaidyoudchangedyourmindabout

coming.Hesaidyouwantedtostaywithyourmother!

Jacelied,Clarysaidflatly.Hedidntwantmehere,soheliedtomeaboutwhenyouwereleaving,andthenliedtoyouaboutmechangingmymind.Rememberwhenyoutoldmeheneverlies?Thatissonottrue.

Henormallyneverdoes,saidIsabelle,whohadgonepale.Look,didyoucomehereImean,doesthishavesomethingtodowithSimon?

WithSimon?No.SimonssafeinNewYork,thankGod.Althoughhesgoingtobereallypissedthathenevergottosaygood-byetome.IsabellesblankexpressionwasstartingtoannoyClary.Comeon,Isabelle.Letmein.IneedtoseeJace.

Soyoujustcamehereonyourown?DidyouhavepermissionfromtheClave?PleasetellmeyouhadpermissionfromtheClave.

Notassuch

YoubroketheLaw?Isabellesvoicerose,andthendropped.Shewenton,almostinawhisper,IfJacefindsout,hellfreak.Clary,youvegottogohome.

No. Im supposed to be here, Clary said, not even sure herself quite where her stubbornness wascomingfrom.AndIneedtotalktoJace.

Nowisntagoodtime.Isabellelookedaroundanxiously,asifhopingtherewassomeoneshecouldappealtoforhelpinremovingClaryfromthepremises.Please,justgobacktoNewYork.Please?

Ithoughtyoulikedme,Izzy.Clarywentfortheguilt.

Isabellebither lip.Shewaswearingawhitedressandhadherhairpinnedupandlookedyoungerthansheusuallydid.BehindherClarycouldseeahigh-ceilingedentrywayhungwithantique-lookingoil paintings. Ido like you. Its just that JaceohmyGod,what are youwearing?Wheredidyougetfightinggear?

Clarylookeddownatherself.Itsalongstory.

Youcantcomeinherelikethat.IfJaceseesyou

Oh,sowhatifheseesme.Isabelle,Icameherebecauseofmymotherformymother.Jacemaynotwantmehere,buthecantmakemestayhome.Imsupposedtobehere.Mymotherexpectedmetodothisforher.Youddoitforyourmother,wouldntyou?

OfcourseIwould,Isabellesaid.But,Clary,Jacehashisreasons

ThenIdlovetohearwhat theyare.ClaryduckedunderIsabellesarmandintotheentrywayofthehouse.

Clary!Isabelleyelped,anddartedafterher,butClarywasalreadyhalfwaydownthehall.Shesaw,with thehalfofhermind thatwasnt concentratingondodging Isabelle, that thehousewasbuilt likeAmatiss, tall and thin,but considerably largerandmore richlydecorated.Thehallwayopened intoaroomwith highwindows that looked out over awide canal.White boats plied thewater, their sailsdriftingby likedandelionclocks tossedon thewind.Adark-hairedboysatonacouchbyoneof thewindows,apparentlyreadingabook.

Sebastian!Isabellecalled.Dontlethergoupstairs!

Theboylookedup,startledandamomentlaterwasinfrontofClary,blockingherpathtothestairs.Claryskiddedtoahaltshedneverseenanyonemovethatfastbefore,exceptJace.Theboywasntevenoutofbreath;infact,hewassmilingather.

SothisisthefamousClary.Hissmilelituphisface,andClaryfeltherbreathcatch.Foryearssheddrawn her own ongoing graphic storythe tale of a kings sonwhowas under a curse thatmeant thateveryone he loved would die. Shed put everything she had into dreaming up her dark, romantic,shadowyprince,andherehewas,standinginfrontofherthesamepaleskin, thesametumblinghair,and eyes so dark, the pupils seemed tomeldwith the iris. The same high cheekbones and deep-set,shadowedeyesfringedwithlonglashes.Sheknewshedneverseteyesonthisboybefore,andyet

Theboylookedpuzzled.Idontthinkhavewemetbefore?

Speechless,Claryshookherhead.

Sebastian! Isabelleshairhadcomeoutof itspinsandhungdownoverher shoulders,andshewasglaring.Dontbenicetoher.Shesnotsupposedtobehere.Clary,gohome.

WithaneffortClarywrenchedhergazeawayfromSebastianandshotaglareatIsabelle.What,backtoNewYork?AndhowamIsupposedtogetthere?

Howdidyougethere?Sebastianinquired.SneakingintoAlicanteisquiteanaccomplishment.

IcamethroughaPortal,saidClary.

APortal? Isabelle lookedastonished.But there isnt aPortal left inNewYork.Valentinedestroyedthemboth

I dont owe you any explanations,Clary said.Not until you giveme some. For one thing,wheresJace?

Hesnothere,Isabelleanswered,atexactlythesametimethatSebastiansaid,Hesupstairs.

Isabelleturnedonhim.Sebastian!Shutup.

Sebastianlookedperplexed.Butsheshissister.Wouldnthewanttoseeher?

Isabelleopenedhermouthandthencloseditagain.ClarycouldseethatIsabellewasweighingtheadvisabilityofexplaininghercomplicatedrelationshipwithJacetothecompletelyobliviousSebastianagainsttheadvisabilityofspringinganunpleasantsurpriseonJace.Finallyshethrewherhandsupinagestureofdespair.Fine,Clary,shesaid,withanunusualforIsabelleamountofanger inhervoice.Goaheadanddowhateveryouwant,regardlessofwhoithurts.Youalwaysdoanyway,dontyou?

Ouch.ClaryshotIsabelleareproachfullookbeforeturningbacktoSebastian,whosteppedsilentlyoutofherway.Shedartedpasthimandup thestairs,vaguelyawareofvoicesbelowheras Isabelleshouted at the unfortunate Sebastian.But thatwas Isabelleif therewas a boy around and blame thatneededtobepinnedonsomeone,Isabellewouldpinitonhim.

Thestaircasewidenedintoalandingwithabay-windowedalcovethatlookedoutoverthecity.Aboywassittinginthealcove,reading.HelookedupasClarycameupthestairs,andblinkedinsurprise.Iknowyou.

Hi,Max.ItsClaryJacessister.Remember?

Maxbrightened.YoushowedmehowtoreadNaruto,hesaid,holdingouthisbooktoher.Look,I

gotanotherone.Thisonescalled

Max,Icanttalknow.IpromiseIlllookatyourbooklater,butdoyouknowwhereJaceis?

Maxsfacefell.Thatroom,hesaid,andpointedtothelastdoordownthehall.Iwantedtogointherewithhim,buthetoldmehehadtodogrown-upstuff.Everyonesalwaystellingmethat.

Imsorry,Clarysaid,buthermindwasnolongerontheconversation.ItwasracingaheadwhatwouldshesaytoJacewhenshesawhim,whatwouldhesaytoher?Movingdownthehall tothedoor,shethought,Itwouldbebettertobefriendly,notangry;yellingathimwilljustmakehimdefensive.HehastounderstandthatIbelonghere,justlikehedoes.Idontneedtobeprotectedlikeapieceofdelicatechina.Imstrongtoo

Shethrewthedooropen.Theroomseemedtobeasortoflibrary,thewallslinedwithbooks.Itwasbrightly lit, light streaming through a tall picturewindow. In themiddle of the room stood Jace.Hewasntalone, thoughnotbya longshot.Therewasadark-hairedgirlwithhim,agirlClaryhadneverseenbefore,andthetwoofthemwerelockedtogetherinapassionateembrace.

6

BADBLOOD

DizzinesswashedoverClary,asifalltheairhadbeensuckedoutoftheroom.Shetriedtobackawaybutstumbledandhitthedoorwithhershoulder.Itshutwithabang,andJaceandthegirlbrokeapart.

Clary froze. Theywere both staring at her. She noticed that the girl had dark straight hair to hershouldersandwasextremelypretty.Thetopbuttonsofhershirtwereundone,showingastripoflacybra.Claryfeltasifshewereabouttothrowup.

Thegirlshandswenttoherblouse,quicklydoingupthebuttons.Shedidntlookpleased.Excuseme,shesaidwithafrown.Whoareyou?

Clary didnt answershe was looking at Jace, who was staring at her incredulously. His skin wasdrainedofallcolor,showingthedarkringsaroundhiseyes.HelookedatClaryasifhewerestaringdownthebarrelofagun.

Aline.Jacesvoicewaswithoutwarmthorcolor.Thisismysister,Clary.

Oh.Oh.Alinesfacerelaxedintoaslightlyembarrassedsmile.Sorry!Whatawaytomeetyou.Hi,ImAline.

SheadvancedonClary,stillsmiling,herhandout.IdontthinkIcantouchher,Clarythoughtwithasinkingfeelingofhorror.ShelookedatJace,whoseemedtoreadtheexpressioninhereyes;unsmiling,he tookAline by the shoulders and said something in her ear. She looked surprised, shrugged, andheadedforthedoorwithoutanotherword.

ThisleftClaryalonewithJace.Alonewithsomeonewhowasstilllookingatherasifshewerehisworstnightmarecometolife.

Jace,shesaid,andtookasteptowardhim.

Hebackedawayfromherasifshewerecoatedinsomethingpoisonous.What,hesaid,inthenameoftheAngel,Clary,areyoudoinghere?

Despiteeverything, theharshnessofhis tonehurt.Youcouldat leastpretendyouwereglad toseeme.Evenalittlebit.

Imnotgladtoseeyou,hesaid.Someofhiscolorhadcomeback,but theshadowsunderhiseyeswere still gray smudges againsthis skin.Clarywaited forhim to say somethingelse,buthe seemedcontent just to stare at her in undisguised horror. She noticed with a distracted clarity that he waswearingablacksweater thathungoffhiswristsas ifhedlostweight,andthat thenailsonhishandswerebittendowntothequick.Notevenalittlebit.

Thisisntyou,shesaid.Ihateitwhenyouactlikethis

Oh,youhateit,doyou?Well,Idbetterstopdoingit,then,hadntI?Imean,youdoeverythingIaskyoutodo.

Youhadnoright todowhatyoudid!shesnappedathim,suddenlyfurious.Lying tomelike that.Youhadnoright

Ihadeveryright!heshouted.Shedidntthinkhedevershoutedatherbefore.Ihadeveryright,youstupid,stupidgirl.ImyourbrotherandI

Andyouwhat?Youownme?Youdontownme,whetheryouremybrotherornot!

ThedoorbehindClaryflewopen.ItwasAlec,soberlydressedinalong,darkbluejacket,hisblackhairindisarray.Heworemuddybootsandanincredulousexpressiononhisusuallycalmface.Whatinallpossibledimensionsisgoingonhere?hesaid,lookingfromJacetoClarywithamazement.Areyoutwotryingtokilleachother?

Notatall,saidJace.Asifbymagic,Clarysaw,ithadallbeenwipedaway:hisrageandhispanic,andhewasicycalmagain.Clarywasjustleaving.

Good,Alecsaid,becauseIneedtotalktoyou,Jace.

Doesntanyone in thishouseever say,Hi,nice to seeyouanymore?Clarydemandedofnoone inparticular.

ItwasmucheasiertoguiltAlecthanIsabelle.Itisgoodtoseeyou,Clary,hesaid,exceptofcoursefor the fact that youre really not supposed to be here. Isabelle told me you got here on your ownsomehow,andImimpressed

Couldyounotencourageher?Jaceinquired.

ButIreally,reallyneedtotalktoJaceaboutsomething.Canyougiveusafewminutes?

Ineedtotalktohimtoo,shesaid.Aboutourmother

Idontfeelliketalking,saidJace,toeitherofyou,asamatteroffact.

Yes,youdo,Alecsaid.Youreallywanttotalktomeaboutthis.

Idoubtthat,Jacesaid.HehadturnedhisgazebacktoClary.Youdidntcomeherealone,didyou?hesaidslowly,asifrealizingthatthesituationwasevenworsethanhedthought.Whocamewithyou?

Thereseemedtobenopointinlyingaboutit.Luke,saidClary.Lukecamewithme.

Jace blanched. But Luke is a Downworlder. Do you know what the Clave does to unregisteredDownworlderswhocomeintotheGlassCitywhocrossthewardswithoutpermission?ComingtoIdrisisonething,butenteringAlicante?Withouttellinganyone?

No,Clarysaid,inahalfwhisper,butIknowwhatyouregoingtosay

ThatifyouandLukedontgobacktoNewYorkimmediately,youllfindout?

For amoment Jacewas silent,meeting her eyeswith his own. The desperation in his expressionshockedher.Hewastheonethreateningher,afterall,nottheotherwayaround.

Jace,Alecsaidintothesilence,atingeofpaniccreepingintohisvoice.HaventyouwonderedwhereIvebeenallday?

Thatsanewcoatyourewearing,Jacesaid,withoutlookingathisfriend.Ifigureyouwentshopping.Thoughwhyyouresoeagertobothermeaboutit,Ihavenoidea.

Ididntgoshopping,Alecsaidfuriously.Iwent

Thedooropenedagain. Inaflutterofwhitedress, Isabelledarted in,shutting thedoorbehindher.ShelookedatClaryandshookherhead.Itoldyouhedfreakout,shesaid.DidntI?

Ah,theItoldyouso,Jacesaid.Alwaysaclassymove.

Clarylookedathimwithhorror.Howcanyoujoke?shewhispered.YoujustthreatenedLuke.Luke,wholikesyouandtrustsyou.BecausehesaDownworlder.Whatswrongwithyou?

Isabellelookedhorrified.Lukeshere?Oh,Clary

Hesnothere,Clarysaid.HeleftthismorningandIdontknowwherehewent.ButIcancertainlyseenowwhyhehad togo.Shecouldhardlybear to lookat Jace.Fine.Youwin.Weshouldneverhavecome.IshouldneverhavemadethatPortal

MadeaPortal?Isabellelookedbewildered.Clary,onlyawarlockcanmakeaPortal.Andtherearentverymanyofthem.TheonlyPortalhereinIdrisisintheGard.

WhichiswhatIhadto talk toyouabout,AlechissedatJacewholooked,Clarysawwithsurprise,evenworsethanhehadbefore;helookedasifhewereabouttopassout.AbouttheerrandIwentonlastnightthethingIhadtodelivertotheGard

Alec,stop.Stop,Jacesaid,andtheharshdesperationinhisvoicecuttheotherboyoff;AlecshuthismouthandstoodstaringatJace,his lipcaughtbetweenhis teeth.ButJacedidntseemtoseehim;hewaslookingatClary,andhiseyeswerehardasglass.Finallyhespoke.Youreright,hesaidinachokedvoice,asifhehadtoforceoutthewords.Youshouldneverhavecome.IknowItoldyouitsbecauseitisntsafeforyouhere,butthatwasnttrue.ThetruthisthatIdontwantyouherebecauseyourerashandthoughtlessandyoullmesseverythingup.Itsjusthowyouare.Yourenotcareful,Clary.

Messeverythingup?Clarycouldntgetenoughairintoherlungsforanythingbutawhisper.

Oh,Jace,Isabellesaidsadly,asifheweretheonewhowashurt.Hedidntlookather.HisgazewasfixedonClary.

Youalwaysjustraceaheadwithoutthinking,hesaid.Youknowthat,Clary.WedneverhaveendedupintheDumortifitwasntforyou.

AndSimonwouldbedead!Doesntthatcountforanything?Maybeitwasrash,but

Hisvoicerose.Maybe?

ButitsnotlikeeverydecisionIvemadewasabadone!Yousaid,afterwhatIdidontheboat,yousaidIdsavedeveryoneslife

AlltheremainingcolorinJacesfacewent.Hesaid,withasuddenandastoundingviciousness,Shutup,Clary,SHUTUP

Ontheboat?Alecsgazedancedbetweenthem,bewildered.Whataboutwhathappenedontheboat?Jace

Ijusttoldyouthattokeepyoufromwhining!Jaceshouted,ignoringAlec,ignoringeverythingbutClary.Shecouldfeel theforceofhissuddenanger likeawave threatening toknockheroffher feet.Youreadisasterforus,Clary!Youreamundane,youllalwaysbeone,youllneverbeaShadowhunter.Youdontknowhowtothinklikewedo,thinkaboutwhatsbestforeveryoneallyoueverthinkaboutisyourself!Buttheresawaronnow,ortherewillbe,andIdonthavethetimeortheinclinationtofollowaroundafteryou,tryingtomakesureyoudontgetoneofuskilled!

Shejuststaredathim.Shecouldnt thinkofa thing tosay;hedneverspokentoher like this.Shedneverevenimaginedhimspeakingtoherlikethis.Howeverangryshedmanagedtomakehiminthepast,hedneverspokentoherasifhehatedherbefore.

Gohome,Clary,hesaid.Hesoundedverytired,asiftheeffortoftellingherhowhereallyfelthaddrainedhim.Gohome.

Allherplansevaporatedherhalf-formedhopesofrushingafterFell,savinghermother,evenfindingLukenothingmattered,nowordscame.Shecrossedtothedoor.AlecandIsabellemovedtoletherpass.Neither of them would look at her; they looked away instead, their expressions shocked andembarrassed.Claryknewsheprobablyoughttofeelhumiliatedaswellasangry,butshedidnt.Shejustfeltdeadinside.

Sheturnedatthedoorandlookedback.Jacewasstaringafterher.Thelightthatstreamedthroughthewindowbehindhimlefthisfaceinshadow;allshecouldseewasthebrightbitsofsunshinethatdustedhisfairhair,likeshardsofbrokenglass.

WhenyoutoldmethefirsttimethatValentinewasyourfather,Ididntbelieveit,shesaid.NotjustbecauseIdidntwantittobetrue,butbecauseyouwerentanythinglikehim.Iveneverthoughtyouwereanythinglikehim.Butyouare.Youare.

Shewentoutoftheroom,shuttingthedoorbehindher.

Theyregoingtostarveme,Simonsaid.

Hewaslyingonthefloorofhiscell,thestonecoldunderhisback.Fromthisangle,though,hecouldsee the sky through thewindow. In the days after Simon had first become a vampire,when he hadthoughthewouldneverseedaylightagain,hedfoundhimselfthinkingincessantlyaboutthesunandthesky.Aboutthewaysthecoloroftheskychangedduringtheday:aboutthepaleskyofmorning,thehotblueofmidday,and thecobaltdarknessof twilight.Hed lainawake in thedarknesswithaparadeofbluesmarchingthroughhisbrain.Now,flatonhisbackinthecellundertheGard,hewonderedifhedhaddaylightandallitsbluesrestoredtohimjustsothathecouldspendtheshort,unpleasantrestofhislifeinthistinyspacewithonlyapatchofskyvisiblethroughthesinglebarredwindowinthewall.

DidyouhearwhatIsaid?Heraisedhisvoice.TheInquisitorsgoingtostarvemetodeath.Nomoreblood.

Therewasarustlingnoise.Anaudiblesigh.ThenSamuelspoke.Iheardyou.Ijustdontknowwhatyouwantmetodoaboutit.Hepaused.Imsorryforyou,Daylighter,ifthathelps.

Itdoesntreally,Simonsaid.TheInquisitorwantsmetolie.WantsmetotellhimthattheLightwoodsare in leaguewithValentine. Then hell sendme home.He rolled over onto his stomach, the stonesjabbingintohisskin.Nevermind.IdontknowwhyImtellingyouallthis.YouprobablyhavenoideawhatImtalkingabout.

Samuelmadeanoisehalfwaybetweenachuckleandacough.Actually,Ido.IknewtheLightwoods.Wewere in the Circle together. The Lightwoods, theWaylands, the Pangborns, theHerondales, thePenhallows.AllthefinefamiliesofAlicante.

AndHodgeStarkweather,Simonsaid,thinkingoftheLightwoodstutor.Hewastoo,wasnthe?

Hewas,saidSamuel.Buthisfamilywashardlyawell-respectedone.Hodgeshowedsomepromiseonce,butIfearheneverliveduptoit.Hepaused.AldertreesalwayshatedtheLightwoods,ofcourse,sincewewerechildren.Hewasntrichorcleverorattractive,and,well,theywerentverykindtohim.Idontthinkhesevergottenoverit.

Rich?Simonsaid.IthoughtallShadowhuntersgotpaidbytheClave.LikeIdontknow,communismorsomething.

In theory all Shadowhunters are fairly and equally paid, said Samuel. Some, like thosewith highpositions in the Clave, or those with great responsibilityrunning an Institute, for examplereceive ahighersalary.Thenthereare thosewholiveoutsideIdrisandchoosetomakemoneyin themundaneworld;itsnotforbidden,aslongastheytitheapartofittotheClave.ButSamuelhesitatedyousawthePenhallowshouse,didntyou?Whatdidyouthinkofit?

Simoncasthismindback.Veryfancy.

ItsoneofthefinesthousesinAlicante,saidSamuel.Andtheyhaveanotherhouse,amanoroutinthecountry.Almostalltherichfamiliesdo.Yousee,theresanotherwayforNephilimtogainwealth.Theycallitspoils.AnythingownedbyademonorDownworlderwhoiskilledbyaShadowhunterbecomesthatShadowhuntersproperty.SoifawealthywarlockbreakstheLaw,andiskilledbyaNephilim

Simonshivered.SokillingDownworldersisalucrativebusiness?

Itcanbe,saidSamuelbitterly,ifyourenottoochoosyaboutwhoyoukill.YoucanseewhytheressomuchoppositiontotheAccords.Itcutsintopeoplespocketbooks,havingtobecarefulaboutmurderingDownworlders.PerhapsthatswhyIjoinedtheCircle.Myfamilywasneverarichone,andtobelookeddownonfornotacceptingbloodmoneyHebrokeoff.

ButtheCirclemurderedDownworlderstoo,saidSimon.

Becausetheythoughtitwastheirsacredduty,saidSamuel.Notoutofgreed.ThoughIcantimaginenowwhy Iever thought thatmattered.Hesoundedexhausted. ItwasValentine.Hehadawayabouthim.Hecouldconvinceyouofanything. I rememberstandingbesidehimwithmyhandscovered inblood,lookingdownatthebodyofadeadwoman,andthinkingonlythatwhatIwasdoinghadtoberight,becauseValentinesaiditwasso.

AdeadDownworlder?

Samuel breathed raggedly on the other side of the wall. At last, he said, Youmust understand, Iwouldhavedoneanythingheasked.Anyofuswouldhave.TheLightwoodsaswell.The Inquisitorknowsthat,andthatiswhatheistryingtoexploit.ButyoushouldknowtheresthechancethatifyougiveintohimandthrowblameontheLightwoods,hellkillyouanywaytoshutyouup.Itdependson

whethertheideaofbeingmercifulmakeshimfeelpowerfulatthetime.

Itdoesntmatter,Simonsaid.Imnotgoingtodoit.IwontbetraytheLightwoods.

Really? Samuel sounded unconvinced. Is there some reason why not? Do you care for theLightwoodsthatmuch?

AnythingItoldhimaboutthemwouldbealie.

Butitmightbetheliehewantstohear.Youdowanttogohome,dontyou?

Simonstaredatthewallasifhecouldsomehowseethroughittothemanontheotherside.Isthatwhatyouddo?Lietohim?

Samuelcoughedawheezysortofcough,asifhewerentveryhealthy.Thenagain,itwasdampandcold down here, which didnt bother Simon, butwould probably bother a normal human being verymuch.Iwouldnttakemoraladvicefromme,hesaid.Butyes,Iprobablywould.Ivealwaysputsavingmyownskinfirst.

Imsurethatsnottrue.

Actually,saidSamuel, it is.Onethingyoull learnasyougetolder,Simon,is thatwhenpeopletellyousomethingunpleasantaboutthemselves,itsusuallytrue.

ButImnotgoingtogetolder,Simonthought.Outloudhesaid,ThatsthefirsttimeyouvecalledmeSimon.SimonandnotDaylighter.

Isupposeitis.

AndasfortheLightwoods,Simonsaid,itsnotthatIlikethemthatmuch.Imean,IlikeIsabelle,andIsortoflikeAlecandJace,too.Buttheresthisgirl.AndJaceisherbrother.

WhenSamuelreplied,hesounded,forthefirsttime,genuinelyamused.Isnttherealwaysagirl.

ThemomentthedoorshutbehindClary,Jaceslumpedbackagainstthewall,asifhislegshadbeencut out from under him. He looked gray with a mixture of horror, shock, and what looked almostlikerelief,asifacatastrophehadbeennarrowlyavoided.

Jace,Alecsaid,takingasteptowardhisfriend.Doyoureallythink

Jacespokeinalowvoice,cuttingAlecoff.Getout,hesaid.Justgetout,bothofyou.

Soyoucandowhat?Isabelledemanded.Wreckyourlifesomemore?Whatthehellwasthatabout?

Jaceshookhishead.Isentherhome.Itwasthebestthingforher.

Youdidahellofalotmorethansendherhome.Youdestroyedher.Didyouseeherface?

Itwasworthit,saidJace.Youwouldntunderstand.

Forher,maybe,Isabellesaid.Ihopeitwindsupworthitforyou.

Jaceturnedhisfaceaway.Justleavemealone,Isabelle.Please.

Isabelle cast a startled look toward her brother. Jace never said please. Alec put a hand on hershoulder.Nevermind,Jace,hesaid,askindlyashecould.Imsureshellbefine.

JaceraisedhisheadandlookedatAlecwithoutactuallylookingathimheseemedtobestaringoffatnothing.No,shewont,hesaid.ButIknewthat.Speakingofwhich,youmightaswelltellmewhatyou

cameinheretotellme.Youseemedtothinkitwasprettyimportantatthetime.

AlectookhishandoffIsabellesshoulder.IdidntwanttotellyouinfrontofClary

JaceseyesfinallyfocusedonAlec.DidntwanttotellmewhatinfrontofClary?

Alec hesitated. Hed rarely seen Jace so upset, and he could only imagine what effect furtherunpleasantsurprisesmighthaveonhim.Buttherewasnowaytohidethis.Jacehadtoknow.Yesterday,hesaid,inalowvoice,whenIbroughtSimonuptotheGard,MalachitoldmeMagnusBanewouldbemeetingSimonattheotherendofthePortal,inNewYork.SoIsentafire-messagetoMagnus.Iheardbackfromhimthismorning.HenevermetSimoninNewYork.Infact,hesaystheresbeennoPortalactivityinNewYorksinceClarycamethrough.

Maybe Malachi was wrong, Isabelle suggested, after a quick look at Jaces ashen face. MaybesomeoneelsemetSimonontheotherside.AndMagnuscouldbewrongaboutthePortalactivity

Alecshookhishead.IwentuptotheGardthismorningwithMom.ImeanttoaskMalachiaboutitmyself,butwhenIsawhimIcantsaywhyIduckedbehindacorner.Icouldntfacehim.ThenIheardhimtalkingtooneoftheguards.TellingthemtogobringthevampireupstairsbecausetheInquisitorwantedtospeaktohimagain.

AreyousuretheymeantSimon?Isabelleasked,buttherewasnoconvictioninhervoice.Maybe

TheyweretalkingabouthowstupidtheDownworlderhadbeentobelievethattheydjustsendhimbacktoNewYorkwithoutquestioninghim.Oneofthemsaidthathecouldntbelieveanyonehadhadthegall to try tosneakhimintoAlicante tobeginwith.AndMalachisaid,Well,whatdoyouexpectfromValentinesson?

Oh,Isabellewhispered.OhmyGod.Sheglancedacrosstheroom.Jace

Jaceshandswereclenchedathissides.Hiseyeslookedsunken,asiftheywerepushingbackintohisskull.InothercircumstancesAlecwouldhaveputahandonhisshoulder,butnotnow;somethingaboutJacemadehimholdback.Ifithadntbeenmewhobroughthimthrough,Jacesaidinalow,measuredvoice, as if hewere reciting something,maybe theywould have just let him go home.Maybe theywouldhavebelieved

No,Alecsaid.No,Jace,itsnotyourfault.Yousavedhislife.

SavedhimsotheClavecouldtorturehim,saidJace.Somefavor.WhenClaryfindsoutHeshookhisheadblindly.ShellthinkIbroughthimhereonpurpose,gavehimtotheClaveknowingwhattheyddo.

Shewontthinkthat.Youdhavenoreasontodoathinglikethat.

Perhaps,Jacesaid,slowly,butafterhowIjusttreatedher

Noonecouldeverthinkyouddothat,Jace,saidIsabelle.Noonewhoknowsyou.Noone

But Jace didntwait to find outwhat else no onewould ever think. Instead he turned around andwalkedovertothepicturewindowthatlookedoverthecanal.Hestoodthereforamoment,thelightcomingthroughthewindowturningtheedgesofhishairtogold.Thenhemoved,soquicklyAlecdidnthavetotimetoreact.Bythetimehesawwhatwasgoingtohappenanddartedforwardtopreventit,itwasalreadytoolate.

Therewasacrashthesoundofshatteringandasuddensprayofbrokenglasslikeashowerofjaggedstars.Jacelookeddownathislefthand,theknucklesstreakedwithscarlet,withaclinicalinterestasfat

reddropsofbloodcollectedandsplattereddownontothefloorathisfeet.

Isabelle stared from Jace to the hole in the glass, lines radiating out from the empty center, aspiderwebofthinsilvercracks.Oh,Jace,shesaid,hervoiceassoftasAlechadeverheardit.HowoneartharewegoingtoexplainthistothePenhallows?

SomehowClarymadeitoutofthehouse.Shewasntsurehoweverythingwasafastblurofstairsandhallways, and then she was running to the front door and out of it and somehow she was on thePenhallowsfrontsteps,tryingtodecidewhetherornotshewasgoingtothrowupintheirrosebushes.

Theywereideallyplacedforthrowingupin,andherstomachwasroilingpainfully,butthefactthatall shed eaten was some soupwas catching upwith her. She didnt think there was anything in herstomach to throw up. Instead shemade herway down the steps and turned blindly out of the frontgateshecouldntrememberwhichdirectionshedcomefromanymore,orhowtogetbacktoAmatiss,butitdidntseemtomattermuch.ItwasntasifshewerelookingforwardtogettingbackandexplainingtoLukethattheyhadtoleaveAlicanteorJacewouldturnthemintotheClave.

Maybe Jacewas right.Maybe shewas rash and thoughtless.Maybe she never thought about howwhat she did impacted the people she loved. Simons face flashed across her vision, sharp as aphotograph,andthenLukes

Shestoppedandleanedagainstalamppost.ThesquareglassfixturelookedlikethesortofgaslampthattoppedthevintagepostsinfrontofthebrownstonesinParkSlope.Somehowitseemedreassuring.

Clary!Itwasaboysvoice,anxious.ImmediatelyClarythought,Jace.Shespunaround.

ItwasntJace.Sebastian,thedark-hairedboyfromthePenhallowslivingroom,stoodinfrontofher,pantingalittleasifhedchasedherdownthestreetatarun.

Shefeltaburstofthesamefeelingshedhadearlier,whenshedfirstseenhimrecognition,mixedwithsomethingshecouldnt identify. Itwasnt likeordislikeitwasa sortofpull, as if somethingdrewhertowardthisboyshedidntknow.Maybeitwasjustthewayhelooked.Hewasbeautiful,asbeautifulasJace, though where Jace was all gold, this boy was pallor and shadows. Although now, under thelamplight,shecouldseethathisresemblancetoherimaginaryprincewasnotasexactasshedthought.Even their coloring was different. It was just something in the shape of his face, the way he heldhimself,thedarksecretivenessofhiseyes

Areyouokay?hesaid.Hisvoicewassoft.YouranoutofthehouselikeHisvoicetrailedoffashelookedather.Shewasstillgrippingthelamppostasifsheneededittoholdherup.Whathappened?

IhadafightwithJace,shesaid,tryingtokeephervoiceeven.Youknowhowitis.

Idont,actually.Hesoundedalmostapologetic.Idonthaveanysistersorbrothers.

Lucky,shesaid,andwasstartledatthebitternessinherownvoice.

Youdontmeanthat.Hetookastepclosertoher,andashedid,thestreetlampflickeredon,castingapoolofwhitewitchlightoverthemboth.Sebastianlookedupatthelightandsmiled.Itsasign.

Asignofwhat?

Asignthatyoushouldletmewalkyouhome.

ButIhaveno ideawhere that is,shesaid, realizing. Isnuckoutof thehouse tocomehere. IdontrememberthewayIcame.

Well,whoareyoustayingwith?

Shehesitatedbeforereplying.

Iwonttellanyone,hesaid.IswearontheAngel.

She stared. That was quite an oath, for a Shadowhunter. All right, she said, before she couldoverthinkherdecision.ImstayingwithAmatisHerondale.

Great.Iknowexactlywhereshelives.Heofferedherhisarm.Shallwe?

Shemanagedasmile.Yourekindofpushy,youknow.

Heshrugged.Ihaveafetishfordamselsindistress.

Dontbesexist.

Notatall.Myservicesarealsoavailabletogentlemenindistress.Itsanequalopportunityfetish,hesaid,and,withaflourish,offeredhisarmagain.

Thistime,shetookit.

Alec shut the door of the small attic room behind him and turned to face Jace. His eyes werenormallythecolorofLakeLyn,apale,untroubledblue,butthecolortendedtochangewithhismoods.AtthemomenttheywerethecoloroftheEastRiverduringathunderstorm.Hisexpressionwasstormyaswell.Sit,hesaidtoJace,pointingatalowchairnearthegabledwindow.Illgetthebandages.

Jace sat. The room he sharedwithAlec at the top of the Penhallows housewas small, with twonarrowbedsinit,oneagainsteachwall.Theirclotheshungfromarowofpegsonthewall.Therewasasinglewindow, letting in faint lightitwasgettingdarknow,and the skyoutside theglasswas indigoblue. Jace watched as Alec knelt to grab the duffel bag from under his bed and yank it open. Herummagednoisilyamongthecontentsbeforegettingtohisfeetwithaboxinhishands.Jacerecognizeditastheboxofmedicalsuppliestheyusedsometimeswhenruneswerentanoptionantiseptic,bandages,scissors,andgauze.

Arentyougoingtouseahealingrune?Jaceasked,moreoutofcuriositythananythingelse.

No.YoucanjustAlecbrokeoff,flingingtheboxontothebedwithaninaudiblecurse.Hewenttothesmallsinkagainstthewallandwashedhishandswithsuchforcethatwatersplashedupwardinafinespray.Jacewatchedhimwithadistantcuriosity.Hishandhadbeguntoburnwithadullandfieryache.

Alec retrieved thebox,pulledachairupopposite Jaces, and flunghimselfdownonto it.Givemeyourhand.

Jaceheldhishandout.Hehadtoadmititlookedprettybad.Allfourknucklesweresplitopenlikeredstarbursts.Driedbloodclungtohisfingers,aflakingred-brownglove.

Alecmadeaface.Youreanidiot.

Thanks,Jacesaid.HewatchedpatientlyasAlecbentoverhishandwithapairoftweezersandgentlynudgedatabitofglassembeddedinhisskin.So,whynot?

Whynotwhat?

Whynotuseahealingrune?Thisisntademoninjury.

Because.Alecretrievedthebluebottleofantiseptic. I thinkitwoulddoyougoodtofeel thepain.

Youcanheal likeamundane.Slowandugly.Maybeyoull learnsomething.HesplashedthestingingliquidoverJacescuts.AlthoughIdoubtit.

Icanalwaysdomyownhealingrune,youknow.

Alec began wrapping a strip of bandages around Jaces hand. Only if you want me to tell thePenhallowswhatreallyhappenedtotheirwindow,insteadoflettingthemthinkitwasanaccident.Hejerkedaknotinthebandagestight,makingJacewince.Youknow,ifIdthoughtyouweregoingtodothistoyourself,Iwouldneverhavetoldyouanything.

Yes, you would have. Jace cocked his head to the side. I didnt realize my attack on the picturewindowwouldupsetyouquitesomuch.

Its justDonewith the bandaging,Alec looked down at Jaces hand, the hand hewas still holdingbetweenhis. Itwasawhiteclubofbandages,spottedwithbloodwhereAlecsfingershadtouchedit.Whydoyoudothesethingstoyourself?Notjustwhatyoudidtothewindow,butthewayyoutalkedtoClary.Whatareyoupunishingyourselffor?Youcanthelphowyoufeel.

Jacesvoicewaseven.HowdoIfeel?

Iseehowyoulookather.Alecseyeswereremote,seeingsomethingjustpastJace,somethingthatwasntthere.Andyoucanthaveher.Maybeyoujustneverknewwhatitwasliketowantsomethingyoucouldnthavebefore.

Jacelookedathimsteadily.WhatsbetweenyouandMagnusBane?

Alecsheadjerkedback.Idonttheresnothing

Imnot stupid.Youwent right toMagnus after you talked toMalachi, before you talked tomeorIsabelleoranyone

Becausehewastheonlyonewhocouldanswermyquestion,thatswhy.Thereisntanythingbetweenus,Alecsaidand then,catching the lookonJaces face,addedwithgreat reluctance,anymore.Theresnothingbetweenusanymore.Okay?

Ihopethatsnotbecauseofme,saidJace.

Alecwentwhiteanddrewback,asifhewerepreparingtowardoffablow.Whatdoyoumean?

Iknowhowyouthinkyoufeelaboutme,Jacesaid.Youdont,though.YoujustlikemebecauseImsafe.Theresnorisk.Andthenyouneverhavetotrytohavearealrelationship,becauseyoucanusemeasanexcuse.Jaceknewhewasbeingcruel,andhebarelycared.Hurtingpeoplehelovedwasalmostasgoodashurtinghimselfwhenhewasinthiskindofmood.

Igetit,Alecsaidtightly.FirstClary,thenyourhand,nowme.Tohellwithyou,Jace.

Youdontbelieveme?Jaceasked.Fine.Goahead.Kissmerightnow.

Alecstaredathiminhorror.

Exactly.Despitemystaggeringgoodlooks,youactuallydontlikemethatway.AndifyoureblowingoffMagnus,itsnotbecauseofme.Itsbecauseyouretooscaredtotellanyonewhoyoureallylove.Lovemakesusliars,saidJace.TheSeelieQueentoldmethat.SodontjudgemeforlyingabouthowIfeel.Youdoittoo.Hestoodup.AndnowIwantyoutodoitagain.

Alecsfacewasstiffwithhurt.Whatdoyoumean?

Lieforme,Jacesaid,takinghisjacketdownfromthewallpegandshruggingiton.Itssunset.TheyllstartcomingbackfromtheGardaboutnow.IwantyoutotelleveryoneImnotfeelingwellandthatswhyImnotcomingdownstairs.TellthemIfeltfaintandtripped,andthatshowthewindowgotbroken.

AlectippedhisheadbackandlookedupatJacesquarely.Fine,hesaid.Ifyoutellmewhereyourereallygoing.

UptotheGard,saidJace.ImgoingtobreakSimonoutofjail.

Clarysmotherhadalwayscalled the timeofdaybetween twilightandnightfall thebluehour.Shesaid the lightwas strongest andmost unusual then, and that itwas the best time to paint.Claryhadneverreallyunderstoodwhatshemeant,butnow,makingherwaythroughAlicanteattwilight,shedid.

ThebluehourinNewYorkwasntreallyblue;itwastoowashedoutbystreetlightsandneonsigns.JocelynmusthavebeenthinkingofIdris.Herethelightfellinswatchesofpurevioletacrossthegoldenstonework of the city, and the witchlight lamps cast circular pools of white light so bright Claryexpected to feelheatwhen shewalked through them.Shewishedhermotherwerewithher. JocelyncouldhavepointedoutthepartsofAlicantethatwerefamiliartoher,thathadaplaceinhermemories.

Butshednevertellyouanyofthosethings.Shekeptthemsecretfromyouonpurpose.Andnowyoumayneverknowthem.AsharppainhalfangerandhalfregretcaughtatClarysheart.

Youre awfully quiet, Sebastian said. They were passing over a canal bridge, its stonework sidescarvedwithrunes.

JustwonderinghowmuchtroubleIllbeinwhenIgetback.Ihadtoclimboutawindowtoleave,butAmatishasprobablynoticedImgonebynow.

Sebastianfrowned.Whysneakout?Wouldntyoubeallowedtogoseeyourbrother?

ImnotsupposedtobeinAlicanteatall,Clarysaid.Imsupposedtobehome,watchingsafelyfromthesidelines.

Ah.Thatexplainsalot.

Doesit?Shecastacurioussidewaysglanceathim.Blueshadowswerecaughtinhisdarkhair.

Everyoneseemedtoblanchwhenyournamecameupearlier.Igatheredtherewassomebadbloodbetweenyourbrotherandyou.

Badblood?Well,thatsonewaytoputit.

Youdontlikehimmuch?

LikeJace?ShedgivensomuchthoughtthesepastweeksastowhethershelovedJaceWaylandandhow,thatshednevermuchpausedtoconsiderwhethershelikedhim.

Sorry.Hesfamilyitsnotreallyaboutwhetheryoulikehimornot.

Idolikehim,shesaid,surprisingherself.Ido,itsjusthemakesmefurious.HetellsmewhatIcanandcantdo

Doesntseemtoworkverywell,Sebastianobserved.

Whatdoyoumean?

Youseemtodowhatyouwantanyway.

Isuppose.Theobservationstartledher,comingfromanearstranger.ButitseemstohavemadehimalotangrierthanIthoughtithad.

Hellgetoverit.Sebastianstonewasdismissive.

Clarylookedathimcuriously.Doyoulikehim?

Ilikehim.ButIdontthinkhelikesmemuch.Sebastiansoundedrueful.EverythingIsayseemstopisshimoff.

Theyturnedoffthestreetintoawidecobble-pavedsquareringedwithtall,narrowbuildings.AtthecenterwasthebronzestatueofanangeltheAngel, theonewhodgivenhisbloodtomaketheraceofShadowhunters.Atthenorthernendofthesquarewasamassivestructureofwhitestone.Awaterfallofwidemarble steps led up to a pillared arcade, behind which was a pair of huge double doors. Theoverall effect in the evening lightwas stunningandweirdly familiar. Clarywondered if shed seen apictureofthisplacebefore.Maybehermotherhadpaintedone?

This isAngelSquare,Sebastiansaid,and thatwas theGreatHallof theAngel.TheAccordswerefirstsignedthere,sinceDownworldersarentallowedintotheGardnowitscalledtheAccordsHall.Itsacentralmeetingplacecelebrationstakeplacethere,marriages,dances,thatsortofthing.Itsthecenterofthecity.TheysayallroadsleadtotheHall.

Itlooksabitlikeachurchbutyoudonthavechurcheshere,doyou?

Noneed, saidSebastian.Thedemon towerskeepus safe.Weneednothing else.Thatswhy I likecominghere.Itfeelspeaceful.

Clarylookedathiminsurprise.Soyoudontlivehere?

No.IliveinParis.ImjustvisitingAlineshesmycousin.Mymotherandherfather,myunclePatrick,were brother and sister. Alines parents ran the Institute in Beijing for years. They moved back toAlicanteaboutadecadeago.

WeretheythePenhallowswerentintheCircle,werethey?

AstartledlookflashedacrossSebastiansface.Hewassilentastheyturnedandleftthesquarebehindthem,makingtheirwayintoawarrenofdarkstreets.Whywouldyouaskthat?hesaidfinally.

WellbecausetheLightwoodswere.

Theypassedunderastreetlight.ClaryglancedsidewaysatSebastian.Inhislongdarkcoatandwhiteshirt,underthepoolofwhitelight,helookedlikeablack-and-whiteillustrationofagentlemanfromaVictorianscrapbook.Hisdarkhaircurledcloseagainsthistemplesinawaythatmadeheritchtodrawhiminpenandink.Youhavetounderstand,hesaid.AgoodhalfoftheyoungShadowhuntersinIdriswerepartoftheCircle,andplentyofthosewhowerentinIdristoo.UnclePatrickwasintheearlydays,but he got out of theCircle once he started to realize how seriousValentinewas.Neither ofAlinesparentswaspartof theUprisingmyunclewenttoBeijingtogetawayfromValentineandmetAlinesmotherattheInstitutethere.WhentheLightwoodsandtheotherCirclemembersweretriedfortreasonagainst the Clave, the Penhallows voted for leniency. Got them sent away to New York instead ofcursed.SotheLightwoodshavealwaysbeengrateful.

Whataboutyourparents?Clarysaid.Weretheyinit?

Notreally.MymotherwasyoungerthanPatrickhesenthertoPariswhenhewenttoBeijing.Shemet

myfatherthere.

YourmotherwasyoungerthanPatrick?

Shesdead,saidSebastian.Myfather,too.MyauntÉlodiebroughtmeup.

Oh,Clarysaid,feelingstupid.Imsorry.

Idontrememberthem,Sebastiansaid.Notreally.WhenIwasyounger,IwishedIhadanoldersisteror a brother, someonewho could tellmewhat itwas like having them as parents.He looked at herthoughtfully.CanIaskyousomething,Clary?WhydidyoucometoIdrisatallwhenyouknewhowbadlyyourbrotherwouldtakeit?

Before she could answer him, they emerged from the narrow alley theyd been following into afamiliar unlit courtyard, the disused well at its center gleaming in the moonlight. Cistern Square,Sebastiansaid,anunmistakablenoteofdisappointmentinhisvoice.WegotherefasterthanIthoughtwewould.

Claryglancedoverthemasonrybridgethatspannedthenearbycanal.ShecouldseeAmatisshouseinthedistance.Allthewindowswerelit.Shesighed.Icangetbackmyselffromhere,thanks.

Youdontwantmetowalkyoutothe

No.Notunlessyouwanttogetintroubletoo.

YouthinkIdgetintrouble?Forbeinggentlemanlyenoughtowalkyouhome?

NoonessupposedtoknowIminAlicante,shesaid.Itssupposedtobeasecret.Andnooffense,butyoureastranger.

Idliketonotbe,hesaid.Idliketogettoknowyoubetter.Hewaslookingatherwithamixtureofamusementandacertainshyness,asifhewerentsurehowwhathedjustsaidwouldbereceived.

Sebastian, she said,with a sudden feeling of overwhelming tiredness. Im glad youwant to get toknowme.ButIjustdonthavetheenergytogettoknowyou.Sorry.

Ididntmean

Butshewasalreadywalkingawayfromhim,towardthebridge.HalfwaytheresheturnedaroundandglancedbackatSebastian.Hewaslookingoddlyforlorninapatchofmoonlight,hisdarkhairfallingoverhisface.

RagnorFell,shesaid.

Hestaredather.What?

You askedmewhy I camehere even though Iwasnt supposed to,Clary said.Mymother is sick.Really sick.Maybe dying. The only thing that can help her, the onlypersonwho can help her, is awarlocknamedRagnorFell.OnlyIhavenoideawheretofindhim.

Clary

Sheturnedbacktowardthehouse.Goodnight,Sebastian.

Itwasharderclimbingupthetrellisthanithadbeenclimbingdown.Clarysbootsslippedanumberoftimesonthedampstonewall,andshewasrelievedwhenshefinallyhauledherselfupoverthesillofthewindowandhalf-jumped,half-fellintothebedroom.

Hereuphoriawasshort-lived.Nosoonerhadherbootshitthefloorthanabrightlightflaredup,asoftexplosionthatlittheroomtoadaylightbrightness.

Amatiswassittingontheedgeofthebed,herbackverystraight,awitchlightstoneinherhand.Itburnedwithaharshlightthatdidnothingtosoftenthehardplanesofherfaceorthelinesatthecornersofhermouth.ShestaredatClaryinsilenceforseverallongmoments.Finallyshesaid,Inthoseclothes,youlookjustlikeJocelyn.

Claryscrambledtoherfeet.IImsorry,shesaid.Aboutgoingoutlikethat

Amatisclosedherhandaroundthewitchlight,snuffingitsglow.Claryblinkedinthesuddendimness.Changeoutofthatgear,Amatissaid,andmeetmedownstairsinthekitchen.Anddonteventhinkaboutsneakingbackoutthroughthewindow,sheadded,orthenexttimeyoureturntothishouse,youllfinditsealedagainstyou.

Swallowinghard,Clarynodded.

Amatisrosetoherfeetandleftwithoutanotherword.QuicklyClaryshuckedoffhergearanddressedinherownclothes,whichhungoverthebedpost,nowdryherjeanswerealittlestiff,butitwasnicetopullonherfamiliarT-shirt.Shakinghertangledhairback,sheheadeddownstairs.

ThelasttimeshedseenthelowerfloorofAmatisshouse,shedbeendeliriousandhallucinating.Sheremembered long corridors stretching out to infinity and a huge grandfather clock whose ticks hadsounded like thebeatsofadyingheart.Nowshe foundherself ina small,homely living room,withplainwoodenfurnitureandaragrugonthefloor.ThesmallsizeandbrightcolorsremindedheralittleofherownlivingroomathomeinBrooklyn.Shecrossedthroughinsilenceandenteredthekitchen,whereafireburnedinthegrateandtheroomwasfullofwarmyellowlight.Amatiswassittingatthetable.Shehadablueshawlwrappedaroundhershoulders;itmadeherhairseemmoregray.

Hi.Claryhoveredinthedoorway.ShecouldnttellifAmatiswasangryornot.

IsupposeIhardlyneedtoaskwhereyouwent,Amatissaid,withoutlookingupfromthetable.YouwenttoseeJonathan,didntyou?Isupposeitwasonlytobeexpected.PerhapsifIdeverhadchildrenofmyown,Idknowwhenachildwaslyingtome.ButIhadsohopedthat,thistimeatleast,Iwouldntcompletelydisappointmybrother.

DisappointLuke?

You know what happened when he was bitten? Amatis stared straight in front of her. Whenmybrotherwasbittenbyawerewolfandofcoursehewas,Valentinewasalwaystakingstupidriskswithhimselfandhisfollowers,itwasjustamatteroftimehecameandtoldmewhathadhappenedandhowscaredhewasthathemighthavecontractedthelycanthropicdisease.AndIsaidIsaid

Amatis,youdonthavetotellmethis

Itoldhimtogetoutofmyhouseandnottocomebackuntilhewassurehedidnthaveit.IcringedawayfromhimIcouldnthelpit.Hervoiceshook.HecouldseehowdisgustedIwas,itwasallovermyface.Hesaidhewasafraidthatifhedidhaveit,ifhedbecomeawere-creature,thatValentinewouldaskhimtokillhimself,andIsaidIsaidthatmaybethatwouldbethebestthing.

Clarygavealittlegasp;shecouldnthelpit.

Amatislookedupquickly.Self-loathingwaswrittenalloverherface.Lukewasalwayssobasically

good,whateverValentinetriedtogethimtodosometimesIthoughtheandJocelynweretheonlyreallygoodpeopleIknewandIcouldntstandtheideaofhimbeingturnedintosomemonster.

Buthesnotlikethat.Hesnotamonster.

Ididntknow.AfterhedidChange,afterhefledfromhere,Jocelynworkedandworkedtoconvincemethathewasstillthesamepersoninside,stillmybrother.Ifithadntbeenforher,Ineverwouldhaveagreed to see him again. I let him stay here when he came before the Uprisinglet him hide in thecellarbutIcouldtellhedidntreallytrustme,notafterIdturnedmybackonhim.Ithinkhestilldoesnt.

HetrustedyouenoughtocometoyouwhenIwassick,Clarysaid.Hetrustedyouenoughtoleavemeherewithyou

Hehadnowhereelsetogo,saidAmatis.AndlookhowwellIvefaredwithyou.Icouldntevenkeepyouinthehouseforasingleday.

Claryflinched.Thiswasworsethanbeingyelledat.Itsnotyourfault.Iliedtoyouandsneakedout.Therewasntanythingyoucouldhavedoneaboutit.

Oh,Clary,Amatissaid.Dontyousee?Theresalwayssomethingyoucando.Itsjustpeoplelikemewhoalways tell themselvesotherwise. I toldmyself therewasnothing I coulddoaboutLuke. I toldmyselftherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutStephenleavingme.AndIrefuseeventoattendtheClavesmeetingsbecause I tellmyself theresnothing I cando to influence theirdecisions, evenwhen Ihatewhattheydo.ButthenwhenIdochoosetodosomethingwell,Icantevendothatonethingright.Hereyesshone,hardandbrightinthefirelight.Gotobed,Clary,shefinished.Andfromnowon,youcancomeandgoasyouplease.Iwontdoanythingtostopyou.Afterall,likeyousaid,theresnothingIcando.

Amatis

Dont.Amatis shookherhead. Justgo tobed.Please.Hervoiceheldanoteof finality; she turnedaway,asifClarywerealreadygone,andstaredatthewall,unblinking.

Claryspunonherheelandranupthestairs.Inthespareroomshekickedthedoorshutbehindherandflungherselfdownontothebed.Shedthoughtshewantedtocry,butthetearswouldntcome.Jacehatesme,shethought.Amatishatesme.Inevergottosaygood-byetoSimon.Mymothersdying.AndLukehasabandonedme.Imalone.Iveneverbeensoalone,anditsallmyownfault.Maybethatwaswhyshecouldntcry,sherealized,staringdry-eyedattheceiling.Becausewhatwasthepointincryingwhen therewasnoone there tocomfortyou?Andwhatwasworse,whenyoucouldntevencomfortyourself?

7

WHEREANGELSFEARTOTREAD

Outofadreamofbloodandsunlight,Simonwokesuddenlytothesoundofavoicecallinghisname.

Simon.Thevoicewasahissingwhisper.Simon,getup.

Simon was on his feetsometimes how fast he could move now surprised even himand spinningaroundin thedarknessof thecell.Samuel?hewhispered,staringinto theshadows.Samuel,was thatyou?

Turn around, Simon. Now the voice, faintly familiar, held a note of irritability. And come to thewindow. Simon knew immediately who it was and looked through the barred window to see Jacekneelingonthegrassoutside,awitchlightstoneinhishand.HewaslookingatSimonwithastrainedscowl.What,didyouthinkyouwerehavinganightmare?

MaybeIstillam.TherewasabuzzinginSimonsearsifhedhadaheartbeat,hewouldhavethoughtitwasthebloodrushingthroughhisveins,butitwassomethingelse,somethinglesscorporealbutmoreproximatethanblood.

Thewitchlightthrewacrazy-quiltpatternoflightandshadowacrossJacespaleface.Sohereswheretheyputyou.Ididntthinktheyevenusedthesecellsanymore.Heglancedsideways.Igotthewrongwindowatfirst.Gaveyourfriendinthenextcellsomethingofashock.Attractivefellow,whatwiththebeardandtherags.Kindofremindsmeofthestreetfolkbackhome.

AndSimonrealizedwhatthebuzzingsoundinhisearswas.Rage.Insomedistantcornerofhismindhewasawarethathislipsweredrawnback,thetipsofhisfangsgrazinghislowerlip.Imgladyouthinkallthisisfunny.

Yourenot happy to seeme, then? Jace said. I have to say, Im surprised. Ive alwaysbeen toldmypresencebrightenedupanyroom.Onemightthinkthatwentdoublyfordankundergroundcells.

Youknewwhatwouldhappen,didntyou?Theyll sendyou rightback toNewYork,you said.Noproblem.Buttheyneverhadanyintentionofdoingthat.

Ididntknow.Jacemethiseyesthroughthebars,andhisgazewasclearandsteady.Iknowyouwontbelieveme,butIthoughtIwastellingyouthetruth.

Youreeitherlyingorstupid

ThenImstupid.

orboth,Simonfinished.Iminclinedtothinkboth.

Idonthaveareasontolietoyou.Notnow.Jacesgazeremainedsteady.Andquitbaringyourfangsatme.Itsmakingmenervous.

Good,Simonsaid.Ifyouwanttoknowwhy,itsbecauseyousmelllikeblood.

Itsmycologne.EaudeRecent Injury. Jace raisedhis lefthand. Itwasagloveofwhitebandages,stainedacrosstheknuckleswherebloodhadseepedthrough.

Simonfrowned.Ithoughtyourkinddidntgetinjuries.Notonesthatlasted.

Iputitthroughawindow,Jacesaid,andAlecsmakingmeheallikeamundanetoteachmealesson.There,Itoldyouthetruth.Impressed?

No,Simonsaid. Ihavebiggerproblemsthanyou.TheInquisitorkeepsaskingmequestionsIcantanswer.HekeepsaccusingmeofgettingmyDaylighterpowersfromValentine.Ofbeingaspyforhim.

AlarmflickeredinJaceseyes.Aldertreesaidthat?

AldertreeimpliedthewholeClavethoughtso.

Thats bad. If they decide youre a spy, then the Accords dont apply. Not if they can convincethemselves youve broken the Law. Jace glanced around quickly before returning his gaze to Simon.Wedbettergetyououtofhere.

Andthenwhat?Simonalmostcouldntbelievewhathewassaying.Hewantedtogetoutofthisplacesobadlyhecouldtasteit,yethecouldntstopthewordstumblingoutofhismouth.Wheredoyouplanonhidingme?

TheresaPortalhereintheGard.Ifwecanfindit,Icansendyoubackthrough

Andeveryonewillknowyouhelpedme.Jace,itsnotjustmetheClaveisafter.Infact,IdoubttheycareaboutoneDownworlderatallonewayortheother.Theyretryingtoprovesomethingaboutyourfamilyabout the Lightwoods. Theyre trying to prove that theyre connectedwithValentine somehow.ThattheyneverreallylefttheCircle.

Even in thedarkness, itwaspossible to see the color rush into Jaces cheeks.But thats ridiculous.TheyfoughtValentineontheshipRobertnearlydied

The Inquisitorwants to believe that they sacrificed the otherNephilimwho fought on the boat topreserve the illusion that theywere againstValentine.But they still lost theMortalSword, and thatswhat he cares about. Look, you tried towarn the Clave, and they didnt care. Now the Inquisitor islookingforsomeonetoblameeverythingon.Ifhecanbrandyourfamilyastraitors,thennoonewillblame theClave forwhathappened, andhellbeable tomakewhateverpolicieshewants towithoutopposition.

Jaceputhisfaceinhishands,hislongfingerstuggingdistractedlyathishair.ButIcantjustleaveyouhere.IfClaryfindsout

I shouldhaveknown thatswhatyouwereworriedabout.Simon laughedharshly.Sodont tellher.ShesinNewYork,anyway,thankHebrokeoff,unabletosaytheword.Youwereright,hesaidinstead.Imgladshesnothere.

Jaceliftedhisheadoutofhishands.What?

TheClave is insane.Whoknowswhat theyddo toher if theyknewwhat shecoulddo.Youwereright,Simonrepeated,andwhenJacesaidnothinginreply,added,AndyoumightaswellenjoythatIjustsaidthattoyou.Iprobablywonteversayitagain.

Jacestaredathim,hisfaceblank,andSimonwasremindedwithanunpleasantjoltofthewayJacehadlookedontheship,bloodyanddyingonthemetalfloor.Finally,Jacespoke.Soyouretellingmeyouplantostayhere?Inprison?Untilwhen?

Untilwethinkofabetteridea,saidSimon.Butthereisonething.

Jaceraisedhiseyebrows.Whatsthat?

Blood, saidSimon.The Inquisitors trying to starveme into talking. I already feelprettyweak.BytomorrowIllbewell,IdontknowhowIllbe.ButIdontwanttogiveintohim.AndIwontdrinkyourbloodagain,oranyoneelses,headdedquickly,beforeJacecouldoffer.Animalbloodwilldo.

BloodIcangetyou,Jacesaid.Hehesitated.DidyoutelltheInquisitorthatIletyoudrinkmyblood?ThatIsavedyou?

Simonshookhishead.

Jaceseyesshonewithreflectedlight.Whynot?

IsupposeIdidntwanttogetyouintomoretrouble.

Look,vampire,Jacesaid.ProtecttheLightwoodsifyoucan.Butdontprotectme.

Simonraisedhishead.Whynot?

I suppose, said Jaceand for amoment, as he looked down through the bars, Simon could almostimaginethathewasoutside,andJacewastheoneinsidethecellbecauseIdontdeserveit.

Clarywoketoasoundlikehailstonesonametalroof.Shesatupinbed,staringaroundgroggily.Thesound came again, a sharp rattle-thump emanating from the window. Peeling her blanket backreluctantly,shewenttoinvestigate.

Throwing thewindowopen let inablastofcoldair thatcut throughherpajamas likeaknife.Sheshiveredandleanedoutoverthesill.

Someonewasstandinginthegardenbelow,andforamoment,withaleapofherheart,allshesawwasthatthefigurewasslenderandtall,withboyish,rumpledhair.Thenheraisedhisfaceandshesawthatthehairwasdark,notfair,andsherealizedthatforthesecondtime,shedhopedforJaceandgottenSebastianinstead.

Hewasholdingahandfulofpebblesinonehand.Hesmiledwhenhesawherpokeherheadout,andgesturedathimselfandthenattherosetrellis.Climbdownstairs.

Sheshookherheadandpointedtowardthefrontofthehouse.Meetmeatthefrontdoor.Shuttingthewindow,shehurrieddownstairs.Itwaslatemorningthelightpouringinthroughthewindowswassrongandgolden,butthelightswerealloffandthehousewasquiet.Amatismuststillbeasleep,shethought.

Clarywenttothefrontdoor,unboltedit,andthrewitopen.Sebastianwasthere,standingonthefrontstep, andonceagain shehad that feeling, that strangeburstof recognition, though itwas fainter thistime.Shesmiledweaklyathim.Youthrewstonesatmywindow,shesaid.I thoughtpeopleonlydidthatinmovies.

Hegrinned.Nicepajamas.DidIwakeyouup?

Maybe.

Sorry,hesaid,thoughhedidntseemsorry.Butthiscouldntwait.Youmightwanttorunupstairsandgetdressed,bytheway.Wellbespendingthedaytogether.

Wow. Confident, arent you? she said, but then boys who looked like Sebastian probably had noreasontobeanythingbutconfident.Sheshookherhead.Imsorry,butIcant.Icantleavethehouse.Nottoday.

Afaintlineofconcernappearedbetweenhiseyes.Youleftthehouseyesterday.

Iknow,butthatwasbeforeBeforeAmatismademefeelabouttwoinchestall.Ijustcant.Andpleasedonttrytoarguemeoutofit,okay?

Okay,hesaid.Iwontargue.ButatleastletmetellyouwhatIcameheretotellyou.Then,Ipromise,ifyoustillwantmetogo,Illgo.

Whatisit?

Heraisedhisface,andshewonderedhowitwaspossiblethatdarkeyescouldglowjustlikegoldenones.IknowwhereyoucanfindRagnorFell.

It tookClary less than tenminutes to run upstairs, throw on her clothes, scribble a hasty note to

Amatis,andrejoinSebastian,whowaswaitingforherattheedgeofthecanal.Hegrinnedassherantomeethim,breathless,hergreencoatflungoveronearm.Imhere,shesaid,skiddingtoastop.Canwegonow?

Sebastianinsistedonhelpingheronwiththecoat.Idontthinkanyoneseverhelpedmewithmycoatbefore,Claryobserved,freeingthehairthathadgottentrappedunderhercollar.Well,maybewaiters.Wereyoueverawaiter?

No, but I was brought up by a Frenchwoman, Sebastian reminded her. It involves an evenmorerigorouscourseoftraining.

Clarysmiled,despitehernervousness.Sebastianwasgoodatmakinghersmile,sherealizedwithafaintsenseofsurprise.Almosttoogoodatit.Wherearewegoing?sheaskedabruptly.IsFellshousenearhere?

He lives outside the city, actually, said Sebastian, starting toward the bridge. Clary fell into stepbesidehim.

Isitalongwalk?

Toolongtowalk.Weregoingtogetaride.

A ride?Fromwho?She came to a dead stop.Sebastian,wehave tobe careful.Wecant trust justanyonewiththeinformationaboutwhatweredoingwhatImdoing.Itsasecret.

Sebastianregardedherwiththoughtfuldarkeyes.IswearontheAngelthatthefriendwellbegettingaridefromwontbreatheawordtoanyoneaboutwhatweredoing.

Youresure?

Imverysure.

RagnorFell,Clarythoughtastheywovethroughthecrowdedstreets.ImgoingtoseeRagnorFell.WildexcitementclashedwithtrepidationMadeleinehadmadehimsoundformidable.Whatifhehadnopatiencewithher,notime?Whatifshecouldntmakehimbelieveshewaswhoshesaidshewas?Whatifhedidntevenrememberhermother?

It didnt help her nerves that every time she passed a blondman or a girlwith long dark hair herinsidestensedupasshethoughtsherecognizedJaceorIsabelle.ButIsabellewouldprobablyjustignoreher, she thought glumly, and Jace was doubtless back at the Penhallows, necking with his newgirlfriend.

Youworriedaboutbeingfollowed?Sebastianaskedastheyturneddownasidestreetthatledawayfromthecitycenter,noticingthewayshekeptglancingaroundher.

IkeepthinkingIseepeopleIknow,sheadmitted.Jace,ortheLightwoods.

IdontthinkJacehasleftthePenhallowssincetheygothere.Hemostlyseemstobeskulkinginhisroom.Hehurthishandprettybadlyyesterdaytoo

Hurthishand?How?Clary,forgettingtolookwhereshewasgoing,stumbledoverarock.Theroadtheydbeenwalkingonhadsomehowturnedfromcobblestonestogravelwithouthernoticing.Ouch.

Were here, Sebastian announced, stopping in front of a highwood-and-wire fence.Therewere nohousesaroundtheyhadratherabruptlylefttheresidentialdistrictbehind,andtherewasonlythisfence

ononesideandagravellyslopeleadingawaytowardtheforestontheother.

Therewasadoor in the fence,but itwaspadlocked.FromhispocketSebastianproducedaheavysteelkeyandopenedthegate.Illberightbackwithourride.Heswungthegateshutbehindhim.Claryputhereyetotheslats.Throughthegapsshecouldglimpsewhatlookedlikealow-slungredclapboardhouse.Thoughitdidntappeartoreallyhaveadoororproperwindows

Thegateopened, andSebastian reappeared, grinning fromear to ear.Heheld a lead inonehand:Pacingdocilelybehindhimwasahugegrayandwhitehorsewithablazelikeastaronitsforehead.

Ahorse?Youhaveahorse?Clarystaredinamazement.Whohasahorse?

Sebastianstrokedthehorsefondlyontheshoulder.AlotofShadowhunterfamilieskeepahorseinthestableshereinAlicante.Ifyouvenoticed,therearenocarsinIdris.Theydontworkwellwithallthesewardsaround.Hepatted thepale leatherof thehorsessaddle,emblazonedwithacrestofarmsthat depicted awater serpent rising out of a lake in a series of coils. The nameVerlac waswrittenbeneathindelicatescript.Comeonup.

Clarybackedup.Iveneverriddenahorsebefore.

IllberidingWayfarer,Sebastianreassuredher.Youlljustbesittinginfrontofme.

The horse grunted softly. He had huge teeth, Clary noticed uneasily; each one the size of a Pezdispenser. She imagined those teeth sinking into her leg and thought of all the girls shed known inmiddleschoolwhodwantedponiesoftheirown.Shewonderediftheywereinsane.

Bebrave,shetoldherself.Itswhatyourmotherwoulddo.

Shetookadeepbreath.Allright.Letsgo.

ClarysresolutiontobebravelastedaslongasittookforSebastianafterhelpingherintothesaddletoswinghimselfupontothehorsebehindheranddiginhisheels.Wayfarertookofflikeashot,poundingoverthegraveledroadwithaforcethatsentjoltingshocksupherspine.Sheclutchedatthebitofthesaddlethatstuckupinfrontofher,hernailsdiggingintoithardenoughtoleavemarksintheleather.

Theroadtheywereonnarrowedastheyheadedoutoftown,andnowtherewerebanksofthicktreesoneithersideofthem,wallsofgreenthatblockedanywiderview.Sebastiandrewbackonthereins,and thehorseceased its franticgalloping,Clarysheartbeat slowingalongwith itspace.Asherpanicreceded,shebecameslowlyconsciousofSebastianbehindherhewasholdingthereinsoneithersideofher,hisarmsmakingasortofcagearoundherthatkeptherfromfeelinglikeshewasabouttoslideoffthehorse.Shewassuddenlyveryawareofhim,notjustthehardstrengthinthearmsthatheldher,butthatshewasleaningbackagainsthischestandthathesmelledof,forsomereason,blackpepper.Notina bad wayit was spicy and pleasant, very different from Jaces smell of soap and sunlight. Not thatsunlighthadasmell,really,butifitdid

She gritted her teeth. She was here with Sebastian, on her way to see a powerful warlock, andmentallyshewasmaunderingonabout thewayJacesmelled.Sheforcedherself to lookaround.Thegreenbanksoftreeswerethinningoutandnowshecouldseeasweepofmarbledcountrysidetoeitherside.Itwasbeautifulinastarksortofway:acarpetofgreenbrokenuphereandtherebyascarofgraystoneroadoracragofblackrockrisingupoutofthegrass.Clustersofdelicatewhiteflowers,thesameonesshedseeninthenecropoliswithLuke,starredthehillslikeoccasionalsnowfall.

HowdidyoufindoutwhereRagnorFellis?sheaskedasSebastianskillfullyguidedthehorsearound

arutintheroad.

My auntÉlodie. Shes got quite a network of informants. She knows everything thats going on inIdris,eventhoughshenevercomeshereherself.ShehatestoleavetheInstitute.

Whataboutyou?DoyoucometoIdrismuch?

Notreally.ThelasttimeIwashereIwasaboutfiveyearsold.Ihaventseenmyauntandunclesincetheneither,soImgladtobeherenow.Itgivesmeachancetocatchup.Besides,ImissIdriswhenImnothere.Theresnowhereelselikeit.Itsintheearthoftheplace.Youllstarttofeelit,andthenyoullmissitwhenyourenothere.

I know Jacemissed it, she said. But I thought that was because he lived here for years. Hewasbroughtuphere.

IntheWaylandmanor,Sebastiansaid.Notthatfarfromwhereweregoing,infact.

Youdoseemtoknoweverything.

Noteverything,Sebastian saidwith a laugh thatClary felt throughherback.Yeah, Idrisworks itsmagiconeveryoneeventhoselikeJacewhohavereasontohatetheplace.

Whydoyousaythat?

Well,hewasbroughtupbyValentine,wasnthe?Andthatmusthavebeenprettyawful.

I dont know.Claryhesitated.The truth is, he hasmixed feelings about it. I thinkValentinewas ahorriblefatherinaway,butinanotherwaythelittlebitsofkindnessandlovehedidshowwereallthekindness and love Jace ever knew. She felt awave of sadness as she spoke. I think he rememberedValentinewithalotofaffection,foralongtime.

IcantbelieveValentineevershowedJacekindnessorlove.Valentinesamonster.

Well,yes,butJaceishisson.Andhewasjustalittleboy.IthinkValentinedidlovehim,inhisway

No.Sebastiansvoicewassharp.Imafraidthatsimpossible.

Clary blinked and almost turned around to see his face, but then thought better of it. AllShadowhuntersweresortofcrazyonthetopicofValentineshethoughtoftheInquisitorandshudderedinwardlyandshecouldhardlyblamethem.Youreprobablyright.

Were here, Sebastian said abruptlyso abruptly thatClarywondered if she really had offendedhimsomehowandsliddownfromthehorsesback.Butwhenhelookedupather,hewassmiling.Wemadegoodtime,hesaid,tyingthereinstothelowerbranchofanearbytree.BetterthanIthoughtwewould.

Heindicatedwithagesturethatsheshoulddismount,andafteramomentshesitationClaryslidoffthehorseand intohisarms.Sheclutchedhimashecaughther,her legsunsteadyafter the longride.Sorry,shesaidsheepishly.Ididntmeantograbyou.

Iwouldnt apologize for that.His breathwaswarm against her neck, and she shivered.His handslingeredjustamomentlongeronherbackbeforehereluctantlylethergo.

All thiswasnt helpingClarys legs feel any steadier. Thanks, she said, knowing fullwell shewasblushing,andwishingheartily thather fair skindidnt showcolor so readily.Sothis is it?She lookedaround. They were standing in a small valley between low hills. There were a number of gnarled-lookingtreesrangedaroundaclearing.Theirtwistedbrancheshadasculpturalbeautyagainstthesteel

bluesky.ButotherwiseTheresnothinghere,shesaidwithafrown.

Clary.Concentrate.

Youmeanaglamour?ButIdontusuallyhaveto

Glamours inIdrisareoftenstronger thantheyareelsewhere.Youmayhaveto tryharder thanyouusuallydo.Heputhishandsonhershouldersandturnedhergently.Lookattheclearing.

Clarysilentlyperformedthementaltrickthatallowedhertopeelglamourfromthethingitdisguised.She imaginedherself rubbing turpentineon a canvas, peeling away layers of paint to reveal the trueimageunderneathandthereitwas,asmallstonehousewithasharplygabledroof,smoketwistingfromthechimneyinanelegantcurlicue.Awindingpathlinedwithstonesleduptothefrontdoor.Asshelooked,thesmokepuffingfromthechimneystoppedcurlingupwardandbegantotakeontheshapeofawaveringblackquestionmark.

Sebastianlaughed.Ithinkthatmeans,Whosthere?

Clarypulledhercoatcloseraroundher.Thewindblowingacrossthelevelgrasswasntthatbrisk,buttherewasiceinherbonesnevertheless.Itlookslikesomethingoutofafairytale.

Areyoucold?Sebastianput anarmaroundher. Immediately the smokecurling from thechimneystoppedformingitselfintoquestionmarksandbeganpuffingoutintheshapeoflopsidedhearts.Claryducked away from him, feeling both embarrassed and somehow guilty, as if shed done somethingwrong.Shehurriedtowardthefrontwalkofthehouse,Sebastianjustbehindher.Theywerehalfwayupthefrontpathwhenthedoorflewopen.

DespitehavingbeenobsessedwithfindingRagnorFelleversinceMadeleinehadtoldherhisname,Clary had never stopped to picturewhat hemight look like.A large, beardedman, shewould havethought,ifshedthoughtaboutitatall.SomeonewholookedlikeaViking,withbigbroadshoulders.

Butthepersonwhosteppedoutofthefrontdoorwastallandthin,withshort,spikydarkhair.Hewaswearingagoldmeshvestandapairofsilkpajamapants.HeregardedClarywithmildinterest,puffinggentlyonafantasticallylargepipeashedidso.ThoughhelookednothingatalllikeaViking,hewasinstantlyandtotallyfamiliar.

MagnusBane.

ButClarylookedwildlyoveratSebastian,whoseemedasastonishedasshewas.HewasstaringatMagnuswithhismouthslightlyopen,ablanklookonhisface.Finallyhestammered,AreyouRagnorFell?Thewarlock?

Magnustookthepipeoutofhismouth.Well,ImcertainlynotRagnorFelltheexoticdancer.

ISebastianseemedatalossforwords.Clarywasntsurewhathedbeenexpecting,butMagnuswasalot to take in. We were hoping you could help us. Im Sebastian Verlac, and this is ClarissaMorgensternhermotherisJocelynFairchild

Idontcarewhohermother is,Magnussaid.Youcantseemewithoutanappointment.Comebacklater.NextMarchwouldbegood.

March?Sebastianlookedhorrified.

Youreright,Magnussaid.Toorainy.HowaboutJune?

Sebastiandrewhimselfupright.Idontthinkyouunderstandhowimportantthisis

Sebastian, dont bother, Clary said in disgust. Hes just messing with your head. He cant help us,anyway.

Sebastianonlylookedmoreconfused.ButIdontseewhyhecant

Allright,thatsenough,Magnussaid,andsnappedhisfingersonce.

Sebastianfrozeinplace,hismouthstillopen,hishandpartiallyoutstretched.

Sebastian!Claryreachedouttotouchhim,buthewasasrigidasastatue.Onlytheslightriseandfallof his chest showed that hewas even stillalive. Sebastian? she said again, but itwas hopeless: Sheknewsomehowthathecouldntseeorhearher.SheturnedonMagnus.Icantbelieveyoujustdidthat.Whatonearthiswrongwithyou?Haswhateversinthatpipemeltedyourbrain?Sebastiansonourside.

Idonthaveaside,Clarydarling,Magnussaidwithawaveofhispipe.Andreally,itsyourownfaultIhadtofreezehimforashortwhile.YouwereawfullyclosetotellinghimImnotRagnorFell.

ThatsbecauseyourenotRagnorFell.

Magnusblewastreamofsmokeoutofhismouthandregardedher thoughtfully through thehaze.Comeon,hesaid.Letmeshowyousomething.

Heheld thedoorof the smallhouseopen,gesturingher inside.Witha last,disbelievingglanceatSebastian,Claryfollowedhim.

The interior of the cottage was unlit. The faint daylight streaming in through the windows wasenoughtoshowClary that theystood insidea largeroomcrowdedwithdarkshadows.Therewasanoddsmellintheair,asofburninggarbage.ShemadeafaintchokingnoiseasMagnusraisedhishandandsnappedhisfingersonceagain.Abrightbluelightbloomedfromhisfingertips.

Clarygasped.The roomwasa shamblesfurniture smashed into splinters,drawersopenedand theircontents scattered. Pages ripped from books drifted in the air like ash. Even the window glass wasshattered.

IgotamessagefromFelllastnight,saidMagnus,askingmetomeethimhere.Iturneduphereandfounditlikethis.Everythingdestroyed,andthestenchofdemonsallaround.

Demons?ButdemonscantcomeintoIdris

Ididntsaytheyhave.Imjusttellingyouwhathappened.Magnusspokewithoutinflection.Theplacestankofsomethingdemonicinorigin.Ragnorsbodywasonthefloor.Hehadntbeendeadwhentheylefthim,buthewasdeadwhenIarrived.Heturnedtoher.Whoknewyouwerelookingforhim?

Madeleine,Clarywhispered.Butshesdead.Sebastian,Jace,andSimon.TheLightwoods

Ah,saidMagnus.IftheLightwoodsknow,theClavemaywellknowbynow,andValentinehasspiesintheClave.

Ishouldhavekeptitasecretinsteadofaskingeveryoneabouthim,Clarysaidinhorror.Thisismyfault.IshouldhavewarnedFell

Might I point out, saidMagnus, that you couldnt find Fell,which is in factwhyyouwere askingpeopleabouthim.Look,MadeleineandyoujustthoughtofFellassomeonewhocouldhelpyourmother.NotsomeoneValentinemightbeinterestedinbeyondthat.But theresmoretoit.Valentinemightnot

haveknownhowtowakeupyourmother,butheseemstohaveknownthatwhatshedidtoputherselfinthatstatehadaconnectiontosomethinghewantedverymuch.Aparticularspellbook.

Howdoyouknowallthis?Claryasked.

BecauseRagnortoldme.

But

Magnuscutheroffwithagesture.Warlockshavewaysofcommunicatingwitheachother.Theyhavetheirownlanguages.Heraisedthehandthatheldtheblueflame.Logos.

Letters of fire, each at least six inches tall, appeared on thewalls as if etched into the stonewithliquidgold.The letters raced around thewalls, spellingoutwordsClary couldnt read.She turned toMagnus.Whatdoesitsay?

Ragnor did this when he knew he was dying. It tells whatever warlock comes after him whathappened.AsMagnusturned,theglowoftheburningletterslithiscateyestogold.HewasattackedherebyservantsofValentine.TheydemandedtheBookoftheWhite.AsidefromtheGrayBook,itsamong the most famous volumes of supernatural work ever written. Both the recipe for the potionJocelyntookandtherecipefortheantidotetoitarecontainedinthatbook.

Clarysmouthdroppedopen.Sowasithere?

No.Itbelongedtoyourmother.AllRagnordidwasadviseherwheretohideitfromValentine.

Soits

Its at theWayland familymanor. TheWaylands had their home very close towhere Jocelyn andValentinelived;theyweretheirnearestneighbors.Ragnorsuggestedthatyourmotherhidethebookintheirhome,whereValentinewouldneverlookforit.Inthelibrary,asamatteroffact.

But Valentine lived in theWaylandmanor for years after that, Clary protested.Wouldnt he havefoundit?

It was hidden inside another book. One Valentine was unlikely to ever open. Magnus smiledcrookedly.SimpleRecipesforHousewives.Noonecansayyourmotherdidnthaveasenseofhumor.

SohaveyougonetotheWaylandmanor?Haveyoulookedforthebook?

Magnusshookhishead.Clary, therearemisdirectionwardsonthemanor.Theydont justkeepouttheClave;theykeepouteveryone.EspeciallyDownworlders.MaybeifIhadtimetoworkonthem,Icouldcrackthem,but

Thennoonecangetintothemanor?Despairclawedatherchest.Itsimpossible?

Ididntsaynoone,Magnussaid.Icanthinkofatleastonepersonwhocouldalmostcertainlygetintothemanor.

YoumeanValentine?

Imean,saidMagnus,Valentinesson.

Clary shook her head. Jacewont helpme,Magnus.He doesntwantme here. In fact, I doubt hesspeakingtomeatall.

Magnuslookedathermeditatively.Ithink,hesaid,thereisntmuchthatJacewouldntdoforyou,if

youaskedhim.

Claryopenedhermouthandthenshutitagain.ShethoughtofthewayMagnushadalwaysseemedtoknowhowAlecfeltaboutJace,howSimonfeltabouther.HerfeelingsforJacemustbewrittenonherfaceevennow,andMagnuswasanexpertreader.Sheglancedaway.SayIcanconvinceJacetocometothemanorwithmeandgetthebook,shesaid.Thenwhat?Idontknowhowtocastaspell,ormakeanantidote

Magnussnorted.DidyouthinkIwasgivingyouall thisadviceforfree?Onceyougetholdof theBookoftheWhite,Iwantyoutobringitstraighttome.

Thebook?Youwantit?

Itsoneof themostpowerful spellbooks in theworld.Ofcourse Iwant it.Besides, itbelongs,byright,toLilithschildren,notRaziels.Itsawarlockbookandshouldbeinwarlockhands.

ButIneedittocuremymother

Youneedonepageoutofit,whichyoucankeep.Therestismine.Andinreturn,whenyoubringmethebook,IllmakeuptheantidoteforyouandadministerittoJocelyn.Youcantsayitsnotafairdeal.Heheldoutahand.Shakeonit?

AfteramomentshesitationClaryshook.Idbetternotregretthis.

I certainlyhopenot,Magnus said, turningcheerfullyback toward the frontdoor.On thewalls thefire-letterswerealreadyfading.Regretissuchapointlessemotion,dontyouagree?

Thesunoutsideseemedespeciallybrightafterthedarknessofthecottage.Clarystoodblinkingastheview swam into focus: the mountains in the distance, Wayfarer contentedly munching grass, andSebastian immobile as a lawn statue, one hand still outstretched. She turned toMagnus. Could youunfreezehimnow,please?

Magnuslookedamused.IwassurprisedwhenIgotSebastiansmessagethismorning,hesaid.Sayinghewasdoingafavorforyou,noless.Howdidyouwindupmeetinghim?

HesacousinofsomefriendsoftheLightwoodsorsomething.Hesnice,Ipromise.

Nice,bah.Hesgorgeous.Magnusgazeddreamilyinhisdirection.Youshouldleavehimhere.Icouldhanghatsonhimandthings.

No.Youcanthavehim.

Whynot?Doyoulikehim?Magnusseyesgleamed.Heseemstolikeyou.Isawhimgoingforyourhandouttherelikeasquirreldivingforapeanut.

Whydontwetalkaboutyourlovelife?Clarycountered.WhataboutyouandAlec?

Alecrefusestoacknowledgethatwehavearelationship,andsoIrefusetoacknowledgehim.Hesentmea firemessageaskingfora favor theotherday. Itwasaddressed toWarlockBane,as if Iwereaperfectstranger.HesstillhunguponJace,Ithink,thoughthatrelationshipwillnevergoanywhere.AproblemIimagineyouknownothingabout

Oh,shutup.ClaryeyedMagnuswithdistaste.Look,ifyoudontunfreezeSebastian,thenIcanneverleavehere,andyoullnevergettheBookoftheWhite.

Oh,allright,allright.ButifImightmakearequest?DonttellhimanyofwhatIjusttoldyou,friend

oftheLightwoodsornot.Magnussnappedhisfingerspetulantly.

Sebastiansfacecamealive,likeavideoflashingbacktoactionafterithadbeenpaused.helpus,hesaid.Thisisntjustsomeminorproblem.Thisislifeanddeath.

YouNephilimthinkallyourproblemsarelifeanddeath,saidMagnus.Nowgoaway.Youvebeguntoboreme.

But

Go,Magnussaid,adangeroustonetohisvoice.Bluesparksglitteredatthetipsofhislongfingers,andtherewassuddenlyasharpsmellintheair, likeburning.Magnusscateyesglowed.Eventhoughsheknewitwasanact,Clarycouldnthelpbutbackaway.

Ithinkweshouldgo,Sebastian,shesaid.

Sebastianseyeswerenarrow.But,Clary

Were going, she insisted, and, grabbing him by the arm, half-dragged him toward Wayfarer.Reluctantly,hefollowedher,mutteringunderhisbreath.Withasighofrelief,Claryglancedbackoverhershoulder.Magnuswasstandingatthedoortothecottage,hisarmsfoldedacrosshischest.Catchinghereye,hegrinnedanddroppedoneeyelidinasingle,glitteringwink.

Imsorry,Clary.SebastianhadahandonClarysshoulderandanotheronherwaistashehelpedherupontoWayfarersbroadback.Shefoughtdownthelittlevoiceinsideherheadthatwarnedhernottogetbackontothehorseoranyhorseandlethimhoistherup.Sheswungalegoverandsettledherselfinthesaddle,tellingherselfshewasbalancingonalarge,movingsofaandnotonalivingcreaturethatmightturnaroundandbiteheratanymoment.

Sorryaboutwhat?sheaskedasheswungupbehindher.Itwasalmostannoyinghoweasilyhediditasifheweredancingbutcomfortingtowatch.Heclearlyknewwhathewasdoing,shethoughtashereachedaroundhertotakethereins.Shesupposeditwasgoodthatoneofthemdid.

About Ragnor Fell. I wasnt expecting him to be that unwilling to help. Although, warlocks arecapricious.Youvemetonebefore,haventyou?

ImetMagnusBane.ShetwistedaroundmomentarilytolookpastSebastianatthecottagerecedingintothedistancebehindthem.Thesmokewaspuffingoutofthechimneyintheshapeoflittledancingfigures.DancingMagnuses?Shecouldnttellfromhere.HestheHighWarlockofBrooklyn.

IshemuchlikeFell?

Shockinglysimilar.ItsallrightaboutFell.Iknewtherewasachancehedrefusetohelpus.

But Ipromisedyouhelp.Sebastiansoundedgenuinelyupset.Well,at least theressomethingelse Icanshowyou,sothedaywonthavebeenacompletewasteoftime.

What is it?She twistedaroundagain to lookupathim.The sunwashigh in the skybehindhim,firingthestrandsofhisdarkhairwithanoutlineofgold.

Sebastiangrinned.Youllsee.

As they rode fartheraway fromAlicante,wallsofgreen foliagewhippedbyoneither side,givingwayeverysooftentoimprobablybeautifulvistas:frostbluelakes,greenvalleys,graymountains,silversliversofriverandcreekflankedbybanksofflowers.Clarywonderedwhatitwouldbeliketoliveina

placelikethis.Shecouldnthelpbutfeelnervous,almostexposed,withoutthecomfortoftallbuildingsclosingherin.

Notthattherewerenobuildingsatall.Everyonceinawhiletheroofofalargestonebuildingwouldriseintoviewabovethetrees.Theseweremanorhouses,Sebastianexplained(byshoutinginherear):thecountryhousesofwealthyShadowhunter families.They remindedClaryof thebigoldmansionsalong the Hudson River, north of Manhattan, where rich New Yorkers had spent their summershundredsofyearsago.

The roadbeneath themhad turned fromgravel todirt.Clarywas jerkedoutofher reverieas theycrestedahillandSebastianpulledWayfarerupshort.Thisisit,hesaid.

Clary stared. It was a tumbledmass of charred, blackened stone, recognizable only by outline assomethingthathadoncebeenahouse:Therewasahollowchimney,stillpointingtowardthesky,andachunkofwallwithaglasslesswindowgaping in its center.Weedsgrewup through the foundations,greenamongtheblack.Idontunderstand,shesaid.Whyarewehere?

Youdontknow?Sebastianasked.Thiswaswhereyourmotherandfatherlived.Whereyourbrotherwasborn.ThiswasFairchildmanor.

Not for thefirst time,ClaryheardHodgesvoice inherhead.Valentinesetagreat fireandburnedhimselftodeathalongwithhisfamily,hiswife,andhischild.Scorchedthelandblack.Noonewillbuildtherestill.Theysaytheplaceiscursed.

Withoutanotherwordsheslidfromthehorsesback.SheheardSebastiancallouttoher,butshewasalreadyhalf-running,half-slidingdownthelowhill.Thegroundevenedoutwherethehousehadoncestood;theblackenedstonesofwhathadoncebeenawalkwaylaydryandcrackedatherfeet.Inamongtheweedsshecouldseeasetofstairsthatendedabruptlyafewfeetfromtheground.

ClarySebastianfollowedherthroughtheweeds,butshewasbarelyawareofhispresence.Turninginaslowcircle,she took itall in.Burned,half-dead trees.Whathadprobablyoncebeenashady lawn,stretchingawaydownaslopinghill.Shecouldseetheroofofwhatwasprobablyanothernearbymanorhouseinthedistance,justabovethetreeline.Thesunsparkedoffbrokenbitsofwindowglassintheone fullwall thatwasstill standing.Shestepped into the ruinsoverashelfofblackenedstones.Shecouldseetheoutlineofrooms,ofdoorwaysevenascorchedcabinet,almostintact,flungonitssidewithsmashedbitsofchinaspillingout,mixingwiththeblackearth.

Once thishadbeena realhouse, inhabitedby living,breathingpeople.Hermotherhad livedhere,gottenmarriedhere,hadababyhere.AndthenValentinehadcomeandturneditall todustandash,leaving Jocelyn thinking her son was dead, leading her to hide the truth about the world from herdaughter.AsenseofpiercingsadnessinvadedClary.Morethanonelifehadbeenwreckedinthisplace.Sheputherhand toher faceandwasalmost surprised to find itdamp:Shehadbeencryingwithoutknowingit.

Clary, Imsorry. I thoughtyoudwant tosee this. ItwasSebastian,crunching towardheracross therubble,hisbootskickinguppuffsofash.Helookedworried.

Sheturnedtohim.Oh,Ido.Idid.Thankyou.

Thewindhadpickedup.Itblewstrandsofhisdarkhairacrosshisface.Hegavearuefulsmile.Itmust be hard to think about everything that happened in this place, about Valentine, about yourmothershehadincrediblecourage.

Iknow,Clarysaid.Shedid.Shedoes.

Hetouchedherfacelightly.Sodoyou.

Sebastian,youdontknowanythingaboutme.

Thats not true.His other hand cameup, andnowhewas cuppingher face.His touchwas gentle,almost tentative.Iveheardallaboutyou,Clary.About thewayyoufoughtyourfatherfor theMortalCup,thewayyouwentintothatvampire-infestedhotelafteryourfriend.Isabellestoldmestories,andIveheardrumors,too.AndeversincethefirstonethefirsttimeIheardyournameIvewantedtomeetyou.Iknewyoudbeextraordinary.

Shelaughedshakily.Ihopeyourenottoodisappointed.

No,hebreathed,slidinghisfingertipsunderherchin.Notatall.Heliftedherfacetohis.Shewastoosurprised tomove, evenwhen he leaned toward her and she realized, belatedly,what hewas doing:Reflexivelysheshuthereyesashislipsbrushedgentlyoverhers,sendingshiversthroughher.Asuddenfiercelongingtobeheldandkissedinawaythatwouldmakeherforgeteverythingelsesurgedthroughher.Sheputherarmsup,twiningthemaroundhisneck,partlytosteadyherselfandpartlytodrawhimcloser.

His hair tickled her fingertips, not silky like Jaces but fine and soft, and she shouldnt be thinkingaboutJace.ShepushedbackthoughtsofhimasSebastiansfingerstracedhercheeksandthelineofherjaw.Histouchwasgentle,despitethecallusesonhisfingertips.Ofcourse,Jacehadthesamecallusesfromfighting;probablyallShadowhuntershadthem

SheclampeddownonthethoughtofJace,or triedto,but itwasnogood.Shecouldseehimevenwithhereyesclosedseethesharpanglesandplanesofafaceshecouldneverproperlydraw,nomatterhowmuch the image of it had burned itself into hermind; see the delicate bones of his hands, thescarredskinofhisshoulders

Thefiercelongingthathadsurgedupinhersoswiftlyrecededwithasharprecoilthatwaslikeanelastic band springing back. Shewent numb, even as Sebastians lips pressed down on hers and hishandsmovedtocup thebackofherneckshewentnumbwithan icyshockofwrongness.Somethingwasterriblywrong,somethingevenmorethanherhopelesslongingforsomeoneshecouldneverhave.Thiswassomethingelse:asuddenjoltofhorror,as ifshedbeentakingaconfidentstepforwardandsuddenlyplungedintoablackvoid.

Shegaspedand jerkedaway fromSebastianwith such force that shealmost stumbled. Ifhehadntbeenholdingher,shewouldhavefallen.

Clary.Hiseyeswereunfocused,hischeeksflushedwithahighbrightcolor.Clary,whatswrong?

Nothing.Hervoicesoundedthintoherownears.Nothingitsjust,IshouldnthaveImnotreallyready

Didwegotoofast?WecantakeitslowerHereachedforher,andbeforeshecouldstopherself,sheflinchedaway.Helookedstricken.Imnotgoingtohurtyou,Clary.

Iknow.

Didsomethinghappen?Hishandcameup,strokedherhairback;shebitbacktheurgetojerkaway.DidJace

Jace?DidheknowshedbeenthinkingaboutJace,hadhebeenabletotell?AndatthesametimeJace

ismybrother.Whywouldyoubringhimuplikethat?Whatdoyoumean?

I just thoughtHe shook his head, pain and confusion chasing each other across his features.Thatmaybesomeoneelsehadhurtyou.

Hishandwasstillonhercheek;shereachedupandgentlybutfirmlydetachedit,returningittohisside.No.Nothinglikethat.IjustShehesitated.Itfeltwrong.

Wrong?Thehurtonhisfacevanished,replacedbydisbelief.Clary,wehaveaconnection.Youknowwedo.SincethefirstsecondIsawyou

Sebastian,dont

IfeltlikeyouweresomeoneIdalwaysbeenwaitingfor.Isawyoufeelittoo.Donttellmeyoudidnt.

Butthathadntbeenwhatshedfelt.Shedfeltasifshedwalkedaroundacornerinastrangecityandsuddenlyseenherownbrownstone loomingup in frontofher.Asurprisingandnotentirelypleasantrecognition,almost:Howcanthisbehere?

Ididnt,shesaid.

Theangerthatroseinhiseyessudden,dark,uncontrolledtookherbysurprise.Hecaughtherwristsinapainfulgrasp.Thatsnottrue.

Shetriedtopullaway.Sebastian

Itsnottrue.Theblacknessofhiseyesseemedtohaveswallowedupthepupils.Hisfacewaslikeawhitemask,stiffandrigid.

Sebastian,shesaidascalmlyasshecould.Yourehurtingme.

Heletgoofher.Hischestwasrisingandfallingrapidly.Imsorry,hesaid.Imsorry.Ithought

Well,youthoughtwrong,Clarywantedtosay,butshebitthewordsback.Shedidntwanttoseethatlookonhisfaceagain.Weshouldgoback,shesaidinstead.Itllbedarksoon.

He nodded numbly, seeming as shocked by his outburst as she was. He turned and headed backtowardWayfarer,whowascroppinggrassinthelongshadowofatree.Claryhesitatedamoment,thenfollowedhimtheredidntseemtobeanythingelseshecoulddo.Sheglanceddownsurreptitiouslyatherwristsasshefellintostepbehindhimtheywereringedwithredwherehisfingershadgrippedher,andmorestrangely,herfingertipsweresmudgedblack,asifshehadsomehowstainedthemwithink.

SebastianwassilentashehelpedherupontoWayfarersback.ImsorryifIimpliedanythingaboutJace,hesaidfinallyasshesettledherselfinthesaddle.Hewouldneverdoanythingtohurtyou.IknowitsforyoursakethathesbeenvisitingthatvampireprisonerintheGard

It was as if everything in the world ground to a sudden halt. Clary could hear her own breathwhistlinginandoutofherears,sawherhands,frozenlikethehandsofastatue,lyingstillagainstthesaddlepommel.Vampireprisoner?shewhispered.

Sebastianturnedasurprisedfaceuptohers.Yes,hesaid,Simon,thatvampiretheybroughtoverwiththemfromNewYork.IthoughtImean,Iwassureyouknewallaboutit.DidntJacetellyou?

8

ONEOFTHELIVING

Simonwoketosunlightglintingbrightlyoffanobjectthathadbeenshovedthroughthebarsofhiswindow.Hegottohisfeet,hisbodyachingwithhunger,andsawthat itwasametalflask,aboutthesize of a lunchbox thermos.A rolled-up bit of notepaper had been tied around the neck. Plucking itdown,Simonunrolledthepaperandread:

Simon:Thisiscowblood,freshfromthebutchers.Hopeitsallright.Jacetoldmewhatyousaid,andIwantyoutoknowIthinkitsreallybrave.Justhanginthereandwellfigureoutawaytogetyouout.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXIsabelle

Simon smiled at the scribbledXs andOs that ran along the bottom of the page. Good to knowIsabellesflamboyantaffectionhadntsufferedunderthecurrentcircumstances.Heunscrewedtheflaskstop and had swallowed several mouthfuls before a sharp prickling sensation between his shoulderbladesmadehimturnaround.

Raphaelstoodcalmlyinthecenteroftheroom.Hehadhishandsclaspedbehindhisback,hisslightshouldersset.Hewaswearingasharplypressedwhiteshirtandadarkjacket.Agoldchainglitteredathisthroat.

Simonalmostgaggedonthebloodhewasdrinking.Heswallowedhard,stillstaring.Youyoucantbehere.

Raphaelssmilesomehowmanagedtogivetheimpressionthathisfangswereshowing,eventhoughtheywerent.Dontpanic,Daylighter.

Imnotpanicking.Thiswasntstrictlytrue.Simonfeltasifhedswallowedsomethingsharp.HehadntseenRaphael since the night hed clawed himself, bloody and bruised, out of a hastily dug grave inQueens.HestillrememberedRaphaelthrowingpacketsofanimalbloodathim,andthewayhedtornintothemwithhisteethasifhewereananimalhimself.Itwasntsomethinghelikedtoremember.Hewouldhavebeenhappynevertoseethevampireboyagain.Thesunsstillup.Howareyouhere?

Imnot.Raphaelsvoicewassmoothasbutter.IamaProjection.Look.Heswunghishand,passingitthroughthestonewallbesidehim.Iamlikesmoke.Icannothurtyou.Ofcourse,neithercanyouhurtme.

Idontwanttohurtyou.Simonsettheflaskdownonthecot.Idowanttoknowwhatyouredoinghere.

YouleftNewYorkverysuddenly,Daylighter.Youdorealizethatyouresupposedtoinformtheheadvampireofyourlocalareawhenyoureleavingthecity,dontyou?

Headvampire?Youmeanyou?Ithoughttheheadvampirewassomeoneelse

Camillehasnotyetreturnedtous,Raphaelsaid,withoutanyapparentemotion.Ileadinherstead.Youdknowallthisifyoudbotheredtogetacquaintedwiththelawsofyourkind.

MyleavingNewYorkwasntexactlyplannedinadvance.Andnooffense,butIdontreallythinkofyouasmykind.

Dios.Raphaelloweredhiseyes,asifhidingamusement.Youarestubborn.

Howcanyousaythat?

Itseemsobvious,doesntit?

ImeanSimonsthroatclosedup.Thatword.Youcansayit,andIcantsayGod.

Raphaels eyes flashed upward; he did look amused.Age, he said. And practice. And faith, or itslosstheyareinsomewaysthesamething.Youwilllearn,overtime,littlefledgling.

Dontcallmethat.

Butitiswhatyouare.YoureaChildoftheNight.IsntthatwhyValentinecapturedyouandtookyourblood?Becauseofwhatyouare?

Youseemprettywell-informed,Simonsaid.Maybeyoushouldtellme.

Raphaelseyesnarrowed.IhavealsoheardarumorthatyoudrankthebloodofaShadowhunterandthatiswhatgaveyouyourgift,yourabilitytowalkinsunlight.Isittrue?

Simons hair prickled. Thats ridiculous. If Shadowhunter blood could give vampires the ability towalkindaylight,everyonewouldknowitbynow.Nephilimbloodwouldbeatapremium.AndtherewouldneverbepeacebetweenvampiresandShadowhuntersafterthat.Soitsagoodthingitisnttrue.

AfaintsmileturneduptheedgesofRaphaelsmouth.Trueenough.Speakingofpremiums,youdorealize,dontyou,Daylighter, thatyouareavaluablecommoditynow?There isntaDownworlderonthisearthwhodoesntwanttogettheirhandsonyou.

Doesthatincludeyou?

Ofcourseitdoes.

Andwhatwouldyoudoifyoudidgetyourhandsonme?

Raphaelshruggedhisslightshoulders.PerhapsIamaloneinthinkingthattheabilitytowalkinthedaylightmight not be such a gift as other vampires believe.We are theChildren of theNight for areason.ItispossiblethatIconsideryouasmuchofanabominationashumanityconsidersme.

Doyou?

Its possible. Raphaels expression was neutral. I think youre a danger to us all. A danger tovampirekind, ifyouwill.Andyoucant stay in thiscell forever,Daylighter.Eventuallyyoullhave toleaveandfacetheworldagain.Facemeagain.ButIcantellyouonething.Iwillsweartodoyounoharm,andnottrytofindyou,ifyouinturnsweartohideyourselfawayonceAldertreereleasesyou.Ifyousweartogosofarawaythatnoonewilleverfindyou,andtoneveragaincontactanyoneyouknewinyourmortallife.Icantbemorefairthanthat.

ButSimonwasalreadyshakinghishead.Icantleavemyfamily.OrClary.

Raphaelmadeanirritablenoise.Theyarenolongerpartofwhoyouare.Youreavampirenow.

ButIdontwanttobe,saidSimon.

Lookatyou,complaining,saidRaphael.Youwillnevergetsick,neverdie,andbestrongandyoungforever.Youwillneverage.Whathaveyougottocomplainabout?

Youngforever,Simonthought.Itsoundedgood,butdidanyonereallywanttobesixteenforever?Itwouldhavebeenonethingtobefrozenforeverattwenty-five,butsixteen?Toalwaysbethisgangly,toneverreallygrowintohimself,hisfaceorhisbody?Nottomentionthat,lookinglikethis,hedneverbeabletogointoabarandorderadrink.Ever.Foreternity.

And,Raphaeladded,youdonotevenhavetogiveupthesun.

Simonhadnodesiretogodownthatroadagain.IheardtheotherstalkingaboutyouintheDumort,hesaid.IknowyouputonacrosseverySundayandgotoseeyourfamily.Ibettheydontevenknowyoureavampire.Sodonttellmetoleaveeveryoneinmylifebehind.Iwontdoit,andIwontlieandsayIwill.

Raphaelseyesglittered.Whatmyfamilybelievesdoesntmatter.ItswhatIbelieve.WhatIknow.Atruevampireknowsheisdead.Heacceptshisdeath.Butyou,youthinkyouarestilloneoftheliving.Itisthatwhichmakesyousodangerous.Youcannotacknowledgethatyouarenolongeralive.

ItwastwilightwhenClaryshutthedoorofAmatisshousebehindherandthrewtheboltshome.Sheleaned against the door for a longmoment in the shadowy entryway, her eyes half-shut. Exhaustionweigheddowneveryoneofherlimbs,andherlegsachedpainfully.

Clary?Amatissinsistentvoicecutthroughthesilence.Isthatyou?

Clarystayedwhereshewas,adrift in thecalmingdarknessbehindherclosedeyes.Shewantedsobadly to be home, she could almost taste themetallic air of theBrooklyn streets. She could see hermother sitting in her chair by the window, dusty, pale yellow light streaming in through the openapartmentwindows,illuminatinghercanvasasshepainted.Homesicknesstwistedinhergutlikepain.

Clary.Thevoicecamefrommuchcloserthistime.Claryseyessnappedopen.Amatiswasstandinginfrontofher,hergrayhairpulledseverelyback,herhandsonherhips.Yourbrothersheretoseeyou.Heswaitinginthekitchen.

Jace is here? Clary fought to keep her rage and astonishment off her face. There was no pointshowinghowangryshewasinfrontofLukessister.

Amatiswaslookingathercuriously.ShouldInothavelethimin?Ithoughtyoudwanttoseehim.

No,itsfine,Clarysaid,maintaininghereventonewithsomedifficulty.Imjusttired.

Huh.Amatislookedasifshedidntbelieveit.Well,Illbeupstairsifyouwantme.Ineedanap.

ClarycouldntimaginewhatshedwantAmatisfor,butshenoddedandlimpeddownthecorridorintothekitchen,whichwasawashwithbrightlight.Therewasabowloffruitonthetableoranges,apples,andpearsanda loafof thickbreadalongwithbutterandcheese,andaplatebeside itofwhat lookedlikecookies?HadAmatisactuallymadecookies?

AtthetablesatJace.Hewasleaningforwardonhiselbows,hisgoldenhairtousled,hisshirtslightlyopen at the neck. She could see the thick banding of blackMarks tracing his collarbone.He held acookieinhisbandagedhand.SoSebastianwasright;hehadhurthimself.Notthatshecared.Good,hesaid,youreback.Iwasbeginningtothinkyoudfallenintoacanal.

Claryjuststaredathim,wordless.Shewonderedifhecouldreadtheanger inhereyes.Heleanedbackinthechair,throwingonearmcasuallyoverthebackofit.Ifithadntbeenfortherapidpulseatthebaseofhisthroat,shemightalmosthavebelievedhisairofunconcern.

Youlookexhausted,headded.Wherehaveyoubeenallday?

IwasoutwithSebastian.

Sebastian?Hislookofutterastonishmentwasmomentarilygratifying.

Hewalkedmehomelastnight,Clarysaid,andinhermindthewordsIlljustbeyourbrotherfromnowon,justyourbrotherbeatliketherhythmofadamagedheart.Andsofar,hestheonlypersonin

thiscitywhosbeenremotelynicetome.Soyes,IwasoutwithSebastian.

Isee.Jacesethiscookiebackdownontheplate,hisfaceblank.Clary,Icameheretoapologize.IshouldnthavespokentoyouthewayIdid.

No,Clarysaid.Youshouldnthave.

IalsocametoaskyouifyoudreconsidergoingbacktoNewYork.

God,Clarysaid.Thisagain

Itsnotsafeforyouhere.

Whatareyouworriedabout?sheaskedtonelessly.ThattheyllthrowmeinprisonliketheydidwithSimon?

Jaces expression didnt change, but he rocked back in his chair, the front legs lifting off the floor,almostasifshehadshovedhim.Simon?

Sebastiantoldmewhathappenedtohim,shewentoninthesameflatvoice.Whatyoudid.Howyoubroughthimhereandthenlethimjustgetthrowninjail.Areyoutryingtogetmetohateyou?

AndyoutrustSebastian?Jaceasked.Youbarelyknowhim,Clary.

Shestaredathim.Isitnottrue?

Hemethergaze,buthis facehadgonestill, likeSebastians facewhenshedpushedhimaway. Itstrue.

Sheseizedaplateoff thetableandflungitathim.Heducked,sendingthechairspinning,andtheplatehitthewallabovethesinkandshatteredinastarburstofbrokenporcelain.Heleapedoutofthechair as she picked up another plate and threw it, her aim going wild: This one bounced off therefrigeratorandhittheflooratJacesfeetwhereitcrackedintotwoevenpieces.Howcouldyou?Simontrustedyou.Whereishenow?Whataretheygoingtodotohim?

Nothing,Jacesaid.Hesallright.Isawhimlastnight

BeforeorafterIsawyou?Beforeorafteryoupretendedeverythingwasallrightandyouwerejustfine?

YoucameawayfromthatthinkingIwasjustfine?Jacechokedonsomethingalmostlikealaugh.ImustbeabetteractorthanIthought.Therewasatwistedsmileonhisface.ItwasamatchtothetinderofClarysrage:Howdarehelaughathernow?Shescrabbledforthefruitbowl,butitsuddenlydidntseemlikeenough.Shekickedthechairoutofthewayandflungherselfathim,knowingitwouldbethelastthinghedexpecthertodo.

The force of her sudden assault caught him off guard. She slammed into him and he staggeredbackward,fetchinguphardagainsttheedgeofthecounter.Shehalf-fellagainsthim,heardhimgasp,anddrewbackherarmblindly,notevenknowingwhatsheintendedtodo

Shehadforgottenhowfasthewas.Herfistslammednotintohisface,butintohisupraisedhand;hewrappedhis fingersaroundhers, forcingherarmbackdown toher side.Shewassuddenlyawareofhowclosetheywerestanding;shewasleaningagainsthim,pressinghimbackagainstthecounterwiththeslightweightofherbody.Letgoofmyhand.

AreyoureallygoingtohitmeifIdo?Hisvoicewasroughandsoft,hiseyesblazing.

Dontyouthinkyoudeserveit?

Shefelt theriseandfallofhischestagainstherashelaughedwithoutamusement.DoyouthinkIplannedallthis?DoyoureallythinkIddothat?

Well,youdontlikeSimon,doyou?Maybeyouneverhave.

Jacemadeaharsh,increduloussoundandletgoofherhand.WhenClarysteppedback,heheldouthisrightarm,palmup.Ittookheramomenttorealizewhathewasshowingher:theraggedscaralonghiswrist.This,hesaid,hisvoiceastautasawire,iswhereIcutmywristtoletyourvampirefrienddrinkmyblood. It nearly killedme.And nowyou think,what, that I just abandoned himwithout athought?

ShestaredatthescaronJaceswristoneofsomanyalloverhisbody,scarsofallshapesandsizes.Sebastian toldme thatyoubroughtSimonhere, and thenAlecmarchedhimup to theGard.Let theClavehavehim.Youmusthaveknown

Ibroughthimherebyaccident.IaskedhimtocometotheInstitutesoIcouldtalktohim.Aboutyou,actually. I thought maybe he could convince you to drop the idea of coming to Idris. If its anyconsolation,hewouldntevenconsiderit.Whilehewasthere,wewereattackedbyForsaken.IhadtodraghimthroughthePortalwithme.Itwasthatorleavehimtheretodie.

ButwhybringhimtotheClave?Youmusthaveknown

ThereasonwesenthimtherewasbecausetheonlyPortalinIdrisisintheGard.TheytoldustheyweresendinghimbacktoNewYork.

Andyoubelievedthem?AfterwhathappenedwiththeInquisitor?

Clary,theInquisitorwasananomaly.ThatmighthavebeenyourfirstexperiencewiththeClave,butitwasntminetheClaveisus.TheNephilim.TheyabidebytheLaw.

Excepttheydidnt.

No, Jace said. They didnt.He sounded very tired.And theworst part about all this, he added, isrememberingValentinerantingabouttheClave,howitscorrupt,howitneedstobecleansed.AndbytheAngelifIdontagreewithhim.

Clary was silent, first because she could think of nothing to say, and then in startlement as Jacereachedoutalmostasifhewerent thinkingaboutwhathewasdoinganddrewhertowardhim.Tohersurprise,she lethim.Through thewhitematerialofhisshirtshecouldsee theoutlinesofhisMarks,blackandcurling,strokingacrosshisskinlikelicksofflame.Shewantedtoleanherheadagainsthim,wantedtofeelhisarmsaroundherthewayshedwantedairwhenshewasdrowninginLakeLyn.

Hemightberightthatthingsneedfixing,shesaidfinally.Buthesnotrightaboutthewaytheyshouldbefixed.Youcanseethat,cantyou?

Hehalf-closedhiseyes.Therewerecrescentsofgrayshadowunderthem,shesaw,theremnantsofsleeplessnights.ImnotsureIcanseeanything.Yourerighttobeangry,Clary.IshouldnthavetrustedtheClave.IwantedsobadlytothinkthattheInquisitorwasanabnormality,thatshewasactingwithouttheirauthority,thattherewasstillsomepartofbeingaShadowhunterIcouldtrust.

Jace,shewhispered.

Heopenedhiseyesandlookeddownather.SheandJacewerestandingcloseenough,sherealized,

thattheyweretouchingallupanddowntheirbodies;eventheirkneesweretouching,andshecouldfeelhisheartbeat.Moveawayfromhim,shetoldherself,butherlegswouldntobey.

Whatisit?hesaid,hisvoiceverysoft.

IwanttoseeSimon,shesaid.Canyoutakemetoseehim?

Asabruptlyashehadcaughtholdofher,helethergo.No.YourenotevensupposedtobeinIdris.YoucantgowaltzingintotheGard.

Buthellthinkeveryonesabandonedhim.Hellthink

Iwenttoseehim,Jacesaid.Iwasgoingtolethimout.Iwasgoingtotearthebarsoutofthewindowwithmyhands.Hisvoicewasmatter-of-fact.Buthewouldntletme.

Hewouldntletyou?Hewantedtostayinjail?

HesaidtheInquisitorwassniffingaroundaftermyfamily,afterme.AldertreewantstoblamewhathappenedinNewYorkonus.HecantgraboneofusandtortureitoutofustheClavewouldfrownonthatbuthestryingtogetSimontotellhimsomestorywherewereallincahootswithValentine.SimonsaidifIbreakhimout,thentheInquisitorwillknowIdidit,anditllbeevenworsefortheLightwoods.

Thatsverynobleofhimandall,butwhatshislong-rangeplan?Tostayinjailforever?

Jaceshrugged.Wehadntexactlyworkedthatout.

Claryblewoutanexasperatedbreath.Boys,shesaid.Allright,look.Whatyouneedisanalibi.Wellmake sure youre somewhere everyone can see you, and the Lightwoods are too, and then well getMagnustobreakSimonoutofprisonandgethimbacktoNewYork.

Ihatetotellyouthis,Clary,buttheresnowayMagnuswoulddothat.IdontcarehowcutehethinksAlecis,hesnotgoingtogodirectlyagainsttheClaveasafavortous.

Hemight,Clarysaid,fortheBookoftheWhite.

Jaceblinked.Thewhat?

QuicklyClarytoldhimaboutRagnorFellsdeath,aboutMagnusshowingupinFellsplace,andaboutthespellbook.Jacelistenedwithstunnedattentivenessuntilshefinished.

Demons?hesaid.MagnussaidFellwaskilledbydemons?

Clarycasthermindback.Nohesaidtheplacestankofsomethingdemonicinorigin.AndthatFellwaskilledbyValentinesservants.Thatsallhesaid.

Some darkmagic leaves an aura that reeks like demons, Jace said. IfMagnuswasnt specific, itsprobablybecausehesnonetoopleasedthattheresawarlockouttherepracticingdarkmagic,breakingtheLaw.ButitshardlythefirsttimeValentinesgottenoneofLilithschildrentodohisnastybidding.RememberthewarlockkidhekilledinNewYork?

ValentineusedhisbloodfortheRitual.Iremember.Claryshuddered.Jace,doesValentinewanttheBookforthesamereasonIdo?Towakemymotherup?

Hemight.OrifitswhatMagnussaysitis,Valentinemightjustwantitforthepowerhecouldgainfromit.Eitherway,wedbettergetitbeforehedoes.

DoyouthinktheresanychanceitsintheWaylandmanor?

Iknowitsthere,hesaid,tohersurprise.Thatcookbook?RecipesforHousewivesorwhatever?Iveseenitbefore.Inthemanorslibrary.Itwastheonlycookbookinthere.

Claryfeltdizzy.Shealmosthadntletherselfbelieveitcouldbetrue.Jaceifyoutakemetothemanor,andwegetthebook,IllgohomewithSimon.DothisformeandIllgotoNewYork,andIwontcomeback,Iswear.

Magnuswasrighttherearemisdirectionwardsonthemanor,hesaidslowly.Illtakeyouthere,butitsnotclose.Walking,itmighttakeusfivehours.

Claryreachedoutanddrewhissteleoutofitslooponhisbelt.Shehelditupbetweenthem,whereitglowed with a faint white light not unlike the light of the glass towers. Who said anything aboutwalking?

You get some strange visitors, Daylighter, Samuel said. First JonathanMorgenstern, and now theheadvampireofNewYorkCity.Imimpressed.

JonathanMorgenstern? It tookSimon amoment to realize that thiswas, of course, Jace.Hewassittingonthefloorinthecenteroftheroom,turningtheemptyflaskinhishandsoverandoveridly.IguessImmoreimportantthanIrealized.

AndIsabelleLightwoodbringingyoublood,Samuelsaid.Thatsquiteadeliveryservice.

Simonsheadwentup.HowdoyouknowIsabellebroughtit?Ididntsayanything

I saw her through thewindow. She looks just like hermother, said Samuel, at least, theway hermotherdidyearsago.Therewasanawkwardpause.Youknowthebloodisonlyastopgap,headded.PrettysoontheInquisitorwillstartwonderingifyouvestarvedtodeathyet. Ifhefindsyouperfectlyhealthy,hellfigureoutsomethingsupandkillyouanyway.

Simonlookedupattheceiling.Therunescarvedintothestoneoverlappedoneanotherlikeshingledsandonabeach.IguessIlljusthavetobelieveJacewhenhesaystheyllfindawaytogetmeout,hesaid.WhenSamuelsaidnothinginreturn,headded,Illaskhimtogetyououttoo,Ipromise.Iwontleaveyoudownhere.

Samuelmadeachokednoise,likealaughthatcouldntquitemakeitoutofhisthroat.Oh,IdontthinkJaceMorgensternisgoingtowanttorescueme,hesaid.Besides,starvingdownhereistheleastofyourproblems,Daylighter.SoonenoughValentinewillattackthecity,andthenwelllikelyallbekilled.

Simonblinked.Howcanyoubesosure?

Iwasclosetohimatonepoint.Iknewhisplans.Hisgoals.HeintendstodestroyAlicanteswardsandstrikeattheClavefromtheheartoftheirpower.

ButIthoughtnodemonscouldgetpastthewards.Ithoughttheywereimpenetrable.

Soitssaid.Itrequiresdemonbloodtotakethewardsdown,yousee,anditcanonlybedonefrominsideAlicante.Butbecausenodemoncangetthroughthewardswell,itsaperfectparadox,orshouldbe.ButValentineclaimedhedfoundawaytogetaroundthat,awaytobreakthrough.AndIbelievehim.Hewillfindawaytotakethewardsdown,andhewillcomeintothecitywithhisdemonarmy,andhewillkillusall.

The flat certainty in Samuels voice sent a chill up Simons spine. You sound awfully resigned.Shouldntyoudosomething?WarntheClave?

Ididwarnthem.Whentheyinterrogatedme.ItoldthemoverandoveragainthatValentinemeanttodestroythewards,buttheydismissedme.TheClavethinksthewardswillstandforeverbecausetheyvestood for a thousandyears.But sodidRome, till thebarbarianscame.Everything falls someday.Hechuckled:abitter,angrysound.Consider ita race toseewhokillsyoufirst,DaylighterValentine, theotherDownworlders,ortheClave.

SomewherebetweenhereandthereClaryshandwastornoutofJaces.Whenthehurricanespitheroutandshehitthefloor,shehititalone,hard,androlledgaspingtoastop.

Shesatupslowlyandlookedaround.ShewaslyinginthecenterofaPersianrugthrownoverthefloorofalargestonewalledroom.Therewereitemsoffurniturehereandthere;thewhitesheetsthrownover them turned them into humped, unwieldy ghosts. Velvet curtains sagged across huge glasswindows;thevelvetwasgray-whitewithdust,andmotesofdustdancedinthemoonlight.

Clary?Jaceemergedfrombehindamassivewhite-sheetedshape;itmighthavebeenagrandpiano.Areyouallright?

Fine.Shestoodup,wincingalittle.Herelbowached.AsidefromthefactthatAmatiswillprobablykillmewhenwe get back.Considering that I smashed all her platesand opened up a Portal in herkitchen.

Hereachedhishanddowntoher.Forwhateveritsworth,hesaid,helpinghertoherfeet,Iwasveryimpressed.

Thanks.Claryglancedaround.Sothisiswhereyougrewup?Itslikesomethingoutofafairytale.

Iwasthinkingahorrormovie,Jacesaid.God,itsbeenyearssinceIveseenthisplace.Itdidntusedtobeso

So cold?Clary shivered a little. She buttoned her coat, but the cold in themanorwasmore thanphysicalcold:Theplacefeltcold,asiftherehadneverbeenwarmthorlightorlaughterinsideit.

No, said Jace. Itwasalwayscold. Iwasgoing to saydusty.He tookawitchlight stoneoutofhispocket,anditflaredtolifebetweenhisfingers.Itswhiteglowlithisfacefrombeneath,pickingouttheshadowsunderhischeekbones, thehollowsathis temples.Thisis thestudy,andweneedthelibrary.Comeon.

Heledherfromtheroomanddownalongcorridorlinedwithdozensofmirrorsthatgavebacktheirownreflections.Claryhadntrealizedquitehowdisheveledshelooked:hercoatstreakedwithdust,herhair snarled from thewind.She tried to smooth it downdiscreetly andcaught Jacesgrin in thenextmirror.Forsomereason,duedoubtlesstoamysteriousShadowhuntermagicshedidnthaveahopeofunderstanding,hishairlookedperfect.

Thecorridorwas linedwithdoors, someopen; through themClarycouldglimpseother rooms, asdustyandunused-lookingasthestudyhadbeen.MichaelWaylandhadhadnorelatives,Valentinehadsaid, so she supposed no one had inherited this place after his deathshe had assumedValentine hadcarried on living here, but that seemed clearly not to be the case. Everything breathed sorrow anddisuse.AtRenwicks,Valentinehadcalledthisplacehome,hadshowedittoJaceinthePortalmirror,agilt-edgedmemoryofgreenfieldsandmellowstone,butthat,Clarythought,hadbeenalietoo.ItwasclearValentinehadntreallylivedhereinyearsperhapshehadjustleftitheretorot,orhehadcomehereonlyoccasionally,towalkthedimcorridorslikeaghost.

TheyreachedadoorattheendofthehallwayandJaceshouldereditopen,standingbacktoletClarypassintotheroombeforehim.ShehadbeenpicturingthelibraryattheInstitute,andthisroomwasnotentirelyunlikeit:thesamewallsfilledwithrowuponrowofbooks,thesameladdersonrollingcasterssothehighshelvescouldbereached.Theceilingwasflatandbeamed,though,notconical,andtherewasnodesk.Greenvelvetcurtains,theirfoldsicedwithwhitedust,hungoverwindowsthatalternatedpanesofgreenandblueglass.Inthemoonlighttheysparkledlikecoloredfrost.Beyondtheglass,allwasblack.

This is the library? she said to Jace inawhisper, though shewasnt surewhyshewaswhispering.Therewassomethingsoprofoundlystillaboutthebig,emptyhouse.

Hewas looking past her, his eyes darkwithmemory. I used to sit in that window seat and readwhatevermyfatherhadassignedmethatday.DifferentlanguagesondifferentdaysFrenchonSaturday,EnglishonSundaybutIcantremembernowwhatdayLatinwas,ifitwasMondayorTuesday.

ClaryhadasuddenflashingimageofJaceasalittleboy,bookbalancedonhiskneesashesatinthewindowembrasure,lookingoutoveroverwhat?Weretheregardens?Aview?Ahighwallofthornslikethewall aroundSleepingBeautyscastle?Shesawhimashe read, the light thatcame in through thewindowcastingsquaresofblueandgreenoverhisfairhairandthesmallfacemoreseriousthananyten-year-oldsshouldbe.

Icantremember,hesaidagain,staringintothedark.

Shetouchedhisshoulder.Itdoesntmatter,Jace.

I suppose not. He shook himself, as if waking out of a dream, and moved across the room, thewitchlightlightinghisway.Hekneltdowntoinspectarowofbooksandstraightenedupwithoneoftheminhishand.SimpleRecipesforHousewives,hesaid.Hereitis.

Shehurriedacrosstheroomandtookitfromhim.Itwasaplain-lookingbookwithabluebinding,and dusty, like everything in the house.When she opened it, dust swarmedup from its pages like agatheringofmoths.

Alarge,squareholehadbeencutoutofthecenterofthebook.Fittedintotheholelikeajewelinabezelwasasmallervolume,about thesizeofasmallchapbook,boundinwhite leatherwiththetitleprintedingildedLatinletters.Claryrecognizedthewordsforwhiteandbook,butwhenshelifteditoutandopenedit,tohersurprisethepageswerecoveredwiththin,spideryhandwritinginalanguageshecouldntunderstand.

Greek,Jacesaid,lookingoverhershoulder.Oftheancientvariety.

Canyoureadit?

Noteasily,headmitted.Itsbeenyears.ButMagnuswillbeableto,Iimagine.Heclosedthebookandslippeditintothepocketofhergreencoatbeforeturningbacktothebookshelves,skimminghisfingersalongtherowsofbooks,hisfingertipstracingtheirspines.

Arethereanyoftheseyouwanttotakewithyou?sheaskedgently.Ifyoudlike

Jacelaughedanddroppedhishand.IwasonlyallowedtoreadwhatIwasassigned,hesaid.SomeoftheshelveshadbooksonthemIwasntevenallowedtotouch.Heindicatedarowofbooks,higherup,boundinmatchingbrownleather.Ireadoneofthemonce,whenIwasaboutsix,justtoseewhatthefusswasabout. It turnedout tobea journalmy fatherwaskeeping.Aboutme.Notesaboutmyson,

JonathanChristopher.HewhippedmewithabeltwhenhefoundoutIdreadit.Actually,itwasthefirsttimeIevenknewIhadamiddlename.

AsuddenacheofhatredforherfatherwentthroughClary.Well,Valentinesnotherenow.

Clary,Jacebegan,awarningnote inhisvoice,butshedalreadyreachedupandyankedoneof thebooksoutfromtheforbiddenshelf,knockingittotheground.Itmadeasatisfyingthump.Clary!

Oh,comeon.Shediditagain,knockinganotherbookdown,andthenanother.Dustpuffedupfromtheirpagesastheyhitthefloor.Youtry.

Jacelookedatherforamoment,andthenahalfsmileteasedthecornerofhismouth.Reachingup,heswepthisarmalong theshelf,knocking therestof thebooks to thegroundwitha loudcrash.Helaughedandthenbrokeoff,liftinghishead,likeacatprickingupitsearsatadistantsound.Doyouhearthat?

Hearwhat?Clarywas about to ask, and stoppedherself.Therewas a sound, getting louder nowahigh-pitchedwhirringandgrinding,likethesoundofmachinerycomingtolife.Thesoundseemedtobecomingfrominsidethewall.Shetookaninvoluntarystepbackjustasthestonesinfrontofthemslidbackwith a groaning, rusty scream.An opening gaped behind the stonesa sort of doorway, roughlyhackedoutofthewall.

Beyondthedoorwaywasasetofstairs,leadingdownintodarkness.

9

THISGUILTYBLOOD

Ididntrememberthereevenbeingacellarhere,Jacesaid,staringpastClaryatthegapingholeinthewall.Heraisedthewitchlight,anditsglowbouncedoffthedownward-leadingtunnel.Thewallswereblackandslick,madeofasmoothdarkstoneClarydidntrecognize.Thestepsgleamedasiftheyweredamp.Astrangesmelldriftedupthroughtheopening:dank,musty,withaweirdmetallictingethatsethernervesonedge.

Whatdoyouthinkcouldbedownthere?

Idontknow.Jacemovedtowardthestairs;heputafootonthetopstep,testingit,andthenshruggedasifhedmadeuphismind.Hebegantomakehiswaydownthesteps,movingcarefully.PartwaydownheturnedandlookedupatClary.Areyoucoming?Youcanwaituphereformeifyouwantto.

Sheglancedaroundtheemptylibrary,thenshiveredandhurriedafterhim.

Thestairsspiraleddownintighterandtightercircles,asiftheyweremakingtheirwaythroughtheinsideofahugeconchshell.Thesmellgrewstrongerastheyreachedthebottom,andthestepswidenedoutintoalargesquareroomwhosestonewallswerestreakedwiththemarksofdampandother,darkerstains. The floorwas scrawledwithmarkings: a jumble of pentagrams and runes,withwhite stonesscatteredhereandthere.

Jace tookastepforwardandsomethingcrunchedunderhis feet.HeandClary lookeddownat thesame time. Bones, Clary whispered. Not white stones after all, but bones of all shapes and sizes,scatteredacrossthefloor.Whatwashedoingdownhere?

ThewitchlightburnedinJaceshand,castingitseerieglowovertheroom.Experiments,Jacesaidinadry,tensetone.TheSeelieQueensaid

Whatkindofbonesarethese?Clarysvoicerose.Aretheyanimalbones?

No.Jacekickedapileofboneswithhisfeet,scatteringthem.Notallofthem.

Claryschestfelttight.Ithinkweshouldgoback.

InsteadJaceraisedthewitchlightinhishand.Itblazedout,brightlyandthenmorebrightly,lightingtheairwithaharshwhitebrilliance.Thefarcornersoftheroomsprangintofocus.Threeofthemwereempty.Thefourthwasblockedwithahangingcloth.Therewassomethingbehindthecloth,ahumpedshape

Jace,Clarywhispered.Whatisthat?

He didnt reply.Therewas a seraph blade in his free hand, suddenly;Clary didnt knowwhen heddrawnit,butitshoneinthewitchlightlikeabladeofice.

Jace,dont,saidClary,butitwastoolatehestrodeforwardandtwitchedtheclothasidewiththetipoftheblade,thenseizeditandjerkeditdown.Itfellinablossomingcloudofdust.

Jacestaggeredback, thewitchlight falling fromhisgrasp.As theblazing light fell,Clarycaughtasingleglimpseof his face: Itwas awhitemaskofhorror.Clary snatched thewitchlight upbefore itcould go dark and raised it high, desperate to seewhat could have shocked Jaceunshockable Jacesobadly.

Atfirstallshesawwastheshapeofamanamanwrappedinadirtywhiterag,crouchedonthefloor.Manaclescircledhiswristsandankles,attachedtothickmetalstaplesdrivenintothestonefloor.Howcanhebealive?Clary thought inhorror, andbile roseup inher throat.The rune-stoneshook inherhand,andlightdancedinpatchesovertheprisoner:Shesawemaciatedarmsandlegs,scarredalloverwiththemarksofcountlesstortures.Theskullofafaceturnedtowardher,blackemptysocketswheretheeyesshouldhavebeenandthentherewasadryrustle,andshesawthatwhatshehadthoughtwasawhiteragwerewings,whitewingsrisingupbehindhisbackintwopurewhitecrescents,theonlypurethingsinthisfilthyroom.

Shegaveadrygasp.Jace.Doyousee

Isee.Jace,standingbesideher,spokeinavoicethatcrackedlikebrokenglass.

Yousaidtherewerentanyangelsthatnoonehadeverseenone

Jacewaswhisperingsomethingunderhisbreath,astringofwhatsoundedlikepanickedcurses.Hestumbled forward, toward thehuddledcreatureon the floorand recoiled, as ifhehadbouncedoff aninvisiblewall.Lookingdown,Clarysawthattheangelcrouchedinsideapentagrammadeofconnectedrunes graven deeply into the floor; they glowed with a faint phosphorescent light. The runes, shewhispered.Wecantgetpast

Buttheremustbesomething,Jacesaid,hisvoicenearlybreaking,somethingwecando.

Theangelraiseditshead.Clarysawwithadistracted,terriblepitythatithadcurlinggoldenhairlikeJacesthatshonedullyinthelight.Tendrilsclungclosetothehollowsofitsskull.Itseyeswerepits,itsfaceslashedwithscars,likeabeautifulpaintingdestroyedbyvandals.Asshestared,itsmouthopenedandasoundpouredfromitsthroatnotwordsbutapiercinggoldenmusic,asinglesingingnote,heldand

heldandheldsohighandsweetthatthesoundwaslikepain

AfloodofimagesroseupbeforeClaryseyes.Shewasstillclutchingtherune-stone,butitslightwasgone;shewasgone,nolongertherebutsomewhereelse,wherethepicturesofthepastflowedbeforeherinawakingdreamfragments,colors,sounds.

Shewasinawinecellar,bareandclean,asinglehugerunescrawledonthestonefloor.Amanstoodbesideit;heheldanopenbookinonehandandablazingwhitetorchintheother.Whenheraisedhishead,ClarysawthatitwasValentine:muchyounger,hisfaceunlinedandhandsome,hisdarkeyesclearandbright.Ashechanted,theruneblazedupintofire,andwhentheflamesreceded,acrumpledfigurelayamongtheashes:anangel,wingsspreadandbloody,likeabirdshotoutofthesky.

Thescenechanged.Valentinestoodbyawindow,athissideayoungwomanwithshiningredhair.Afamiliarsilverringgleamedonhishandashereachedtoputhisarmsaroundher.WithajoltofpainClary recognizedhermotherbut shewasyoung, her features soft andvulnerable.Shewaswearing awhitenightgownandwasobviouslypregnant.

TheAccords,Valentinewassayingangrily,werenotjusttheworstideatheClavehaseverhad,buttheworstthingthatcouldhappentoNephilim.ThatweshouldbeboundtoDownworlders,tiedtothosecreatures

Valentine,Jocelynsaidwithasmile,enoughaboutpolitics,please.Shereachedupand twinedherarmsaroundValentinesneck,herexpressionfullofloveandhiswasaswell,buttherewassomethingelseinit,somethingthatsentashiverdownClarysspine.

Valentinekneltinthecenterofacircleoftrees.Therewasabrightmoonoverhead,illuminatingtheblackpentagram thathadbeen scrawled into the scrapedearthof theclearing.Thebranchesof treesmadeathicknetoverhead;wheretheyextendedabovetheedgeofthepentagram,their leavescurledandturnedblack.Inthecenterofthefive-pointedstarsatawomanwithlong,shininghair;hershapewasslimandlovely,herfacehiddeninshadow,herarmsbareandwhite.Herlefthandwasextendedinfrontofher,andassheopenedherfingers,Clarycouldseethattherewasalongslashacrossherpalm,drippingaslowstreamofbloodintoasilvercupthatrestedonthepentagramsedge.Thebloodlookedblackinthemoonlight,orperhapsitwasblack.

Thechildbornwith thisblood inhim, she said, andhervoicewas soft and lovely,will exceed inpower the Greater Demons of the abysses between the worlds. He will be more mighty than theAsmodei,strongerthantheshedimofthestorms.Ifheisproperlytrained,thereisnothinghewillnotbeabletodo.ThoughIwarnyou,sheadded,itwillburnouthishumanity,aspoisonburnsthelifefromtheblood.

My thanks toyou,LadyofEdom, saidValentine, and ashe reached to take the cupofblood, thewoman liftedher face,andClarysaw that thoughshewasotherwisebeautiful,hereyeswerehollowblackholesfromwhichcurledwavingblacktentacles,likefeelersprobingtheair.Clarystifledascream

Thenight,theforest,vanished.JocelynstoodfacingsomeoneClarycouldntsee.Shewasnolongerpregnant, and her bright hair straggled around her stricken, despairing face. I cant stay with him,Ragnor,shesaid.Notforanotherday.Ireadhisbook.DoyouknowwhathedidtoJonathan?IdidntthinkevenValentinecoulddo that.Her shoulders shook.HeuseddemonbloodJonathansnot ababyanymore.Heisntevenhuman;hesamonster

Shevanished.Valentinewaspacingrestlesslyaroundthecircleofrunes,aseraphbladeshininginhis

hand.Whywontyouspeak?hemuttered.WhywontyougivemewhatIwant?Hedrovedownwiththeknife,andtheangelwrithedasgoldenliquidpouredfromitswoundlikespilledsunlight.Ifyouwontgivemeanswers,Valentinehissed,youcangivemeyourblood.Itwilldomeandminemoregoodthanitwillyou.

NowtheywereintheWaylandlibrary.Sunlightshonethroughthediamond-panedwindows,floodingtheroomwithblueandgreen.Voicescamefromanotherroom:thesoundsoflaughterandchatting,apartygoingon.Jocelynkneltbythebookshelf,glancingfromsidetoside.Shedrewathickbookfromherpocketandslippeditontotheshelf.

Andshewasgone.Thesceneshowedacellar,thesamecellarthatClaryknewshewasstandinginright now. The same scrawled pentagram scarred the floor, andwithin the center of the star lay theangel.Valentinestoodby,onceagainwithaburningseraphblade inhishand.He lookedyearsoldernow,nolongerayoungman.Ithuriel,hesaid.Weareoldfriendsnow,arentwe?Icouldhaveleftyouburiedaliveunderthoseruins,butno,Ibroughtyouherewithme.AlltheseyearsIvekeptyouclose,hopingonedayyouwouldtellmewhatIwantedneededtoknow.Hecamecloser,holdingthebladeout,itsblazelightingtherunicbarriertoashimmer.WhenIsummonedyou,Idreamedthatyouwouldtellme why. Why Raziel created us, his race of Shadowhunters, yet did not give us the powersDownworldershavethespeedof thewolves, the immortalityof theFairFolk, themagicofwarlocks,eventheenduranceofvampires.Heleftusnakedbeforethehostsofhellbutforthesepaintedlinesonourskin.Whyshouldtheirpowersbegreaterthanours?Whycantweshareinwhattheyhave?Howisthatjust?

Withinitsimprisoningstartheangelsatsilentasamarblestatue,unmoving,itswingsfolded.Itseyesexpressednothingbeyondaterriblesilentsorrow.Valentinesmouthtwisted.

Verywell.Keepyour silence. Iwillhavemychance.Valentine lifted theblade. Ihave theMortalCup, Ithuriel, andsoon I shallhave theSwordbutwithout theMirror Icannotbegin the summoning.TheMirrorisallIneed.Tellmewhereitis.Tellmewhereitis,Ithuriel,andIwillletyoudie.

Thescenebrokeapart infragments,andashervisionfaded,Clarycaughtglimpsesofimagesnowfamiliar to her from her own nightmaresangelswithwings bothwhite and black, sheets ofmirroredwater,goldandbloodandJace,turningawayfromher,alwaysturningaway.Claryreachedoutforhim,andforthefirsttimetheangelsvoicespokeinherheadinwordsthatshecouldunderstand.

ThesearenotthefirstdreamsIhaveevershowedyou.

Theimageofaruneburstbehindhereyes,likefireworksnotaruneshehadeverseenbefore;itwasasstrong,simple,andstraightforwardasatiedknot.Itwasgoneinabreathaswell,andasitvanished,theangelssingingceased.Clarywasbackinherownbody,reelingonherfeetinthefilthyandreekingroom.Theangelwassilent,frozen,wingsfolded,agrievingeffigy.

Clary let out her breath in a sob. Ithuriel. She reached her hands out to the angel, knowing shecouldntpasstherunes,herheartaching.Foryearstheangelhadbeendownhere,sittingsilentandaloneintheblackness,chainedandstarvingbutunabletodie.

Jacewasbesideher.Shecouldseefromhisstrickenfacethathedseeneverythingshehad.Helookeddownattheseraphbladeinhishandandthenbackattheangel.Itsblindfacewasturnedtowardtheminsilentsupplication.

Jacetookastepforward,andthenanother.Hiseyeswerefixedontheangel,anditwasasif,Clary

thought, thereweresomesilentcommunicationpassingbetweenthem,somespeechshecouldnthear.Jaceseyeswerebrightasgolddisks,fullofreflectedlight.

Ithuriel,hewhispered.

Thebladeinhishandblazeduplikeatorch.Itsglowwasblinding.Theangelraiseditsface,asifthelightwerevisibletoitsblindeyes.Itreachedoutitshands,thechainsthatbounditswristsrattlinglikeharshmusic.

Jaceturnedtoher.Clary,hesaid.Therunes.

Therunes.Foramomentshestaredathim,puzzled,buthiseyesurgedheronward.ShehandedJacethewitchlight,tookhisstelefromherpocket,andkneltdownbythescrawledrunes.Theylookedasiftheydbeengougedintothestonewithsomethingsharp.

SheglancedupatJace.Hisexpressionstartledher,theblazeinhiseyestheywerefulloffaithinher,ofconfidenceinherabilities.Withthetipofthesteleshetracedseverallinesintothefloor,changingtherunesofbindingtorunesofrelease,imprisonmenttoopenness.Theyflaredupasshetracedthem,asifsheweredraggingamatchtipacrosssulphur.

Done,sherosetoherfeet.Therunesshimmeredbeforeher.AbruptlyJacemovedtostandbesideher.Thewitchlightstonewasgone,theonlyilluminationcomingfromtheseraphbladethathednamedfortheangel,blazinginhishand.Hestretcheditout,andthistimehishandpassedthroughthebarrieroftherunesasiftherewerenothingthere.

Theangelreacheditshandsupandtookthebladefromhim.Itshutitsblindeyes,andClarythoughtfor a moment that it smiled. It turned the blade in its grasp until the sharp tip rested just blow itsbreastbone.Clarygavealittlegaspandmovedforward,butJacegrabbedherarm,hisgriplikeiron,andyankedherbackwardjustastheangeldrovethebladehome.

Theangelsheadfellback,itshandsdroppingfromthehilt,whichprotrudedfromjustwhereitsheartwouldbeifangelshadhearts;Clarydidntknow.Flamesburstfromthewound,spreadingoutwardfromtheblade.Theangelsbodyshimmeredintowhiteflame,thechainsonitswristburningscarlet,likeironleft too long in a fire. Clary thought ofmedieval paintings of saints consumed in the blaze of holyecstasyand the angelswings flewwideandwhitebefore they, too, caught andblazedup, a latticeofshimmeringfire.

Clarycouldnolongerwatch.SheturnedandburiedherfaceinJacesshoulder.Hisarmcamearoundher,hisgriptightandhard.Itsallright,hesaidintoherhair,itsallright,buttheairwasfullofsmokeandthegroundfeltlikeitwasrockingunderherfeet.ItwasonlywhenJacestumbledthatsherealizeditwasntshock:Thegroundwasmoving.She letgoofJaceandstaggered; thestonesunderfootweregrindingtogether,anda thinrainofdirtwassiftingdownfromtheceiling.Theangelwasapillarofsmoke;therunesarounditglowedpainfullybright.Clarystaredatthem,decodingtheirmeaning,andthenlookedwildlyatJace:ThemanoritwastiedtoIthuriel.Iftheangeldies,themanor

Shedidntfinishhersentence.Hehadalreadyseizedherhandandwasrunningforthestairs,pullingher along after him. The stairs themselves were surging and buckling; Clary fell, banging her kneepainfullyonastep,butJacesgriponherarmdidntloosen.Sheracedon,ignoringthepaininherleg,herlungsfullofchokingdust.

Theyreachedthetopofthestepsandexplodedoutintothelibrary.BehindthemClarycouldhearthesoftroarastherestofthestairscollapsed.Itwasntmuchbetterhere;theroomwasshuddering,books

tumblingfromtheirshelves.Astatuelaywhereithadtippedover,inapileofjaggedshards.JaceletgoofClaryshand,seizedupachair,and,beforeshecouldaskhimwhathemeant todo, threwitat thestained-glasswindow.

Itsailedthroughinawaterfallofbrokenglass.Jaceturnedandheldhishandouttoher.Behindhim,throughthejaggedframethatremained,shecouldseeamoonlight-saturatedstretchofgrassandalineoftreetopsinthedistance.Theyseemedalongwaydown.Icantjumpthatfar,shethought,andwasabouttoshakeherheadatJacewhenshesawhiseyeswiden,hismouthshapingawarning.Oneoftheheavymarblebusts that linedthehighershelveshadslidfreeandwasfallingtowardher;sheduckedoutofitsway,andithitthefloorinchesfromwhereshedbeenstanding,leavingasizabledentinthefloor.

AsecondlaterJacesarmswerearoundherandhewasliftingheroffherfeet.Shewastoosurprisedtostruggleashecarriedherovertothebrokenwindowanddumpedherunceremoniouslyoutofit.

Shehitagrassyrisejustbelowthewindowandtumbleddownitssteepincline,gainingspeeduntilshefetchedupagainstahillockwithenoughforcetoknockthebreathoutofher.Shesatup,shakinggrassoutofherhair.AsecondlaterJacecametoastopnexttoher;unlikeher,herolledimmediatelyintoacrouch,staringupthehillatthemanorhouse.

Claryturnedtolookwherehewaslooking,buthedalreadygrabbedher,shovingherdownintothedepressionbetweenthetwohills.Latershedfinddarkbruisesonherupperarmswherehedheldher;nowshejustgaspedinsurpriseasheknockedherdownandrolledontopofher,shieldingherwithhisbodyasahugeroarwentup.Itsoundedliketheearthshatteringapart,likeavolcanoerupting.Ablastofwhite dust shot into the sky.Clary heard a sharp patteringnoise all aroundher. For a bewilderedmomentshethoughtithadstartedtorainthensherealizeditwasrubbleanddirtandbrokenglass:thedetritusoftheshatteredmanorbeingflungdownaroundthemlikedeadlyhail.

Jacepressedherharderintotheground,hisbodyflatagainsthers,hisheartbeatnearlyasloudinherearsasthesoundofthemanorssubsidingruins.

Theroarofthecollapsefadedslowly,likesmokedissipatingintotheair.Itwasreplacedbytheloudchirruping of startled birds;Clary could see them over Jaces shoulder, circling curiously against thedarksky.

Jace,shesaidsoftly.IthinkIdroppedyourstelesomewhere.

Hedrewbackslightly,proppinghimselfonhiselbows,andlookeddownather.Eveninthedarknessshecouldseeherselfreflectedinhiseyes;hisfacewasstreakedwithsootanddirt,thecollarofhisshirttorn.Thatsallright.Aslongasyourenothurt.

Imfine.Withoutthinking,shereachedup,herfingersbrushinglightlythroughhishair.Shefelthimtense,hiseyesdarkening.

There was grass in your hair, she said. Her mouth was dry; adrenaline sang through her veins.Everythingthathadjusthappenedtheangel,theshatteringmanorseemedlessrealthanwhatshesawinJaceseyes.

Youshouldnttouchme,hesaid.

Herhandfrozewhereitwas,herpalmagainsthischeek.Whynot?

Youknowwhy,hesaid,andshiftedawayfromher,rollingontohisback.YousawwhatIsaw,didnt

you?Thepast,theangel.Ourparents.

Itwas thefirst time,she thought, thathedcalled themthat.Ourparents.She turnedontoherside,wantingtoreachouttohimbutnotsureifsheshould.Hewasstaringblindlyupatthesky.Isaw.

YouknowwhatIam.Thewordsbreathedoutinananguishedwhisper.Impartdemon,Clary.Partdemon. You understood that much, didnt you? His eyes bored into her like drills. You saw whatValentinewastryingtodo.HeuseddemonblooduseditonmebeforeIwasevenborn.Impartmonster.ParteverythingIvetriedsohardtoburnout,todestroy.

Clary pushed away thememoryofValentines voice saying,She leftmebecause I turnedher firstchildintoamonster.Butwarlocksarepartdemon.LikeMagnus.Itdoesntmakethemevil

NotpartGreaterDemon.Youheardwhatthedemonwomansaid.

Itwillburnouthishumanity,aspoisonburnsthelifefromtheblood.Clarysvoicetrembled.Itsnottrue.Itcantbe.Itdoesntmakesense

Butitdoes.TherewasafuriousdesperationinJacesexpression.Shecouldseethegleamofthesilverchainaroundhisbarethroat,littoawhiteflarebythestarlight.Itexplainseverything.

YoumeanitexplainswhyyouresuchanamazingShadowhunter?Whyyoureloyalandfearlessandhonestandeverythingdemonsarent?

Itexplains,hesaid,evenly,whyIfeelthewayIdoaboutyou.

Whatdoyoumean?

Hewassilentforalongmoment,staringatheracrossthetinyspacethatseparatedthem.Shecouldfeel him, even thoughhewasnt touchingher, as if he still laywithhis body against hers.Youremysister, he said finally. My sister, my blood, my family. I should want to protect youhe laughedsoundlesslyandwithoutanyhumortoprotectyoufromthesortofboyswhowanttodowithyouexactlywhatIwanttodo.

Clarysbreathcaught.Yousaidyoujustwantedtobemybrotherfromnowon.

Ilied,hesaid.Demonslie,Clary.Youknow,therearesomekindsofwoundsyoucangetwhenyoureaShadowhunterinternal injuriesfromdemonpoison.Youdontevenknowwhatswrongwithyou,butyourebleedingtodeathslowlyinside.Thatswhatitslike,justbeingyourbrother.

ButAline

Ihadto try.AndIdid.Hisvoicewaslifeless.ButGodknows,Idontwantanyonebutyou.Idontevenwanttowantanyonebutyou.Hereachedout,trailedhisfingerslightlythroughherhair,fingertipsbrushinghercheek.NowatleastIknowwhy.

Clarysvoicehadsunktoawhisper.Idontwantanyonebutyou,either.

Shewasrewardedbythecatchinhisbreathing.Slowlyhedrewhimselfupontohiselbows.Nowhewaslookingdownather,andhisexpressionhadchangedtherewasalookonhisfaceshedneverseenbefore, a sleepy, almost deadly light in his eyes.He let his fingers trail down her cheek to her lips,outliningtheshapeofhermouthwiththetipofafinger.Youshouldprobably,hesaid,tellmenottodothis.

Shesaidnothing.Shedidntwanttotellhimtostop.ShewastiredofsayingnotoJaceofneverletting

herselffeelwhatherwholeheartwantedhertofeel.Whateverthecost.

He bent down, his lips against her cheek, brushing it lightlyand still that light touch sent shiversthroughhernerves,shiversthatmadeherwholebodytremble.Ifyouwantmetostop,tellmenow,hewhispered.Whenshestillsaidnothing,hebrushedhismouthagainstthehollowofhertemple.Ornow.Hetracedthelineofhercheekbone.Ornow.Hislipswereagainsthers.Or

Butshehadreachedupandpulledhimdowntoher,andtherestofhiswordswerelostagainsthermouth.Hekissedhergently,carefully,but itwasntgentleness shewanted,notnow,notafterall thistime,andsheknottedherfistsinhisshirt,pullinghimharderagainsther.Hegroanedsoftly,lowinhisthroat, and then his arms circled her, gathering her against him, and they rolled over on the grass,tangledtogether,stillkissing.TherewererocksdiggingintoClarysback,andhershoulderachedwhereshedfallenfromthewindow,butshedidntcare.AllthatexistedwasJace;allshefelt,hoped,breathed,wanted,andsawwasJace.Nothingelsemattered.

Despitehercoat,shecouldfeeltheheatofhimburningthroughhisclothesandhers.Shetuggedhisjacketoff,andthensomehowhisshirtwasofftoo.Herfingersexploredhisbodyashismouthexploredhers:softskinoverleanmuscle,scarslikethinwires.Shetouchedthestar-shapedscaronhisshoulderitwassmoothandflat,asifitwereapartofhisskin,notraisedlikehisotherscars.Shesupposedtheywere imperfections, thesemarks,but theydidnt feel thatway toher; theywereahistory,cut intohisbody:themapofalifeofendlesswar.

He fumbledwith the buttons of her coat, his hands shaking.Shedidnt think shed ever seen Jaceshandsunsteadybefore.Illdoit,shesaid,andreachedforthelastbuttonherself;assheraisedherselfup,somethingcoldandmetallicstruckhercollarbone,andshegaspedinsurprise.

Whatisit?Jacefroze.DidIhurtyou?

No.Itwasthis.Shetouchedthesilverchainaroundhisneck.Onitsendhungasmallsilvercircleofmetal.Ithadbumpedagainstherwhenshedleanedforward.Shestaredatitnow.

Thatringtheweather-beatenmetalwithitspatternofstarssheknewthatring.

TheMorgenstern ring. Itwas thesamering thathadgleamedonValentineshand in thedream theangelhadshowedthem.Ithadbeenhis,andhehadgivenittoJace,asithadalwaysbeenpassedalong,fathertoson.

Imsorry, Jace said.He traced the lineofher cheekwithhis fingertip, adreamlike intensity inhisgaze.IforgotIwaswearingthedamnthing.

SuddencoldfloodedClarysveins.Jace,shesaid,inalowvoice.Jace,dont.

Dontwhat?Dontwearthering?

No,dontdonttouchme.Stopforasecond.

His face went still. Questions had chased away the dreamlike confusion in his eyes, but he saidnothing,justwithdrewhishand.

Jace,shesaidagain.Why?Whynow?

Hislipspartedinsurprise.Shecouldseeadarklinewherehehadbittenhisbottomlip,ormaybeshehadbittenit.Whywhatnow?

Yousaidtherewasnothingbetweenus.Thatifweifweletourselvesfeelwhatwemightwanttofeel,

wedbehurtingeveryonewecareabout.

Itoldyou.Iwaslying.Hiseyessoftened.YouthinkIdontwantto?

No, she said. No, Im not stupid, I know that you do. But when you said that now you finallyunderstandwhyyoufeelthiswayaboutme,whatdidyoumean?

Notthatshedidntknow,shethought,butshehadtoask,hadtohearhimsayit.

Jace caught her wrists and drew her hands up to his face, lacing his fingers through hers. YourememberwhatIsaidtoyouatthePenhallowshouse?heasked.Thatyouneverthinkaboutwhatyoudobeforeyoudoit,andthatswhyyouwreckeverythingyoutouch?

No,Idforgottenthat.Thanksforthereminder.

Hebarelyseemedtonoticethesarcasminhervoice.Iwasnttalkingaboutyou,Clary.Iwastalkingaboutme.ThatswhatImlike.Heturnedhisfaceslightlyandherfingersslidalonghischeek.Atleastnow I knowwhy. I knowwhatswrongwithme.Andmaybemaybe thatswhy I need you somuch.BecauseifValentinemademeamonster,thenIsupposehemadeyouasortofangel.AndLuciferlovedGod,didnthe?SosaysMilton,anyway.

Clarysuckedinherbreath.Iamnotanangel.AndyoudontevenknowthatthatswhatValentineusedIthurielsbloodformaybeValentinejustwanteditforhimself

Hesaidthebloodwasformeandmine,Jacesaidquietly.Itexplainswhyyoucandowhatyoucando,Clary.TheSeelieQueensaidwewerebothexperiments.Notjustme.

Imnotanangel,Jace,sherepeated.Idontreturnlibrarybooks.IstealillegalmusicofftheInternet.Ilietomymom.Iamcompletelyordinary.

Nottome.Helookeddownather.Hisfacehoveredagainstabackgroundofstars.Therewasnothingof his usual arrogance in his expressionshe had never seen him look so unguarded, but even thatunguardednesswasmixedwithaself-hatredthatranasdeepasawound.Clary,I

Getoffme,Clarysaid.

What?Thedesire inhiseyescracked intoa thousandpieces like theshardsof thePortalmirroratRenwicks,andforamomenthisexpressionwasblanklyastonished.Shecouldhardlybear to lookathimandstillsayno.Lookingathimnowevenifshehadntbeeninlovewithhim,thatpartofherthatwashermothersdaughter,thatlovedeverybeautifulthingforitsbeautyalone,wouldstillhavewantedhim.

But,then,itwaspreciselybecauseshewashermothersdaughterthatitwasimpossible.

Youheardme,shesaid.Andleavemyhandsalone.Shesnatchedthemback,knottingthemintotightfiststostoptheirshaking.

Hedidntmove.Hislipcurledback,andforamomentshesawthatpredatorylightinhiseyesagain,butnowitwasmixedwithanger.Idontsupposeyouwanttotellmewhy?

Youthinkyouonlywantmebecauseyoureevil,nothuman.Youjustwantsomethingelseyoucanhateyourselffor.Iwontletyouusemetoprovetoyourselfhowworthlessyouare.

Ineversaidthat.IneversaidIwasusingyou.

Fine,shesaid.Tellmenowthatyourenotamonster.Tellmetheresnothingwrongwithyou.Andtell

meyouwouldwantmeevenifyoudidnthavedemonblood.BecauseIdonthavedemonblood.AndIstillwantyou.

Theirgazeslocked,hisblindlyfurious;foramomentneitherbreathed,andthenheflunghimselfoffher,swearing,androlledtohisfeet.Snatchinghisshirtupfromthegrass,hedrewitoverhishead,stillglaring.Heyankedtheshirtdownoverhisjeansandturnedawaytolookforhisjacket.

Clarystoodup,staggeringalittle.Thestingingwindraisedgoosebumpsonherarms.Herlegsfeltliketheyweremadeofhalf-meltedwax.Shedidupthebuttonsonhercoatwithnumbfingers,fightingtheurgetoburstintotears.Cryingwouldnthelpanythingnow.

Theairwasstillfullofdancingdustandash,thegrassallaroundscatteredwithdebris:shatteredbitsoffurniture;thepagesofbooksblowingmournfullyinthewind;splintersofgildedwood;achunkofalmost half a staircase,mysteriously unharmed.Clary turned to look at Jace; hewas kicking bits ofdebriswithasavagesatisfaction.Well,hesaid,werescrewed.

Itwasntwhatshedexpected.Sheblinked.What?

Remember?Youlostmystele.TheresnochanceofyoudrawingaPortalnow.Hespokethewordswithabitterpleasure,asifthesituationsatisfiedhiminsomeobscureway.Wevegotnootherwayofgettingback.Weregoingtohavetowalk.

Itwouldnthavebeenapleasantwalkundernormalcircumstances.Accustomedtocitylights,ClarycouldntbelievehowdarkitwasinIdrisatnight.Thethickblackshadowsthatlinedtheroadoneithersideseemedtobecrawlingwithbarelyvisiblethings,andevenwithJaceswitchlightshecouldseeonlyafewfeetaheadofthem.Shemissedstreetlights,theambientglowofheadlights,thesoundsofthecity.Allshecouldhearnowwasthesteadycrunchoftheirbootsongraveland,everyonceinawhile,herownbreathpuffingoutinsurpriseasshetrippedoverastrayrock.

Aftera fewhoursher feetbegan toacheandhermouthwasdryasparchment.Theairhadgrownverycold,andshehunchedalongshivering,herhands thrustdeep intoherpockets.Butevenall thatwouldhavebeenbearableifonlyJacehadbeentalkingtoher.Hehadntspokenawordsincetheydleftthemanorexcepttosnapoutdirections,tellingherwhichwaytoturnataforkintheroad,ororderingher to skirt a pothole.Even then she doubted if hewould havemindedmuch if shed fallen into thepothole,exceptthatitwouldhaveslowedthemdown.

Eventuallytheskyintheeastbegantolighten.Clary,stumblingalonghalf-asleep,raisedherheadinsurprise.Itsearlyfordawn.

Jace lookedatherwithblandcontempt.ThatsAlicante.Thesundoesntcomeupforanother threehoursatleast.Thosearethecitylights.

Toorelievedthattheywerenearlyhometomindhisattitude,Clarypickedupherpace.Theyroundedacornerand found themselveswalkingalongawidedirtpathcut intoahillside. It snakedalong thecurveoftheslope,disappearingaroundabendinthedistance.Thoughthecitywasnotyetvisible,theairhadgrownbrighter,theskyshotthroughwithapeculiarreddishglow.

Wemustbenearlythere,Clarysaid.Isthereashortcutdownthehill?

Jacewasfrowning.Somethingswrong,hesaidabruptly.Hetookoff,half-runningdowntheroad,hisbootssendinguppuffsofdustthatgleamedochreinthestrangelight.Claryrantokeeppace,ignoringthe protests of her blistered feet. They rounded the next curve and Jace skidded to a sudden halt,

sendingClarycrashingintohim.Inanothercircumstanceitmighthavebeencomic.Itwasntnow.

Thereddish lightwasstrongernow, throwingascarletglowup into thenightsky, lighting thehilltheystoodonasifitweredaylight.Plumesofsmokecurledupfromthevalleybelowliketheunfurlingfeathers of a black peacock. Rising from the black vapor were the demon towers of Alicante, theircrystalline shells like arrows of fire piercing the smoky air. Through the thick smoke, Clary couldglimpsetheleapingscarletofflames,scatteredacrossthecitylikeahandfulofglitteringjewelsacrossadarkcloth.

Itseemedincredible,butthereitwas:TheywerestandingonahillsidehighoverAlicante,andbelowthemthecitywasburning.

PartTwo

StarsShineDarkly

ANTONIO:Willyoustaynolonger?NorwillyounotthatIgowithyou?

SEBASTIAN:Byyourpatience,no.Mystarsshinedarklyoverme;themalignancyofmyfatemight,perhaps,distemperyours; thereforeIshallcraveofyouyourleavethatImaybearmyevilsalone.Itwereabadrecompenseforyourlovetolayanyofthemonyou.

WilliamShakespeare,TwelfthNight

10

FIREANDSWORD

Its late, Isabelle said, fretfully twitching the lacecurtainacross thehigh living roomwindowbackintoplace.Heoughttobebackbynow.

Bereasonable,Isabelle,Alecpointedout,inthatsuperiorbig-brothertonethatseemedtoimplythatwhileshe,Isabelle,mightbepronetohysteria,he,Alec,wasalwaysperfectlycalm.EvenhisposturehewaslounginginoneoftheoverstuffedarmchairsnexttothePenhallowsfireplaceasifhedidnthaveacareintheworldseemeddesignedtoshowoffhowunworriedhewas.Jacedoesthiswhenhesupset,goesoffandwandersaround.Hesaidhewasgoingforawalk.Hellbeback.

Isabelle sighed. She almost wished her parents were there, but they were still up at the Gard.WhatevertheClavewasdiscussing,theCouncilmeetingwasdraggingonbrutallylate.ButheknowsNewYork.HedoesntknowAlicante

Heprobablyknows itbetter thanyoudo.Alinewassittingon thecouchreadingabook, itspagesbound in dark red leather. Her black hair was pulled behind her head in a French braid, her eyesfastenedonthevolumespreadacrossherlap.Isabelle,whohadneverbeenmuchofareader,alwaysenviedotherpeopletheirabilitytogetlostinabook.TherewerealotofthingssheoncewouldhaveenviedAlineforbeingsmallanddelicatelypretty,foronething,notAmazonianandsotallinheelsshetoweredoveralmosteveryboyshemet.Butthenagain,itwasonlyrecentlythatIsabellehadrealizedothergirlswerentjustforenvying,avoiding,ordisliking.Helivedhereuntilhewasten.Youguyshaveonlyvisitedafewtimes.

Isabelleraisedherhandtoherthroatwithafrown.Thependantslungonthechainaroundherneckhadgivenasudden,sharppulsebutitnormallyonlypulsedinthepresenceofdemons,andtheywereinAlicante.Therewasnowaythereweredemonsnearby.Maybethependantwasmalfunctioning.Idontthinkheswanderingaround,anyway.Ithinkitsprettyobviouswherehewent,Isabelleresponded.

Alecraisedhiseyes.YouthinkhewenttoseeClary?

Isshestillhere?IthoughtshewassupposedtobegoingbacktoNewYork.Alineletherbookfallclosed.WhereisJacessisterstaying,anyway?

Isabelleshrugged.Askhim,shesaid,cuttinghereyestowardSebastian.

SebastianwassprawledonthecouchoppositeAlines.Hehadabookinhishandtoo,andhisdarkheadwasbentoverit.HeraisedhiseyesasifhecouldfeelIsabellesgazeonhim.

Wereyoutalkingaboutme?heaskedmildly.EverythingaboutSebastianwasmild,Isabellethoughtwithatwingeofannoyance.Shedbeenimpressedbyhislooksatfirstthosesharplyplanedcheekbonesandthoseblack,fathomlesseyesbuthisaffable,sympatheticpersonalitygratedonhernow.Shedidntlikeboyswholookedasiftheynevergotmadaboutanything.InIsabellesworld,rageequaledpassionequaledagoodtime.

Whatareyoureading?sheasked,moresharplythanshedmeantto.IsthatoneofMaxscomicbooks?

Yep.Sebastian lookeddownat the copyofAngelSanctuary balanced on the sofas arm. I like thepictures.

Isabelleblewoutanexasperatedbreath.Shootingheralook,Alecsaid,Sebastian,earliertodayDoesJaceknowwhereyouwent?

YoumeanthatIwasoutwithClary?Sebastianlookedamused.Look,itsnotasecret.IwouldhavetoldJaceifIdseenhimsince.

Idontseewhyhewouldcare.Alineputherbookaside,anedgetohervoice.ItsnotlikeSebastiandidanythingwrong.Sowhat ifhewants toshowClarissasomeof Idrisbeforeshegoeshome?Jaceoughttobepleasedhissisterisntsittingaroundboredandannoyed.

Hecanbeveryprotective,Alecsaidafteraslighthesitation.

Alinefrowned.Heshouldbackoff.Itcantbegoodforher,beingsooverprotected.Thelookonherfacewhenshewalkedinonus,itwaslikeshedneverseenanyonekissingbefore.Imean,whoknows,maybeshehasnt.

She has, Isabelle said, thinking of the way Jace had kissed Clary in the Seelie Court. It wasntsomethingshelikedtothinkaboutIsabelledidntenjoywallowinginherownsorrows,muchlessotherpeoples.Itsnotthat.

Thenwhatisit?Sebastianstraightenedup,pushingalockofdarkhairoutofhiseyes.Isabellecaughtaflashofsomethingaredlineacrosshispalm,likeascar.Isitjustthathehatesmepersonally?BecauseIdontknowwhatitisIever

Thatsmybook.AsmallvoiceinterruptedSebastiansspeech.ItwasMax,standinginthelivingroomdoorway.Hewaswearinggraypajamasandhisbrownhairwasdisarrayedasifhedjustwokenup.HewasglaringatthemanganovelsittingnexttoSebastian.

What,this?SebastianheldoutthecopyofAngelSanctuary.Hereyougo,kid.

Maxstalkedacrosstheroomandsnatchedthebookback.HescowledatSebastian.Dontcallmekid.

Sebastian laughed and stood up. Im getting some coffee, he said, and headed for the kitchen.Hepausedandturnedinthedoorway.Doesanyonewantanything?

Therewasachorusofrefusals.WithashrugSebastiandisappearedintothekitchen,lettingthedoorswingshutbehindhim.

Max,Isabellesaidsharply.Dontberude.

Idontlikeitwhenpeopletakemystuff.Maxhuggedthecomicbooktohischest.

Growup,Max.Hewasjustborrowingit.Isabellesvoicecameoutmoreirritablythanshedintended;shewasstillworriedaboutJace,sheknew,andwastakingitoutonherlittlebrother.Youshouldbeinbedanyway.Itslate.

Therewerenoisesuponthehill.Theywokemeup.Maxblinked;withouthisglasses,everythingwasprettymuchablurtohim.Isabelle

Thequestioningnoteinhisvoicegotherattention.Isabelleturnedawayfromthewindow.What?

Dopeopleeverclimbthedemontowers?Like,foranyreason?

Alinelookedup.Climbthedemontowers?Shelaughed.No,nooneeverdoesthat.Itstotallyillegal,foronething,andbesides,whywouldyouwantto?

Aline, Isabelle thought, didnot havemuch imagination.Sheherself could thinkof lots of reasonswhysomeonemightwanttoclimbthedemontowers,ifonlytospitgumdownonpassersbybelow.

Maxwasfrowning.Butsomeonedid.IknowIsaw

Whateveryouthinkyousaw,youprobablydreamedit,Isabelletoldhim.

Maxsfacecreased.Sensingapotentialmeltdown,Alecstoodupandheldoutahand.Comeon,Max,hesaid,notwithoutaffection.Letsgetyoubacktobed.

Weshouldallgettobed,Alinesaid,standingup.ShecameovertothewindowbesideIsabelleanddrewthecurtainsfirmlyshut.Itsalreadyalmostmidnight;whoknowswhentheyllgetbackfromtheCouncil?Therenopointstaying

ThependantatIsabellesthroatpulsedagain,sharplyandthenthewindowAlinewasstandinginfrontofshatteredinward.Alinescreamedashandsreachedthroughthegapingholenothands,really,Isabellesawwith the clarity of shock, but huge, scaled claws, streakedwith blood and blackish fluid. TheyseizedAlineandyankedherthroughthesmashedwindowbeforeshecouldutterasecondscream.

Isabelles whip was lying on the table by the fireplace. She dashed for it now, ducking aroundSebastian,whohadcomeracingoutofthekitchen.Getweapons,shesnappedashestaredaroundtheroominastonishment.Go!sheshrieked,andranforthewindow.

BythefireplaceAlecwasholdingMaxastheyoungerboysquirmedandyelled,tryingtowriggleoutofhisbrothersgrip.Alecdraggedhimtowardthedoor.Good,Isabellethought.GetMaxoutofhere.

Coldairblewthroughtheshatteredwindow.Isabellepulledherskirtupandkickedouttherestofthebrokenglass,thankfulforthethicksolesofherboots.Whentheglasswasgone,sheduckedherheadandjumpedoutthroughthegapingholeintheframe,landingwithajoltonthestonewalkwaybelow.

At first glance the walkway looked empty. There were no streetlights along the canal; the mainillumination here came from thewindows of nearby houses. Isabellemoved forward cautiously, herelectrumwhip coiled at her side. She had owned thewhip for so longit had been a twelfth birthdaypresentfromherfatherthatitfeltlikepartofhernow,likeafluidextensionofherrightarm.

The shadows thickened as she moved away from the house and toward Oldcastle Bridge, whicharched over the Princewater canal at an odd angle to the walkway. The shadows at its base wereclustered as thickly as black fliesand then, as Isabelle stared, something moved within the shadow,somethingwhiteanddarting.

Isabelle ran, crashing througha lowborderofhedges at the endof someonesgardenandhopping

downontothenarrowbrickcausewaythatranbelowthebridge.Herwhiphadbeguntoglowwithaharshsilverylight,andinitsfaintilluminationshecouldseeAlinelyinglimplyattheedgeofthecanal.Amassivescaleddemonwassprawledon topofher,pressingherdownwith theweightof its thicklizardlikebody,itsfaceburiedinherneck

But itcouldntbeademon.Therehadneverbeendemons inAlicante.Never.As Isabellestared inshock,thethingraiseditsheadandsniffedtheair,asifsensingherthere.Itwasblind,shesaw,athickline of serrated teeth running like a zipper across its foreheadwhere eyes should be. It had anothermouth on the lower half of its face aswell, fangedwith dripping tusks.The sides of its narrow tailglitteredas itwhippedbackand forth, and Isabelle saw,drawingcloser, that the tailwasedgedwithrazor-sharplinesofbone.

Alinetwitchedandmadeanoise,agaspingwhimper.ReliefspilledoverIsabelleshedbeenhalf-sureAlinewas deadbut itwas short-lived.AsAlinemoved, Isabelle saw that her blouse had been slicedopendownthefront.Therewereclawmarksonherchest,andthethinghadanotherclawhookedintothewaistbandofherjeans.

AwaveofnausearolledoverIsabelle.Thedemonwasnt tryingtokillAlinenotyet.Isabelleswhipcamealiveinherhandliketheflamingswordofanavengingangel;shelaunchedherselfforward,herwhipslashingdownacrossthedemonsback.

The demon screeched and rolled offAline. It advanced on Isabelle, its twomouths gaping, talonsslashing towardher face.Dancingbackward, she threw thewhip forwardagain; it slashedacross thedemons face, its chest, its legs. Amyriad of crisscrossing lashmarks sprang up across the demonsscaled skin, dripping blood and ichor.A long forked tongue shot from its uppermouth, probing forIsabellesface.Therewasabulbontheendofit,shesaw,asortofstinger,likeascorpions.Sheflickedherwrist to the sideand thewhipcurledaround thedemons tongue, roping itwithbandsof flexibleelectrum. The demon screamed and screamed as she pulled the knot tight and jerked. The demonstonguefellwithawet,sickeningthumptothebricksofthecauseway.

Isabellejerkedthewhipback.Thedemonturnedandfled,movingwithquick,dartingmotionslikeasnake.Isabelledartedafterit.Thedemonwashalfwaytothepaththatledupfromthecausewaywhenadarkshaperoseupinfrontofit.Somethingflashedinthedarkness,andthedemonfelltwitchingtotheground.

Isabellecametoanabruptstop.Alinestoodoverthefallendemon,aslenderdaggerinherhandshemusthavebeenwearingitonherbelt.Therunesonthebladeshonelikeflashinglightningasshedrovethe dagger down, plunging it over and over into the demons twitching body until the thing stoppedmovingentirelyandvanished.

Alinelookedup.Herfacewasblank.Shemadenomovetoholdherblouseclosed,despiteitstornbuttons.Bloodoozedfromthedeepscratchmarksonherchest.

Isabelleletoutalowwhistle.Alineareyouallright?

Aline let the dagger fall to the ground with a clatter. Without another word she turned and ran,disappearingintothedarknessunderthebridge.

Caughtbysurprise, Isabelle sworeanddashedafterAline.Shewishedshedwornsomethingmorepracticalthanavelvetdresstonight,althoughatleastshedputherbootson.ShedoubtedshecouldhavecaughtuptoAlinewearingheels.

Thereweremetal stairs on the other side of the causeway, leading back up to Princewater Street.Alinewasabluratthetopofthestairway.Hikinguptheheavyhemofherdress,Isabellefollowed,herbootsclatteringonthesteps.Whenshereachedthetop,shelookedaroundforAline.

Andstared.ShewasstandingatthefootofthebroadroadonwhichthePenhallowshousefronted.She could no longer see Alinethe other girl had disappeared into the churning throng of peoplecrowdingthestreet.Andnotjustpeople,either.Therewerethingsinthestreetdemonsdozensofthem,maybemore,likethetalonedlizard-creatureAlinehaddispatchedunderthebridge.Twoorthreebodieslayinthestreetalready,oneonlyafewfeetfromIsabelleaman,halfhisribcagetornaway.Isabellecouldseefromhisgrayhairthathedbeenelderly.Butofcoursehewas,shethought,herbraintickingoverslowly,thespeedofherthoughtsdulledbypanic.AlltheadultswereintheGard.Downinthecitywereonlychildren,theold,andthesick.

Thered-tingedairwasfullofthesmellofburning,thenightsplitbyshrieksandscreams.Doorswereopenallupanddowntherowsofhousespeopleweredartingoutofthem,thenstoppingdeadastheysawthestreetfilledwithmonsters.

It was impossible, unimaginable. Never in history had a single demon crossed the wards of thedemon towers. And now there were dozens. Hundreds. Maybe more, flooding the streets like apoisonoustide.Isabellefeltasifsheweretrappedbehindaglasswall,abletoseeeverythingbutunabletomovewatching,frozen,asademonseizedafleeingboyandliftedhimbodilyofftheground,sinkingitsserratedteethintohisshoulder.

Theboyscreamed,buthisscreamswerelostintheclamorthatwastearingthenightapart.Thesoundrose and rose in volume: the howling of demons, people calling one anothers names, the sounds ofrunning feet and shattering glass. Someone down the street was shouting words she could barelyunderstandsomethingaboutthedemontowers.Isabellelookedup.Thetallspiresstoodsentryoverthecityastheyalwayshad,butinsteadofreflectingthesilverlightofthestars,oreventheredlightoftheburningcity,theywereasdeadwhiteastheskinofacorpse.Theirluminescencehadvanished.Achillran throughher.Nowonder thestreetswere fullofmonsterssomehow, impossibly, thedemon towershadlosttheirmagic.ThewardsthathadprotectedAlicanteforathousandyearsweregone.

Samuelhadfallensilenthoursago,butSimonwasstillawake,staringsleeplesslyintothedarkness,whenheheardthescreaming.

Hishead jerkedup.Silence.He lookedarounduneasilyhadhedreamed thenoise?Hestrainedhisears,butevenwithhisnewlysensitivehearing,nothingwasaudible.Hewasabout to liebackdownwhenthescreamscameagain,drivingintohisearslikeneedles.ItsoundedasiftheywerecomingfromoutsidetheGard.

Rising,hestoodonthebedandlookedoutthewindow.Hesawthegreenlawnstretchingaway,thefarawaylightofthecityafaintglowinthedistance.Henarrowedhiseyes.Therewassomethingwrongaboutthecitylight,somethingoff.Itwasdimmerthanheremembereditandthereweremovingpointshereandthereinthedarkness,likeneedlesoffire,weavingthroughthestreets.Apalecloudroseabovethetowers,andtheairwasfullofthestenchofsmoke.

Samuel.Simoncouldhearthealarminhisownvoice.Theressomethingwrong.

Hehearddoorsslammingopenandrunningfeet.Hoarsevoicesshouted.Simonpressedhisfaceclosetothebarsaspairsofbootshurtledbyoutside,kickingupstonesastheyran,theShadowhunterscalling

tooneanotherastheyracedawayfromtheGard,downtowardthecity.

Thewardsaredown!Thewardsaredown!

WecantabandontheGard!

TheGarddoesntmatter!Ourchildrenaredownthere!

Theirvoiceswere alreadygrowing fainter.Simon jerkedback from thewindow,gasping.Samuel!Thewards

I know. I heard. Samuels voice came strongly through the wall. He didnt sound frightened butresigned,andevenperhapsa little triumphantatbeingprovedright.Valentinehasattackedwhile theClaveisinsession.Clever.

ButtheGarditsfortifiedwhydonttheystayuphere?

You heard them.Because all the children are in the city.Childrenaged parentsthey cant just leavethemdownthere.

TheLightwoods.SimonthoughtofJace,andthen,withterribleclarity,ofIsabellessmall,palefaceunderhercrownofdarkhair,ofherdeterminationinafight,ofthelittle-girlXsandOsonthenoteshedwrittenhim.ButyoutoldthemyoutoldtheClavewhatwouldhappen.Whydidnttheybelieveyou?

Becausethewardsaretheirreligion.Nottobelieveinthepowerofthewardsisnottobelievethattheyarespecial,chosen,andprotectedby theAngel.Theymightaswellbelieve theyre justordinarymundanes.

Simonswungbacktostareoutthewindowagain,butthesmokehadthickened,fillingtheairwithagrayishpallor.Hecouldno longerhearvoices shoutingoutside; therewerecries in thedistance,buttheywereveryfaint.Ithinkthecityisonfire.

No.Samuelsvoicewasveryquiet.IthinkitstheGardthatsburning.Probablydemonfire.ValentinewouldgoaftertheGard,ifhecould.

ButSimonswordsstumbledoveroneanother.Butsomeonewillcomeandletusout,wontthey?TheConsul,ororAldertree.Theycantjustleaveusdownheretodie.

YoureaDownworlder,saidSamuel.AndImatraitor.Doyoureallythinktheyrelikelytodoanythingelse?

Isabelle!Isabelle!

Alec had his hands on her shoulders and was shaking her. Isabelle raised her head slowly; herbrotherswhitefacefloatedagainst thedarknessbehindhim.Acurvedpieceofwoodstuckupbehindhisrightshoulder:Hehadhisbowstrappedacrosshisback,thesamebowthatSimonhadusedtokillGreaterDemonAbbadon.Shecouldnt rememberAlecwalking towardher, couldnt remember seeinghiminthestreetatall;itwasasifhedmaterializedinfrontofherallatonce,likeaghost.

Alec.Hervoicecameoutslowanduneven.Alec,stopit.Imallright.

Shepulledawayfromhim.

Youdidntlookallright.Alecglancedupandcursedunderhisbreath.Wehavetogetoffthestreet.WheresAline?

Isabelleblinked.Therewerenodemonsinview;someonewassittingonthefrontstepsofthehouse

opposite themandcrying in a loudandgrating seriesof shrieks.Theoldmansbodywas still in thestreet,andthesmellofdemonswaseverywhere.AlineoneofthedemonstriedtoittriedtoShecaughther breath, held it. She was Isabelle Lightwood. She did not get hysterical, no matter what theprovocation.Wekilledit,butthensheranoff.Itriedtofollowher,butshewastoofast.Shelookedupatherbrother.Demonsinthecity,shesaid.Howisitpossible?

Idontknow.Alecshookhishead.Thewardsmustbedown.TherewerefourorfiveOnidemonsoutherewhenIcameoutofthehouse.Igotonelurkingbythebushes.Theothersranoff,buttheycouldcomeback.Comeon.Letsgetbacktothehouse.

The person on the stairs was still sobbing. The sound followed them as they hurried back to thePenhallows house. The street stayed empty of demons, but they could hear explosions, cries, andrunningfeetechoingfromtheshadowsofotherdarkenedstreets.AstheyclimbedthePenhallowsfrontsteps, Isabelle glanced back just in time to see a long snaking tentacle whip out from the darknessbetweenthetwohousesandsnatchthesobbingwomanoffthefrontsteps.Hersobsturnedtoshrieks.Isabelle tried to turn back, butAlec had already grabbed her and shoved her ahead of him into thehouse, slammingand locking the frontdoorbehind them.Thehousewasdark. Idoused the lights. Ididntwant toattractanymoreof them,Alecexplained,pushingIsabelleaheadofhimintothelivingroom.

Maxwassittingonthefloorbythestairs,hisarmshugginghisknees.Sebastianwasbythewindow,nailinglogsofwoodhedtakenfromthefireplaceacross thegapinghole in theglass.There,hesaid,standingbackandlettingthehammerdropontothebookshelf.Thatshouldholdforawhile.

IsabelledroppeddownbyMaxandstrokedhishair.Areyouallright?

No.Hiseyeswerehugeandscared.Itriedtoseeoutthewindow,butSebastiantoldmetogetdown.

Sebastianwasright,Alecsaid.Thereweredemonsoutinthestreet.

Aretheystillthere?

No,buttherearesomestillinthecity.Wehavetothinkaboutwhatweregoingtodonext.

Sebastianwasfrowning.WheresAline?

Sheranoff,Isabelleexplained.Itwasmyfault.Ishouldhavebeen

Itwasnotyourfault.Withoutyoushedbedead.Alecspokeinaclippedvoice.Look,wedonthavetime for self-recriminations. Imgoing togo afterAline. Iwantyou three to stayhere. Isabelle, lookafterMax.Sebastian,finishsecuringthehouse.

Isabellespokeupindignantly.Idontwantyougoingouttherealone!Takemewithyou.

Im theadulthere.What I saygoes.Alecs tonewaseven.ThereseverychanceourparentswillbecomingbackanyminutefromtheGard.Themoreofushere, thebetter.Itllbetooeasyforustogetseparatedoutthere.Imnotriskingit,Isabelle.HisglancemovedtoSebastian.Doyouunderstand?

Sebastianhadalreadytakenouthisstele.IllworkonwardingthehousewithMarks.

Thanks.Alecwasalreadyhalfway to thedoor;he turnedand lookedbackat Isabelle.Shemethiseyesforasplitsecond.Thenhewasgone.

Isabelle.ItwasMax,hissmallvoicelow.Yourwristisbleeding.

Isabelleglanceddown.Shehadnomemoryofhavinghurtherwrist,butMaxwasright:Bloodhadalreadystainedthesleeveofherwhitejacket.Shegottoherfeet.Imgoingtogetmystele.Illberightbackandhelpyouwiththerunes,Sebastian.

Henodded.Icouldusesomehelp.Thesearentmyspecialty.

Isabellewentupstairswithoutaskinghimwhathisspecialtymightactuallybe.Shefeltbone-tired,indireneedofanenergyMark.Shecoulddooneherselfifnecessary,thoughAlecandJacehadalwaysbeenbetteratthosesortsofrunesthanshewas.

Onceinsideherroom,sherummagedthroughherthingsforhersteleandafewextraweapons.Assheshovedseraphbladesintothetopsofherboots,hermindwasonAlecandthelooktheydsharedashedgoneoutthedoor.Itwasntthefirsttimeshedwatchedherbrotherleave,knowingshemightneverseehimagain. Itwassomethingsheaccepted,hadalwaysaccepted,aspartofher life; itwasntuntilshedgottentoknowClaryandSimonthatshedrealizedthatformostpeople,ofcourse, itwasneverlikethat.Theydidntlivewithdeathasaconstantcompanion,acoldbreathdownthebackoftheirneckon even the most ordinary days. Shed always had such contempt for mundanes, the way allShadowhuntersdidshedbelievedthat theyweresoft,stupid,sheeplikeintheircomplacency.Nowshewondered if all that hatred didnt just stem from the fact that she was jealous. It must be nice notworryingthateverytimeoneofyourfamilymemberswalkedoutthedoor,theydnevercomeback.

Shewashalfwaydownthestairs,hersteleinhand,whenshesensedthatsomethingwaswrong.Theliving room was empty. Max and Sebastian were nowhere to be seen. There was a half-finishedprotectionMarkononeofthelogsSebastianhadnailedoverthebrokenwindow.Thehammerhedusedwasgone.

Herstomachtightened.Max!sheshouted,turninginacircle.Sebastian!Whereareyou?

Sebastiansvoiceansweredherfromthekitchen.Isabelleinhere.

Reliefwashedoverher,leavingherlight-headed.Sebastian,thatsnotfunny,shesaid,marchingintothekitchen.Ithoughtyouwere

Sheletthedoorfallshutbehindher.Itwasdarkinthekitchen,darkerthanithadbeeninthelivingroom.ShestrainedhereyestoseeSebastianandMaxandsawnothingbutshadows.

Sebastian?Uncertaintycreptintohervoice.Sebastian,whatareyoudoinginhere?WheresMax?

Isabelle.Shethoughtshesawsomethingmove,ashadowdarkagainstlightershadows.Hisvoicewassoft, kind, almost lovely. She hadnt realized before nowwhat a beautiful voice he had. Isabelle, Imsorry.

Sebastian,youreactingweird.Stopit.

Imsorryitsyou,hesaid.See,outofallofthem,Ilikedyouthebest.

Sebastian

Outofallofthem,hesaidagain,inthesamelowvoice,Ithoughtyouwerethemostlikeme.

Hebroughthisfistdownthen,withthehammerinit.

Alecracedthroughthedarkandburningstreets,callingoutoverandoverforAline.AsheleftthePrincewaterdistrictandenteredtheheartofthecity,hispulsequickened.ThestreetswerelikeaBoschpaintingcometolife:fullofgrotesqueandmacabrecreaturesandscenesofsudden,hideousviolence.

Panicked strangers shovedAlec asidewithout looking and ran screaming past without any apparentdestination.Theairstankofsmokeanddemons.Someofthehouseswereinflames;othershadtheirwindowsknockedout.Thecobblestonessparkledwithbrokenglass.Ashedrewclosetoonebuilding,hesawthatwhathedthoughtwasadiscoloredpatchofpaintwasahugeswathoffreshbloodsplatteredacross the plaster. He spun in place, glancing in every direction, but saw nothing that explained it;nevertheless,hehurriedawayasquicklyashecould.

Alec,aloneofalltheLightwoodchildren,rememberedAlicante.Hedbeenatoddlerwhentheydleft,yethestillcarriedrecollectionsoftheshimmeringtowers,thestreetsfullofsnowinwinter,chainsofwitchlightwreathingtheshopsandhouses,watersplashinginthemermaidfountainintheHall.HehadalwaysfeltanoddtugathisheartatthethoughtofAlicante,thehalf-painfulhopethathisfamilywouldreturnonedaytotheplacewheretheybelonged.Toseethecitylikethiswaslikethedeathofalljoy.Turningontoawiderboulevard,oneofthestreetsthatleddowntotheAccordsHall,hesawapackofBelial demons ducking through an archway, hissing and howling. They dragged something behindthemsomethingthattwitchedandspasmedasitslidoverthecobbledstreet.Hedarteddownthestreet,but thedemonswerealreadygone.Crumpledagainst thebaseofapillarwasa limpshape leakingaspiderytrailofblood.BrokenglasscrunchedlikepebblesunderAlecsbootsasheknelttoturnthebodyover.Afterasingleglanceatthepurple,distortedface,heshudderedanddrewaway,gratefulthatitwasnooneheknew.

A noise made him scramble to his feet. He smelled the stench before he saw it: the shadow ofsomethinghumpedandhugeslithering towardhimfromthe farendof thestreet.AGreaterDemon?Alecdidntwaittofindout.Hedartedacrossthestreettowardoneofthetallerhouses,leapingupontoasillwhosewindowglasshadbeensmashedin.Afewminuteslaterhewaspullinghimselfontotheroof,hishandsaching,hisknees scraped.Hegot tohis feet,brushinggrit fromhishands,and lookedoutoverAlicante.

Theruineddemontowerscasttheirdull,deadlightdownontothemovingstreetsofthecity,wherethingslopedandcrawledandslunkintheshadowsbetweenbuildings,likeroachesskitteringthroughadarkapartment.Theaircarriedcriesandshouts,thesoundofscreaming,namescalledonthewindandtherewerethecriesofdemonsaswell,howlsofmayhemanddelight,shrieksthatpiercedthehumanearlikepain.Smokeroseabovethehoney-coloredstonehousesinahaze,wreathingthespiresoftheHallofAccords.Glancingup toward theGard,Alec sawa floodofShadowhunters racingdown thepathfromthehill,illuminatedbythewitchlightstheycarried.TheClavewerecomingdowntobattle.

Hemoved to theedgeof the roof.Thebuildingsherewereveryclose together, theireavesalmosttouching.Itwaseasytojumpfromthisrooftothenext,andthentotheoneafterthat.Hefoundhimselfrunninglightlyalongtherooftops,jumpingtheslightdistancesbetweenhouses.Itwasgoodtohavethecoldwindinhisface,overpoweringthestenchofdemons.

Hedbeenrunningforafewminutesbeforeherealizedtwothings:One,hewasrunningtowardthewhite spires of theAccordsHall.And two, therewas something up ahead, in a square between twoalleys,somethingthatlookedlikeashowerofrisingsparksexceptthattheywereblue,adarkgas-flameblue.Alechadseenbluesparkslikethatbefore.Hestaredforamomentbeforehebegantorun.

The roof closest to the square was steeply pitched. Alec skidded down the side of it, his bootsknockingagainstlooseshingles.Poisedprecariouslyattheedge,helookeddown.

CisternSquarewasbelowhim,andhisviewwaspartlyblockedbyamassivemetalpolethatjutted

outmidwaydown the faceof thebuildinghewasstandingon.Awoodenshopsigndangled fromit,swaying in the breeze. The square beneath was full of Iblis demonshuman-shaped but formed of asubstancelikecoilingblacksmoke,eachwithapairofburningyelloweyes.Theyhadformedalineandweremoving slowly toward the lone figureof aman ina sweepinggraycoat, forcinghim to retreatagainstawall.Aleccouldonlystare.Everythingaboutthemanwasfamiliartheleancurveofhisback,the wild tangle of his dark hair, and the way that blue fire sprang from his fingertips like dartingcyanoticfireflies.

Magnus. The warlock was hurling spears of blue fire at the Iblis demons; one spear struck anadvancingdemoninthechest.Withasoundlikeapailofwaterpouredontoflames,itshudderedandvanished in a burst of ash. The others moved to fill his placeIblis demons werent very brightandMagnushurledanotherspateoffieryspears.SeveralIblisfell,butnowanotherdemon,morecunningthantheothers,haddriftedaroundMagnusandwascoalescingbehindhim,readytostrike

Alecdidntstoptothink.Insteadhejumped,catchingtheedgeoftheroofashefell,andthendroppedstraightdowntoseizethemetalpoleandswinghimselfupandaroundit,slowinghisfall.Hereleaseditand dropped lightly to the ground. The demon, startled, began to turn, its yellow eyes like flamingjewels;AlechadtimeonlytoreflectthatifhewereJace,hewouldhavehadsomethingclevertosaybeforehesnatchedtheseraphbladefromhisbeltandranitthroughthedemon.Withadustyshriekthedemonvanished,theviolenceofitsexitfromthisdimensionsplatteringAlecwithafinerainofash.

Alec?Magnuswasstaringathim.HehaddispatchedtheremainingIblisdemons,andthesquarewasemptybutforthetwoofthem.Didyoujustdidyoujustsavemylife?

Alecknewheoughttosaysomethinglike,Ofcourse,becauseImaShadowhunterandthatswhatwedo,orThatsmyjob.Jacewouldhavesaidsomethinglikethat.Jacealwaysknewtherightthingtosay.ButthewordsthatactuallycameoutofAlecsmouthwerequitedifferentandsoundedpetulant,eventohisownears.Younevercalledmeback,hesaid.Icalledyousomanytimesandyounevercalledmeback.

Magnus lookedatAlecas ifhed losthismind.Yourcity isunderattack,hesaid.Thewardshavebroken,andthestreetsarefullofdemons.AndyouwanttoknowwhyIhaventcalledyou?

Alecsethisjawinastubbornline.Iwanttoknowwhyyouhaventcalledmeback.

Magnusthrewhishandsupintheairinagestureofutterexasperation.Alecnotedwithinterestthatwhenhedid it, a few sparks escaped fromhis fingertips, like fireflies escaping froma jar.Youre anidiot.

Isthatwhyyoudidntcallme?BecauseImanidiot?

No.Magnus strode towardhim. I didnt call youbecause Im tiredofyouonlywantingmearoundwhenyouneedsomething.Imtiredofwatchingyoubeinlovewithsomeoneelsesomeone,incidentally,whowillneverloveyouback.NotthewayIdo.

Youloveme?

YoustupidNephilim,Magnussaidpatiently.WhyelseamIhere?WhyelsewouldIhavespentthepastfewweekspatchingupallyourmoronicfriendseverytimetheygothurt?Andgettingyououtofevery ridiculous situation you found yourself in? Not to mention helping you win a battle againstValentine.Andallcompletelyfreeofcharge!

Ihadntlookedatitthatway,Alecadmitted.

Of course not.You never looked at it in anyway.Magnuss cat eyes shonewith anger. Im sevenhundredyearsold,Alexander.Iknowwhensomethingisntgoingtowork.YouwontevenadmitIexisttoyourparents.

Alecstaredathim.Youresevenhundredyearsold?

Well,Magnus amended, eight hundred.But I dont look it.Anyway, youremissing the point. Thepointis

ButAlec never foundoutwhat the pointwasbecause at thatmoment a dozenmore Iblis demonsfloodedintothesquare.Hefelthisjawdrop.Damnit.

Magnusfollowedhisgaze.Thedemonswerealreadyfanningoutintoahalfcirclearoundthem,theiryelloweyesglowing.Waytochangethesubject,Lightwood.

Tell you what. Alec reached for a second seraph blade. We live through this, and I promise Illintroduceyoutomywholefamily.

Magnus raisedhishands,his fingers shiningwith individualazure flames.They lithisgrinwithafieryblueglow.Itsadeal.

11

ALLTHEHOSTOFHELL

Valentine, Jace breathed.His facewaswhite as he stared down at the city. Through the layers ofsmoke,Clarythoughtshecouldalmostglimpsethenarrowwarrenofcitystreets,chokedwithrunningfigures, tiny black ants darting desperately to and frobut she looked again and there was nothing,nothingbutthethickcloudsofblackvaporandthestenchofflameandsmoke.

You thinkValentinedid this?The smokewasbitter inClarys throat. It looks like a fire.Maybe itstartedonitsown

The North Gate is open. Jace pointed toward something Clary could barely make out, given thedistanceandthedistortingsmoke.Itsneverleftopen.Andthedemontowershavelosttheirlight.Thewardsmustbedown.Hedrewaseraphbladefromhisbelt,clutchingitsotightlyhisknucklesturnedthecolorofivory.Ihavetogetoverthere.

AknotofdreadtightenedClarysthroat.Simon

Theyll have evacuated him from theGard. Dont worry, Clary. Hes probably better off thanmostdownthere.Thedemonsarentlikelytobotherhim.TheytendtoleaveDownworldersalone.

Imsorry,Clarywhispered.TheLightwoodsAlecIsabelle

Jahoel,Jacesaid,andtheangelbladeflaredup,brightasdaylightinhisbandagedlefthand.Clary,Iwantyoutostayhere.Illcomebackforyou.Theangerthathadbeeninhiseyessincetheydleftthemanorhadevaporated.Hewasallsoldiernow.

Sheshookherhead.No.Iwanttogowithyou.

ClaryHebrokeoff,stiffeningallover.AmomentlaterClaryheardittooaheavy,rhythmicpounding,

and laid over that, a sound like the crackling of an enormous bonfire. It took Clary several longmoments todeconstruct thesoundinhermind, tobreakitdownasonemightbreakdownapieceofmusicintoitscomponentnotes.Its

Werewolves.Jacewasstaringpasther.Followinghisgaze,shesawthem,streamingoverthenearesthilllikeaspreadingshadow,illuminatedhereandtherewithfiercebrighteyes.Apackofwolvesmorethanapack; theremusthavebeenhundredsof them,evena thousand.Theirbarkingandbayinghadbeenthesoundshedthoughtwasafire,anditroseupintothenight,brittleandharsh.

Clarys stomach turned over. She knewwerewolves. She had fought besidewerewolves.But thesewerenotLukeswolves, notwolveswhodbeen instructed to look after her andnot toharmher.ShethoughtoftheterriblekillingpowerofLukespackwhenitwasunleashed,andsuddenlyshewasafraid.

BesideherJacesworeonce,fiercely.Therewasnotimetoreachforanotherweapon;hepulledhertightlyagainsthim,hisfreearmwrappedaroundher,andwithhisotherhandheraisedJahoelhighovertheirheads.Thelightofthebladewasblinding.Clarygrittedherteeth

Andthewolveswereonthem.Itwaslikeawavecrashingasuddenblastofdeafeningnoise,andarushofairasthefirstwolvesinthepackbrokeforwardandleapedtherewereburningeyesandgapingjawsJacedughisfingersintoClarysside

Andthewolvessailedbyoneithersideofthem,clearingthespacewheretheystoodbyagoodtwofeet.Clarywhippedherheadaroundindisbeliefastwowolvesonesleekandbrindled,theotherhugeandsteelygrayhit thegroundsoftlybehindthem,paused,andkeptrunning,withoutevenabackwardglance.Therewerewolvesallaroundthem,andyetnotasinglewolftouchedthem.Theyracedpast,afloodofshadows,theircoatsreflectingmoonlightinflashesofsilversothattheyalmostseemedtobeasingle, moving river of shapes thundering toward Jace and Claryand then parting around them likewateraroundastone.ThetwoShadowhuntersmightaswellhavebeenstatuesforalltheattentionthelycanthropespaidthemastheyhurtledby,theirjawsgaping,theireyesfixedontheroadaheadofthem.

Andthentheyweregone.Jaceturnedtowatchthe lastof thewolvespassbyandrace tocatchupwithitscompanions.Therewassilenceagainnow,onlytheveryfaintsoundsofthecityinthedistance.

JaceletgoofClary,loweringJahoelashedidso.Areyouallright?

Whathappened?shewhispered.Thosewerewolvestheyjustwentrightbyus

Theyregoingtothecity.ToAlicante.Hetookasecondseraphbladefromhisbeltandhelditouttoher.Youllneedthis.

Yourenotleavingmehere,then?

Nopoint.Itsnotsafeanywhere.ButHehesitated.Youllbecareful?

Illbecareful,Clarysaid.Whatdowedonow?

JacelookeddownatAlicante,burningbelowthem.Nowwerun.

ItwasnevereasytokeepupwithJace,andnow,whenhewasrunningnearlyflatout,itwasalmostimpossible.Clarysensedthathewasinfactrestraininghimself,cuttingbackhisspeedtolethercatchup,andthatitcosthimsomethingtodoit.

The road flattenedoutat thebaseof thehill andcurved througha standofhigh, thicklybranchedtrees,creatingtheillusionofatunnel.WhenClarycameouttheotherside,shefoundherselfstanding

beforetheNorthGate.ThroughthearchClarycouldseeaconfusionofsmokeandleapingflames.Jacestoodinthegateway,waitingforher.HewasholdingJahoelinonehandandanotherseraphbladeintheother,buteventheircombinedlightwaslostagainst thegreaterbrightnessoftheburningcitybehindhim.

Theguards,shepanted,racinguptohim.Whyarenttheyhere?

Atleastoneof themisover in thatstandof trees.Jace jerkedhischinin thedirectiontheydcomefrom.Inpieces.No,dontlook.Heglanceddown.Youreholdingyourseraphbladewrong.Holditlikethis.Heshowedher.Andyouneedtonameit.Cassielwouldbeagoodone.

Cassiel,Claryrepeated,andthelightofthebladeflaredup.

Jacelookedathersoberly.IwishIdhadtimetotrainyouforthis.Ofcourse,byallrights,noonewithaslittletrainingasyoushouldbeabletouseaseraphbladeatall.Itsurprisedmebefore,butnowthatweknowwhatValentinedid

ClaryverymuchdidnotwanttotalkaboutwhatValentinehaddone.Ormaybeyouwerejustworriedthatifyoudidtrainmeproperly,Idturnouttobebetterthanyou,shesaid.

Theghostofasmiletouchedthecornerofhismouth.Whateverhappens,Clary,hesaid,lookingather through Jahoels light, stay with me. You understand? He held her gaze, his eyes demanding apromisefromher.

ForsomereasonthememoryofkissinghiminthegrassattheWaylandmanorroseupinhermind.Itseemedlikeamillionyearsago.Likesomethingthathadhappenedtosomeoneelse.Illstaywithyou.

Good.Helookedaway,releasingher.Letsgo.

Theymovedslowlythroughthegate,sidebyside.Astheyenteredthecity,shebecameawareofthenoiseofbattleasifforthefirsttimeawallofsoundmadeupofhumanscreamsandnonhumanhowls,thesoundsofsmashingglassandthecrackleoffire.Itmadethebloodsinginherears.

Thecourtyardjustpastthegatewasempty.Therewerehuddledshapesscatteredhereandthereonthecobblestones;Clarytriednottolookatthemtoohard.Shewonderedhowitwasthatyoucouldtellsomeone was dead even from a distance, without looking too closely. Dead bodies didnt resembleunconsciousones;itwasasifyoucouldsensethatsomethinghadfledfromthem,thatsomeessentialsparkwasnowmissing.

Jace hurried them across the courtyardClary could tell he didnt like the open, unprotected spacemuchanddownoneof the streets that ledoff it.Therewasmorewreckagehere.Shopwindowshadbeensmashedandtheircontentslootedandstrewnaroundthestreet.Therewasasmellintheairtooarancid,thick,garbagesmell.Claryknewthatsmell.Itmeantdemons.

Thisway,Jacehissed.Theyduckeddownanother,narrowerstreet.Afirewasburning inanupperfloorofoneofthehousesliningtheroad,thoughneitherofthebuildingsoneithersideofitseemedtohave been touched. Clary was oddly reminded of photos shed seen of the Blitz in London, wheredestructionhadraineddownhaphazardlyfromthesky.

Lookingup,shesawthatthefortressabovethecitywaswreathedinafunnelofblacksmoke.TheGard.

Itoldyou,theyllhaveevacuatedJacebrokeoffastheycameoutfromthenarrowstreetintoalarger

thoroughfare.Therewerebodiesintheroadhere,severalofthem.Someweresmallbodies.Children.Jaceranforward,Claryfollowingmorehesitantly.Therewerethree,shesawastheygotclosernoneofthem,shethoughtwithguiltyrelief,oldenoughtobeMax.Besidethemwasthecorpseofanolderman,hisarmsstillthrownwideasifhedbeenprotectingthechildrenwithhisownbody.

Jacesexpressionwashard.Claryturnaround.Slowly.

Claryturned.Justbehindherwasabrokenshopwindow.Therehadbeencakesinthedisplayatsomepointa tower of them covered in bright icing. They were scattered on the ground now among thesmashed glass, and there was blood on the cobblestones too,mixingwith the icing in long pinkishstreaks.ButthatwasntwhathadputthenoteofwarningintoJacesvoice.Somethingwascrawlingoutofthewindowsomethingformlessandhugeandslimy.Somethingequippedwithadoublerowofteethrunningthelengthofitsoblongbody,whichwassmearedwithicinganddustedwithbrokenglasslikealayerofglitteringsugar.

Thedemonfloppeddownoutofthewindowontothecobblestonesandbegantoslithertowardthem.Somethingaboutitsoozing,bonelessmotionmadebileriseupinthebackofClarysthroat.Shebackedup,almostknockingintoJace.

ItsaBehemothdemon,hesaid,staringattheslitheringthinginfrontofthem.Theyeateverything.

Dotheyeat?

People?Yes,Jacesaid.Getbehindme.

She took a few steps back to stand behind him, her eyes on theBehemoth.Therewas somethingabout it that repulsedherevenmore than thedemonsshedencounteredbefore. It looked likeablindslugwith teeth,and theway itoozedButat least itdidntmovefast. Jaceshouldnthavemuch troublekillingit.

Asifspurredonbyherthought,Jacedartedforward,slashingdownwithhisblazingseraphblade.ItsankintotheBehemothsbackwithasoundlikeoverripefruitbeingsteppedon.Thedemonseemedtospasm,thenshudderandreform,suddenlyseveralfeetawayfromwhereithadbeenbefore.

JacedrewJahoelback.Iwasafraidofthat,hemuttered.Itsonlysemi-corporeal.Hardtokill.

Thendont.Clarytuggedathissleeve.Atleastitdoesntmovefast.Letsgetoutofhere.

Jaceletherpullhimbackreluctantly.Theyturnedtoruninthedirectiontheydcomefrom

Andthedemonwasthereagain,infrontofthem,blockingthestreet.Itseemedtohavegrownbigger,andalownoisewascomingfromit,asortofangryinsectilechittering.

Idontthinkitwantsustoleave,Jacesaid.

Jace

Buthewasalreadyrunningatthething,sweepingJahoeldowninalongarcmeanttodecapitate,butthe thing just shuddered again and reformed, this time behind him. It reared up, showing a ridgedunderside like a cockroachs. Jace whirled and brought Jahoel down, slicing into the creaturesmidsection.Greenfluid,thickasmucus,spurtedovertheblade.

Jacesteppedback,hisface twistingindisgust.TheBehemothwasstillmakingthesamechitteringnoise.Morefluidwasspurtingfromit,butitdidntseemhurt.Itwasmovingforwardpurposefully.

Jace!Clarycalled.Yourblade

He lookeddown.TheBehemothdemonsmucushadcoatedJahoelsblade,dulling its flame.Ashestared,theseraphbladesplutteredandwentoutlikeafiredousedbysand.Hedroppedtheweaponwithacursebeforeanyofthedemonsslimecouldtouchhim.

TheBehemothrearedbackagain,readytostrike.JaceduckedbackandthenClarywasthere,dartingbetweenhimandthedemon,herseraphbladeswinging.Shejabbedthecreaturejustbelowitsrowofteeth,thebladesinkingintoitsmasswithawet,uglysound.

She jerkedback, gasping, as thedemonwent into another spasm. It seemed to take the creature acertainamountofenergytoreformeachtimeitwaswounded.Iftheycouldjustwounditenoughtimes

Something moved at the edge of Clarys vision. A flicker of gray and brown, moving fast. Theywerentaloneinthestreet.Jaceturned,hiseyeswidening.Clary!heshouted.Behindyou!

Clarywhirled,Cassielblazinginhergrip,justasthewolflauncheditselfather,itslipsdrawnbackinafiercesnarl,itsjawsgapingwide.

Jaceshoutedsomething;Clarydidntknowwhat,butshesawthewildlookinhiseyes,evenasshethrewherselfsideways,outofthepathofthewolf.Itsailedbyher,clawsoutstretched,bodyarcedandstruckitstarget,theBehemoth,knockingitflattothegroundbeforetearingatitwithbaredteeth.

Thedemonscreamed,orascloseasitcouldcometoscreamingahigh-pitchedwhiningsound,likeairbeingletoutofaballoon.Thewolfwasontopofit,pinningit,itsmuzzleburieddeepinthedemonsslimyhide.TheBehemothshudderedandthrashedinadesperateefforttoreformandhealitsinjuries,butthewolfwasntgivingitachance.Itsclawssunkdeeplyintodemonflesh,thewolftorechunksofjellylikefleshoutoftheBehemothsbodywithitsteeth,ignoringthespurtinggreenfluidthatfountainedaroundit.TheBehemothbeganalast,desperateseriesofconvulsivespasms,itsserratedjawsclackingtogether as it thrashedand then it was gone, only a viscous puddle of green fluid steaming on thecobblestoneswhereithadbeen.

ThewolfmadeanoiseasortofsatisfiedgruntandturnedtoregardJaceandClarywitheyesturnedsilverbythemoonlight.Jacepulledanotherbladefromhisbeltandheldithigh,drawingafierylineontheairbetweenthemselvesandthewerewolf.

Thewolfsnarled,thehairrisingstifflyalongitsspine.

Clarycaughtathisarm.Nodont.

Itsawerewolf,Clary

Itkilledthedemonforus!Itsonourside!ShebrokeawayfromJacebeforehecouldholdherback,approachingthewolfslowly,herhandsout,palmsflat.Shespokeinalow,calmvoice:Imsorry.Weresorry.Weknowyoudontwanttohurtus.Shepaused,handsstilloutstretched,asthewolfregardedherwithblankeyes.Whowhoareyou?sheasked.ShelookedbackoverhershoulderatJaceandfrowned.Canyouputthatthingaway?

Jacelookedasifhewereabouttotellherinnouncertaintermsthatyoudidntjustputawayaseraphblade that was blazing in the presence of danger, but before he could say anything, the wolf gaveanotherlowgrowlandbegantorise.Itslegselongated,itsspinestraightening,itsjawretracting.Inafewsecondsagirlstoodinfrontofthemagirlwearingastainedwhiteshiftdress,hercurlinghairtiedbackinmultiplebraids,ascarbandingherthroat.

Whoareyou? thegirlmimicked indisgust. I cantbelieveyoudidnt recognizeme. Itsnot like allwolveslookexactlyalike.Humans.

Claryletoutabreathofrelief.Maia!

Itsme.Savingyourbutts,asusual.Shegrinned.Shewasspatteredwithbloodandichorithadntbeenthatvisibleagainstherwolfscoat,buttheblackandredstreaksstoodoutstartlinglyagainstherbrownskin.Sheputherhandagainstherstomach.Andgross,by theway. IcantbelieveImunchedall thatdemon.IhopeImnotallergic.

Butwhatareyoudoinghere?Clarydemanded.Imean,notthatwerenotgladtoseeyou,but

Dontyouknow?MaialookedfromJacetoClaryinpuzzlement.Lukebroughtushere.

Luke?Clarystared.Lukeishere?

Maianodded.Hegotintouchwithhispack,andabunchofothers,everyonehecouldthinkof,andtoldusallwehadtocometoIdris.Weflewtotheborderandtraveledfromthere.Someoftheotherpacks, theyPortaled into theforestandmetus there.Lukesaid theNephilimweregoingtoneedourhelp.Hervoicetrailedoff.Didyounotknowaboutthis?

No,saidJace,andIdoubttheClavedideither.TheyrenotbigontakinghelpfromDownworlders.

Maiastraightenedup,hereyessparkingwithanger.Ifithadntbeenforus,youallwouldhavebeenslaughtered.Therewasnooneprotectingthecitywhenwegothere

Dont,Clarysaid,shootinganangrylookatJace.Imreally,reallygratefultoyouforsavingus,Maia,andJaceistoo,eventhoughhessostubbornthathedratherjamaseraphbladethroughhiseyeballthansay so. And dont say you hope he does, she added hastily, seeing the look on the other girls face,becausethatsreallynothelpful.RightnowweneedtogettotheLightwoodshouse,andthenIhavetofindLuke

TheLightwoods? I think theyre in theAccordsHall.Thatswherewevebeenbringingeveryone. IsawAlecthere,atleast,Maiasaid,andthatwarlock,too,theonewiththespikyhair.Magnus.

IfAlecisthere,theothersmustbetoo.ThelookofreliefonJacesfacemadeClarywanttoputherhandonhisshoulder.Shedidnt.ClevertobringeveryonetotheHall;itswarded.Heslidtheglowingseraphbladeintohisbelt.Comeonletsgo.

ClaryrecognizedtheinsideoftheHallofAccordsthemomentsheenteredit.Itwastheplaceshehaddreamedabout,whereshehadbeendancingwithSimonandthenJace.

Thiswaswhere Iwas trying to sendmyselfwhen Iwent through thePortal, she thought, lookingaroundatthepalewhitewallsandthehighceilingwithitsenormousglassskylightthroughwhichshecouldseethenightsky.Theroom,thoughverylarge,seemedsomehowsmalleranddingierthanithadin her dream. Themermaid fountainwas still there in the center of the room, spurtingwater, but itlookedtarnished,andthestepsthatleduptoitwerecrowdedwithpeople,manysportingbandages.ThespacewasfullofShadowhunters,peoplehurryinghereandthere,sometimesstoppingtopeerintothefacesofotherpassersbyasifhopingtofindafriendorarelative.Thefloorwasfilthywithdirt,trackedwithsmearedmudandblood.

WhatstruckClarymore thananythingelsewas thesilence. If thishadbeen theaftermathofsomedisaster in themundaneworld, therewouldhavebeenpeopleshouting,screaming,callingout toone

another.But theroomwasalmostsoundless.Peoplesatquietly,somewiththeirheadsintheirhands,somestaringintospace.Childrenhuddledclosetotheirparents,butnoneofthemwerecrying.

Shenoticedsomethingelse,too,asshemadeherwayintotheroom,JaceandMaiaoneithersideofher.Therewasagroupofscruffy-lookingpeoplestandingbythefountaininaraggedcircle.Theystoodsomehow apart from the rest of the crowd, andwhenMaia caught sight of them and smiled, Claryrealizedwhy.

Mypack!Maiaexclaimed.Shedartedtowardthem,pausingonlytoglancebackoverhershoulderatClary as shewent. Im sure Lukes around here somewhere, she called, and vanished into the group,which closed around her. Clary wondered, for a moment, what would happen if she followed thewerewolfgirlintothecircle.WouldtheywelcomeherasLukesfriend,orjustbesuspiciousofherasanotherShadowhunter?

Dont,Jacesaid,asifreadinghermind.Itsnotagood

But Clary never found out what it wasnt, because there was a cry of Jace! and Alec appeared,breathlessfrompushinghiswaythroughthecrowdtogettothem.Hisdarkhairwasamessandtherewasbloodonhisclothes,buthiseyeswerebrightwithamixtureofreliefandanger.HegrabbedJacebythefrontofhisjacket.Whathappenedtoyou?

Jacelookedaffronted.Whathappenedtome?

Alecshookhim,notlightly.Yousaidyouweregoingforawalk!Whatkindofwalktakessixhours?

Alongone?Jacesuggested.

Icouldkillyou,Alecsaid,releasinghisgriponJacesclothes.Imseriouslythinkingaboutit.

Thatwould kind of defeat the point, though,wouldnt it? said Jace.He glanced around.Where iseveryone?Isabelle,and

IsabelleandMaxarebackatthePenhallows,withSebastian,saidAlec.MomandDadareontheirwaytheretogetthem.AndAlineshere,withherparents,butshesnottalkingmuch.ShehadaprettybadtimewithaRezkordemondownbyoneofthecanals.ButIzzysavedher.

AndSimon?Clarysaidanxiously.HaveyouseenSimon?HeshouldhavecomedownwiththeothersfromtheGard.

Alecshookhishead.No,IhaventbutIhaventseentheInquisitor,either,ortheConsul.Hedprobablybewith one of them.Maybe they stopped somewhere else, orHe broke off, as amurmur swept theroom;Clarysawthegroupoflycanthropeslookup,alertasagroupofhuntingdogsscentinggame.Sheturned

AndsawLuke,tiredandbloodstained,comingthroughthedoubledoorsoftheHall.

She ran towardhim.Forgettinghowupset shedbeenwhenhed left,and forgettinghowangryhedbeenwithherforbringingthemhere,forgettingeverythingbuthowgladshewastoseehim.Helookedsurprisedforamomentasshebarreledtowardhimthenhesmiled,andputhisarmsout,andpickedherupashehuggedher,thewayheddonewhenshedbeenverysmall.Hesmelledlikebloodandflannelandsmoke,andforamomentsheclosedhereyes,thinkingofthewayAlechadgrabbedontoJacethemomenthedseenhimintheHall,becausethatwaswhatyoudidwithfamilywhenyoudbeenworriedaboutthem,yougrabbedthemandheldontothemandtoldthemhowmuchtheydpissedyouoff,andit

wasokay,becausenomatterhowangryyougot,theystillbelongedtoyou.AndwhatshehadsaidtoValentinewastrue.Lukewasherfamily.

Hesetherbackdownonherfeet,wincingalittleashedidso.Careful,hesaid.ACroucherdemongotmeintheshoulderdownbyMerryweatherBridge.Heputhishandsonhershoulders,studyingherface.Butyoureallright,arentyou?

Well,thisisatouchingscene,saidacoldvoice.Isntit?

Clary turned, Lukes hand still on her shoulder. Behind her stood a tall man in a blue cloak thatswirledaroundhisfeetashemovedtowardthem.Hisfaceunderthehoodofhiscloakwasthefaceofacarved statue: high-cheekboned with eagle-sharp features and heavy-lidded eyes. Lucian, he said,withoutlookingatClary.Imighthaveexpectedyoudbetheonebehindthisthisinvasion.

Invasion? Luke echoed, and suddenly, therewas his pack of lyncanthropes, standing behind him.Theyhadmoved intoplace soquicklyandsilently itwasas if theydappeared fromoutofnowhere.Werenottheoneswhoinvadedyourcity,Consul.ThatwasValentine.Werejusttryingtohelp.

TheClavedoesntneedhelp,theConsulsnapped.Notfromthelikesofyou.YourebreakingtheLawjustbyenteringtheGlassCity,wardsornowards.Youmustknowthat.

IthinkitsfairlyclearthattheClavedoesneedhelp.Ifwehadntcomewhenwedid,manymoreofyouwouldnowbedead.Lukeglancedaroundtheroom;severalgroupsofShadowhuntershadmovedtowardthem,drawntoseewhatwasgoingon.SomeofthemmetLukesgazehead-on;othersdroppedtheir eyes, as if ashamed. But none of them,Clary thoughtwith a sudden surge of surprise, lookedangry.Ididittoproveapoint,Malachi.

Malachisvoicewascold.Andwhatpointmightthatbe?

That you need us, Luke said. To defeat Valentine, you need our help. Not just the help oflycanthropes,butofallDownworlders.

What canDownworldersdoagainstValentine?Malachi asked scornfully.Lucian,youknowbetterthanthat.Youwereoneofusonce.Wehavealwaysstoodaloneagainstallperilsandguardedtheworldfromevil.WewillmeetValentinespowernowwithapowerofourown.TheDownworlderswoulddowelltostayoutofourway.WeareNephilim;wefightourownbattles.

Thatsnotpreciselytrue,isit?saidavelvetyvoice.ItwasMagnusBane,wearingalongandglitteringcoat,multiplehoopsinhisears,andaroguishexpression.Claryhadnoideawherehedcomefrom.Youlothaveusedthehelpofwarlocksonmorethanoneoccasioninthepast,andpaidhandsomelyforittoo.

Malachiscowled.IdontremembertheClaveinvitingyouintotheGlassCity,MagnusBane.

Theydidnt,Magnussaid.Yourwardsaredown.

Really?theConsulsvoicedrippedsarcasm.Ihadntnoticed.

Magnuslookedconcerned.Thatsterrible.Someoneshouldhavetoldyou.HeglancedatLuke.Tellhimthewardsaredown.

Lukelookedexasperated.Malachi,forGodssake,theDownworldersarestrong;wehavenumbers.Itoldyou,wecanhelp.

TheConsulsvoicerose.AndItoldyou,wedontneedorwantyourhelp!

Magnus, Clary slipped silently to his side andwhispered. A small crowd had gathered, watchingLukeand theConsul fight; shewas fairlysurenoonewaspayingattention toher.Come talk tome.Whiletheyrealltoobusysquabblingtonotice.

Magnusgaveheraquickquestioning look,nodded,anddrewheraway,cutting throughthecrowdlikeacanopener.NoneoftheassembledShadowhuntersorwerewolvesseemedtowanttostandinthewayofasix-foot-tallwarlockwithcateyesandamanicgrin.Hehustledherintoaquietercorner.Whatisit?

Igotthebook.Clarydrewitfromthepocketofherbedraggledcoat,leavingsmearedfingerprintsonthe ivory cover. Iwent toValentinesmanor. Itwas in the library like you said.And She broke off,thinkingoftheimprisonedangel.Nevermind.SheofferedhimtheBookoftheWhite.Here.Takeit.

Magnuspluckedthebookfromhergraspwithalong-fingeredhand.Heflippedthroughthepages,hiseyeswidening.Thisisevenbetter thanIdhearditwas,heannouncedgleefully.Icantwait togetstartedonthesespells.

Magnus!Claryssharpvoicebroughthimbackdowntoearth.Mymomfirst.Youpromised.

And I abide bymy promises. Thewarlock nodded gravely, but there was something in his eyes,somethingClarydidntquitetrust.

Theressomethingelse,too,sheadded,thinkingofSimon.Beforeyougo

Clary!Avoice spoke, breathless, at her shoulder. She turned in surprise to seeSebastian standingbesideher.Hewaswearinggear,anditlookedrightonhimsomehow,shethought,asifhewereborntowearit.Whereeveryoneelselookedbloodstainedanddisheveled,hewasunmarkedexceptforadoublelineofscratchesthatranthelengthofhisleftcheek,asifsomethinghadclawedathimwithatalonedhand.Iwasworriedaboutyou.IwentbyAmatisshouseonthewayhere,butyouwerentthere,andshesaidshehadntseenyou

Well, Im fine.Clary glanced fromSebastian toMagnus,whowas holding theBook of theWhiteagainsthischest.Sebastiansangulareyebrowswereraised.Areyou?YourfaceShereacheduptotouchhisinjuries.Thescratcheswerestilloozingatraceamountofblood.

Sebastian shrugged,brushingherhandawaygently.Ashe-demongotmenear thePenhallows. Imfine,though.Whatsgoingon?

Nothing. I was just talking to MaRagnor, Clary said hastily, realizing with a sudden horror thatSebastianhadnoideawhoMagnusactuallywas.

Maragnor? Sebastian arched his eyebrows. Okay, then. He glanced curiously at the Book of theWhite. Clary wishedMagnus would put it awaythe way he was holding it, its gilded lettering wasclearlyvisible.Whatsthat?

Magnusstudiedhimforamoment,hiscateyesconsidering.Aspellbook,hesaidfinally.NothingthatwouldbeofinteresttoaShadowhunter.

Actually,myauntcollectsspellbooks.CanIsee?Sebastianheldhishandout,butbeforeMagnuscouldrefuse,Claryheardsomeonecallhername,andJaceandAlecdescendedonthem,clearlynonetoopleasedtoseeSebastian.

IthoughtItoldyoutostaywithMaxandIsabelle!Alecsnappedathim.Didyouleavethemalone?

SlowlySebastians eyesmoved fromMagnus toAlec.Your parents camehome, just like you saidtheywould.Hisvoicewascold.Theysentmeaheadtotellyoutheywereallright,andsoareIzzyandMax.Theyreontheirway.

Well, saidJace,hisvoiceheavywithsarcasm, thanksforpassingon thatnews thesecondyougothere.

IdidntseeyouthesecondIgothere,saidSebastian.IsawClary.

Becauseyouwerelookingforher.

BecauseIneededtotalktoher.Alone.HecaughtClaryseyesagain,andtheintensityinthemgaveherpause.ShewantedtotellhimnottolookatherlikethatwhenJacewasthere,butthatwouldsoundunreasonableandcrazy,andbesides,maybeheactuallyhadsomethingimportanttotellher.Clary?

Shenodded.Allright.Justforasecond,shesaid,andsawJacesexpressionchange:Hedidntscowl,buthisfacewentverystill.Illberightback,sheadded,butJacedidntlookather.HewaslookingatSebastian.

Sebastiantookherbythewristanddrewherawayfromtheothers,pullinghertowardthethickestpartofthecrowd.Sheglancedbackoverhershoulder.Theywereallwatchingher,evenMagnus.Shesawhimshakehisheadonce,veryslightly.

Shedugherheelsin.Sebastian.Stop.Whatisit?Whatdoyouhavetotellme?

Heturnedtofaceher,stillholdingherwrist.Ithoughtwecouldgooutside,hesaid.Talkinprivate

No.Iwanttostayhere,shesaid,andheardherownvoicewaverslightly,asifshewerentsure.Butshewassure.Sheyankedherwristback,pullingitoutofhisgrasp.Whatisgoingonwithyou?

Thatbook,hesaid.ThatFellwasholdingtheBookoftheWhitedoyouknowwherehegotit?

Thatswhatyouwantedtotalktomeabout?

Itsanextraordinarilypowerfulspellbook,explainedSebastian.Andonethatwell,thatalotofpeoplehavebeenlookingforforalongtime.

Sheblewoutanexasperatedbreath.Allright,Sebastian,look,shesaid.ThatsnotRagnorFell.ThatsMagnusBane.

Thats Magnus Bane? Sebastian spun around and stared before turning back to Clary with anaccusatorylookinhiseyes.Andyouknewallalong,right?YouknowBane.

Yes,andImsorry.Buthedidntwantmetotellyou.Andhewastheonlyonewhocouldhelpmesavemymother.ThatswhyIgavehimtheBookoftheWhite.Theresaspellintherethatmighthelpher.

SomethingflashedbehindSebastianseyes,andClaryhadthesamefeelingshedhadafterhedkissedher:asuddenwrenchofwrongness,asifshedtakenastepforwardexpectingtofindsolidgroundunderherfeetandinsteadplungedintoemptyspace.Hishandshotoutandgrabbedherwrist.YougavethebooktheBookoftheWhitetoawarlock?AfilthyDownworlder?

Clarywentverystill.Icantbelieveyoujustsaidthat.ShelookeddownattheplacewhereSebastianshandencircledherwrist.Magnusismyfriend.

Sebastianloosenedhisgriponherwrist,justafraction.Imsorry,hesaid.Ishouldnthavesaidthat.ItsjusthowwelldoyouknowMagnusBane?

Better than I know you, Clary said coldly. She glanced back toward the place shed leftMagnusstandingwithJaceandAlecandashockofsurprisewentthroughher.Magnuswasgone.JaceandAlecstoodbythemselves,watchingherandSebastian.ShecouldsensetheheatofJacesdisapprovallikeanopenoven.

Sebastian followed her gaze, his eyes darkening.Well enough to knowwhere hewent with yourbook?

Its not my book. I gave it to him, Clary snapped, but there was a cold feeling in her stomach,rememberingthatshadowedlookinMagnusseyes.AndIdontseewhatbusinessitisofyours,either.Look,IappreciatethatyouofferedtohelpmefindRagnorFellyesterday,butyourereallyfreakingmeoutnow.Imgoingbacktomyfriends.

Shestarted to turnaway,buthemoved toblockher. Imsorry. I shouldnthavesaidwhat Idid. Itsjusttheresmoretoallthisthanyouknow.

Sotellme.

Comeoutsidewithme.Illtellyoueverything.Histonewasanxious,worried.Clary,please.

Sheshookherhead.Ihavetostayhere.IhavetowaitforSimon.Itwaspartlytrue,andpartlyanexcuse.Alectoldmetheydbebringingtheprisonershere

Sebastianwasshakinghishead.Clary,didntanyonetellyou?Theylefttheprisonersbehind.IheardMalachisayso.Thecitywasattacked,andtheyevacuatedtheGard,buttheydidntgettheprisonersout.MalachisaidtheywerebothinleaguewithValentineanyway.Thattherewasnowaylettingthemoutwouldntbetoomuchofarisk.

Clarysheadseemedtobefulloffog;shefeltdizzy,andalittlesick.Thatcantbetrue.

Itistrue,Sebastiansaid.Iswearitis.HisgriponClaryswristtightenedagain,andsheswayedonherfeet.Icantakeyouupthere.UptotheGard.Icanhelpyougethimout.Butyouhavetopromisemethatyoull

Shedoesnthavetopromiseyouanything,Jacesaid.Lethergo,Sebastian.

Sebastian,startled,loosenedhisgriponClaryswrist.Shepulleditfree,turningtoseeJaceandAlec,bothscowling.Jaceshandwasrestinglightlyonthehiltoftheseraphbladeathiswaist.

Clarycandowhatshewants,Sebastiansaid.Hewasntscowling,but therewasanodd, fixed lookabouthisfacethatwassomehowworse.Andrightnowshewantstocomewithmetosaveherfriend.Thefriendyougotthrowninprison.

Alecblanched at that, but Jaceonly shookhis head. I dont likeyou, he said thoughtfully. I knoweveryoneelselikesyou,Sebastian,butIdont.Maybeitsthatyouworksohardtomakepeoplelikeyou.MaybeImjustacontrarybastard.ButIdontlikeyou,andIdontlikethewayyouweregrabbingatmysister.IfshewantstogouptotheGardandlookforSimon,fine.Shellgowithus.Notyou.

Sebastiansfixedexpressiondidntchange.Ithinkthatshouldbeherchoice,hesaid.Dontyou?

TheybothlookedatClary.Shelookedpastthem,towardLuke,stillarguingwithMalachi.

Iwanttogowithmybrother,shesaid.

SomethingflickeredbehindSebastianseyessomethingthatwasthereandgonetooquicklyforClary

toidentifyit,thoughshefeltachillatthebaseofherneck,asifacoldhandhadtouchedherthere.Ofcourseyoudo,hesaid,andsteppedaside.

ItwasAlecwhomovedfirst,pushingJaceaheadofhim,makinghimwalk.Theywerepartwaytothedoorswhensherealizedthatherwristwashurtingstingingasifithadbeenburned.Lookingdown,sheexpectedtoseeamarkonherwrist,whereSebastianhadgrippedher,buttherewasnothingthere.Justasmearofbloodonhersleevewhereshehadtouchedthecutonhisface.Frowning,withherwriststillstinging,shedrewhersleevedownandhurriedtocatchupwiththeothers.

12

DEPROFUNDIS

Simonshandswereblackwithblood.

Hehadtriedyankingthebarsoutofthewindowandthecelldoor,buttouchinganyofthemforverylong searedbleeding scoremarks intohis palms.Eventuallyhe collapsed, gasping, on the floor, andstarednumblyathishandsastheinjuriesswiftlyhealed,thelesionsclosingupandtheblackenedskinflakingawaylikeinavideoonfast-forward.

Ontheothersideofthecellwall,Samuelwaspraying.If,whenevilcomethuponus,asthesword,judgment,orpestilence,orfamine,westandbeforethishouse,andinthypresence,andcryuntotheeinouraffliction,thenthouwilthearandhelp

Simonknewhecouldntpray.Hedtrieditbefore,andthenameofGodburnedhismouthandchokedhisthroat.Hewonderedwhyhecouldthinkthewordsbutnotsaythem.Andwhyhecouldstandinthenoondaysunandnotdiebuthecouldntsayhislastprayers.

Smokehadbeguntodriftdownthecorridorlikeapurposefulghost.Hecouldsmellburningandhearthe crackle of fire spreading out of control, but he felt oddly detached, far from everything. It wasstrangetobecomeavampire,tobepresentedwithwhatcouldonlybedescribedasaneternallife,andthentodieanywaywhenyouweresixteen.

Simon!Thevoicewasfaint,buthishearingcaught itover thepopandcrackleofgrowingflames.The smoke in the corridor had presaged heat; the heat was here now, pressing against him like anoppressivewall.Simon!

ThevoicewasClarys.Hewouldknow it anywhere.Hewondered ifhismindwasconjuring itupnow,asensememoryofwhathedmostlovedduringlifetocarryhimthroughtheprocessofdeath.

Simon,youstupididiot!Imoverhere!Atthewindow!

Simonjumpedtohisfeet.Hedoubtedhismindwouldconjurethatup.Throughthethickeningsmokehesawsomethingwhitemovingagainstthebarsofthewindow.Ashecamecloser,thewhiteobjectsevolvedintohandsgrippingthebars.Heleapedontothecot,yellingoverthesoundofthefire.Clary?

Oh,thankGod.Oneofthehandsreachedout,squeezedhisshoulder.Weregoingtogetyououtofhere.

How?Simon demanded, not unreasonably, but therewas the sound of a scuffle andClarys handsvanished,replacedamomentlaterbyanotherpair.Thesewerebiggerhands,unquestionablymasculine,withscarredknucklesandthinpianistsfingers.

Hangon.Jacesvoicewascalm,confident,foralltheworldasiftheywerechattingatapartyinsteadofthroughthebarsofarapidlyburningdungeon.Youmightwanttostandback.

Startled into obedience, Simon moved aside. Jaces hands tightened on the bars, his knuckleswhiteningalarmingly.Therewasagroaningcrack,andthesquareofbarsjerkedfreeofthestonethathelditandclatteredtothegroundbesidethebed.Stonedustraineddowninachokingwhitecloud.

Jacesfaceappearedattheemptysquareofwindow.Simon.ComeON.Hereacheddown.

SimonreachedupandcaughtJaceshands.Hefelthimselfhauledup,andthenhewasgrabbingattheedgeofthewindow,liftinghimselfthroughthenarrowsquarelikeasnakewrigglingthroughatunnel.Asecond laterhewassprawledoutondampgrass, staringupatacircleofworried facesabovehis.Jace,Clary,andAlec.Theywerealllookingdownathiminconcern.

Youlooklikecrap,vampire,Jacesaid.Whathappenedtoyourhands?

Simonsatup.Theinjuriestohishandshadhealed,buttheywerestillblackwherehedgrabbedatthebarsofhiscell.Beforehecouldreply,Clarycaughthiminasudden,fiercehug.

Simon,shebreathed.Icantbelieveit.Ididntevenknowyouwerehere.IthoughtyouwereinNewYorkuntillastnight

Yeah,well,Simonsaid, Ididntknowyouwerehereeither.HeglaredatJaceoverhershoulder. Infact,IthinkIwasspecificallytoldthatyouwerent.

I never said that, Jace pointed out. I just didnt correct you when you were, you know, wrong.Anyway,Ijustsavedyoufrombeingburnedtodeath,soIfigureyourenotallowedtobemad.

Burned todeath.SimonpulledawayfromClaryandstaredaround.Theywere inasquaregarden,surroundedontwosidesbythewallsofthefortressandontheothertwosidesbyaheavygrowthoftrees. The trees had been clearedwhere a gravel path led down the hill to the cityitwas linedwithwitchlighttorches,butonlyafewwereburning,theirlightdimanderratic.HelookedupattheGard.Seenfromthisangle,youcouldbarelyeventelltherewasafireblacksmokestainedtheskyoverhead,andthelightinafewwindowsseemedunnaturallybright,butthestonewallshidtheirsecretwell.

Samuel,hesaid.WehavetogetSamuelout.

Clarylookedbaffled.Who?

Iwasnttheonlypersondownthere.Samuelhewasinthenextcell.

TheheapofragsIsawthroughthewindow?Jacerecalled.

Yeah.Heskindofweird,buthesagoodguy.Wecantleavehimdownthere.Simonscrambledtohisfeet.Samuel?Samuel!

Therewasnoanswer.Simonrantothelow,barredwindowbesidetheonehedjustcrawledthrough.Throughthebarshecouldseeonlyswirlingsmoke.Samuel!Areyouinthere?

Something moved inside the smokesomething hunched and dark. Samuels voice, roughened bysmoke,rosehoarsely.Leavemealone!Goaway!

Samuel!Youlldiedownthere.Simonyankedatthebars.Nothinghappened.

No!Leavemealone!Iwanttostay!

SimonlookeddesperatelyaroundtoseeJacebesidehim.Move,Jacesaid,andwhenSimonleanedto

theside,hekickedoutwithabooted foot. Itconnectedwith thebars,which tore freeviolently fromtheirmooringandtumbledintoSamuelscell.Samuelgaveahoarseshout.

Samuel! Are you all right? A vision of Samuel being brained by the falling bars rose up beforeSimonseyes.

Samuelsvoicerosetoascream.GOAWAY!

SimonlookedsidewaysatJace.Ithinkhemeansit.

Jace shook his blond head in exasperation. You had to make a crazy jail friend, didnt you? Youcouldnt justcountceiling tilesor tameapetmouse likenormalprisonersdo?Withoutwaitingforananswer,Jacegotdownonthegroundandcrawledthroughthewindow.

Jace! Clary yelped, and she and Alec hurried over, but Jace was already through the window,droppingintothecellbelow.ClaryshotSimonanangrylook.Howcouldyoulethimdothat?

Well,hecouldntleavethatguydowntheretodie,Alecsaidunexpectedly,thoughhelookedalittleanxioushimself.ItsJaceweretalkingabouthere

Hebrokeoff as twohands rose upout of the smoke.Alecgrabbedone andSimon the other, andtogethertheyhauledSamuellikealimpsackofpotatoesoutofthecellanddepositedhimonthelawn.A moment later Simon and Clary were grabbing Jaces hands and pulling him out, though he wasconsiderablylesslimpandsworewhentheyaccidentallybangedhisheadontheledge.Heshookthemoff,crawlingtherestofthewayontothegrasshimselfandthencollapsingontohisback.Ouch,hesaid,staringupatthesky.IthinkIpulledsomething.HesatupandglancedoveratSamuel.Isheokay?

Samuelsathunchedontheground,hishandssplayedoverhisface.Hewasrockingbackandforthsoundlessly.

I think theres somethingwrongwithhim, saidAlec.He reacheddown to touchSamuels shoulder.Samueljerkedaway,almosttopplingover.Leavemealone,hesaid,hisvoicecracking.Please.Leavemealone,Alec.

Alecwentstillallover.Whatdidyousay?

Hesaidtoleavehimalone,saidSimon,butAlecwasntlookingathim,didntevenappeartonoticehehadspoken.HewaslookingatJacewho,suddenlyverypale,hadalreadybeguntorisetohisfeet.

Samuel,Alecsaid.Histonewasstrangelyharsh.Takeyourhandsawayfromyourface.

No.Samueltuckedhischindown,hisshouldersshaking.No,please.No.

Alec!Simonprotested.Cantyouseeheisntwell?

ClarycaughtatSimonssleeve.Simon,theressomethingwrong.

HereyeswereonJacewhenwerentthey?ashemovedtostaredownatthecrouchedfigureofSamuel.The tips of Jaces fingerswerebleedingwherehed scraped themon thewindow ledge, andwhenhemovedtopushhishairbackfromhiseyes,theyleftbloodytracksacrosshischeek.Hedidntseemtonotice.Hiseyeswerewide,hismouthaflat,angryline.Shadowhunter,hesaid.Hisvoicewasdeathlyclear.Showusyourface.

Samuel hesitated, then dropped his hands. Simon had never seen his face before, and he hadntrealizedhowgauntSamuelwas,orhowoldhelooked.Hisfacewashalf-coveredbyathatchofthick

graybeard,theeyesswimmingindarkhollows,hischeeksgroovedwithlines.Butforallthat,hewasstillsomehowstrangelyfamiliar.

Alecslipsmoved,butnosoundcameout.ItwasJacewhospoke.

Hodge,hesaid.

Hodge?Simonechoedinconfusion.Butitcantbe.HodgewasandSamuel,hecantbe

Well,thatsjustwhatHodgedoes,apparently,Alecsaidbitterly.Hemakesyouthinkhessomeonehesnot.

Buthesaid,Simonbegan.Clarysgrip tightenedonhissleeve,andthewordsdiedonhis lips.Theexpression onHodges facewas enough. Not guilt, really, or even horror at being discovered, but aterriblegriefthatwashardtolookatforlong.

Jace,Hodgesaidveryquietly.AlecImsosorry.

Jacemovedthenthewayhemovedwhenhewasfighting,likesunlightacrosswater.HewasstandinginfrontofHodgewithaknifeout,thesharptipofitaimedathisoldtutorsthroat.Thereflectedglowofthefireslidofftheblade.Idontwantyourapologies.IwantareasonwhyIshouldntkillyourightnow,righthere.

Jace.Aleclookedalarmed.Jace,wait.

There was a sudden roar as part of the Gard roof went up in orange tongues of flame. Heatshimmeredintheairandlitthenight.Clarycouldseeeverybladeofgrassontheground,everylineonHodgesthinanddirtyface.

No,Jacesaid.HisblankexpressionashegazeddownatHodgeremindedClaryofanothermasklikeface.Valentines.Youknewwhatmyfatherdidtome,didntyou?Youknewallhisdirtysecrets.

AlecwaslookinguncomprehendinglyfromJacetohisoldtutor.Whatareyoutalkingabout?Whatsgoingon?

Hodgesfacecreased.Jonathan

Youvealwaysknown,andyounever saidanything.All thoseyears in the Institute,andyouneversaidanything.

Hodgesmouth sagged. IIwasnt sure,hewhispered.Whenyouhavent seenachild sincehewasababyIwasntsurewhoyouwere,muchlesswhatyouwere.

Jace?Alecwaslookingfromhisbestfriendtohis tutor,hisblueeyesdismayed,butneitherof thetwowaspayingattention toanythingbut theother.Hodge looked likeaman trapped ina tighteningvise,hishandsjerkingathissidesasifwithpain,hiseyesdarting.Clarythoughtoftheneatlydressedmaninhisbook-linedlibrarywhohadofferedherteaandkindlyadvice.Itseemedlikeathousandyearsago.

Idontbelieveyou,Jacesaid.YouknewValentinewasntdead.Hemusthavetoldyou

Hetoldmenothing,Hodgegasped.WhentheLightwoodsinformedmetheyweretakinginMichaelWaylandsson,IhadntheardawordfromValentinesincetheUprising.Ihadthoughthehadforgottenme.Idevenprayedhewasdead,butIneverknew.Andthen,thenightbeforeyouarrived,HugocamewithamessageformefromValentine.Theboyismyson.Thatsallitsaid.Hetookaraggedbreath.I

hadnoideawhethertobelievehim.IthoughtIdknowIthoughtIdknow,justlookingatyou,buttherewasnothing,nothing,tomakemesure.AndIthoughtthatthiswasatrickofValentines,butwhattrick?Whatwashetryingtodo?Youhadnoidea,thatwasclearenoughtome,butasforValentinespurpose

YoushouldhavetoldmewhatIwas,Jacesaid,allinonebreath,asifthewordswerebeingpunchedoutofhim.Icouldhavedonesomethingaboutit,then.Killedmyself,maybe.

Hodgeraisedhishead,lookingupatJacethroughhismatted,filthyhair.Iwasntsure,hesaidagain,halftohimself,andinthetimesthatIwonderedIthought,perhaps,thatupbringingmightmattermorethanbloodthatyoucouldbetaught

Taughtwhat?Not to be amonster? Jaces voice shook, but the knife in his handwas steady.Youshouldknowbetter.Hemadeacrawlingcowardoutofyou,didnthe?Andyouwerentahelplesslittlekidwhenhedidit.Youcouldhavefoughtback.

Hodgeseyesfell. I tried todomybestbyyou,hesaid,buteventoClarysearshiswordssoundedweak.

UntilValentinecameback,Jacesaid,and thenyoudideverythingheaskedofyouyougaveme tohimlikeIwasadogthathadbelongedtohimonce,thathedaskedyoutolookafterforafewyears

Andthenyouleft,saidAlec.Youleftusall.Didyoureallythinkyoucouldhidehere,inAlicante?

Ididntcomeheretohide,saidHodge,hisvoicelifeless.IcameheretostopValentine.

Youcantexpectustobelievethat.Alecsoundedangryagainnow.YouvealwaysbeenonValentinesside.Youcouldhavechosentoturnyourbackonhim

Icouldneverhavechosenthat!Hodgesvoicerose.YourparentsweregiventheirchanceforanewlifeIwasnevergiventhat!IwastrappedintheInstituteforfifteenyears

TheInstitutewasourhome!Alecsaid.Wasitreallysobadlivingwithusbeingpartofourfamily?

Notbecauseofyou.Hodgesvoicewasragged.Ilovedyouchildren.Butyouwerechildren.Andnoplacethatyouareneverallowedtoleavecanbeahome.Iwentweekssometimeswithoutspeakingtoanother adult. No other Shadowhunter would trust me. Not even your parents truly liked me; theytoleratedmebecausetheyhadnochoice.Icouldnevermarry.Neverhavechildrenofmyown.Neverhavea life.Andeventuallyyouchildrenwouldhavebeengrownandgone,and then Iwouldntevenhavehadthat.Ilivedinfear,asmuchasIlivedatall.

Youcantmakeusfeelsorryforyou,Jacesaid.Notafterwhatyoudid.Andwhatthehellwereyouafraidof,spendingallyourtimeinthelibrary?Dustmites?Weweretheoneswhowentoutandfoughtdemons!

HewasafraidofValentine,Simonsaid.Dontyougetit

Jaceshothimavenomouslook.Shutup,vampire.Thisisntinanywayaboutyou.

NotValentineexactly,Hodgesaid,lookingatSimonforalmostthefirsttimesincehedbeendraggedfromthecell.Therewassomething in that look thatsurprisedClarya tiredalmost-affection.MyownweaknesswhereValentinewasconcerned.Iknewhewouldreturnsomeday.Iknewhewouldmakeabid forpoweragain,abid to rule theClave.AndIknewwhathecouldofferme.Freedomfrommycurse.Alife.Aplaceintheworld.IcouldhavebeenaShadowhunteragain,inhisworld.Icouldneverbeoneagaininthisone.Therewasanakedlonginginhisvoicethatwaspainfultohear.AndIknewI

wouldbetooweaktorefusehimifheofferedit.

Andlookatthelifeyougot,Jacespat.RottinginthecellsoftheGard.Wasitworthit,betrayingus?

Youknowtheanswertothat.Hodgesoundedexhausted.Valentinetookthecurseoffme.Hedswornhewould,andhedid.IthoughthedbringmebacktotheCircle,orwhatremainedofitthen.Hedidnt.Evenhedidntwantme.Iknewtherewouldbenoplaceformeinhisnewworld.AndIknewIdsoldouteverythingIdidhaveforalie.Helookeddownathisclenched,filthyhands.TherewasonlyonethingIhadleftonechancetomakesomethingotherthananutterwasteoutofmylife.AfterIheardthatValentine had killed the Silent Brothersthat he had theMortal SwordI knew he would go after theMortalGlassnext.IknewheneededallthreeoftheInstruments.AndIknewtheMortalGlasswashereinIdris.

Wait.Alecheldupahand.TheMortalGlass?Youmean,youknowwhereitis?Andwhohasit?

Noonehasit,saidHodge.NoonecouldowntheMortalGlass.NoNephilim,andnoDownworlder.

Youreallydidgocrazydownthere,Jacesaid,jerkinghischintowardtheburned-outwindowsofthedungeons,didntyou?

Jace.Clarywas looking anxiously up at theGard, its roof crownedwith a thorny net of red-goldflames.Thefireisspreading.Weshouldgetoutofhere.Wecantalkdowninthecity

IwaslockedintheInstituteforfifteenyears,Hodgewenton,asifClaryhadntspoken.Icouldntputsomuchasahandorafootoutside.Ispentallmytimeinthelibrary,researchingwaystoremovethecursetheClavehadputonme.IlearnedthatonlyaMortalInstrumentcouldreverseit.Ireadbookafterbook telling the storyof themythologyof theAngel, howhe rose from the lakebearing theMortalInstrumentsandgavethemtoJonathanShadowhunter,thefirstNephilim,andhowtherewerethreeofthem:Cup,Sword,andMirror

Weknowallthis,Jaceinterrupted,exasperated.Youtaughtittous.

You think you know all of it, but you dont.As Iwent over and over the various versions of thehistories,Ihappenedagainandagainonthesameillustration,thesameimageweveallseenittheAngelrisingoutofthelakewiththeSwordinonehandandtheCupintheother.IcouldneverunderstandwhytheMirrorwasntpictured.ThenIrealized.TheMirroristhelake.ThelakeistheMirror.Theyareoneandthesame.

SlowlyJaceloweredtheknife.LakeLyn?

Clarythoughtofthelake,likeamirrorrisingtomeether,thewatershatteringapartonimpact.IfellinthelakewhenIfirstgothere.Thereissomethingaboutit.LukesaidithasstrangepropertiesandthattheFairFolkcallittheMirrorofDreams.

Exactly,Hodgebeganeagerly.AndIrealizedtheClavewasntawareofthis,thattheknowledgehadbeenlosttotime.EvenValentinedidntknow

Hewasinterruptedbyacrashingroar,thesoundofatoweratthefarendoftheGardcollapsing.Itsentupafireworksdisplayofredandglitteringsparks.

Jace,Alecsaid,raisinghisheadinalarm.Jace,wehavetogetoutofhere.Getup,hesaidtoHodge,yankinghimuprightbythearm.YoucantelltheClavewhatyoujusttoldus.

Hodgegotshakilytohisfeet.Whatmustitbelike,Clarythoughtwithapangofunwelcomepity,to

liveyourlifeashamednotjustofwhatyouddonebutofwhatyouweredoingandofwhatyouknewyouddoagain?Hodgehadgivenupalongtimeagotryingtoliveabetterlifeoradifferentone;allhewantedwasnottobeafraid,andsohewasafraidallthetime.

Comeon.Alec,stillgrippingHodgesarm,propelledhimforward.ButJacesteppedinfrontofthemboth,blockingtheirway.

IfValentinegetstheMortalGlass,hesaid,whatthen?

Jace,Alecsaid,stillholdingHodgesarm,notnow

Ifhe tells it to theClave,wellneverhear it fromthem,Jacesaid.To themwere justchildren.ButHodgeowesusthis.Heturnedonhisoldtutor.YousaidyourealizedyouhadtostopValentine.Stophimdoingwhat?WhatdoestheMirrorgivehimthepowertodo?

Hodgeshookhishead.Icant

Andnolies.TheknifegleamedatJacesside;hishandwastightonthehilt.Becausemaybeforeverylieyoutellme,Illcutoffafinger.Ortwo.

Hodgecringedback,realfearinhiseyes.Aleclookedstricken.Jace.No.Thisiswhatyourfatherslike.Itsnotwhatyourelike.

Alec,saidJace.Hedidntlookathisfriend,buthistonewaslikethetouchofaregretfulhand.YoudontreallyknowwhatImlike.

AlecseyesmetClarysacrossthegrass.HecantimaginewhyJaceisactinglikethis,shethought.Hedoesntknow.Shetookastepfoward.Jace,AlecisrightwecantakeHodgedowntotheHallandhecantelltheClavewhathesjusttoldus

IfhedbeenwillingtotelltheClave,hewouldhavedoneitalready,Jacesnappedwithoutlookingather.Thefactthathedidntproveshesaliar.

The Clave isnt to be trusted! Hodge protested desperately. There are spies in itValentines menIcouldnttellthemwheretheMirroris.IfValentinefoundtheMirror,hewouldbe

Heneverfinishedhissentence.Somethingbrightsilvergleamedoutinthemoonlight,anailheadoflightinthedarkness.Aleccriedout.Hodgeseyesflewwideashestaggered,clawingathischest.Ashesankbackward,Clarysawwhy:Thehiltofalongdaggerprotrudedfromhisribcage,likethehaftofanarrowbristlingfromitstarget.

Alec, leaping forward, caught his old tutor as he fell, and lowered him gently to the ground. Helookeduphelplessly,hisfacespatteredwithHodgesblood.Jace,why

IdidntJacesfacewaswhite,andClarysawthathestillheldhisknife,grippedtightlyathisside.I

Simonspunaround,andClaryturnedwithhim,staringintothedarkness.Thefirelitthegrasswithahellishorangeglow,butitwasblackbetweenthetreesofthehillsideandthensomethingemergedfromthe blackness, a shadowy figure,with familiar dark, tumbled hair.Hemoved toward them, the lightcatchinghisfaceandreflectingoffhisdarkeyes;theylookedasiftheywereburning.

Sebastian?Clarysaid.

Jace lookedwildly fromHodge to Sebastian standing uncertainly at the edge of the garden; Jacelookedalmostdazed.You,hesaid.Youdidthis?

Ihadtodoit,Sebastiansaid.Hewouldhavekilledyou.

Withwhat?Jacesvoiceroseandcracked.Hedidntevenhaveaweapon

Jace.AleccutthroughJacesshouting.Comehere.HelpmewithHodge.

Hewouldhavekilledyou,Sebastiansaidagain.Hewouldhave

ButJacehadgonetokneelbesideAlec,sheathinghisknifeathisbelt.AlecwasholdingHodgeinhisarms,bloodonhisownshirtfrontnow.Takethestelefrommypocket,hesaidtoJace.Tryaniratze

Clary,stiffwithhorror,feltSimonstirbesideher.Sheturnedtolookathimandwasshockedhewaswhiteaspaperexceptforahecticredflushonbothcheekbones.Shecouldseetheveinssnakingunderhisskin,likethegrowthofsomedelicate,branchingcoral.Theblood,hewhispered,notlookingather.Ihavetogetawayfromit.

Claryreachedtocatchhissleeve,buthelurchedback,jerkinghisarmoutofhergrasp.

No,Clary,please.Letmego.Illbeokay;Illbeback.IjustShestartedafterhim,buthewastooquickforhertoholdhimback.Hevanishedintothedarknessbetweenthetrees.

HodgeAlecsoundedpanicked.Hodge,holdstill

Buthistutorwasstrugglingfeebly,tryingtopullawayfromhim,awayfromthesteleinJaceshand.No.Hodgesfacewasthecolorofputty.HiseyesdartedfromJacetoSebastian,whowasstillhangingbackintheshadows.Jonathan

Jace,Jacesaid,almostinawhisper.CallmeJace.

Hodgeseyesrestedonhim.Clarycouldnotdecipherthelookinthem.Pleading,yes,butsomethingmorethanthat,filledwithdread,orsomethinglikeit,andwithneed.Heliftedawardinghand.Notyou,hewhispered,andbloodspilledfromhismouthwiththewords.

AlookofhurtflashedacrossJacesface.Alec,dotheiratzeIdontthinkhewantsmetotouchhim.

Hodgeshandtightenedintoaclaw;heclutchedatJacessleeve.Therattleofhisbreathwasaudible.Youwerenever

Andhedied.Clarycouldtellthemomentthelifelefthim.Itwasnotaquiet,instantthing,likeinamovie;hisvoicechokedoffinagurgleandhiseyesrolledbackandhewentlimpandheavy,hisarmbentawkwardlyunderhim.

AlecclosedHodgeseyeswithhisfingertips.Vale,HodgeStarkweather.

Hedoesntdeservethat.Sebastiansvoicewassharp.HewasntaShadowhunter;hewasatraitor.Hedoesntdeservethelastwords.

Alecshead jerkedup.He loweredHodge to thegroundandrose tohis feet,hisblueeyes like ice.Bloodstreakedhisclothes.Youknownothingaboutit.Youkilledanunarmedman,aNephilim.Youreamurderer.

Sebastianslipcurled.YouthinkIdontknowwhothatwas?HegesturedatHodge.StarkweatherwasintheCircle.HebetrayedtheClavethenandwascursedforit.Heshouldhavediedforwhathedid,buttheClavewaslenientandwherediditgetthem?HebetrayedusallagainwhenhesoldtheMortalCuptoValentinejusttogethiscurseliftedacursehedeserved.Hepaused,breathinghard.Ishouldnthavedoneit,butyoucantsayhedidntdeserveit.

HowdoyouknowsomuchaboutHodge?Clarydemanded.Andwhatareyoudoinghere?IthoughtyouagreedtostaybackattheHall.

Sebastianhesitated.Youweretakingsolong,hesaidfinally.Igotworried.Ithoughtyoumightneedmyhelp.

So you decided to help us by killing the guy we were talking to? Clary demanded. Because youthoughthehadashadypast?Whowhodoesthat?Itdoesntmakeanysense.

Thats because hes lying, Jace said.Hewas looking at Sebastiana cold, considering look.And notwell.Ithoughtyoudbealittlefasteronyourfeetthere,Verlac.

Sebastianmethislookevenly.Idontknowwhatyoumean,Morgenstern.

Hemeans,saidAlec,steppingforward,thatifyoureallythinkwhatyoujustdidwasjustified,youwontmindcomingwithustotheAccordsHallandexplainingyourselftotheCouncil.Willyou?

AbeatpassedbeforeSebastian smiledthesmile thathadcharmedClarybefore,butnow therewassomethingalittleoff-kilteraboutit,likeapicturehangingslightlycrookedlyonawall.Ofcoursenot.Hemovedtowardthemslowly,almoststrolling,asifhedidnthaveaworryintheworld.Asifhehadntjustcommittedmurder.Ofcourse,hesaid,itisalittleoddthatyouresoupsetthatIkilledamanwhenJacewasplanningoncuttinghisfingersoffonebyone.

Alecsmouthtightened.Hewouldnthavedoneit.

YouJacelookedatSebastianwithloathing.Youhavenoideawhatyouretalkingabout.

Ormaybe,Sebastiansaid,yourereally justangrybecauseIkissedyoursister.Becauseshewantedme.

Ididnot,Clarysaid,butneitherofthemwaslookingather.Wantyou,Imean.

Shehasthislittlehabit,youknowthewayshegaspswhenyoukissher,likeshessurprised?Sebastianhadcometoastopnow,justinfrontofJace,andwassmilinglikeanangel.Itsratherendearing;youmusthavenoticedit.

Jacelookedasifhewantedtothrowup.Mysister

Yoursister,Sebastiansaid.Isshe?Becauseyoutwodontactlikeit.Youthinkotherpeoplecantseethewayyoulookateachother?Youthinkyourehidingthewayyoufeel?Youthinkeveryonedoesntthinkitssickandunnatural?Becauseitis.

Thatsenough.ThelookonJacesfacewasmurderous.

Whyareyoudoingthis?Clarysaid.Sebastian,whyareyousayingallthesethings?

BecauseIfinallycan,Sebastiansaid.Youvenoideawhatitsbeenlike,beingaroundthelotofyouthesepastfewdays,havingtopretendIcouldstandyou.Thatthesightofyoudidntmakemesick.You,hesaidtoJace,everysecondyourenotpantingafteryourownsister,yourewhiningonandonabouthowyourdaddydidnt loveyou.Well,whocouldblamehim?Andyou,youstupidbitchhe turned toClarygivingthatpricelessbookawaytoahalf-breedwarlock;haveyougotasinglebraincell in thattinyheadofyours?AndyouHedirectedhisnextsneeratAlec.Ithinkweallknowwhatswrongwithyou.TheyshouldntletyourkindintheClave.Youredisgusting.

Alec paled, though he lookedmore astonished than anything else.Clary couldnt blame himitwas

hardtolookatSebastian,athisangelicsmile,andimaginehecouldsaythesethings.Pretendyoucouldstandus?sheechoed.Butwhywouldyouhavetopretendthatunlessyouwereunlessyouwerespyingonus,shefinished,realizingthetruthevenasshespokeit.UnlessyouwereaspyforValentine.

Sebastianshandsomefacetwisted,thefullmouthflattening,hislong,eleganteyesnarrowingtoslits.Andfinallytheygetit,hesaid.Iswear,thereareutterlylightlessdemondimensionsouttherethatarelessdimthanthebunchofyou.

Wemaynotbeallthatbright,Jacesaid,butatleastwerealive.

Sebastianlookedathimindisgust.Imalive,hepointedout.

Not for long, said Jace. Moonlight exploded off the blade of his knife as he flung himself atSebastian,hismotionsofast that itseemedblurred,faster thananyhumanmovementClaryhadeverseen.

Untilnow.

Sebastian darted aside, missing the blow, and caught Jaces knife arm as it descended. The knifeclatteredtotheground,andthenSebastianhadJacebythebackofhisjacket.Heliftedhimandflunghimwith incredible strength. Jace flew through the air, hit thewall of theGardwith bone-crackingforce,andcrumpledtotheground.

Jace!Clarysvisionwentwhite.SheranatSebastiantochokethelifeoutofhim.Buthesidesteppedherandbroughthishanddownascasuallyasifhewereswattinganinsectaside.Theblowcaughtherhardonthesideofthehead,sendingherspinningtotheground.Sherolledover,blinkingaredmistofpainoutofhereyes.

Alechadtakenhisbowfromhisback;itwasdrawn,anarrownotchedattheready.HishandsdidntwaverasheaimedatSebastian.Staywhereyouare,hesaid,andputyourhandsbehindyourback.

Sebastian laughed. You wouldnt really shoot me, he said. He moved toward Alec with an easy,carelessstep,asifhewerestridingupthestairstohisownfrontdoor.

Alecseyesnarrowed.Hishandswentupinagraceful,evenseriesofmovements;hedrewthearrowbackandloosedit.ItflewtowardSebastian

Andmissed.Sebastianhadduckedormovedsomehow,Clarycouldnt tell,andthearrowhadgonepasthim, lodging in the trunkofa tree.Alechad timeonly foramomentary lookof surprisebeforeSebastianwasonhim,wrenchingthebowoutofhisgrasp.Sebastiansnappeditinhishandscrackeditinhalf, and thecrackof the splinteringmadeClarywinceas if shewerehearingbones splinter.Shetriedtodragherselfintoasittingposition,ignoringthesearingpaininherhead.Jacewaslyingafewfeetawayfromher,utterlystill.Shetriedtogetup,butherlegsdidntseemtobeworkingproperly.

Sebastian tossed the shattered halves of the bow aside and closed in onAlec.Alec already had aseraphbladeout,glitteringinhishand,butSebastiansweptitasideasAleccameathimsweptitasideand caught Alec by the throat, almost lifting him off his feet. He squeezed mercilessly, viciously,grinningasAlecchokedandstruggled.Lightwood,hebreathed.Ivetakencareofoneofyoualreadytoday.IhadntexpectedIdbeluckyenoughtogettodoittwice.

He jerkedbackward, like apuppetwhose stringshadbeenyanked.Released,Alec slumped to theground, his hands at his throat. Clary could hear his rattling, desperate breathbut her eyes were onSebastian.Adarkshadowhadaffixeditselftohisbackandwasclingingtohimlikealeech.Heclawed

athisthroat,gaggingandchokingashespuninplace,clawingatthethingthathadholdofhisthroat.Asheturned,themoonlightfellonhim,andClarysawwhatitwas.

ItwasSimon.HisarmswerewrappedaroundSebastiansneck,hiswhiteincisorsglitteringlikeboneneedles.ItwasthefirsttimeClaryhadseenhimactuallylookfullylikeavampiresincethenighthedrisenfromhisgrave,andshestaredinhorrifiedamazement,unabletolookaway.Hislipswerecurledbackinasnarl,hisfangsfullyextendedandsharpasdaggers.HesankthemintoSebastiansforearm,openingupalongredtearintheskin.

Sebastianyelledoutloudandflunghimselfbackward,landinghardontheground.Herolled,Simonhalf on top of him, the two of them clawing at each other, tearing and snarling like dogs in a pit.SebastianwasbleedinginseveralplaceswhenhefinallystaggeredtohisfeetanddeliveredtwohardkickstoSimonsribcage.Simondoubledover,clutchinghismidsection.Youfoullittletick,Sebastiansnarled,drawinghisfootbackforanotherblow.

Iwouldnt,saidaquietvoice.

Clarysheadjerkedup,sendinganotherstarburstofpainshootingbehindhereyes.JacestoodafewfeetfromSebastian.Hisfacewasbloody,oneeyeswollennearlyshut,butinonehandwasablazingseraphblade,and thehand thatheld itwassteady. Iveneverkilledahumanbeingwithoneof thesebefore,saidJace.ButImwillingtotry.

Sebastians face twisted.He glanced down once at Simon, and then raised his head and spat. Thewords he said after thatwere in a languageClary didnt recognizeand then he turnedwith the sameterrifyingswiftnesswithwhichhedmovedwhenhedattackedJace,andvanishedintothedarkness.

No!Clarycried.Shetriedtoraiseherselftoherfeet,butthepainwaslikeanarrowsearingitswaythroughherbrain.Shecrumpledtothedampgrass.AmomentlaterJacewasleaningoverher,hisfacepaleandanxious.Shelookedupathim,hervisionblurringithadtobeblurred,didnt it,orshecouldneverhaveimaginedthatwhitenessaroundhim,asortoflight

SheheardSimonsvoiceand thenAlecs, and somethingwashandeddown to Jacea stele.Her armburned,andamomentlaterthepainbegantorecede,andherheadcleared.Sheblinkedupatthethreefaceshoveringoverhers.Myhead

Youhaveaconcussion,Jacesaid.Theiratzeshouldhelp,butweoughttogetyoutoaClavedoctor.Headinjuriescanbetricky.HehandedthestelebacktoAlec.Doyouthinkyoucanstandup?

Shenodded.Itwasamistake.Painshotthroughheragainashandsreacheddownandhelpedhertoherfeet.Simon.Sheleanedagainsthimgratefully,waitingforherbalancetoreturn.Shestillfeltasifshemightfalloveratanyminute.

Jacewasscowling.YoushouldnthaveattackedSebastianlikethat.Youdidntevenhaveaweapon.Whatwereyouthinking?

What we were all thinking. Alec, unexpectedly, came to her defense. That hed just thrown youthroughtheairlikeasoftball.Jace,Iveneverseenanyonegetthebetterofyoulikethat.

Ihe surprisedme, Jace said a little reluctantly.Hemust have had some kind of special training. Iwasntexpectingit.

Yeah,well.Simontouchedhisribcage,wincing.Ithinkhekickedinacoupleofmyribs.Itsokay,headded at Clarys worried look. Theyre healing. But Sebastians definitely strong. Really strong. He

lookedatJace.Howlongdoyouthinkhewasstandingthereintheshadows?

Jacelookedgrim.HeglancedamongthetreesinthedirectionSebastianhadgone.Well, theClavewill catch himand curse him, probably. Id like to see them put the same curse on him they put onHodge.Thatwouldbepoeticjustice.

Simonturnedasideandspatintothebushes.Hewipedhismouthwiththebackofhishand,hisfacetwistedintoagrimace.Hisbloodtastesfoullikepoison.

Isupposewecanaddthattohislistofcharmingqualities,saidJace.Iwonderwhatelsehewasuptotonight.

Weneed togetback to theHall.The lookonAlecs facewasstrained,andClary remembered thatSebastianhadsaidsomethingtohim,somethingabouttheotherLightwoods.Canyouwalk,Clary?

ShedrewawayfromSimon.Icanwalk.WhataboutHodge?Wecantjustleavehim.

Wehaveto,saidAlec.Therellbetimetocomebackforhimifweallsurvivethenight.

Astheyleftthegarden,Jacepaused,drewoffhisjacket,andlaiditoverHodgesslack,upturnedface.ClarywantedtogotoJace,putahandonhisshouldereven,butsomethinginthewayheheldhimselftold her not to. EvenAlec didnt go near him or offer a healing rune, despite the fact that Jacewaslimpingashewalkeddownthehill.

Theymovedtogetherdownthezigzagpath,weaponsdrawnandattheready,theskylitredbytheburningGardbehind them.But they sawnodemons.The stillness and eerie lightmadeClarysheadthrob;shefeltasifshewereinadream.Exhaustiongrippedherlikeavise.Justputtingonefootinfrontoftheotherwaslikeliftingablockofcementandslammingitdown,overandover.ShecouldhearJaceandAlectalkingupaheadonthepath,theirvoicesfaintlyblurreddespitetheirproximity.

Alecwasspeakingsoftly,almostpleading:Jace,thewayyouweretalkingupthere,toHodge.Youcantthinklikethat.BeingValentinesson,itdoesntmakeyouamonster.Whateverhedidtoyouwhenyouwereakid,whateverhetaughtyou,youhavetoseeitsnotyourfault

Idontwanttotalkaboutthis,Alec.Notnow,notever.Dontaskmeaboutitagain.Jacestonewassavage,andAlecfellsilent.Clarycouldalmostfeelhishurt.Whatanight,Clarythought.Anightofsomuchpainforeveryone.

ShetriednottothinkofHodge,ofthepleading,pitifullookonhisfacebeforeheddied.Shehadntliked Hodge, but he hadnt deserved what Sebastian had done to him. No one did. She thought ofSebastian,ofthewayhedmoved,likesparksflying.ShedneverseenanyonebutJacemovelikethat.She wanted to puzzle it outwhat had happened to Sebastian? How had a cousin of the Penhallowsmanagedtogosowrong,andhowhadtheynevernoticed?Shedthoughthedwantedtohelphersavehermother,buthedonlywantedtogettheBookoftheWhiteforValentine.Magnushadbeenwrongithadnt been because of the Lightwoods thatValentine had found out about Ragnor Fell. It had beenbecauseshedtoldSebastian.Howcouldshehavebeensostupid?

Appalled,shebarelynoticedasthepathturnedintoanavenue,leadingthemintothecity.Thestreetsweredeserted,thehousesdark,manyofthewitchlightstreetlampssmashed,theirglassscatteredacrossthecobblestones.Voiceswereaudible,echoingasifatadistance,andthegleamoftorcheswasvisiblehereandthereamongtheshadowsbetweenbuildings,but

Itsawfullyquiet,Alecsaid,lookingaroundinsurprise.And

Itdoesntstinklikedemons.Jacefrowned.Strange.Comeon.LetsgettotheHall.

ThoughClarywashalf-bracedforanattack,theydidntseeasingledemonastheymovedthroughthestreets.Nota liveone,at leastthoughas theypassedanarrowalley,shesawagroupof threeorfourShadowhunters gathered in a circle around something that pulsed and twitched on the ground. Theyweretakingturnsstabbingitwithlong,sharpenedpoles.Withashuddershelookedaway.

TheHallofAccordswas lit likeabonfire,witchlightpouringoutof itsdoorsandwindows.Theyhurriedupthestairs,Clarysteadyingherselfwhenshestumbled.Herdizzinesswasgettingworse.Theworldseemedtobeswingingaroundher,asifshestoodinsideagreatspinningglobe.Aboveherthestarswerewhite-paintedstreaksacrossthesky.Youshouldliedown,Simonsaid,andthen,whenshesaidnothing,Clary?

Withanenormouseffort,sheforcedherselftosmileathim.Imallright.

Jace, standing at the entrance to theHall, looked back at her in silence. In the harsh glare of thewitchlight,thebloodonhisfaceandhisswolleneyelookedugly,streakedandblack.

TherewasadullroarinsidetheHall,thelowmurmurofhundredsofvoices.ToClaryitsoundedlikethe beating of an enormous heart. The lights of the bracketed torches, coupled with the glow ofwitchlightscarriedeverywhere, searedhereyesand fragmentedhervision; shecould seeonlyvagueshapesnow,vagueshapesandcolors.White,gold,andthenthenightskyabove,fadingfromdarktopalerblue.Howlatewasit?

I dont see them.Alec, casting anxiously around the room for his family, sounded as if hewere ahundredmilesoff,ordeepunderwater.Theyshouldbeherebynow

HisvoicefadedasClarysdizzinessworsened.Sheputahandagainstanearbypillartosteadyherself.AhandbrushedacrossherbackSimon.HewassayingsomethingtoJace,soundinganxious.Hisvoicefadedintothepatternofdozensofothers,risingandfallingaroundherlikewavesbreaking.

Neverseenanythinglikeit.Thedemonsjustturnedaroundandleft,justvanished.

Sunrise,probably.Theyreafraidofsunrise,anditsnotfaroff.

No,itwasmorethanthat.

Youjustdontwanttothinktheyllbebackthenextnight,orthenext.

Dontsaythat;theresnoreasontosaythat.Theyllgetthewardsbackup.

AndValentinewilljusttakethemdownagain.

Maybe its no better than we deserve. Maybe Valentine was rightmaybe allying ourselves withDownworldersmeanswevelosttheAngelsblessing.

Hush.Havesomerespect.TheyretallyingthedeadoutinAngelSquare.

Theretheyare,Alecsaid.Overthere,bythedais.ItlookslikeHisvoicetrailedoff,andthenhewasgone,pushinghiswaythroughthecrowd.Clarysquinted,tryingtosharpenhervision.Allshecouldseewereblurs

SheheardJacecatchhisbreath,andthen,withoutanotherword,hewasshovingthroughthecrowdafterAlec.Claryletgoofthepillar,meaningtofollowthem,butstumbled.Simoncaughther.

Youneedtoliedown,Clary,hesaid.

No,shewhispered.Iwanttoseewhathappened

Shebrokeoff.Hewasstaringpasther,afterJace,andhelookedstricken.Bracingherselfagainstthepillar,sheraisedherselfuponhertoes,strugglingtoseeoverthecrowd

There they were, the Lightwoods:Maryse with her arms around Isabelle, who was sobbing, andRobertLightwoodsittingonthegroundandholdingsomethingno,someone,andClarythoughtof thefirst time she had seenMax, at the Institute, lying limp and asleep on a couch, his glasses knockedaskewandhishandtrailingalongthefloor.Hecansleepanywhere,Jacehadsaid,andhealmostlookedasifheweresleepingnow,inhisfatherslap,butClaryknewhewasnt.

Alecwasonhisknees, holdingoneofMaxshands,but Jacewas just standingwherehewas,notmoving,andmorethananythingelsehelookedlost,asifhehadnoideawherehewasorwhathewasdoingthere.AllClarywantedwastoruntohimandputherarmsaroundhim,butthelookonSimonsfacetoldherno,no,andsodidhermemoryofthemanorhouseandJacesarmsaroundherthere.Shewasthelastpersononearthwhocouldevergivehimanycomfort.

Clary,Simonsaid,butshewaspullingawayfromhim,despiteherdizzinessandthepaininherhead.SheranforthedooroftheHallandpusheditopen,ranoutontothestepsandstoodthere,gulpingdownbreathsofcoldair.Inthedistancethehorizonwasstreakedwithredfire,thestarsfading,bleachedoutofthelighteningsky.Thenightwasover.Dawnhadcome.

13

WHERETHEREISSORROW

Clarywokegaspingoutofadreamofbleedingangels,hersheetstwistedaroundherinatightspiral.Itwaspitch-blackandcloseinAmatisssparebedroom,likebeinglockedinacoffin.Shereachedoutandtwitchedthecurtainsopen.Daylightpouredin.Shefrownedandpulledthemshutagain.

Shadowhuntersburnedtheirdead,andeversincethedemonattack,theskytothewestofthecityhadbeenstainedwithsmoke.LookingatitoutthewindowmadeClaryfeelsick,soshekeptthecurtainsclosed.Inthedarknessoftheroomsheclosedhereyes,tryingtorememberherdream.Therehadbeenangelsinit,andtheimageoftheruneIthurielhadshowedher,flashingoverandoveragainsttheinsideofhereyelidslikeablinkingWALKsign.Itwasasimplerune,assimpleasatiedknot,butnomatterhowhardsheconcentrated,shecouldntreadit,couldntfigureoutwhatitmeant.Allsheknewwasthatitseemedsomehowincompletetoher,asifwhoeverhadcreatedthepatternhadntquitefinishedit.

Thesearenot the firstdreams Ihaveever showedyou, Ithuriel had said.She thoughtofherotherdreams:ofSimonwithcrossesburnedintohishands,Jacewithwings,lakesofcrackingicethatshonelikemirrorglass.Hadtheangelsentherthose,too?

Witha sigh she satup.Thedreamsmightbebad,but thewaking images thatmarchedacrossherbrainwerentmuchbetter.Isabelle,weepingontheflooroftheHallofAccords,tuggingwithsuchforceontheblackhairthreadedthroughherfingersthatClaryworriedshewouldripitout.MaryseshriekingatJiaPenhallowthattheboytheydbroughtintotheirhousehaddonethis,theircousin,andifhewassoclosely allied with Valentine, what did that say about them? Alec trying to calm his mother down,asking Jace to helphim, but Jace just standing there as the sun roseoverAlicante andblazeddownthroughtheceilingof theHall.Itsdawn,Lukehadsaid, lookingmoretiredthanClaryhadeverseen

him.Timetobringthebodiesinside.AndhedsentoutpatrolstogatherupthedeadShadowhuntersandlycanthropes lying in the streets and bring them to the plaza outside the Hall, the plaza Clary hadcrossedwithSebastianwhenshedcommentedthattheHalllookedlikeachurch.Ithadseemedlikeapretty place to her then, linedwith flowerboxes andbrightly painted shops.Andnow itwas full ofcorpses.

IncludingMax.Thinkingof the littleboywhod sogravely talkedaboutmangawithhermadeherstomachknot.ShedpromisedoncethatshedtakehimtoForbiddenPlanet,butthatwouldneverhappennow.Iwouldhaveboughthimbooks,shethought.Whateverbookshewanted.Notthatitmattered.

Dontthinkaboutit.Clarykickedhersheetsbackandgotup.Afteraquickshowershechangedintothe jeans and sweater shed worn the day shed come from New York. She pressed her face to thematerialbefore sheput the sweateron,hoping to catchawhiffofBrooklyn,or the smellof laundrydetergentsomething toremindherofhomebut ithadbeenwashedandsmelled like lemonsoap.Withanothersighsheheadeddownstairs.

ThehousewasemptyexceptforSimon,sittingonthecouchinthelivingroom.Theopenwindowsbehind him streamed daylight. Hed become like a cat, Clary thought, always seeking out availablepatchesofsunlighttocurlupin.Nomatterhowmuchsunhegot,though,hisskinstayedthesameivorywhite.

Shepicked an apple out of thebowlon the table and sankdownnext to him, curlingher legs upunderher.Didyougetanysleep?

Some.Helookedather. Iought toaskyouthat.Youre theonewith theshadowsunderyoureyes.Morenightmares?

Sheshrugged.Samestuff.Death,destruction,badangels.

Soalotlikereallife,then.

Yeah,butatleastwhenIwakeup,itsover.Shetookabiteoutofherapple.Letmeguess.LukeandAmatisareattheAccordsHall,havinganothermeeting.

Yeah.Ithinktheyrehavingthemeetingwheretheygettogetheranddecidewhatothermeetingstheyneed tohave.Simonpicked idly at the fringe edginga throwpillow.Haveyouheard anything fromMagnus?

No.ClarywastryingnottothinkaboutthefactthatithadbeenthreedayssinceshedseenMagnus,andhedsentnowordatall.OrthefactthattherewasreallynothingstoppinghimfromtakingtheBookoftheWhiteanddisappearingintotheether,nevertobeheardfromagain.Shewonderedwhyshedeverthoughttrustingsomeonewhoworethatmucheyelinerwasagoodidea.

She touchedSimonswrist lightly.Andyou?Whataboutyou?Youre stillokayhere?ShedwantedSimon to go home themoment the battlewas overhome,where itwas safe.But hed been strangelyresistant.Forwhateverreason,heseemedtowanttostay.Shehopeditwasntbecausehethoughthehadtotakecareofhershednearlycomeoutandtoldhimshedidntneedhisprotectionbutshehadnt,becausepart of her couldnt bear to see him go. So he stayed, and Clary was secretly, guiltily glad. Youregettingyouknowwhatyouneed?

Youmeanblood?Yeah,Maias stillbringingmebottles everyday.Dontaskmewhere shegets it,though.ThefirstmorningSimonhadbeenatAmatisshouse,agrinninglycanthropehadshowedupon

thedoorstepwithalivecatforhim.Blood,hedsaid,inaheavilyaccentedvoice.Foryou.Fresh!Simonhadthankedthewerewolf,waitedforhimtoleave,andletthecatgo,hisexpressionfaintlygreen.

Well,youregoingtohavetogetyourbloodfromsomewhere,saidLuke,lookingamused.

Ihaveapetcat,Simonreplied.Theresnoway.

Ill tellMaia,Luke promised, and from then on the bloodhad come in discreet glassmilk bottles.Claryhadno ideahowMaiawasarranging itand, likeSimon,didntwant toask.Shehadntseen thewerewolfgirlsincethenightofthebattlethelycanthropeswerecampedsomewhereinthenearbyforest,withonlyLukeremaininginthecity.

Whatsup?Simonleanedhisheadback,lookingatherthroughhisloweredeyelashes.Youlooklikeyouwanttoaskmesomething.

TherewereseveralthingsClarywantedtoaskhim,butshedecidedtogoforoneofthesaferoptions.Hodge,shesaid,andhesitated.Whenyouwereinthecellyoureallydidntknowitwashim?

Icouldntseehim.Icouldjusthearhimthroughthewall.Wetalkedalot.

Andyoulikedhim?Imean,hewasnice?

Nice?Idontknow.Tortured,sad,intelligent,compassionateinbriefflashesyeah,Ilikedhim.IthinkIsortofremindedhimofhimself,inaway

Dontsaythat!Clarysatupstraight,almostdroppingherapple.YourenothinglikeHodgewas.

YoudontthinkImtorturedandintelligent?

Hodgewasevil.Yourenot.Claryspokedecidedly.Thatsallthereistoit.

Simonsighed.Peoplearentborngoodorbad.Maybetheyrebornwithtendencieseitherway,butitsthewayyouliveyourlifethatmatters.Andthepeopleyouknow.ValentinewasHodgesfriend,andIdontthinkHodgereallyhadanyoneelseinhislifetochallengehimormakehimbeabetterperson.IfIdhadthatlife,IdontknowhowIwouldhaveturnedout.ButIdidnt.Ihavemyfamily.AndIhaveyou.

Clarysmiledathim,buthiswordsrangpainfullyinherears.Peoplearentborngoodorbad.Shedalwaysthoughtthatwastrue,butintheimagestheangelhadshowedher,shedseenhermothercallherownchildevil,amonster.ShewishedshecouldtellSimonaboutit,tellhimeverythingtheangelhadshowedher,butshecouldnt.ItwouldhavemeanttellingwhattheyddiscoveredaboutJace,andthatshecouldntdo.Itwashissecrettotell,nothers.SimonhadaskedheroncewhatJacehadmeantwhenhedspoken to Hodge, why hed called himself a monster, but shed only answered that it was hard tounderstandwhatJacemeantbyanythingatthebestoftimes.ShewasntsureSimonhadbelievedher,buthehadntaskedagain.

Shewassavedfromsayinganythingatallbyaloudknockonthedoor.WithafrownClarysetherapplecoredownonthetable.Illgetit.

Theopendoorlet inawaveofcold,freshair.AlinePenhallowstoodonthefrontsteps,wearingadark pink silk jacket that almostmatched the circles under her eyes. I need to talk to you, she saidwithoutpreamble.

Surprised,Clarycouldonlynodandholdthedooropen.Allright.Comeonin.

Thanks.Aline pushed past her brusquely andwent into the living room. She frozewhen she sawSimonsittingonthecouch,herlipspartinginastonishment.Isntthat

Thevampire?Simongrinned.Theslightbutinhumanacuityofhisincisorswasjustvisibleagainsthislowerlipwhenhegrinnedlikethat.Clarywishedhewouldnt.

AlineturnedtoClary.CanItalktoyoualone?

No,Clarysaid,andsatdownonthecouchnexttoSimon.Anythingyouhavetosay,youcansaytobothofus.

Alinebitherlip.Fine.Look,IhavesomethingIwanttotellAlecandJaceandIsabelle,butIhavenoideawheretofindthemrightnow.

Clary sighed.They pulled some strings and got into an empty house.The family in it left for thecountry.

Alinenodded.AlotofpeoplehadleftIdrissincetheattacks.MosthadstayedmorethanClarywouldhaveexpectedbutquiteafewhadpackedupanddeparted,leavingtheirhousesstandingempty.

Theyreokay,ifthatswhatyouwanttoknow.Look,Ihaventseenthemeither.Notsincethebattle.IcouldpassonamessagethroughLukeifyouwant

Idontknow.Alinewaschewingherlowerlip.MyparentshadtotellSebastiansauntinPariswhathedid.Shewasreallyupset.

Asonewouldbeifonesnephewturnedouttobeanevilmastermind,saidSimon.

Alineshothimadarklook.Shesaiditwascompletelyunlikehim,thattheremustbesomemistake.Soshesentmesomephotosofhim.Alinereachedintoherpocketanddrewoutseveralslightlybentphotographs,whichshehandedtoClary.Look.

Clarylooked.Thephotographsshowedalaughingdark-hairedboy,handsomeinanoff-kiltersortofway,withacrookedgrinandaslightly-too-bignose.Helookedlikethesortofboyitwouldbefuntohangoutwith.HealsolookednothingatalllikeSebastian.Thisisyourcousin?

ThatsSebastianVerlac.Whichmeans

Thattheboywhowashere,whowascallinghimselfSebastian,issomeoneelseentirely?Claryrifledthroughthephotoswithincreasingagitation.

I thought Aline was worrying her lip again. I thought that if the Lightwoods knew Sebastianorwhoeverthatboywaswasntreallyourcousin,maybetheydforgiveme.Forgiveus.

Imsuretheywill.Clarymadehervoiceaskindasshecould.Butthisisbiggerthanthat.TheClavewillwanttoknowthatSebastianwasntjustsomemisguidedShadowhunterkid.Valentinesenthimheredeliberatelyasaspy.

Hewasjustsoconvincing,Alinesaid.Heknewthingsonlymyfamilyknows.Heknewthingsfromourchildhood

Itkindofmakesyouwonder,saidSimon,whathappenedtotherealSebastian.Yourcousin.ItsoundslikeheleftParis,headedtoIdris,andneveractuallygothere.Sowhathappenedtohimontheway?

Claryanswered.Valentinehappened.HemusthaveplanneditallandknownwhereSebastianwouldbeandhowtointercepthimontheway.AndifhedidthatwithSebastian

Thentheremaybeothers,saidAline.YoushouldtelltheClave.TellLucianGraymark.ShecaughtClaryssurprisedlook.Peoplelistentohim.Myparentssaidso.

MaybeyoushouldcometotheHallwithus,Simonsuggested.Tellhimyourself.

Alineshookherhead.IcantfacetheLightwoods.EspeciallyIsabelle.Shesavedmylife,andIIjustranaway.Icouldntstopmyself.Ijustran.

Youwereinshock.Itsnotyourfault.

Alinelookedunconvinced.AndnowherbrotherShebrokeoff,bitingherlipagain.Anyway.Look,theressomethingIvebeenmeaningtotellyou,Clary.

Totellme?Clarywasbaffled.

Yes.Alinetookadeepbreath.Look,whatyouwalkedinon,withmeandJace,itwasntanything.Ikissedhim.Itwasanexperiment.Anditdidntreallywork.

Clary feltherselfblushingwhatshe thoughtmustbea trulyspectacular red.Whyisshe tellingmethis?Look,itsokay.ItsJacesbusiness,notmine.

Well,youseemedprettyupsetatthetime.AsmallsmileplayedaroundthecornersofAlinesmouth.AndIthinkIknowwhy.

Claryswallowedagainsttheacidtasteinhermouth.Youdo?

Look,yourbrothergetsaround.Everyoneknowsthat;hesdatedlotsofgirls.Youwereworriedthatifhemessedaroundwithme,hedgetintrouble.Afterall,ourfamiliesarewerefriends.Youdontneedtoworry,though.Hesnotmytype.

IdontthinkIveeverheardagirlsaythatbefore,saidSimon.IthoughtJacewasthekindofguywhowaseveryonestype.

Ithoughtsotoo,Alinesaidslowly,whichiswhyIkissedhim.Iwastryingtofigureoutifanyguyismytype.

ShekissedJace,Clarythought.Hedidntkissher.Shekissedhim.ShemetSimonseyesoverAlineshead.Simonwaslookingamused.Well,whatdyoudecide?

Alineshrugged.Notsureyet.But,hey,atleastyoudonthaveJacetoworryabout.

Ifonly.IalwayshaveJacetoworryabout.

ThespaceinsidetheHallofAccordshadbeenswiftlyreconfiguredsincethenightofthebattle.WiththeGardgone itnowservedasaCouncil chamber, agatheringplace forpeople looking formissingfamilymembers,andaplacetolearnthelatestnews.Thecentralfountainwasdry,andoneithersideofit long bencheswere drawnup in rows facing a raised dais at the far end of the room.While someNephilimwereseatedonthebenchesinwhatlookedlikeaCouncilsession,intheaislesandbeneaththearcadesthatringedthegreatroomdozensofotherShadowhuntersweremillinganxiously.TheHallnolongerlookedlikeaplacewhereanyonewouldconsiderdancing.Therewasapeculiaratmosphereintheair,amixtureoftensionandanticipation.

Despite the gathering of theClave in the center,murmured conversationswere everywhere.ClarycaughtsnippetsofchatterassheandSimonmovedthroughtheroom:thedemontowerswereworkingagain.Thewardswerebackup, butweaker thanbefore.Thewardswerebackup, but stronger than

before.Demonshadbeensightedon thehills southof thecity.Thecountryhouseswereabandoned,morefamilieshadleftthecity,andsomehadlefttheClavealtogether.

On the raised dais, surrounded by hanging maps of the city, stood the Consul, glowering like abodyguardbesideashort,plumpmaningray.Theplumpmanwasgesticulatingangrilyashespoke,butnooneseemedtobepayinganyattention.

Oh,crap,thatstheInquisitor,SimonmutteredinClarysear,pointing.Aldertree.

AndtheresLuke,Clarysaid,pickinghimoutfromthecrowd.Hestoodnearthedryfountain,deepinconversationwithamaninheavilyscuffedgearandabandagecoveringthelefthalfofhisface.ClarylookedaroundforAmatisandfinallysawher,sittingsilentlyattheendofabench,asfarawayfromtheotherShadowhuntersasshecouldget.ShecaughtsightofClaryandmadeastartledface,beginningtorisetoherfeet.

Luke saw Clary, frowned, and spoke to the bandaged man in a low voice, excusing himself. Hecrossed the room towhereClary and Simon stood by one of the pillars, his frown deepening as heapproached.Whatareyoudoinghere?YouknowtheClavedoesntallowchildrenintoitsmeetings,andasforyouHeglaredatSimon.ItsprobablynotthebestideaforyoutoshowyourfaceinfrontoftheInquisitor,evenifthereisntreallyanythinghecandoaboutit.Asmiletwitchedthecornerofhismouth.NotwithoutjeopardizinganyalliancetheClavemightwanttohavewithDownworldersinthefuture,anyway.

Thatsright.SimonwiggledhisfingersinawaveattheInquisitor,whichAldertreeignored.

Simon, stop it.Were here for a reason.Clary thrust the photographs ofSebastian atLuke.This isSebastianVerlac.TherealSebastianVerlac.

Lukes expression darkened. He shuffled through the photos without saying anything as ClaryrepeatedthestoryAlinehadtoldher.Simon,meanwhile,stooduneasily,gloweringacrosstheroomatAldertree,whowasstudiouslyignoringhim.

SodoestherealSebastianlookmuchliketheimposterversion?Lukeaskedfinally.

Notreally,Clarysaid.ThefakeSebastianwastaller.AndIthinkhewasprobablyblond,becausehewasdefinitelydyeinghishair.Noonehashairthatblack.AndthedyecameoffonmyfingerswhenItouchedit,shethought,butkeptthethoughttoherself.Anyway,AlinewantedustoshowthesetoyouandtotheLightwoods.ShethoughtmaybeiftheyknewhewasntreallyrelatedtothePenhallows,then

Shehasnttoldherparentsaboutthese,hasshe?Lukeindicatedthephotos.

Not yet, I think,Clary said. I think she came straight tome.Shewantedme to tell you.She saidpeoplelistentoyou.

Maybesomeofthemdo.Lukeglancedbackatthemanwiththebandagedface.IwasjusttalkingtoPatrickPenhallow,actually.ValentinewasagoodfriendofhisbackinthedayandmayhavekepttabsonthePenhallowfamilyinonewayoranotherintheyearssince.YousaidHodgetoldyouhehadspieshere.HehandedthephotosbacktoClary.Unfortunately,theLightwoodsarentgoingtobepartoftheCounciltoday.ThismorningwasMaxsfuneral.Theyremostlikelyinthecemetery.SeeingthelookonClarysface,headded,Itwasaverysmallceremony,Clary.Justthefamily.

ButIamJacesfamily,saidasmall,protestingvoiceinsideherhead.Buttherewasanothervoice,alouderone,surprisingherwithitsbitterness.Andhetoldyouthatbeingaroundyouwaslikebleedingto

deathslowly.DoyoureallythinkheneedsthatwhenhesalreadyatMaxsfuneral?

Then you can tell them tonight, maybe, Clary said. I meanI think itll be good news. WhoeverSebastianreallyis,heisntrelatedtotheirfriends.

Itdbebetternewsifweknewwherehewas,Lukemuttered.OrwhatotherspiesValentinehashere.Theremusthavebeenseveralofthem,atleast,involvedintakingdownthewards.Itcouldonlyhavebeendonefrominsidethecity.

HodgesaidValentinehadfiguredouthowtodoit,saidSimon.Hesaidthatyouneeddemonbloodtotakethewardsdown,butthattherewasnowaytogetdemonbloodintothecity.ExceptthatValentinehadfiguredoutaway.

Someonepaintedaruneindemonbloodontheapexofoneofthetowers,Lukesaidwithasigh,so,clearly,Hodgewasright.Unfortunately,theClavehasalwaystrustedtoomuchintheirwards.Buteventhecleverestpuzzlehasasolution.

Itseemstomelikethesortofcleverthatgetsyourbuttkickedingaming,Simonsaid.ThesecondyouprotectyourfortresswithaSpellofTotalInvincibility,someonecomesalongandfiguresouthowtotrashtheplace.

Simon,Clarysaid.Shutup.

Hesnot so faroff, saidLuke.We justdontknowhow theygotdemonblood into thecitywithoutsettingthewardsoffinthefirstplace.Heshrugged.Itstheleastofourproblemsatthemoment.Thewardsarebackup,butwealreadyknow theyrenot foolproof.Valentinecould returnat anymomentwithanevenbiggerforceofarms,andIdoubtwecouldfighthimoff.TherearentenoughNephilim,andthosewhoarehereareutterlydemoralized.

ButwhatabouttheDownworlders?Clarysaid.YoutoldtheConsulthattheClavehadtofightwiththeDownworlders.

IcantellMalachiandAldertreethatuntilImblueintheface,butitdoesntmeantheylllisten,Lukesaidwearily.TheonlyreasontheyreevenlettingmestayhereisbecausetheClavevotedtokeepmeonasanadviser.Andtheyonlydidthatbecausequiteafewofthemhadtheirlivessavedbymypack.ButthatdoesntmeantheywantmoreDownworldersinIdris

Someonescreamed.

Amatiswasonherfeet,herhandoverhermouth,staringtowardthefrontoftheHall.Amanstoodinthedoorway,framedintheglowofthesunlightoutside.Hewasonlyasilhouette,untilhetookastepforward,intotheHall,andClarycouldseehisfaceforthefirsttime.

Valentine.

For some reason the first thing Clary noticed was that he was clean shaven. It made him lookyounger,moreliketheangryboyinthememoriesIthurielhadshowedher.Insteadofbattledress,heworeanelegantlycutpin-stripedsuitandatie.Hewasunarmed.HecouldhavebeenanymanwalkingdownthestreetsofManhattan.Hecouldhavebeenanyonesfather.

He didnt look towardClary, didnt acknowledge her presence at all.His eyeswere onLuke as hewalkedupthenarrowaislebetweenthebenches.

Howcouldhecome inhere like thiswithoutanyweapons?Clarywondered, andhadherquestion

answered amoment later: InquisitorAldertreemade anoise like awoundedbear; torehimself awayfromMalachi,whowastryingtoholdhimback;staggereddownthedaissteps;andhurledhimselfatValentine.

He passed through Valentines body like a knife tearing through paper. Valentine turned to watchAldertreewith an expression of bland interest as the Inquisitor staggered, collidedwith a pillar, andsprawledawkwardlytotheground.TheConsul,following,benttohelphimtohisfeettherewasalookofbarelyconcealeddisgustonhisfaceashedidit,andClarywonderedifthedisgustwasdirectedatValentineoratAldertreeforactingsuchafool.

Anotherfaintmurmurcarriedaroundtheroom.TheInquisitorsqueakedandstruggledlikearatinatrap,Malachi holding him firmly by the arms asValentine proceeded into the roomwithout anotherglanceateitherof them.TheShadowhunterswhohadbeenclusteredaround thebenchesdrewback,likethewavesoftheRedSeapartingforMoses,leavingaclearpathdownthecenteroftheroom.Claryshiveredashedrewcloser towhereshestoodwithLukeandSimon.HesonlyaProjection, she toldherself.Notreallyhere.Hecanthurtyou.

BesideherSimonshuddered.ClarytookhishandjustasValentinepausedatthestepsofthedaisandturnedtolookdirectlyather.Hiseyesrakedheronce,casually,asiftakinghermeasure;passedoverSimonentirely;andcametorestonLuke.

Lucian,hesaid.

Lukereturnedhisgaze,steadyandlevel,sayingnothing.ItwasthefirsttimetheyhadbeentogetherinthesameroomsinceRenwicks,Clarythought,andthenLukehadbeenhalf-deadfromfightingandcoveredinblood.ItwaseasiernowtomarkboththedifferencesandthesimilaritiesbetweenthetwomenLuke in his ragged flannel and jeans, andValentine in his beautiful and expensive-looking suit;Lukewithadaysworthofstubbleandgrayinhishair,andValentinelookingmuchashehadwhenhewastwenty-fiveonlycolder,somehow,andharder,asifthepassingyearswereintheprocessofturninghimslowlytostone.

IheartheClavehasbroughtyouontotheCouncilnow,Valentinesaid.ItwouldonlybefittingforaClavedilutedbycorruptionandpanderingtofinditselfinfiltratedbyhalf-breeddegenerates.Hisvoicewasplacid,evencheerfulsomuchsothatitwashardtofeelthepoisoninhiswords,ortoreallybelievethathemeantthem.HisgazemovedbacktoClary.Clarissa,hesaid,herewiththevampire,Isee.Whenthingshavesettledabit,wereallymustdiscussyourchoiceofpets.

AlowgrowlingnoisecamefromSimonsthroat.Clarygrippedhishand,hardhardenoughthattherewould have been a time hed have jerked away in pain. Now he didnt seem to feel it. Dont, shewhispered.Justdont.

Valentinehadalreadyturnedhisattentionawayfromthem.Heclimbedthedaisstepsandturnedtogazedownatthecrowd.Somanyfamiliarfaces,heobserved.Patrick.Malachi.Amatis.

Amatisstoodrigid,hereyesbrightwithhatred.

TheInquisitorwasstillstrugglinginMalachisgrasp.Valentinesgazeflickedoverhim,half-amused.Even you, Aldertree. I hear you were indirectly responsible for the death of my old friend HodgeStarkweather.Apity,that.

Lukefoundhisvoice.Youadmitit,then,hesaid.Youbroughtthewardsdown.Yousentthedemons.

Isentthem,saidValentine.Icansendmore.SurelytheClaveeventheClave,stupidastheyaremusthaveexpectedthis?Youexpectedit,didntyou,Lucian?

Lukeseyesweregravelyblue.Idid.ButIknowyou,Valentine.Sohaveyoucometobargain,ortogloat?

Neither.Valentineregardedthesilentcrowd.Ihavenoneedtobargain,hesaid,andthoughhistonewascalm,hisvoicecarriedasifamplified.Andnodesiretogloat.IdontenjoycausingthedeathsofShadowhunters;therearepreciousfewofusalready,inaworldthatneedsusdesperately.ButthatshowtheClave likes it, isnt it? Its just another one of their nonsensical rules, the rules they use to grindordinaryShadowhuntersintothedust.IdidwhatIdidbecauseIhadto.IdidwhatIdidbecauseitwastheonlywaytomaketheClavelisten.Shadowhuntersdidntdiebecauseofme;theydiedbecausetheClave ignored me. He met Aldertrees eyes across the crowd; the Inquisitors face was white andtwitching.SomanyofyouherewereonceinmyCircle,saidValentineslowly.Ispeaktoyounow,andtothosewhoknewoftheCirclebutstoodoutsideit.DoyourememberwhatIpredictedfifteenyearsago?ThatunlessweactedagainsttheAccords,thecityofAlicante,ourownpreciouscapital,wouldbeoverrun by slobbering, slavering crowds of half-breeds, the degenerate races trampling underfooteverythingweholddear?And just as Ipredicted, all thathas come topass.TheGardburned to theground,thePortaldestroyed,ourstreetsawashwithmonsters.Half-humanscumpresumingtoleadus.So,myfriends,myenemies,mybrothersundertheAngel,Iaskyoudoyoubelievemenow?Hisvoicerosetoashout:DOYOUBELIEVEMENOW?

Hisgazeswepttheroomasifheexpectedananswer.Therewasnoneonlyaseaofstaringfaces.

Valentine.Lukesvoice,thoughsoft,brokethesilence.Cantyouseewhatyouvedone?TheAccordsyoudreadedsomuchdidntmakeDownworldersequal toNephilim.TheydidntassurehalfhumansaspotontheCouncil.All theoldhatredswerestill inplace.Youshouldhavetrustedtothose,butyoudidntyoucouldntandnowyouvegivenustheonethingthatcouldpossiblyhaveunitedusall.HiseyessoughtValentines.Acommonenemy.

AflushpassedoverValentinespaleface.Iamnotanenemy.NotofNephilim.Youarethat.Youretheonetryingtoenticethemintoahopelessfight.YouthinkthosedemonsyousawareallIhave?TheywereafractionofwhatIcansummon.

Therearemoreofusaswell,saidLuke.MoreNephilim,andmoreDownworlders.

Downworlders,Valentinesneered.Theywillrunatthefirstsignoftruedanger.Nephilimareborntobewarriors, toprotect thisworld,but theworldhatesyourkind.There isa reasoncleansilverburnsyou,anddaylightscorchestheNightChildren.

Itdoesntscorchme,Simonsaid inahard,clearvoice,despite thegripofClaryshand.HereIam,standinginsunlight

ButValentinejustlaughed.IveseenyouchokeonthenameofGod,vampire,hesaid.Asforwhyyoucan stand in the sunlightHe broke off and grinned.Youre an anomaly, perhaps.A freak.But still amonster.

Amonster.ClarythoughtofValentineontheship,ofwhathehadsaidthere:YourmothertoldmethatIhadturnedherfirstchildintoamonster.SheleftmebeforeIcouldhavethechancetodothesametohersecond.

Jace. The thought of his namewas a sharp pain.Afterwhat Valentine did, he stands here talking

aboutmonsters

Theonlymonsterhere,shesaid,despiteherselfanddespiteherresolutiontokeepsilent,isyou.IsawIthuriel,shewentonwhenheturnedtolookatherinsurprise.Iknoweverything

Idoubt that,Valentine said. Ifyoudid,youdkeepyourmouth shut.Foryourbrothers sake, ifnotyourown.

DontyoueventalkaboutJacetome!Clarywantedtoshout,butanothervoicecametocuthersoff,acool,unexpectedfemalevoice,fearlessandbitter.

Andwhataboutmybrother?Amatismovedtostandatthefootofthedais,lookingupatValentine.Lukestartedinsurpriseandshookhisheadather,butsheignoredhim.

Valentinefrowned.WhataboutLucian?Amatissquestion,Clarysensed,hadunsettledhim,ormaybeitwasjust thatAmatiswasthere,asking,confrontinghim.Hehadwrittenheroffyearsagoasweak,unlikelytochallengehim.Valentineneverlikeditwhenpeoplesurprisedhim.

You told me he wasnt my brother anymore, said Amatis. You took Stephen away fromme. Youdestroyedmy family.You sayyou arent an enemyofNephilim, but you set eachof us against eachother, family against family, wrecking lives without compunction. You say you hate the Clave, butyouretheonewhomadethemwhattheyarenowpettyandparanoid.Weusedtotrustoneanother,weNephilim.Youchanged that. Iwillnever forgiveyoufor it.Hervoiceshook.Orformakingme treatLucianasifhewerenolongermybrother.Iwontforgiveyouforthat,either.NorwillIforgivemyselfforlisteningtoyou.

AmatisLuketookastepforward,buthissisterputupahandtostophim.Hereyeswereshiningwithtears,butherbackwasstraight,hervoicefirmandunwavering.

Therewasatimewewereallwillingtolistentoyou,Valentine,shesaid.Andweallhavethatonourconscience.Butnomore.Nomore.Thattimeisover.Isthereanyoneherewhodisagreeswithme?

Clary jerkedherheadupandlookedoutat thegatheredShadowhunters:Theylookedtoher likearoughsketchofacrowd,withwhiteblurs for faces.ShesawPatrickPenhallow,his jawset, and theInquisitor,whowasshakinglikeafrailtreeinahighwind.AndMalachi,whosedark,polishedfacewasstrangelyunreadable.

Noonesaidaword.

IfClaryhadexpectedValentinetobeangryatthislackofresponsefromtheNephilimhehadhopedtolead,shewasdisappointed.Otherthanatwitchinthemuscleofhisjaw,hewasexpressionless.Asifhehadexpectedthisresponse.Asifhehadplannedforit.

Verywell,he said. Ifyouwillnot listen to reason,youwillhave to listen to force. IhavealreadyshowedyouIcantakedownthewardsaroundyourcity.Iseethatyouveputthembackup,butthatsofnoconsequence;Icaneasilydoitagain.YouwilleitheraccedetomyrequirementsorfaceeverydemontheMortalSwordcansummon.Iwilltellthemnottospareasingleoneofyou,notaman,woman,orchild.Itsyourchoice.

Amurmursweptaroundtheroom;Lukewasstaring.Youwoulddeliberatelydestroyyourownkind,Valentine?

Sometimesdiseasedplantsmustbeculledtopreservethewholegarden,saidValentine.Andifallare

diseasedHeturnedtofacethehorrifiedcrowd.Itisyourchoice,hewenton.IhavetheMortalCup.IfImust,IwillstartoverwithanewworldofShadowhunters,createdandtaughtbyme.ButIcangiveyouthis one chance. If the Clave will sign over all the powers of the Council to me and accept myunequivocal sovereignty and rule, I will stay my hand. All Shadowhunters will swear an oath ofobedienceandacceptapermanentloyaltyrunethatbindsthemtome.Thesearemyterms.

Therewassilence.Amatishadherhandoverhermouth; therestof theroomswungbeforeClaryseyesinawhirlingblur.Theycantgiveintohim,shethought.Theycant.Butwhatchoicedidtheyhave?Whatchoicedidanyofthemeverhave?TheyaretrappedbyValentine,shethoughtdully,assurelyasJaceandIaretrappedbywhathemadeus.Weareallchainedtohimbyourownblood.

It was only a moment, though it felt like an hour to Clary, before a thin voice cut through thesilencethehigh,spideryvoiceoftheInquisitor.Sovereigntyandrule?heshrieked.Yourrule?

AldertreeTheConsulmovedtorestrainhim,buttheInquisitorwastooquick.Hewriggledfreeanddartedtowardthedais.Hewasyelpingsomething,thesamewordsoverandover,asifhedlosthismindentirely,hiseyesrolledbackpracticallytothewhites.HethrustAmatisaside,staggeringupthestepsofthedaistofaceValentine.IamtheInquisitor,doyouunderstand,theInquisitor!heshouted.IampartoftheClave!TheCouncil!Imaketherules,notyou!Irule,notyou!Iwontletyoudothis,youupstart,demon-lovingslime

Withalookveryclosetoboredom,Valentinereachedoutahand,almostasifhemeanttotouchtheInquisitorontheshoulder.ButValentinecouldnttouchanythinghewasjustaProjectionandthenClarygaspedasValentineshandpassed through theInquisitorsskin,bonesandflesh,vanishingintohisribcage.TherewasasecondonlyasecondduringwhichthewholeHallseemedtogapeatValentinesleftarm,buriedsomehow,impossibly,wrist-deepinAldertreeschest.ThenValentinejerkedhiswristhardandsuddenlytotheleftatwistingmotion,asifhewereturningastubbornlyrustydoorknob.

TheInquisitorgaveasinglecryanddroppedlikeastone.

Valentine drew his hand back. It was slicked with blood, a scarlet glove reaching halfway to hiselbow, staining the expensive wool of his suit. Lowering his bloody hand, he gazed out across thehorrified crowd, his eyes coming to rest at last on Luke. He spoke slowly. I will give you untiltomorrow at midnight to consider my terms. At that time I will bring my army, in all its force, toBrocelindPlain.IfIhavenotyetreceivedamessageofsurrenderfromtheClave,Iwillmarchwithmyarmyhere toAlicante,and this timewewill leavenothing living.Youhave that long toconsidermyterms.Usethetimewisely.

Andwiththat,hevanished.

14

INTHEDARKFOREST

Well,howaboutthat,saidJace,stillwithoutlookingatClaryhehadntreallylookedathersincesheandSimonhadarrivedonthefrontstepofthehousetheLightwoodswerenowinhabiting.Insteadhewas leaning against one of the high windows in the living room, staring out toward the rapidlydarkeningsky.Aguyattendsthefuneralofhisnine-year-oldbrotherandmissesallthefun.

Jace,Alecsaid,inatiredsortofvoice.Dont.

Alecwas slumped inoneof theworn,overstuffedchairs thatwere theonly things to siton in theroom.Thehousehad theodd,alien feelofhousesbelonging to strangers: Itwasdecorated in floral-printedfabrics, frillyandpastel,andeverything in itwasslightlywornor tattered.TherewasaglassbowlfilledwithchocolatesonthesmallendtablenearAlec;Clary,starving,hadeatenafewandfoundthemcrumblyanddry.Shewonderedwhatkindofpeoplehadlivedhere.Thekindwhoranawaywhenthingsgottough,shethoughtsourly;theydeservedtohavetheirhousetakenover.

Dontwhat?Jaceasked;itwasdarkenoughoutsidenowthatClarycouldseehisfacereflectedinthewindowglass.Hiseyeslookedblack.HewaswearingShadowhuntermourningclothestheydidntwearblacktofunerals,sinceblackwasthecolorofgearandfighting.Thecolorofdeathwaswhite,andthewhite jacketJaceworehadscarletruneswovenintothematerialaroundthecollarandwrists.Unlikebattlerunes,whichwereallaboutaggressionandprotection,thesespokeagentlerlanguageofhealingandgrief.Therewerebandsofhammeredmetalaroundhiswrists,too,withsimilarrunesonthem.Alecwasdressedthesameway,allinwhitewiththesamered-goldrunestracedoverthematerial.Itmadehishairlookveryblack.

Jace,Clarythought,ontheotherhand,allinwhite,lookedlikeanangel.Albeitoneoftheavengingkind.

YourenotmadatClary.OrSimon,Alecsaid.Atleast,headded,withafaint,worriedfrown,IdontthinkyouremadatSimon.

Claryhalf-expectedJacetosnapanangryretort,butallhesaidwas,ClaryknowsImnotangryather.

Simon,leaninghiselbowsonthebackofthesofa,rolledhiseyesbutsaidonly,WhatIdontgetishowValentinemanagedtokilltheInquisitor.IthoughtProjectionscouldntactuallyaffectanything.

Theyshouldntbeableto,saidAlec.Theyrejustillusions.Somuchcoloredair,sotospeak.

Well,notinthiscase.HereachedintotheInquisitorandhetwistedClaryshuddered.Therewasalotofblood.

Likeaspecialbonusforyou,JacesaidtoSimon.

Simonignoredthis.HasthereeverbeenanInquisitorwhodidntdieahorribledeath?hewonderedaloud.ItslikebeingthedrummerinSpialTap.

Alecrubbedahandacrosshisface.Icantbelievemyparentsdontknowaboutthisyet,hesaid.IcantsayImlookingforwardtotellingthem.

Whereareyourparents?askedClary.Ithoughttheywereupstairs.

Alecshookhishead.Theyrestillatthenecropolis.AtMaxsgrave.Theysentusback.Theywantedtobetherealoneforawhile.

WhataboutIsabelle?Simonasked.Whereisshe?

Thehumor,suchasitwas,leftJacesexpression.Shewontcomeoutofherroom,hesaid.ShethinkswhathappenedtoMaxwasherfault.Shewouldntevencometothefuneral.

Haveyoutriedtalkingtoher?

No,Jacesaid,wevebeenpunchingherrepeatedlyinthefaceinstead.Why,doyouthinkthatwontwork?

JustthoughtIdask.Simonstonewasmild.

WelltellherthisstuffaboutSebastiannotactuallybeingSebastian,saidAlec.Itmightmakeherfeelbetter.ShethinkssheoughttohavebeenabletotellthattherewassomethingoffaboutSebastian,butifhewasaspyAlecshrugged.Nobodynoticedanythingoffabouthim.NoteventhePenhallows.

Ithoughthewasaknob,Jacepointedout.

Yes,butthatsjustbecauseAlecsankdeeperintohischair.Helookedexhausted,hisskinapalegraycolor against the stark white of his clothes. It hardly matters. Once she finds out what Valentinesthreatening,nothingsgoingtocheerherup.

But would he really do it? Clary asked. Send a demon army against NephilimImean, hes still aShadowhunter,isnthe?Hecouldntdestroyallhisownpeople.

Hedidntcareenoughabouthischildrennottodestroythem,Jacesaid,meetinghereyesacrosstheroom.Theirgazesheld.Whatmakesyouthinkhedcareabouthispeople?

Aleclookedfromoneofthemtotheother,andClarycouldtellfromhisexpressionthatJacehadnttoldhimaboutIthurielyet.Helookedbaffled,andverysad.Jace

Thisdoesexplainonething,JacesaidwithoutlookingatAlec.MagnuswastryingtoseeifhecoulduseatrackingruneonanyofthethingsSebastianhadleftinhisroom,toseeifwecouldlocatehimthatway.Hesaidhewasntgettingmuchofareadingonanythingwegavehim.Justflat.

Whatdoesthatmean?

TheywereSebastianVerlacsthings.ThefakeSebastianprobablytookthemwheneverheinterceptedhim.AndMagnusisntgettinganythingfromthembecausetherealSebastian

Isprobablydead, finishedAlec.AndtheSebastianweknowis toosmart to leaveanythingbehindthatcouldbeused to trackhim.Imean,youcant tracksomebodyfromjustanything. Ithas tobeanobjectthatsinsomewayveryconnectedtothatperson.Afamilyheirloom,orastele,orabrushwithsomehairinit,somethinglikethat.

Which is too bad, said Jace, because if we could follow him, hed probably lead us straight toValentine.Imsurehesscuttledrightbacktohismasterwithafullreport.ProbablytoldhimallaboutHodgescrackpotmirror-laketheory.

Itmightnothavebeencrackpot,Alecsaid.Theyvestationedguardsatthepathsthatgotothelake,andsetupwardsthatwillwarnthemifanyonePortalsthere.

Fantastic.Imsureweallfeelverysafenow.Jaceleanedbackagainstthewall.

WhatIdontget,Simonsaid,iswhySebastianstayedaround.AfterwhathedidtoIzzyandMax,hewas going to get caught, therewas nomore pretending. Imean, even if he thought hed killed Izzyinsteadofjustknockingherout,howwashegoingtoexplainthattheywerebothdeadandhewasstillfine?No,hewasbusted.Sowhyhangaroundthroughthefighting?WhycomeuptotheGardtogetme?ImprettysurehedidntactuallycareonewayortheotherwhetherIlivedordied.

Nowyourebeingtoohardonhim,Jacesaid.Imsurehedratheryouddied.

Actually,Clarysaid,Ithinkhestayedbecauseofme.

Jacesgazeflickeduptoherswithaflashofgold.Becauseofyou?Hopingforanotherhotdate,was

he?

Claryfeltherselfflush.No.Andourdatewasnthot.Infact,itwasntevenadate.Anyway,thatsnotthepoint.WhenhecameintotheHall,hekepttryingtogetmetogooutsidewithhimsowecouldtalk.Hewantedsomethingfromme.Ijustdontknowwhat.

Ormaybehejustwantedyou,Jacesaid.SeeingClarysexpression,headded,Notthatway.ImeanmaybehewantedtobringyoutoValentine.

Valentinedoesntcareaboutme,Clarysaid.Hesonlyevercaredaboutyou.

Something flickered in the depths of Jaces eyes. Is that what you call it? His expression wasfrighteninglybleak.Afterwhathappenedontheboat,hesinterestedinyou.Whichmeansyouneedtobecareful.Verycareful.Infact,itwouldnthurtifyoujustspentthenextfewdaysinside.YoucanlockyourselfinyourroomlikeIsabelle.

Imnotgoingtodothat.

Ofcourseyourenot,saidJace,becauseyoulivetotortureme,dontyou?

Noteverything,Jace,isaboutyou,Clarysaidfuriously.

Possibly,Jacesaid,butyouhavetoadmitthatthemajorityofthingsare.

Claryresistedtheurgetoscream.

Simonclearedhis throat.SpeakingofIsabellewhichweonlysortofwere,but I thoughtIought tomentionthisbeforethearguingreallygotunderwayIthinkmaybeIshouldgotalktoher.

You?Alec said, and then, looking faintly embarrassedbyhisowndiscomfiture, addedquickly, Itsjustshewontevencomeoutofherroomforherownfamily.Whywouldshecomeoutforyou?

Maybe because Im not family, Simon said. He was standing with his hands in his pockets, hisshouldersback.Earlier,whenClaryhadbeensittingclosetohim,shehadseenthattherewasstillathinwhitelinecirclinghisneck,whereValentinehadcuthisthroat,andscarsonhiswristswherethosehadbeencuttoo.HisencounterswiththeShadowhuntersworldhadchangedhim,andnotjustthesurfaceofhim,orevenhisblood;thechangewentdeeperthanthat.Hestoodstraight,withhisheadup,andtookwhatever Jace and Alec threw at him and didnt seem to care. The Simon who would have beenfrightenedofthem,ormadeuneasybythem,wasgone.

Shefeltasuddenpaininherheart,andrealizedwithajoltwhatitwas.ShewasmissinghimmissingSimon.Simonashehadbeen.

IthinkIllhaveatryatgettingIsabelletotalktome,saidSimon.Itcanthurt.

Butitsalmostdark,Clarysaid.WetoldLukeandAmatiswedbebackbeforethesunwentdown.

Illwalkyouback,Jacesaid.AsforSimon,hecanmanagehisownwaybackin thedarkcantyou,Simon?

Ofcoursehecan,Alecsaidindignantly,asifeagertomakeupforhisearlierslightingofSimon.Hesavampireand,headded,Ijustnowrealizedyouwereprobablyjoking.Nevermindme.

Simon smiled.Clary opened hermouth to protest againand closed it. Partly because shewas, sheknew,beingunreasonable.AndpartlybecausetherewasalookonJacesfaceashegazedpasther,atSimon,alookthatstartledherintosilence:Itwasamusement,Clarythought,mixedwithgratitudeand

maybeevenmostsurprisingofallalittlebitofrespect.

Itwasashortwalkbetween theLightwoodsnewhouseandAmatiss;Clarywished itwere longer.She couldnt shake the feeling that every moment she spent with Jace was somehow precious andlimited,thattheywereclosinginonsomehalf-invisibledeadlinethatwouldseparatethemforever.

Shelookedsidewaysathim.Hewasstaringstraightahead,almostasifshewerentthere.Thelineofhis profile was sharp and clear-edged in the witchlight that illuminated the streets. His hair curledagainsthischeek,notquitehidingthewhitescarononetemplewhereaMarkhadbeen.Shecouldseealineofmetalglitteringathisthroat,wheretheMorgensternringdangledonitschain.Hislefthandwasbare;hisknuckleslookedraw.Sohereallywashealinglikeamundane,asAlechadaskedhimto.

Sheshivered.Jaceglancedather.Areyoucold?

Iwas just thinking, shesaid. Imsurprised thatValentinewentafter the Inquisitor insteadofLuke.TheInquisitorsaShadowhunter,andLukeLukesaDownworlder.Plus,Valentinehateshim.

Butinaway,herespectshim,evenifheisaDownworlder,Jacesaid,andClarythoughtofthelookJacehadgivenSimonearlier,andthentriednottothinkofit.ShehatedthinkingofJaceandValentineas being in anyway alike, even in so trivial a thing as a glance. Luke is trying to get theClave tochange, to think in anewway.Thats exactlywhatValentinedid, even ifhisgoalswerewell, not thesame.Lukesaniconoclast.Hewantschange.ToValentine,theInquisitorrepresentstheold,hideboundClavehehatessomuch.

Andtheywerefriendsonce,Clarysaid.LukeandValentine.

TheMarksofthatwhichoncehathbeen,Jacesaid,andClarycouldtellhewasquotingsomething,from the half-mocking tone in his voice. Unfortunately, you never really hate anyone as much assomeoneyoucaredaboutonce.IimagineValentinehassomethingspecialplannedforLuke,downtheroad,afterhetakesover.

Buthewonttakeover,saidClary,andwhenJacesaidnothing,hervoicerose.Hewontwinhecant.Hedoesntreallywantwar,notagainstShadowhuntersandDownworlders

Whatmakesyou thinkShadowhunterswill fightwithDownworlders?Jacesaid,andhestillwasntlookingather.Theywerewalkingalongthecanalstreet,andhewaslookingoutatthewater,hisjawset.JustbecauseLukesaysso?Lukesanidealist.

Andwhyisthatabadthingtobe?

Itsnot.Imjustnotone,saidJace,andClaryfeltacoldpanginherheartattheemptinessinhisvoice.Despair,anger,hate.Thesearedemonqualities.Hesactingthewayhethinksheshouldact.

TheyhadreachedAmatisshouse;Clarystoppedatthefootofthesteps,turningtofacehim.Maybe,shesaid.Butyourenotlikehim,either.

Jacestartedalittleatthat,ormaybeitwasjustthefirmnessinhertone.HeturnedhisheadtolookatherforwhatfeltlikethefirsttimesincetheydlefttheLightwoods.Clary,hebegan,andbrokeoff,withanintakeofbreath.Theresbloodonyoursleeve.Areyouhurt?

Hemovedtowardher,takingherwristinhishand.Claryglanceddownandsawtohersurprisethathewasrighttherewasanirregularscarletstainontherightsleeveofhercoat.Whatwasoddwasthatitwasstillbrightred.Shouldntdriedbloodbeadarkercolor?Shefrowned.Thatsnotmyblood.

Herelaxedslightly,hisgriponherwristloosening.IsittheInquisitors?

Sheshookherhead.IactuallythinkitsSebastians.

Sebastiansblood?

YeswhenhecameintotheHalltheothernight,remember,hisfacewasbleeding.IthinkIsabellemusthaveclawedhim,butanywayItouchedhisfaceandgothisbloodonme.Shelookedmorecloselyatit.IthoughtAmatiswashedthecoat,butIguessshedidnt.

Sheexpectedhimtoletgoofherthen,butinsteadheheldherwristforalongmoment,examiningtheblood,beforereturningherarmtoher,apparentlysatisfied.Thanks.

Shestaredathimforamomentbeforeshakingherhead.Yourenotgoingtotellmewhat thatwasabout,areyou?

Notachance.

Shethrewherarmsupinexasperation.Imgoinginside.Illseeyoulater.

SheturnedandheadedupthestepstoAmatissfrontdoor.Therewasnowayshecouldhaveknownthat themomentshe turnedherback, thesmilevanished fromJaces face,or thathestood fora longtimein thedarknessonce thedoorclosedbehindher, lookingafterher,andtwistingasmallpieceofthreadoverandoverbetweenhisfingers.

Isabelle,Simonsaid.Ithadtakenhimafewtriestofindherdoor,butthescreamofGoaway!thathademanatedfrombehindthisoneconvincedhimhedmadetherightchoice.Isabelle,letmein.

Therewasamuffledthumpandthedoorreverberatedslightly,asifIsabellehadthrownsomethingatit.Possiblyashoe.IdontwanttotalktoyouandClary.Idontwanttotalktoanyone.Leavemealone,Simon.

Clarysnothere,saidSimon.AndImnotgoingawayuntilyoutalktome.

Alec!Isabelleyelled.Jace!Makehimgoaway!

Simonwaited.Therewasnosoundfromdownstairs.EitherAlechadleftorhewaslyinglow.Theyrenothere,Isabelle.Itsjustme.

Therewasasilence.FinallyIsabellespokeagain.Thistimehervoicecamefrommuchnearer,asifshewerestandingjustontheothersideofthedoor.Yourealone?

Imalone,Simonsaid.

Thedoorcrackedopen. Isabellewasstanding there inablackslip,herhair lying longand tangledover her shoulders. Simon had never seen her like this: barefoot, with her hair unbrushed, and nomakeupon.Youcancomein.

Hesteppedpastherintotheroom.Inthelightfromthedoorhecouldseethatitlooked,ashismotherwouldhavesaid,likeatornadohadhitit.Clotheswerescatteredacrossthefloorinpiles,aduffelbagopenonthefloorasifithadexploded.Isabellesbrightsilver-goldwhiphungfromonebedpost,alacywhitebrafromanother.Simonavertedhiseyes.Thecurtainsweredrawn,thelampsextinguished.

Isabellefloppeddownontheedgeofthebedandlookedathimwithbitteramusement.Ablushingvampire.Whowouldhaveguessed.Sheraisedherchin.So,Iletyouin.Whatdoyouwant?

Despiteherangryglare,Simonthoughtshelookedyounger thanusual,hereyeshugeandblackin

herpinchedwhiteface.Hecouldseethewhitescarsthattracedherlightskin,alloverherbarearms,herbackandcollarbones,evenher legs. IfClary remainsaShadowhunter, he thought,oneday shelllook like this, scarred all over. The thought didnt upset him as once itmight have done. TherewassomethingaboutthewayIsabelleworeherscars,asifshewereproudofthem.

Shehadsomethinginherhands,somethingshewasturningoverandoverbetweenherfingers.Itwasasmallsomethingthatglinteddullyinthehalf-light.Hethoughtforamomentitmightbeapieceofjewelry.

WhathappenedtoMax,Simonsaid.Itwasntyourfault.

Shedidntlookathim.Shewasstaringdownattheobjectinherhands.Doyouknowwhatthisis?shesaid,andhelditup.Itseemedtobeasmalltoysoldier,carvedoutofwood.AtoyShadowhunter,Simonrealized,completewithpainted-onblackgear.Thesilverglinthednoticedwasthepaintonthelittlesworditheld;itwasnearlywornaway.ItwasJaces,shesaid,withoutwaitingforhimtoanswer.ItwastheonlytoyhehadwhenhecamefromIdris.Idontknow,maybeitwaspartofabiggersetonce.Ithinkhemadeithimself,butheneversaidmuchaboutit.Heusedtotakeiteverywherewithhimwhenhewaslittle,alwaysinapocketorwhatever.ThenonedayInoticedMaxcarryingitaround.Jacemusthavebeenaroundthirteenthen.HejustgaveittoMax,Iguess,whenhegottoooldforit.Anyway,itwasinMaxshandwhentheyfoundhim.ItwaslikehegrabbedittoholdontowhenSebastianwhenheShebrokeoff.Theeffortshewasmakingnottocrywasvisible;hermouthwassetinagrimace,asifitweretwistingitselfoutofshape.Ishouldhavebeenthereprotectinghim.Ishouldhavebeenthereforhimtoholdonto,notsomestupidlittlewoodentoy.Sheflungitdownontothebed,hereyesshining.

Youwereunconscious,Simonprotested.Younearlydied, Izzy.Therewasnothingyoucouldhavedone.

Isabelle shook her head, her tangled hair bouncing on her shoulders. She looked fierce andwild.Whatdoyouknowaboutit?shedemanded.DidyouknowthatMaxcametousthenighthediedandtoldushedseensomeoneclimbing thedemon towers,and I toldhimhewasdreamingandsenthimaway?Andhewas right. Ibet itwas thatbastardSebastian,climbing the towersohecould take thewardsdown.AndSebastiankilledhimsohecouldnttellanyonewhathedseen.IfIdjustlistenedjusttakenonesecondtolistenitwouldnthavehappened.

Theres no way you could have known, Simon said. And about Sebastianhe wasnt really thePenhallowscousin.Hehadeveryonefooled.

Isabelledidntlooksurprised.Iknow,shesaid.IheardyoutalkingtoAlecandJace.Iwaslisteningfromthetopofthestairs.

Youwereeavesdropping?

Sheshrugged.Uptothepartwhereyousaidyouweregoingtocomeandtalktome.ThenIcamebackhere. I didnt feel like seeingyou.She looked at him sideways. Ill giveyou thismuch, though:Yourepersistent.

Look, Isabelle. Simon took a step forward.Hewas oddly, suddenly conscious of the fact that shewasntverydressed,soheheldbackfromputtingahandonhershoulderordoinganythingelseovertlysoothing.Whenmyfatherdied,Iknewitwasntmyfault,butIstillkeptthinkingoverandoverofallthethingsIshouldhavedone,shouldhavesaid,beforehedied.

Yeah,well,thisismyfault,Isabellesaid.AndwhatIshouldhavedoneislistened.AndwhatIstill

candoistrackdownthebastardwhodidthisandkillhim.

Imnotsurethatllhelp

Howdoyouknow?Isabelledemanded.Didyoufind thepersonresponsible foryour fathersdeathandkillhim?

Myfatherhadaheartattack,Simonsaid.So,no.

Thenyoudontknowwhatyoure talkingabout,doyou?Isabelleraisedherchinand lookedathimsquarely.Comehere.

What?

Shebeckonedimperiouslywithherindexfinger.Comehere,Simon.

Reluctantlyhecametowardher.Hewasbarelyafootawaywhensheseizedhimbythefrontofhisshirt,yankinghimtowardher.Theirfaceswereinchesapart;hecouldseehowtheskinbelowhereyesshonewiththemarksofrecenttears.YouknowwhatIreallyneedrightnow?shesaid,enunciatingeachwordclearly.

Um,Simonsaid.No?

Tobedistracted,shesaid,andwithahalfturnyankedhimbodilyontothebedbesideher.

Helandedonhisbackamidatangledpileofclothes.Isabelle,Simonprotestedweakly,doyoureallythinkthisisgoingtomakeyoufeelanybetter?

Trustme,Isabellesaid,placingahandonhischest,justoverhisunbeatingheart.Ifeelbetteralready.

Clarylayawakeinbed,staringupatasinglepatchofmoonlightasitmadeitswayacrosstheceiling.Hernerveswerestilltoojangledfromtheeventsofthedayforhertosleep,anditdidnthelpthatSimonhadntcomebackbeforedinnerorafterit.EventuallyshedvoicedherconcerntoLuke,whodthrownonacoatandheadedovertotheLightwoods.Hedreturnedlookingamused.Simonsfine,Clary,hesaid.Gotobed.Andthenhedleftagain,withAmatis,offtoanotheroneoftheirinterminablemeetingsattheAccordsHall.ShewonderedifanyonehadcleaneduptheInquisitorsbloodyet.

Withnothingelsetodo,shedgonetobed,butsleephadremainedstubbornlyoutofreach.ClarykeptseeingValentine in her head, reaching into the Inquisitor and ripping his heart out.Theway he hadturnedtoherandsaid,Youdkeepyourmouthshut,foryourbrotherssakeifnotyourown.Aboveall,thesecretsshehadlearnedfromIthuriel laylikeaweightonherchest.Underall theseanxietieswasthefear,constantasaheartbeat,thathermotherwoulddie.WherewasMagnus?

Therewasarustlingsoundbythecurtains,andasuddenwashofmoonlightpouredintotheroom.Clarysatboltupright,scrabblingfortheseraphbladeshekeptonherbedsidetable.

Itsallright.Ahandcamedownonhersaslender,scarred,familiarhand.Itsme.

Clarydrewherbreathinsharply,andhetookhishandback.Jace,shesaid.Whatareyoudoinghere?Whatswrong?

Foramomenthedidntanswer,andshetwistedtolookathim,pullingthebedclothesuparoundher.She feltherself flush, acutelyconsciousof the fact that shewaswearingonlypajamabottomsandaflimsycamisoleandthenshesawhisexpression,andherembarrassmentfaded.

Jace? she whispered. He was standing by the head of her bed, still wearing his white mourning

clothes,andtherewasnothinglightorsarcasticordistantinthewayhewaslookingdownather.Hewasverypale,andhiseyeslookedhauntedandnearlyblackwithstrain.Areyouallright?

Idontknow,hesaidinthedazedmannerofsomeonejustwakingupfromadream.Iwasntgoingtocomehere.IvebeenwanderingaroundallnightIcouldntsleepandIkeptfindingmyselfwalkinghere.Toyou.

She sat up straighter, letting the bedclothes fall down around her hips.Why cant you sleep?Didsomethinghappen?sheasked,andimmediatelyfeltstupid.Whathadnthappened?

Jace, however, barely seemed to hear the question. I had to see you, he said,mostly to himself. IknowIshouldnt.ButIhadto.

Well,sitdown,then,shesaid,pullingherlegsbacktomakeaspaceforhimtositattheedgeofthebed.Becauseyourefreakingmeout.Areyousurenothingshappened?

Ididntsaynothinghappened.Hesatdownonthebed,facingher.Hewascloseenoughthatshecouldhavejustleanedforwardandkissedhim

Herchesttightened.Istherebadnews?Iseverythingiseveryone

Itsnotbad,saidJace,anditsnotnews.Itstheoppositeofnews.ItssomethingIvealwaysknown,andyouyou probably know it too. God knows I havent hid it all that well. His eyes searched her face,slowly,asifhemeanttomemorizeit.Whathappened,hesaid,andhesitatedisthatIrealizedsomething.

Jace,shewhisperedsuddenly,andfornoreasonshecouldidentify,shewasfrightenedofwhathewasabouttosay.Jace,youdonthaveto

Iwastryingtogosomewhere,Jacesaid.ButIkeptgettingpulledbackhere.Icouldntstopwalking,couldnt stop thinking.About the first time Iever sawyou,andhowafter that Icouldnt forgetyou. Iwanted to,but Icouldntstopmyself. I forcedHodge to letmebe theonewhocametofindyouandbringyoubacktotheInstitute.Andevenbackthen,inthatstupidcoffeeshop,whenIsawyousittingonthatcouchwithSimon,eventhenthatfeltwrongtomeIshouldhavebeentheonesittingwithyou.Theonewhomadeyoulaughlikethat.Icouldntgetridofthatfeeling.Thatitshouldhavebeenme.AndthemoreIknewyou,themoreIfeltitithadneverbeenlikethatformebefore.Idalwayswantedagirlandthengottentoknowherandnotwantedheranymore,butwithyouthefeelingjustgotstrongerandstrongeruntilthatnightwhenyoushowedupatRenwicksandIknew.

Andthentofindoutthat thereasonIfelt likethatlikeyouweresomepartofmeIdlostandneverevenknewIwasmissinguntilIsawyouagainthatthereasonwasthatyouweremysister, itfelt likesomesortofcosmicjoke.LikeGodwasspittingonme.IdontevenknowforwhatforthinkingthatIcould actually get tohave you, that Iwould deserve something like that, to be that happy. I couldntimaginewhatitwasIddonethatIwasbeingpunishedfor

Ifyourebeingpunished,Clarysaid,thensoamI.Becauseallthosethingsyoufelt,Ifeltthemtoo,butwecantwehavetostopfeelingthisway,becauseitsouronlychance.

Jaceshandsweretightathissides.Ouronlychanceforwhat?

Tobetogetheratall.Becauseotherwisewecanteverbearoundeachother,notevenjustinthesameroom,andIcantstandthat.Idratherhaveyouinmylifeevenasabrotherthannotatall

And Im supposed to sit bywhile you date boys, fall in lovewith someone else, getmarried?His

voicetightened.Andmeanwhile,Illdiealittlebitmoreeveryday,watching.

No.Youwontcarebythen,shesaid,wonderingevenasshesaiditifshecouldstandtheideaofaJacewhodidntcare.Shehadntthoughtasfaraheadashehad,andwhenshetriedtoimaginewatchinghim fall in lovewith someone else,marry someone else, she couldnt evenpicture it, couldnt pictureanything but an empty black tunnel that stretched out ahead of her, forever. Please. If we dont sayanythingifwejustpretend

Thereisnopretending,Jacesaidwithabsoluteclarity.Iloveyou,andIwillloveyouuntilIdie,andiftheresalifeafterthat,Illloveyouthen.

Shecaughtherbreath.Hehadsaid itthewords therewasnogoingback from.Shestruggled forareply,butnonecame.

AndIknowyouthinkIjustwanttobewithyoutotoshowmyselfwhatamonsterIam,hesaid.AndmaybeIamamonster.Idontknowtheanswertothat.ButwhatIdoknowisthateveniftheresdemonbloodinsideme,thereishumanbloodinsidemeaswell.AndIcouldntloveyoulikeIdoifIwasntatleastalittlebithuman.Becausedemonswant.Buttheydontlove.AndI

Hestoodupthen,withasortofviolentsuddenness,andcrossedtheroomtothewindow.Helookedlost,aslostashehadintheGreatHallstandingoverMaxsbody.

Jace?Clary said, alarmed, andwhenhe didnt answer, she scrambled to her feet andwent to him,layingherhandonhis arm.Hecontinued staringout thewindow; their reflections in theglasswerenearly transparentghostlyoutlinesofa tallboyandasmallergirl,herhandclampedanxiouslyonhissleeve.Whatswrong?

Ishouldnthavetoldyoulikethat,hesaid,notlookingather.Imsorry.Thatwasprobablyalottotakein.Youlookedsoshocked.Thetensionunderlyinghisvoicewasalivewire.

Iwas,shesaid.Ivespentthepastfewdayswonderingifyouhatedme.AndthenIsawyoutonightandIwasprettysureyoudid.

Hatedyou?heechoed,lookingbewildered.Hereachedoutthenandtouchedherface,lightly,justthetipsofhisfingersagainstherskin.ItoldyouIcouldntsleep.Tomorrowbymidnightwellbeeitheratwar or underValentines rule.This could be the last night of our lives, certainly the last evenbarelyordinaryone.Thelastnightwegotosleepandgetupjustaswealwayshave.AndallIcouldthinkofwasthatIwantedtospenditwithyou.

Herheartskippedabeat.Jace

Idontmeanitlikethat,hesaid.Iwonttouchyou,notifyoudontwantmeto.IknowitswrongGod,itsallkindsofwrongbutIjustwanttoliedownwithyouandwakeupwithyou,justonce,justonceeverinmylife.Therewasdesperationinhisvoice.Itsjustthisonenight.Inthegrandschemeofthings,howmuchcanonenightmatter?

Becausethinkhowwellfeelinthemorning.Thinkhowmuchworseitwillbepretendingthatwedontmeananythingtoeachotherinfrontofeveryoneelseafterwevespentthenighttogether,evenifallwedoissleep.Itslikehavingjustalittlebitofadrugitonlymakesyouwantmore.

Butthatwaswhyhehadtoldherwhathehad,sherealized.Becauseitwasnttrue,notforhim;therewasnothingthatcouldmakeitworse,justastherewasnothingthatcouldmakeitbetter.Whathefeltwas as final as a life sentence, and could she really say itwas sodifferent for her?Andeven if she

hoped itmight be, even if shehoped shemight somedaybepersuadedby timeor reasonor gradualattritionnottofeelthiswayanymore,itdidntmatter.TherewasnothingshehadeverwantedinherlifemorethanshewantedthisnightwithJace.

Close thecurtains, then,beforeyoucome tobed,shesaid. Icantsleepwith thismuch light in theroom.

The look thatwashedoverhis facewaspure incredulity.He reallyhadnt expectedher to sayyes,Claryrealizedinsurprise,andamomentlaterhehadcaughtherandhuggedhertohim,hisfaceburiedinherstill-messy-from-sleephair.Clary

Cometobed,shesaidsoftly.Itslate.Shedrewawayfromhimandreturnedtothebed,crawlinguponto it anddrawing thecoversup toherwaist.Somehow, lookingathim like this, shecouldalmostimagine that thingsweredifferent, that itwasmanyyearsfromnowand theydbeen togetherso longthat theyd done this a hundred times, that every night belonged to them, and not just this one. Shepropped her chin on her hands and watched him as he reached to jerk the curtains shut and thenunzipped hiswhite jacket and hung it over the back of a chair.Hewaswearing a pale gray T-shirtunderneath,andtheMarksthattwinedhisbarearmsshonedarklyasheunbuckledhisweaponsbeltandlaid itonthefloor.Heunlacedhisbootsandsteppedoutof themashecametowardthebed,andhestretchedoutverycarefullybesideClary.Lyingonhisback,heturnedhisheadtolookather.Averylittlelightfilteredintotheroompasttheedgeofthecurtains,justenoughforhertoseetheoutlineofhisfaceandthebrightgleamofhiseyes.

Goodnight,Clary,hesaid.

Hishandslayflatoneithersideofhim,hisarmsathissides.Heseemedbarelytobebreathing;shewasntsureshewasbreathingherself.Sheslidherownhandacrossthebed-sheet,justfarenoughthattheir fingers touchedso lightly that she would probably hardly have been aware of it had she beentouchinganyonebutJace;asitwas, thenerveendingsinherfingertipsprickledsoftly,asifshewereholdingthemoveralowflame.Shefelthimtensebesideherandthenrelax.Hehadshuthiseyes,andhislashescastfineshadowsagainstthecurveofhischeekbones.Hismouthcurledintoasmileasifhesensedherwatchinghim,andshewonderedhowhewouldlookinthemorning,withhishairmessedandsleepcirclesunderhiseyes.Despiteeverything,thethoughtgaveherajoltofhappiness.

Shelacedherfingersthroughhis.Goodnight,shewhispered.Withtheirhandsclaspedlikechildreninafairytale,shefellasleepbesidehiminthedark.

15

THINGSFALLAPART

LukehadspentmostofthenightwatchingthemoonsprogressacrossthetranslucentroofoftheHallofAccordslikeasilvercoinrollingacrosstheclearsurfaceofaglasstable.Whenthemoonwasclosetofull,as itwasrightnow,hefeltacorrespondingsharpening inhisvisionandsenseofsmell,evenwhenhewasinhumanform.Now,forinstance,hecouldsmellthesweatofdoubtintheroom,andtheunderlyingsharptangoffear.HecouldsensetherestlessworryofhispackofwolvesoutinBrocelindForestastheypacedthedarknessbeneaththetreesandwaitedfornewsfromhim.

Lucian.Amatissvoiceinhisearwaslowbutpiercing.Lucian!

Snappedoutofhisreverie,Lukefoughttofocushisexhaustedeyesonthesceneinfrontofhim.Itwasaraggedlittlegroup,thosewhohadagreedtoatleastlistentohisplan.Fewerthanhehadhopedfor.ManyheknewfromhisoldlifeinIdristhePenhallows,theLightwoods,theRavenscarsandjustasmanyhehad justmet, like theMonteverdes,who ran theLisbon Institute and spoke in amixtureofPortugueseandEnglish,orNasreenChaudhury, the stern-featuredheadof theMumbai Institute.HerdarkgreensariwaspatternedinelaboraterunesofsuchabrightsilverthatLukeinstinctivelyflinchedwhenshepassedtooclose.

Really,Lucian,saidMaryseLightwood.Hersmallwhitefacewaspinchedbyexhaustionandgrief.Lukehadntreallyexpectedeitherherorherhusbandtocome,but theyhadagreedalmostassoonashedmentionedittothem.Hesupposedheoughttobegratefultheywerehereatall,evenifgriefdidtendtomakeMarysemoresharp-temperedthanusual.Youretheonewhowantedusallhere;theleastyoucandoispayattention.

Hehasbeen.Amatissatwithherlegsdrawnunderherlikeayounggirl,butherexpressionwasfirm.ItsnotLuciansfaultthatwevebeengoingaroundincirclesforthepasthour.

Andwellkeepgoingaroundandarounduntilwe figureouta solution, saidPatrickPenhallow,anedgetohisvoice.

Withalldue respect,Patrick, saidNasreen, inherclippedaccent, theremaybenosolution to thisproblem.Thebestwecanhopeforisaplan.

Aplan thatdoesnt involveeithermassslaveryor,beganJia,Patrickswife,and thenshebrokeoff,biting her lip. She was a pretty, slender woman who looked very like her daughter, Aline. LukerememberedwhenPatrickhadrunofftotheBeijingInstituteandmarriedher.Ithadbeensomethingofascandal,ashedbeensupposedtomarryagirlhisparentshadalreadypickedoutforhiminIdris.ButPatrickneverhadlikedtodowhathewastold,aqualityforwhichLukewasnowgrateful.

OrallyingourselveswithDownworlders?saidLuke.Imafraidtheresnowayaroundthat.

Thats not the problem, and you know it, saidMaryse. Its the whole business about seats on theCouncil.TheClavewillneveragreetoit.Youknowthat.Fourwholeseats

Notfour,Lukesaid.OneeachfortheFairFolk,theMoonsChildren,andthechildrenofLilith.

The warlocks, the fey, and the lycanthropes, said soft-voiced Senhor Monteverde, his eyebrowsarched.Andwhatofthevampires?

They havent promisedme anything, Luke admitted.And I havent promised them anything either.Theymaynot be eager to join theCouncil; theyre none too fond ofmykind, and none too fondofmeetingsandrules.Butthedoorisopentothemshouldtheychangetheirminds.

Malachiandhislotwillneveragreetoit,andwemaynothaveenoughCouncilvoteswithoutthem,mutteredPatrick.Besides,withoutthevampires,whatchancedowehave?

A very good one, snappedAmatis,who seemed to believe in Lukes plan evenmore than he did.There aremanyDownworlderswhowill fightwith us, and they are powerful indeed. Thewarlocksalone

WithashakeofherheadSenhoraMonteverdeturnedtoherhusband.Thisplanismad.Itwillneverwork.Downworlderscannotbetrusted.

ItworkedduringtheUprising,saidLuke.

The Portuguese womans lips curled back. Only because Valentine was fighting with fools for anarmy,shesaid.Notdemons.AndhowarewetoknowhisoldCirclememberswillnotgobacktohimthemomenthecallsthemtohisside?

Becarefulwhatyousay,Senhora,rumbledRobertLightwood.Itwasthefirsttimehehadspokeninmorethananhour;hedspentmostoftheeveningmotionless,immobilizedbysorrow.TherewerelinesinhisfaceLukecouldhaveswornhadntbeentherethreedaysago.His tormentwasplaininhis tautshouldersandclenchedfists;Lukecouldhardlyblamehim.HehadnevermuchlikedRobert,buttherewassomethingaboutthesightofsuchabigmanmadehelplessbygriefthatwaspainfultowitness.IfyouthinkIwouldjoinwithValentineafterMaxsdeathhehadmyboymurdered

Robert,Marysemurmured.Sheputherhandonhisarm.

Ifwedonotjoinwithhim,saidSenhorMonteverde,allourchildrenmaydie.

Ifyouthinkthat,thenwhyareyouhere?Amatisrosetoherfeet.Ithoughtwehadagreed

SodidI.Lukesheadached.Itwasalwayslikethiswiththem,hethought,twostepsforwardandastepback.Theywere as bad aswarringDownworlders themselves, if only they could see it.Maybetheydallbebetteroffiftheysolvedtheirproblemswithcombat,thewaythepackdid

AflashofmovementatthedoorsoftheHallcaughthiseye.Itwasmomentary,andifithadnotbeensoclosetothefullmoon,hemightnothaveseenit,orrecognizedthefigurewhopassedquicklybeforethedoors.Hewonderedforamomentifhewasimaginingthings.Sometimes,whenhewasverytired,hethoughthesawJocelynintheflickerofashadow,intheplayoflightonawall.

ButthiswasntJocelyn.Lukerosetohisfeet.Imtakingfiveminutesforsomeair.Illbeback.Hefeltthemwatchinghimashemadehiswaytothefrontdoorsallofthem,evenAmatis.SenhorMonteverdewhisperedsomethingtohiswifeinPortuguese;Lukecaughtlobo,thewordforwolf,inthestreamofwords.TheyprobablythinkImgoingoutsidetorunincirclesandbarkatthemoon.

Theairoutsidewasfreshandcold,theskyaslate-steelgray.DawnreddenedtheskyintheeastandgaveapalepinkcasttothewhitemarblestepsleadingdownfromtheHalldoors.Jacewaswaitingforhim,halfwaydownthestairs.ThewhitemourningclothesheworehitLukelikeaslapin theface,areminderofallthedeaththeydjustenduredhere,andwereabouttoendureagain.

LukepausedseveralstepsaboveJace.Whatareyoudoinghere,Jonathan?

Jace saidnothing, andLukementallycursedhis forgetfulnessJacedidnt likebeingcalled Jonathanandusuallyrespondedtothenamewithasharpobjection.Thistime,though,hedidntseemtocare.ThefaceheraisedtoLukewasasgrimlysetasthefacesofanyoftheadultsintheHall.ThoughJacewasstillayearawayfrombeinganadultunderClavelaw,hedalreadyseenworsethingsinhisshort lifethanmostadultscouldevenimagine.

Wereyoulookingforyourparents?

YoumeantheLightwoods?Jaceshookhishead.No.Idontwanttotalktothem.Iwaslookingforyou.

IsitaboutClary?LukedescendedseveralstepsuntilhestoodjustaboveJace.Issheallright?

Shes fine.ThementionofClaryseemed tomakeJace tenseallover,which in turnsparkedLukes

nervesbutJacewouldneversayClarywasallrightifshewerent.

Thenwhatisit?

Jacelookedpasthim,towardthedoorsoftheHall.Howisitgoinginthere?Anyprogress?

Notreally,Lukeadmitted.AsmuchastheydontwanttosurrendertoValentine,theyliketheideaofDownworldersontheCouncilevenless.AndwithoutthepromiseofseatsontheCouncil,mypeoplewontfight.

Jaceseyessparked.TheClaveisgoingtohatethatidea.

Theydonthavetoloveit.Theyonlyhavetolikeitbetterthantheyliketheideaofsuicide.

Theyllstall, Jaceadvisedhim. Idgive themadeadline if Iwereyou.TheClaveworksbetterwithdeadlines.

Luke couldnt help but smile.All theDownworlders I can summonwill be approaching theNorthGateattwilight.IftheClaveagreestofightwiththembythen,theyllenterthecity.Ifnot,theyllturnaround. I couldnt leave it any later than thatit barely gives us enough time to get to Brocelind bymidnightasitis.

Jacewhistled.Thatstheatrical.HopingthesightofallthoseDownworlderswillinspiretheClave,orscarethem?

Probablyalittleofboth.ManyoftheClavemembersareassociatedwithInstitutes,likeyou;theyrealotmore used to the sight ofDownworlders. Its the native Idrisians Imworried about. The sight ofDownworldersattheirgatesmightsendthemintoapanic.Ontheotherhand,itcanthurtforthemtoberemindedhowvulnerabletheyare.

Asifoncue,JacesgazeflickeduptotheruinsoftheGard,ablackscaronthehillsideoverthecity.Imnotsureanyoneneedsmoreremindersofthat.HeglancedbackatLuke,hiscleareyesveryserious.Iwanttotellyousomething,andIwantittobeinconfidence.

Lukecouldnthidehissurprise.Whytellme?WhynottheLightwoods?

Becauseyouretheonewhosinchargehere,really.Youknowthat.

Luke hesitated. Something about Jaces white and tired face drew sympathy out of his ownexhaustionsympathyandadesire to show thisboy,whohadbeensobetrayedandbadlyusedby theadultsinhislife,thatnotalladultswerelikethat,thatthereweresomehecouldrelyon.Allright.

And,Jacesaid,becauseItrustyoutoknowhowtoexplainittoClary.

ExplainwhattoClary?

Why I had to do it. Jaces eyes were wide in the light of the rising sun; it made him look yearsyounger.ImgoingafterSebastian,Luke.Iknowhowtofindhim,andImgoingtofollowhimuntilheleadsmetoValentine.

Lukelethisbreathoutinsurprise.Youknowhowtofindhim?

MagnusshowedmehowtouseatrackingspellwhenIwasstayingwithhiminBrooklyn.Weweretryingtousemyfathersringtofindhim.Itdidntwork,but

Yourenotawarlock.Youshouldntbeabletodoatrackingspell.

Thesearerunes.LikethewaytheInquisitorwatchedmewhenIwenttoseeValentineontheship.AllIneededtomakeitworkwassomethingofSebastians.

ButwewentoverthiswiththePenhallows.Heleftnothingbehind.Hisroomwasutterlyclearedout,probablyforexactlythisreason.

Ifoundsomething,saidJace.Athreadsoakedinhisblood.Itsnotmuch,butitsenough.Itriedit,anditworked.

YoucantgoharingoffafterValentineonyourown,Jace.Iwontletyou.

Youcantstopme.Notreally.Unlessyouwanttofightmerighthereonthesesteps.Youwontwin,either.YouknowthataswellasIdo.TherewasastrangenoteinJacesvoice,amixtureofcertaintyandself-hatred.

Look,howeverdeterminedyoumaybetoplaythesolitaryhero

Iamnotahero,Jacesaid.Hisvoicewasclearandtoneless,asifhewerestatingthesimplestoffacts.

ThinkofwhatthiswilldototheLightwoods,evenifnothinghappenstoyou.ThinkofClary

YouthinkIhaventthoughtofClary?YouthinkIhaventthoughtofmyfamily?WhydoyouthinkImdoingthis?

DoyouthinkIdontrememberwhatitsliketobeseventeen?Lukeanswered.Tothinkyouhavethepowertosavetheworldandnotjustthepowerbuttheresponsibility

Lookatme,saidJace.LookatmeandtellmeImanordinaryseventeen-year-old.

Lukesighed.Theresnothingordinaryaboutyou.

Nowtellmeitsimpossible.TellmewhatImsuggestingcantbedone.WhenLukesaidnothing,Jacewenton,Look,yourplanisfine,asfarasthatgoes.BringinDownworlders,fightValentineallthewaytothegatesofAlicante.Itsbetterthanjustlyingdownandlettinghimwalkoveryou.Buthellexpectit.Youwontbe catchinghimby surprise. II could catchhimby surprise.HemaynotknowSebastiansbeingfollowed.Itsachanceatleast,andwehavetotakewhateverchanceswecanget.

Thatmaybetrue,saidLuke.Butthisistoomuchtoexpectofanyoneperson.Evenyou.

Butdontyouseeitcanonlybeme,Jacesaid,desperationcreepingintohisvoice.EvenifValentinesensesImfollowinghim,hemightletmegetcloseenough

Closeenoughtodowhat?

Tokillhim,saidJace.Whatelse?

Luke looked at theboy standingbelowhimon the stairs.Hewished in somewayhe could reachthrough and see Jocelyn in her son, the way he saw her in Clary, but Jace was only, and always,himselfcontained,alone,andseparate.Youcoulddothat?Lukesaid.Youcouldkillyourownfather?

Yes,Jacesaid,hisvoiceasdistantasanecho.NowisthiswhereyoutellmeIcantkillhimbecauseheis,afterall,myfather,andpatricideisanunforgivablecrime?

No.ThisiswhereItellyouthatyouhavetobesureyourecapableofit,saidLuke,andrealized,tohisownsurprise,thatsomepartofhimhadalreadyacceptedthatJacewasgoingtodoexactlywhathesaidhewasgoing todo,and thathewould lethim.Youcantdoall this,cutyour tieshereandhuntValentinedownonyourown,justtofailatthefinalhurdle.

Oh,saidJace,Imcapableof it.HelookedawayfromLuke,downthesteps towardthesquarethatuntilyesterdaymorninghadbeenfullofbodies.MyfathermademewhatIam.AndIhatehimforit.Icankillhim.Hemadesureofthat.

Lukeshookhishead.Whateveryourupbringing,Jace,youvefoughtit.Hedidntcorruptyou

No,Jacesaid.Hedidnthaveto.Heglancedupatthesky,stripedwithblueandgray;birdshadbeguntheirmorningsongsinthetreesliningthesquare.Idbettergo.

IstheresomethingyouwantedmetotelltheLightwoods?

No.No,donttellthemanything.TheylljustblameyouiftheyfindoutyouknewwhatIwasgoingtodoandyouletmego.Ileftnotes,headded.Theyllfigureitout.

Thenwhy

DidItellyouallthis?BecauseIwantyoutoknow.Iwantyoutokeepitinmindwhileyoumakeyourbattleplans.That Imout there, looking forValentine. If I findhim, Ill sendyouamessage.Hesmiledfleetingly.Thinkofmeasyourbackupplan.

Lukereachedoutandclaspedtheboyshand.Ifyourfatherwerentwhoheis,hesaid,hedbeproudofyou.

Jacelookedsurprisedforamoment,andthenjustasquicklyheflushedanddrewhishandback.Ifyouknew,hebegan,andbithislip.Nevermind.Goodlucktoyou,LucianGraymark.Aveatquevale.

Letushopetherewillbenorealfarewell,Lukesaid.Thesunwasrisingfastnow,andasJaceliftedhishead,frowningatthesuddenintensificationofthelight,therewassomethinginhisfacethatstruckLukesomethinginthatmixtureofvulnerabilityandstubbornpride.Youremindmeofsomeone,hesaidwithoutthinking.SomeoneIknewyearsago.

Iknow,Jacesaidwithabittertwisttohismouth.IremindyouofValentine.

No,saidLuke,inawonderingvoice;butasJaceturnedaway,theresemblancefaded,banishingtheghostsofmemory.NoIwasntthinkingofValentineatall.

ThemomentClaryawoke,sheknewJacewasgone,evenbeforesheopenedhereyes.Herhand,stilloutstretchedacrossthebed,wasempty;nofingersreturnedthepressureofherown.Shesatupslowly,herchesttight.

Hemusthavedrawnthecurtainsbackbeforeheleft,becausethewindowswereopenandbrightbarsofsunlightstripedthebed.Clarywonderedwhythelighthadntwokenher.Fromthepositionofthesun,ithadtobeafternoon.Herheadfeltheavyandthick,hereyesbleary.Maybeitwasjustthatshehadnthadnightmareslastnight,forthefirsttimeinsolong,andherbodywascatchinguponsleep.

It was onlywhen she stood up that she noticed the folded piece of paper on the nightstand. ShepickeditupwithasmilehoveringaroundherlipssoJacehadleftanoteandwhensomethingheavyslidfrombeneaththepaperandrattledtotheflooratherfeet,shewassosurprisedthatshejumpedback,thinkingitwasalive.

Itlayatherfeet,acoilofbrightmetal.Sheknewwhatitwasbeforeshebentandpickeditup.Thechain and silver ring that Jace hadworn around his neck.The family ring. She had rarely seen himwithoutit.Asuddensensationofdreadwashedoverher.

Sheopenedthenoteandscannedthefirst lines:Despiteeverything, Icantbear the thoughtof this

ringbeinglostforever,anymorethanIcanbearthethoughtofleavingyouforever.AndthoughIhavenochoiceabouttheone,atleastIcanchooseabouttheother.

Therestof the letterseemed towash together intoameaninglessblurof letters;shehad to read itover and over to make any sense of it. When she did finally understand, she stood staring down,watchingthepaperflutterasherhandshook.SheunderstoodnowwhyJacehadtoldhereverythinghehad,andwhyhehadsaidonenightdidntmatter.Youcouldsayanythingyouwantedtosomeoneyouthoughtyouwerenevergoingtoseeagain.

Shehadnorecollection,later,ofhavingdecidedwhattodonext,orofhavinghuntedforsomethingtowear,butsomehowshewashurryingdownthestairs,dressedinShadowhuntergear,theletterinonehandandthechainwiththeringclaspedhastilyaroundherthroat.

The living room was empty, the fire in the grate burned down to gray ash, but noise and lightemanatedfromthekitchen:achatterofvoices,andthesmellofsomethingcooking.Pancakes?Clarythoughtinsurprise.ShewouldnthavethoughtAmatisknewhowtomakethem.

Andshewasright.Steppingintothekitchen,ClaryfelthereyeswidenIsabelle,herglossydarkhairsweptupinaknotat thebackofherneck,stoodat thestove,anapronaroundherwaistandametalspoon inherhand.Simonwassittingon the tablebehindher,his feetuponachair,andAmatis, farfromtellinghimtogetoffthefurniture,wasleaningagainstthecounter,lookinghighlyentertained.

IsabellewavedherspoonatClary.Goodmorning,shesaid.Wouldyoulikebreakfast?Although,Iguessitsmorelikelunchtime.

Speechless, Clary looked at Amatis, who shrugged. They just showed up and wanted to makebreakfast,shesaid,andIhavetoadmit,Imnotthatgoodacook.

ClarythoughtofIsabellesawfulsoupbackattheInstituteandsuppressedashudder.WheresLuke?

InBrocelind,withhispack,saidAmatis.Iseverythingallright,Clary?Youlookalittle

Wild-eyed,Simonfinishedforher.Iseverythingallright?

ForamomentClarycouldnt thinkofa reply.They justshowedup,Amatishadsaid.WhichmeantSimonhadspenttheentirenightatIsabelles.Shestaredathim.Hedidntlookanydifferent.

Imfine,shesaid.NowwashardlythetimetobeworryingaboutSimonslovelife.IneedtotalktoIsabelle.

Sotalk,Isabellesaid,pokingatamisshapenobject inthebottomofthefryingpanthatwas,Claryfeared,apancake.Imlistening.

Alone,saidClary.

Isabellefrowned.Cantitwait?Imalmostdone

No,Clarysaid,andtherewassomethinginhertonethatmadeSimon,atleast,situpstraight.Itcant.

Simonslidoffthetable.Fine.Wellgiveyoutwosomeprivacy,hesaid.HeturnedtoAmatis.MaybeyoucouldshowmethosebabypicturesofLukeyouweretalkingabout.

AmatisshotaworriedglanceatClarybutfollowedSimonoutoftheroom.IsupposeIcould.

Isabelleshookherheadasthedoorclosedbehindthem.Somethingglintedatthebackofherneck:abright, delicately thin knife was thrust through the coil of her hair, holding it in place. Despite the

tableauofdomesticity,shewasstillaShadowhunter.Look,shesaid.IfthisisaboutSimon

ItsnotaboutSimon.ItsaboutJace.ShethrustthenoteatIsabelle.Readthis.

WithasighIsabelleturnedoffthestove,tookthenote,andsatdowntoreadit.ClarytookanappleoutofthebasketonthetableandsatdownasIsabelle,acrossfromherat thetable,scannedthenotesilently.Clarypickedat theapplepeel in silenceshecouldnt imagineactuallyeating theapple,or, infact,eatinganythingatall,everagain.

Isabellelookedupfromthenote,hereyebrowsarched.Thisseemskindofpersonal.AreyousureIshouldbereadingit?

Probablynot.Clarycouldbarelyevenrememberthewordsintheletternow;inanyothersituation,shewouldneverhaveshowedittoIsabelle,butherpanicaboutJaceoverrodeeveryotherconcern.Justreadtotheend.

Isabelleturnedbacktothenote.Whenshewasdone,shesetthepaperdownonthetable.Ithoughthemightdosomethinglikethis.

YouseewhatImean,Clarysaid,herwordsstumblingoverthemselves,buthecanthaveleftthatlongago,orgotten that far.Wehave togoafterhimandShebrokeoff,herbrain finallyprocessingwhatIsabelle had said and catching up with her mouth. What do you mean, you thought he might dosomethinglikethis?

Just what I said. Isabelle pushed a dangling lock of hair behind her ears. Ever since Sebastiandisappeared, everyones been talking about how to find him. I tore his room at the Penhallows apartlookingforanythingwecouldusetotrackhimbuttherewasnothing.ImighthaveknownthatifJacefoundanything thatwouldallowhimto trackSebastian,hedbeoff likeashot.Shebither lip. I justwouldhavehopedthathedhavebroughtAlecwithhim.Alecwontbehappy.

SoyouthinkAlecwillwanttogoafterhim,then?Claryasked,withrenewedhope.

Clary. Isabelle sounded faintly exasperated.How are we supposed to go after him? How are wesupposedtohavetheslightestideawherehesgone?

Theremustbesomeway

Wecantrytotrackhim.Jaceissmart,though.Hellhavefiguredoutsomewaytoblockthetracking,justlikeSebastiandid.

AcoldangerstirredinClaryschest.Doyouevenwanttofindhim?Doyouevencarethathesgoneoffonwhatspracticallyasuicidemission?HecantfacedownValentineallbyhimself.

Probablynot,saidIsabelle.ButItrustthatJacehashisreasonsfor

Forwhat?Forwantingtodie?

Clary. Isabelleseyesblazedupwitha sudden lightofanger.Doyou think the restofusaresafe?Wereallwaitingtodieorbeenslaved.CanyoureallyseeJacedoingthat,justsittingaroundwaitingforsomethingawfultohappen?Canyoureallysee

AllIseeisthatJaceisyourbrotherjustlikeMaxwas,saidClary,andyoucaredwhathappenedtohim.

Sheregretteditthemomentshesaidit;Isabellesfacewentwhite,asifClaryswordshadbleachedthe

coloroutoftheothergirlsskin.Max,Isabellesaidwithatightlycontrolledfury,wasalittleboy,notafighterhewasnineyearsold.JaceisaShadowhunter,awarrior.IfwefightValentine,doyouthinkAlecwontbeinthebattle?Doyouthinkwerenotallofus,atalltimes,preparedtodieifwehaveto,ifthecauseisgreatenough?ValentineisJacesfather;Jaceprobablyhasthebestchanceofallofusofgettingclosetohimtodowhathehastodo

ValentinewillkillJaceifhehasto,Clarysaid.Hewontsparehim.

Iknow.

Butallthatmattersisifhegoesoutinglory?Wontyouevenmisshim?

Iwillmisshimeveryday,Isabellesaid,fortherestofmylife,which,letsfaceit,ifJacefails,willprobablybeaboutaweeklong.Sheshookherhead.Youdontgetit,Clary.Youdontunderstandwhatitsliketolivealwaysatwar,togrowupwithbattleandsacrifice.Iguessitsnotyourfault.Itsjusthowyouwerebroughtup

Claryheldherhandsup.Idogetit.Iknowyoudontlikeme,Isabelle.BecauseImamundanetoyou.

YouthinkthatswhyIsabellebrokeoff,hereyesbright;notjustwithanger,Clarysawwithsurprise,butwith tears.God, you dont understandanything, do you?Youve known Jacewhat, amonth? Iveknownhimforsevenyears.AndallthetimeIveknownhim,Iveneverseenhimfallinlove,neverseenhimeven like anyone.Hedhookupwithgirls, sure.Girlsalways fell in lovewithhim,buthenevercared. I think thatswhyAlec thought Isabelle stopped for amoment,holdingherselfvery still.Shestryingnottocry,ClarythoughtinwonderIsabelle,whoseemedlikeshenevercried.Italwaysworriedme,andmymom,tooImean,whatkindofteenageboyneverevengetsacrushonanyone?Itwaslikehewas always half-awakewhere other peoplewere concerned. I thoughtmaybewhat had happenedwithhisfatherhaddonesomesortofpermanentdamagetohim,likemaybeheneverreallycouldloveanyone. If Id only knownwhat had really happened with his fatherbut then I probably would havethoughtthesamething,wouldntI?Imean,whowouldnthavebeendamagedbythat?

Andthenwemetyou,anditwaslikehewokeup.Youcouldntseeit,becauseyoudneverknownhimanydifferent.ButIsawit.Hodgesawit.Alecsawitwhydoyouthinkhehatedyousomuch?Itwaslikethatfromthesecondwemetyou.Youthoughtitwasamazingthatyoucouldseeus,anditwas,butwhatwasamazingtomewasthatJacecouldseeyou,too.HekepttalkingaboutyouallthewaybacktotheInstitute;hemadeHodgesendhimouttogetyou;andoncehebroughtyouback,hedidntwantyoutoleaveagain.Whereveryouwereintheroom,hewatchedyou.HewasevenjealousofSimon.Imnotsureherealizedithimself,buthewas.Icouldtell.Jealousofamundane.AndthenafterwhathappenedtoSimonattheparty,hewaswillingtogowithyoutotheDumort,tobreakClaveLaw,justtosaveamundanehedidntevenlike.Hediditforyou.BecauseifanythinghadhappenedtoSimon,youwouldhavebeenhurt.YouwerethefirstpersonoutsideourfamilywhosehappinessIdeverseenhimtakeintoconsideration.Becausehelovedyou.

Clarymadeanoiseinthebackofherthroat.Butthatwasbefore

Beforehefoundoutyouwerehissister. Iknow.AndIdontblameyoufor that.Youcouldnthaveknown. And I guess you couldnt have helped that you just went right on ahead and dated Simonafterwardlikeyoudidntevencare.IthoughtonceJaceknewyouwerehissister,hedgiveupandgetoverit,buthedidnt,andhecouldnt.IdontknowwhatValentinedidtohimwhenhewasachild.Idontknowifthatswhyheisthewayheis,orifitsjustthewayhesmade,buthewontgetoveryou,Clary.

Hecant.Istartedtohateseeingyou.IhatedforJacetoseeyou.Itslikeaninjuryyougetfromdemonpoisonyouhavetoleaveitaloneandletitheal.Everytimeyouripthebandagesoff,youjustopenthewoundupagain.Everytimeheseesyou,itsliketearingoffthebandages.

Iknow,Clarywhispered.Howdoyouthinkitisforme?

Idontknow.Icant tellwhatyourefeeling.Yourenotmy sister. Idonthateyou,Clary. Ieven likeyou.Ifitwerepossible,thereisntanyoneIdratherJacebewith.ButIhopeyoucanunderstandwhenIsay that ifbysomemiracleweallget through this, Ihopemyfamilymoves itself somewhereso farawaythatweneverseeyouagain.

TearsstungthebacksofClaryseyes.Itwasstrange,sheandIsabellesittinghereatthistable,cryingoverJaceforreasonsthatwerebothverydifferentandstrangelythesame.Whyareyoutellingmeallthisnow?

BecauseyoureaccusingmeofnotwantingtoprotectJace.ButIdowanttoprotecthim.WhydoyouthinkIwassoupsetwhenyousuddenlyshowedupatthePenhallows?Youactasifyourenotapartofallthis,ofourworld;youstandonthesidelines,butyouareapartofit.Yourecentraltoit.Youcantjust pretend to be a bit player forever,Clary, notwhen youreValentines daughter.Notwhen Jace isdoingwhathesdoingpartlybecauseofyou.

Becauseofme?

Why do you think hes so willing to risk himself?Why do you think he doesnt care if he dies?IsabelleswordsdroveintoClarysearslikesharpneedles.Iknowwhy,shethought.Itsbecausehethinkshesademon,thinksheisntreallyhuman,thatswhybutIcanttellyouthat,canttellyoutheonethingthatwouldmakeyouunderstand.Hesalwaysthoughttherewassomethingwrongwithhim,andnow,becauseofyou,hethinkshescursedforever.IheardhimsaysotoAlec.Whynotriskyourlife,ifyoudontwanttoliveanyway?Whynotriskyourlifeifyoullneverbehappynomatterwhatyoudo?

Isabelle,thatsenough.Thedooropened,almostsilently,andSimonstoodinthedoorway.Claryhadnearlyforgottenhowmuchbetterhishearingwasnow.ItsnotClarysfault.

ColorroseinIsabellesface.Stayoutofthis,Simon.Youdontknowwhatsgoingon.

Simon stepped into the kitchen, shutting the door behind him. I heard most of what youve beensaying, he told themmatter-of-factly. Even through the wall. You said you dont knowwhat Clarysfeelingbecauseyouhaventknownherlongenough.Well,Ihave.IfyouthinkJaceistheonlyonewhossuffered,yourewrongthere.

Therewasasilence;thefiercenessinIsabellesexpressionwasfadingslightly.Inthedistance,Clarythoughtsheheardthesoundofsomeoneknockingonthefrontdoor:Luke,probably,orMaiabringingmorebloodforSimon.

Itsnotbecauseofme thathe left,Clarysaid,andherheartbegan topound.CanI tell themJacessecret,nowthathesgone?CanItellthemtherealreasonheleft,therealreasonhedoesntcareifhedies?Wordsstartedtopouroutofher,almostagainstherwill.WhenJaceandIwenttotheWaylandmanorwhenwewenttofindtheBookoftheWhite

Shebrokeoffas thekitchendoorswungopen.Amatisstood there, thestrangestexpressiononherface.ForamomentClarythoughtshewasfrightened,andherheartskippedabeat.ButitwasntfrightonAmatissface,notreally.ShelookedasshehadwhenClaryandLukehadsuddenlyshowedupather

frontdoor.Shelookedasifshedseenaghost.Clary,shesaidslowly.Theressomeoneheretoseeyou

Beforeshecouldfinish,thatsomeonepushedpastherintothekitchen.Amatisstoodback,andClarygotherfirstgoodlookattheintruderaslenderwoman,dressedinblack.AtfirstallClarysawwastheShadowhuntergearandshealmostdidntrecognizeher,notuntilhereyesreachedthewomansfaceandshefeltherstomachdropoutofherbodythewayithadwhenJacehaddriventheirmotorcycleofftheedgeoftheDumortroof,aten-storyfall.

Itwashermother.

PartThree

TheWaytoHeaven

Ohyes,Iknowthewaytoheavenwaseasy.

Wefoundthelittlekingdomofourpassion

Thatallcansharewhowalktheroadoflovers.

Inwildandsecrethappinesswestumbled;

Andgodsanddemonsclamouredinoursenses.

SiegfriedSassoon,TheImperfectLover

16

ARTICLESOFFAITH

Sincethenightshedcomehometofindhermothergone,Claryhadimaginedseeingheragain,welland healthy, so often that her imaginings had taken on the quality of a photograph that had becomefadedfrombeingtakenoutandlookedattoomanytimes.Thoseimagesroseupbeforehernow,evenasshestared indisbeliefimages inwhichhermother, lookinghealthyandhappy,huggedClaryand toldherhowmuchshedmissedherbutthateverythingwasgoingtobeallrightnow.

Themother inher imaginingsborevery littleresemblance to thewomanwhostoodinfrontofhernow. Shed remembered Jocelyn as gentle and artistic, a little bohemian with her paint-splatteredoveralls, her red hair in pigtails or fastened upwith a pencil into amessy bun.This Jocelynwas asbrightandsharpasaknife,herhairdrawnbacksternly,notawispoutofplace;theharshblackofhergearmadeherfacelookpaleandhard.NorwasherexpressiontheoneClaryhadimagined:Insteadofdelight,therewassomethingverylikehorrorinthewayshelookedatClary,hergreeneyeswide.Clary,shebreathed.Yourclothes.

Clarylookeddownatherself.ShehadonAmatissblackShadowhuntergear,exactlywhathermotherhadspentherwholelifemakingsureherdaughterwouldneverhavetowear.Claryswallowedhardandstoodup,clutchingtheedgeofthetablewithherhands.Shecouldseehowwhiteherknuckleswere,butherhandsfeltdisconnectedfromherbodysomehow,asiftheybelongedtosomeoneelse.

Jocelynsteppedtowardher,reachingherarmsout.Clary

AndClaryfoundherselfbackingup,sohastily thatshehit thecounterwith thesmallofherback.Painflaredthroughher,butshehardlynoticed;shewasstaringathermother.SowasSimon,hismouthslightlyopen;Amatis,too,lookedstricken.

Isabellestoodup,puttingherselfbetweenClaryandhermother.Herhandslidbeneathherapron,andClaryhadafeelingthatwhenshedrewitout,shedbeholdingherslenderelectrumwhip.Whatsgoingonhere?Isabelledemanded.Whoareyou?

Herstrongvoicewaveredslightlyassheseemed tocatch theexpressiononJocelynsface;Jocelynwasstaringather,herhandoverherheart.

Maryse.Jocelynsvoicewasbarelyawhisper.

Isabellelookedstartled.Howdoyouknowmymothersname?

ColorcameintoJocelynsfaceinarush.Ofcourse.YoureMarysesdaughter.Itsjustyoulooksomuchlikeher.Sheloweredherhandslowly.ImJocelynFrFairchild.ImClarysmother.

IsabelletookherhandoutfromundertheapronandglancedatClary,hereyesfullofconfusion.ButyouwereinthehospitalinNewYork

Iwas,Jocelynsaidinafirmervoice.Butthankstomydaughter,Imfinenow.AndIdlikeamomentwithher.

Imnot sure, saidAmatis, that shewants amomentwith you.She reachedout to put her handonJocelynsshoulder.Thismustbeashockforher

JocelynshookoffAmatisandmovedtowardClary,reachingherhandsout.Clary

At lastClary foundhervoice. Itwasacold, icyvoice, soangry it surprisedher.Howdidyougethere,Jocelyn?

Hermotherstoppeddead,alookofuncertaintypassingoverherface.IPortaledtojustoutsidethecitywithMagnusBane.Yesterdayhecame tome in thehospitalhebrought theantidote.He toldmeeverythingyoudidforme.AllIvewantedsinceIwokeupwastoseeyou.Hervoicetrailedoff.Clary,issomethingwrong?

Whydidntyouever tellmeIhadabrother?Clarysaid. Itwasntwhatshedexpected tosay,wasntevenwhatshedplannedtohavecomeoutofhermouth.Butthereitwas.

Jocelyndroppedherhands.Ithoughthewasdead.Ithoughtitwouldonlyhurtyoutoknow.

Letmetellyousomething,Mom,Clarysaid.Knowingisbetterthannotknowing.Everytime.

Imsorry,Jocelynbegan.

Sorry?Clarysvoicerose;itwasasifsomethinginsideherhadtornopen,andeverythingwaspouringout, all her bitterness, all her pent-up rage.Do youwant to explainwhy you never toldme Iwas aShadowhunter?Orthatmyfatherwasstillalive?Oh,andhowaboutthatbitwhereyoupaidMagnustostealmymemories?

Iwastryingtoprotectyou

Well, you did a terrible job! Clarys voice rose.What did you expect to happen to me after youdisappeared?IfithadntbeenforJaceandtheothers,Idbedead.Younevershowedmehowtoprotectmyself.Younevertoldmehowdangerousthingsreallywere.Whatdidyouthink?ThatifIcouldntseethebadthings,thatmeanttheycouldntseeme?Hereyesburned.YouknewValentinewasntdead.YoutoldLukeyouthoughthewasstillalive.

ThatswhyIhadtohideyou,Jocelynsaid.IcouldntrisklettingValentineknowwhereyouwere.Icouldntlethimtouchyou

Becauseheturnedyourfirstchildintoamonster,saidClary,andyoudidntwanthimtodothesametome.

Shockedspeechless,Jocelyncouldonlystareather.Yes,shesaidfinally.Yes,butthatsnotallitwas,Clary

Youstolemymemories,Clarysaid.Youtookthemawayfromme.YoutookawaywhoIwas.

Thatsnotwhoyouare!Jocelyncried.Ineverwantedittobewhoyouwere

Itdoesntmatterwhatyouwanted!Claryshouted.ItiswhoIam!Youtookallthatawayfrommeanditdidntbelongtoyou!

Jocelynwasashen.TearsroseupinClaryseyesshecouldntbearseeinghermotherlikethis,seeinghersohurt,andyetshewastheonedoingthehurtingandsheknewthatifsheopenedhermouthagain,moreterriblewordswouldcomeout,morehateful,angrythings.Sheclappedherhandoverhermouthanddartedforthehallway,pushingpasthermother,pastSimonsoutstretchedhand.Allshewantedwasto get away.Blindly pushing at the front door, she half-fell out into the street.Behind her, someonecalledhername,butshedidntturnaround.Shewasalreadyrunning.

JacewassomewhatsurprisedtodiscoverthatSebastianhadlefttheVerlachorseinthestablesratherthangallopingawayon it thenighthe fled.Perhapshehadbeenafraid thatWayfarermight insomemannerbetracked.

It gave Jace a certain satisfaction to saddle the stallion up and ride him out of the city. True, ifSebastian had reallywantedWayfarer, hewouldnt have left him behindand besides, the horse hadntreallybeenSebastianstobeginwith.Butthefactwas,Jacelikedhorses.Hedbeententhelasttimehedriddenone,butthememories,hewaspleasedtonote,camebackfast.

IthadtakenhimandClarysixhourstowalkfromtheWaylandmanortoAlicante.Ittookabouttwohourstogetback,ridingataneargallop.Bythetimetheydrewupontheridgeoverlookingthehouseandgardens,bothheandthehorsewerecoveredinalightsheenofsweat.

The misdirection wards that had hidden the manor had been destroyed along with the manorsfoundation.Whatwas leftof theonceelegantbuildingwasaheapofsmolderingstone.Thegardens,singedattheedgesnow,stillbroughtbackmemoriesofthetimehedlivedthereasachild.Thereweretherosebushes,denudedoftheirblossomsnowandthreadedwithgreenweeds;thestonebenchesthatsat by empty pools; and the hollow in the ground where hed lain with Clary the night the manorcollapsed.Hecouldseetheblueglintofthenearbylakethroughthetrees.

Asurgeofbitternesscaughthim.Hejammedhishandintohispocketanddrewoutfirstastelehedborrowedit fromAlecsroombeforehedleft,asareplacementfor theoneClaryhadlost,sinceAleccouldalwaysgetanotherandthenthethreadhedtakenfromthesleeveofClaryscoat.Itlayinhispalm,stained red-brown at one end.He closedhis fist around it, tightly enough tomake the bones jut outunder his skin, and with his stele traced a rune on the back of his hand. The faint sting wasmorefamiliar thanpainful.Hewatched the rune sink intohis skin like a stone sinking throughwater, andclosedhiseyes.

Insteadofthebacksofhiseyelidshesawavalley.Hewasstandingonaridgelookingdownoverit,and as if hewere gazing at amap that pinpointed his location, he knew exactlywhere hewas. HerememberedhowtheInquisitorhadknownexactlywhereValentinesboatwasinthemiddleoftheEastRiver and realized,This is how she did it. Every detailwas clearevery blade of grass, the scatter ofbrowningleavesathisfeetbuttherewasnosound.Thescenewaseerilysilent.

Thevalleywasahorseshoewithoneendnarrowerthantheother.Abrightsilverrillofwateracreekorstreamranthroughthecenterofitanddisappearedamongrocksatthenarrowend.Besidethestreamsatagraystonehouse,whitesmokepuffingfromthesquarechimney.Itwasanoddlypastoralscene,

tranquilunder thebluegazeof the sky.Ashewatched, a slender figure swung intoview.Sebastian.Nowthathewasnolongerbotheringtopretend,hisarrogancewasplaininthewayhewalked,inthejut of his shoulders, the faint smirk on his face. Sebastian knelt downby the side of the streamandplungedhishandsin,splashingwaterupoverhisfaceandhair.

Jaceopenedhiseyes.BeneathhimWayfarerwascontentedlycroppinggrass.Jaceshovedthesteleandthreadbackintohispocket,andwithasinglelastglanceattheruinsofthehousehedgrownupin,hegatheredupthereinsanddughisheelsintothehorsessides.

Clary lay in thegrassnear theedgeofGardHillandstaredmoroselydownatAlicante.Theviewfromherewasprettyspectacular,shehadtoadmit.Shecouldlookoutovertherooftopsofthecity,withtheir elegant carvings and rune-Marked weather vanes, past the spires of the Hall of Accords, outtowardsomething thatgleamed in the fardistance like theedgeofasilvercoinLakeLyn?TheblackruinsoftheGardhulkedbehindher,andthedemontowersshonelikecrystal.Claryalmostthoughtshecouldseethewards,shimmeringlikeaninvisiblenetwovenaroundthebordersofthecity.

She looked down at her hands. She had torn up several fistfuls of grass in the last spasms of heranger,andherfingerswerestickywithdirtandbloodwhereshedrippedanailhalfoff.Oncethefuryhadpassed,afeelingofutteremptinesshadreplacedit.Shehadntrealizedhowangryshedbeenwithhermother,notuntilshedsteppedthroughthedoorandClaryhadsetherpanicaboutJocelynslifeasideandrealizedwhatlayunderit.Nowthatshewascalmer,shewonderedifapartofherhadwantedtopunishhermotherforwhathadhappenedtoJace.Ifhehadntbeenliedtoiftheybothhadntbeenthenperhaps the shockof findingoutwhatValentinehaddone tohimwhenhewasonlyababywouldnthavedrivenhimtoagestureClarycouldnthelpfeelingwasclosetosuicide.

MindifIjoinyou?

She jumpedinsurpriseandrolledontoherside to lookup.Simonstoodoverher,hishands inhispockets.SomeoneIsabelle,probablyhadgivenhimadarkjacketofthetoughblackstuffShadowhuntersusedfortheirgear.Avampireingear,Clarythought,wonderingifitwasafirst.Yousnuckuponme,shesaid.IguessImnotmuchofaShadowhunter,huh.

Simonshrugged.Well,inyourdefense,Idomovewithasilent,pantherlikegrace.

Despiteherself,Clarysmiled.Shesatup,brushingdirtoffherhands.Goaheadand joinme.Thismope-festisopentoall.

Sittingbesideher,Simonlookedoutoverthecityandwhistled.Niceview.

Itis.Clarylookedathimsidelong.Howdidyoufindme?

Well,ittookmeafewhours.Hesmiled,alittlecrookedly.ThenIrememberedhowwhenweusedtofight,backinfirstgrade,youdgoandsulkonmyroofandmymomwouldhavetogetyoudown?

So?

Iknowyou,hesaid.Whenyougetupset,youheadforhighground.

Heheld somethingout toherhergreencoat,neatly folded.She took it and shrugged itonthepoorthingwasalreadyshowingdistinctsignsofwear.Therewasevenasmallholeintheelbowbigenoughtowiggleafingerthrough.

Thanks,Simon.Shelacedherhandsaroundherkneesandstaredoutatthecity.Thesunwaslowin

thesky,andthetowershadbeguntoglowafaintreddishpink.Didmymomsendyouupheretogetme?

Simonshookhishead.Luke,actually.Andhejustaskedmetotellyouthatyoumightwanttoheadbackbeforesunset.Someprettyimportantstuffishappening.

Whatkindofstuff?

LukegavetheClaveuntilsunsettodecidewhethertheydagreetogivetheDownworldersseatsontheCouncil.TheDownworldersareallcomingtotheNorthGateattwilight.IftheClaveagrees,theycancomeintoAlicante.Ifnot

Theygetsentaway,Claryfinished.AndtheClavegivesitselfuptoValentine.

Yeah.

Theyllagree,saidClary.Theyhave to.Shehuggedherknees.TheydneverpickValentine.Noonewould.

Glad to seeyour idealismhasntbeendamaged, saidSimon,and thoughhisvoicewas light,Claryheardanothervoicethroughit.Jaces,sayinghewasntanidealist,andsheshivered,despitethecoatshewaswearing.

Simon?shesaid.Ihaveastupidquestion.

Whatisit?

DidyousleepwithIsabelle?

Simonmadeachokingsound.Claryswiveledslowlyaroundtolookathim.

Areyouokay?sheasked.

Ithinkso,hesaid,recoveringhispoisewithapparenteffort.Areyouserious?

Well,youweregoneallnight.

Simonwassilentforalongmoment.Finallyhesaid,Imnotsureitsyourbusiness,butno.

Well,saidClary,afterajudiciouspause,Iguessyouwouldnthavetakenadvantageofherwhenshessogrief-strickenandall.

Simonsnorted.IfyouevermeetthemanwhocouldtakeadvantageofIsabelle,youllhavetoletmeknow.Idliketoshakehishand.Orrunawayfromhimveryfast,Imnotsurewhich.

SoyourenotdatingIsabelle.

Clary,Simonsaid,whyareyouaskingmeaboutIsabelle?Dontyouwanttotalkaboutyourmom?OraboutJace?Izzytoldmethatheleft.Iknowhowyoumustbefeeling.

No,Clarysaid.No,Idontthinkyoudo.

Yourenot theonlypersonwhos ever felt abandoned.Therewas an edgeof impatience toSimonsvoice. I guess I just thoughtImean, Ive never seen you so angry.And at yourmom. I thought youmissedher.

OfcourseImissedher!Clarysaid, realizingevenasshesaid ithowthescene in thekitchenmusthavelooked.Especiallytohermother.Shepushedthethoughtaway.ItsjustthatIvebeensofocusedon

rescuinghersavingherfromValentine,thenfiguringoutawaytocureherthatIneverevenstoppedtothinkabouthowangryIwasthatsheliedtomealltheseyears.Thatshekeptallofthisfromme,keptthetruthfromme.NeverletmeknowwhoIreallywas.

Butthatsnotwhatyousaidwhenshewalkedintotheroom,saidSimonquietly.Yousaid,WhydidntyouevertellmeIhadabrother?

Iknow.Claryyankedabladeofgrassoutofthedirt,worryingitbetweenherfingers.IguessIcanthelpthinkingthatifIdknownthetruth,IwouldnthavemetJacethewayIdid.Iwouldnthavefalleninlovewithhim.

Simonwassilentforamoment.IdontthinkIveeverheardyousaythatbefore.

ThatIlovehim?Shelaughed,butitsoundeddrearyeventoherears.SeemsuselesstopretendlikeIdont,atthispoint.Maybeitdoesntmatter.Iprobablywonteverseehimagain,anyway.

Hellcomeback.

Maybe.

Hellcomeback,Simonsaidagain.Foryou.

Idontknow.Claryshookherhead.Itwasgettingcolderasthesundippedtotouchtheedgeofthehorizon.Shenarrowedhereyes,leaningforward,staring.Simon.Look.

Hefollowedhergaze.Beyondthewards,attheNorthGateofthecity,hundredsofdarkfiguresweregathering,somehuddledtogether,somestandingapart:theDownworldersLukehadcalledtothecitysaid,waitingpatientlyforwordfromtheClavetoletthemin.AshiversizzleddownClarysspine.Shewaspoisednotjustonthecrestofthishill,lookingdownoverasteepdroptothecitybelow,butattheedgeofacrisis,aneventthatwouldchangetheworkingsofthewholeShadowhuntingworld.

Theyrehere,Simonsaid,halftohimself.IwonderifthatmeanstheClavesdecided?

Ihopeso.ThegrassbladeClaryhadbeenworryingatwasamangledgreenmess;shetosseditasideandyankedupanotherone.IdontknowwhatIlldoiftheydecidetogiveintoValentine.MaybeIcancreateaPortalthatlltakeusallawaytosomewhereValentinewillneverfindus.Adesertedisland,orsomething.

Okay,Ihaveastupidquestionmyself,Simonsaid.Youcancreatenewrunes,right?Whycantyoujustcreateonetodestroyeverydemonintheworld?OrkillValentine?

Itdoesntworklikethat,Clarysaid.IcanonlycreaterunesIcanvisualize.Thewholeimagehastocomeintomyhead,likeapicture.WhenItrytovisualizekillValentineorruletheworldorsomething,Idontgetanyimages.Justwhitenoise.

Butwheredotheimagesoftherunescomefrom,doyouthink?

Idontknow,Clary said.All the runes theShadowhuntersknowcome from theGrayBook.ThatswhytheycanonlybeputonNephilim;thatswhattheyrefor.Butthereareother,olderrunes.Magnustoldme that.Like theMarkofCain. Itwas aprotectionMark,butnotone from theGrayBook.Sowhen I think of these runes, like the Fearless rune, I dont know if its something Im inventing, orsomething Im rememberingrunes older than Shadowhunters.Runes as old as angels themselves. Shethoughtof the rune Ithurielhadshowedher, theoneas simpleasaknot.Had itcomefromherownmind, or the angels?Orwas it just something that had always existed, like the sea or the sky?The

thoughtmadehershiver.

Areyoucold?Simonasked.

Yesarentyou?

Idontgetcoldanymore.Heputanarmaroundher,hishandrubbingherback inslowcircles.Hechuckledruefully.Iguessthisprobablydoesnthelpmuch,whatwithmehavingnobodyheatandall.

No,Clarysaid.Imeanyes,itdoeshelp.Staylikethat.Sheglancedupathim.HewasstaringdownattheNorthGate,aroundwhichthedarkfiguresofDownworldersstillcrowded,almostmotionless.Theredlightofthedemontowersreflectedinhiseyes;helookedlikesomeoneinaphotographtakenwithaflash.Shecouldseefaintblueveinsspideringjustunderthesurfaceofhisskinwhereitwasthinnest:athistemples,atthebaseofhiscollarbone.Sheknewenoughaboutvampirestoknowthatthismeantithadbeenawhilesincehedfed.Areyouhungry?

Nowhedidglancedownather.AfraidImgoingtobiteyou?

Youknowyourewelcometomybloodwheneveryouwantit.

Ashiver,notfromcold,passedoverhim,andhepulledhermoretightlyagainsthisside.Idneverdothat,hesaid.Andthen,morelightly,Besides,IvealreadydrunkJacesbloodIvehadenoughoffeedingoffmyfriends.

ClarythoughtofthesilverscaronthesideofJacesthroat.Slowly,hermindstillfulloftheimageofJace,shesaid,Doyouthinkthatswhy?

Whywhat?

Whysunlightdoesnthurtyou.Imean,itdidhurtyoubeforethat,didntit?Beforethatnightontheboat?

Henoddedreluctantly.

Sowhatelsechanged?Orisitjustthatyoudrankhisblood?

YoumeanbecausehesNephilim?No.No,itssomethingelse.YouandJaceyourenotquitenormal,areyou?Imean,notnormalShadowhunters.Threressomethingspecialaboutyouboth.LiketheSeelieQueensaid.Youwereexperiments.Hesmiledatherstartledlook.Imnotstupid.Icanputthesethingstogether.Youwithyourrunepowers,andJace,wellnoonecouldbethatannoyingwithoutsomekindofsupernaturalassistance.

Doyoureallydislikehimthatmuch?

IdontdislikeJace,Simonprotested. Imean, Ihatedhimat first, sure.Heseemedsoarrogantandsureofhimself,andyouactedlikehehungthemoon

Ididnot.

Letme finish,Clary.Therewas abreathlessundercurrent inSimonsvoice, if someonewhoneverbreathedcouldbesaidtobebreathless.Hesoundedasifhewereracingtowardsomething.Icouldtellhowmuchyoulikedhim,andIthoughthewasusingyou,thatyouwerejustsomestupidmundanegirlhecouldimpresswithhisShadowhuntertricks.FirstItoldmyselfthatyoudneverfallforit,andthenthatevenifyoudid,hedgettiredofyoueventuallyandyoudcomebacktome.Imnotproudofthat,butwhen youre desperate, youll believe anything, I guess.And thenwhen he turned out to be your

brother, it seemed like a last-minute reprieveand I was glad. I was even glad to see howmuch heseemedtobesuffering,untilthatnightintheSeelieCourtwhenyoukissedhim.Icouldsee

Seewhat?Clarysaid,unabletobearthepause.

Thewayhelookedatyou.Igot it then.Hewasneverusingyou.Helovedyou,anditwaskillinghim.

IsthatwhyyouwenttotheDumort?Clarywhispered.Itwassomethingshedalwayswantedtoknowbuthadneverbeenabletobringherselftoask.

BecauseofyouandJace?Notinanyrealway,no.Eversincethatnightinthehotel,Idbeenwantingtogoback.Idreamedaboutit.AndIdwakeupoutofbed,gettingdressed,oralreadyonthestreet,andIknewIwantedtogobacktothehotel.Itwasalwaysworseatnight,andworsethecloserIgottothehotel.ItdidntevenoccurtomethatitwassomethingsupernaturalIthoughtitwasposttraumaticstressorsomething.Thatnight,Iwassoexhaustedandangry,andweweresoclosetothehotel,anditwasnightI barely even remember what happened. I just remember walking away from the park, andthennothing.

Butifyouhadntbeenangryatmeifwehadntupsetyou

Itsnotlikeyouhadachoice,Simonsaid.AnditsnotlikeIdidntknow.Youcanonlypushthetruthdownforsolong,andthenitbubblesbackup.ThemistakeImadewasnottellingyouwhatwasgoingonwithme,nottellingyouaboutthedreams.ButIdontregretdatingyou.Imgladwetried.AndIloveyoufortrying,evenifitwasnevergoingtowork.

Iwantedittoworksomuch,Clarysaidsoftly.Ineverwantedtohurtyou.

Iwouldnt change it,Simon said. Iwouldntgiveup lovingyou.Not for anything.YouknowwhatRaphaeltoldme?ThatIdidntknowhowtobeagoodvampire,thatvampiresacceptthattheyredead.ButaslongasIrememberwhatitwasliketoloveyou,IllalwaysfeellikeImalive.

Simon

Look.Hecutheroffwithagesture,hisdarkeyeswidening.Downthere.

Thesunwasaredsliveronthehorizon;asshelooked,itflickeredandvanished,disappearingpastthedarkrimoftheworld.ThedemontowersofAlicanteblazedintosuddenincandescentlife.IntheirlightClarycouldseethedarkcrowdswarmingrestlesslyaroundtheNorthGate.Whatsgoingon?shewhispered.Thesunsset;whyarentthegatesopening?

Simonwasmotionless.TheClave,hesaid.TheymusthavesaidnotoLuke.

Buttheycanthave!Clarysvoicerosesharply.Thatwouldmean

TheyregoingtogivethemselvesuptoValentine.

Theycant!Clarycriedagain,butevenasshestared,shesawthegroupsofdarkfiguressurroundingthewardsturnandmoveawayfromthecity,streaminglikeantsoutofadestroyedanthill.

Simonsfacewaswaxyinthefadinglight.Iguess,hesaid,theyreallyhateusthatmuch.TheydreallyratherchooseValentine.

Itsnothate,Clarysaid.Itsthattheyreafraid.EvenValentinewasafraid.Shesaiditwithoutthinking,andrealizedasshesaiditthatitwastrue.Afraidandjealous.

Simonflickedaglancetowardherinsurprise.Jealous?

ButClarywas back in the dream Ithuriel had showed her,Valentines voice echoing in her ears. Iwantedtoaskhimwhy.Whyhecreatedus,hisraceofShadowhunters,yetdidnotgiveusthepowersDownworldershavethe speedof thewolves, the immortalityof theFairFolk, themagicofwarlocks,eventheenduranceofvampires.Heleftusnakedbeforethehostsofhellbutforthesepaintedlinesonourskin.Whyshouldtheirpowersbegreaterthanours?Whycantweshareinwhattheyhave?

Herlipspartedandshestaredunseeingdownatthecitybelow.ShewasvaguelyawarethatSimonwassayinghername,buthermindwasracing.Theangelcouldhaveshowedheranything,shethought,buthedchosentoshowherthesescenes,thesememories,forareason.ShethoughtofValentinecrying,ThatweshouldbeboundtoDownworlders,tiedtothosecreatures!

Andtherune.Theoneshehaddreamedof.Theruneassimpleasaknot.

Whycantweshareinwhattheyhave?

Binding,shesaidoutloud.Itsabindingrune.Itjoinslikeandunlike.

What?Simonstaredupatherinconfusion.

Shescrambledtoherfeet,brushingoffthedirt.Ihavetogetdownthere.Wherearethey?

Wherearewho?Clary

TheClave.Wherearetheymeeting?WheresLuke?

Simonrosetohisfeet.TheAccordsHall.Clary

Butshewasalreadyracingtowardthewindingpaththatledtothecity.Swearingunderhisbreath,Simonfollowed.

TheysayallroadsleadtotheHall.SebastianswordspoundedoverandoverinClarysheadandshesprinted down the narrow streets of Alicante. She hoped it was true, because otherwise she wasdefinitelygoingtogetlost.Thestreetstwistedatoddangles,notlikethelovely,straight,griddedstreetsofManhattan.InManhattanyoualwaysknewwhereyouwere.Everythingwasclearlynumberedandlaidout.Thiswasalabyrinth.

She darted through a tiny courtyard and downone of the narrow canal paths, knowing that if shefollowedthewater,shedeventuallycomeoutinAngelSquare.Somewhattohersurprise,thepathtookher by Amatiss house, and then she was racing, panting, down a wider, curving, familiar street. Itopened out onto the square, theAccordsHall rising upwide andwhite before her, the angel statueshining at the squares center. Standing beside the statuewasSimon, his arms crossed, regarding herdarkly.

Youcouldhavewaited,hesaid.

Sheleanedforward,herhandsonherknees,catchingherbreath.Youcantreallysaythatsinceyougotherebeforemeanyway.

Vampirespeed,Simonsaidwithsomesatisfaction.Whenwegethome,Ioughttogooutfortrack.

Thatwouldbecheating.WithalastdeepbreathClarystraightenedupandpushedhersweatyhairoutofhereyes.Comeon.Weregoingin.

TheHallwas full of Shadowhunters,more Shadowhunters thanClary had ever seen in one place

before, evenon thenight ofValentines attack.Their voices rose in a roar like a crashing avalanche;most of them had gathered into contentious, shouting groupsthe daiswas deserted, themap of Idrishangingforlornlybehindit.

ShelookedaroundforLuke.Ittookheramomenttofindhim,leaningagainstapillarwithhiseyeshalf-closed.He looked awfulhalf-dead, his shoulders slumped.Amatis stood behind him, patting hisshoulderworriedly.Clarylookedaround,butJocelynwasnowheretobeseeninthecrowd.

For just amoment she hesitated. Then she thought of Jace, going afterValentine, doing it alone,knowingthathemightwellgethimselfkilled.Heknewhewasapartofthis,apartofallofit,andshewastooshealwayshadbeen,evenwhenshehadntknownit.Adrenalinewasstillcoursingthroughherin spikes, sharpening her perception,making everything seem clear.Almost too clear. She squeezedSimonshand.Wishmeluck,shesaid,andthenherfeetwerecarryinghertowardthedaissteps,almostwithouthervolition,andthenshewasstandingonthedaisandturningtofacethecrowd.

Shewasntsurewhatshedexpected.Gaspsofsurprise?Aseaofhushed,expectantfaces?TheybarelynoticedheronlyLukelookedup,asifhesensedherthere,andfrozewithalookofastonishmentonhisface.Andtherewassomeonecomingtowardherthroughthecrowdatallmanwithbonesasprominentas the prow of a sailing ship. ConsulMalachi. Hewas gesturing at her to get down from the dais,shakinghisheadandshoutingsomethingshecouldnthear.MoreShadowhunterswereturningtowardhernowashemadehiswaythroughthethrong.

Claryhadwhatshewantednow,alleyesrivetedonher.Sheheardthewhispersrunningthroughthecrowd:Thatsher.Valentinesdaughter.

Youreright,shesaid,castinghervoiceasfarandasloudlyasshecould,IamValentinesdaughter.Inever evenknewhewasmy fatheruntil a fewweeksago. Inever evenknewheexisted until a fewweeksago.Iknowalotofyouaregoingtobelievethatsnottrue,andthatsfine.Believewhatyouwant.Justas longasyoualsobelieveIknowthingsaboutValentineyoudontknow, things thatcouldhelpyouwinthisbattleagainsthimifonlyyouletmetellyouwhattheyare.

Ridiculous.Malachistoodatthefootofthedaissteps.Thisisridiculous.Yourejustalittlegirl

ShesJocelynFairchildsdaughter.ItwasPatrickPenhallow.Havingpushedhiswaytothefrontofthecrowd,heheldupahand.Letthegirlsayherpiece,Malachi.

Thecrowdwasbuzzing.You,ClarysaidtotheConsul.YouandtheInquisitorthrewmyfriendSimonintoprison

Malachisneered.Yourfriendthevampire?

HetoldmeyouaskedhimwhathappenedtoValentinesshipthatnightontheEastRiver.YouthoughtValentinemusthavedonesomething,somekindofblackmagic.Well,hedidnt.Ifyouwanttoknowwhatdestroyedthatship,theanswerisme.Ididit.

Malachis disbelieving laughwas echoed by several others in the crowd.Lukewas looking at her,shakinghishead,butClaryplowedon.

Ididitwitharune,shesaid.Itwasarunesostrongitmadetheshipcomeapartinpieces.Icancreatenewrunes.NotjusttheonesintheGrayBook.Runesnooneseverseenbeforepowerfulones

Thats enough, Malachi roared. This is ridiculous. No one can create new runes. Its a completeimpossibility.Heturnedtothecrowd.Likeherfather,thisgirlisnothingbutaliar.

Shesnotlying.Thevoicecamefromthebackofthecrowd.Itwasclear,strong,andpurposeful.Thecrowdturned,andClarysawwhohadspoken:ItwasAlec.HestoodwithIsabelleononesideofhimandMagnusontheother.Simonwaswiththem,andsowasMaryseLightwood.Theyformedasmall,determined-looking knot by the front doors. Ive seen her create a rune. She even used it onme. Itworked.

Yourelying,theConsulsaid,butdoubthadcreptintohiseyes.Toprotectyourfriend

Really,Malachi,Marysesaidcrisply.Whywouldmysonlieaboutsomethinglikethis,whenthetruthcansoeasilybediscovered?Givethegirlasteleandlethercreatearune.

Amurmurofassent ranaroundtheHall.PatrickPenhallowsteppedforwardandheldasteleup toClary.Shetookitgratefullyandturnedbacktothecrowd.

Hermouthwentdry.Heradrenalinewasstillup,butitwasntenoughtocompletelydrownherstagefright.Whatwas she supposed to do?What kind of rune could she create thatwould convince thiscrowdshewastellingthetruth?Whatwouldshowthemthetruth?

Shelookedoutthen,throughthecrowd,andsawSimonwiththeLightwoods,lookingatheracrosstheemptyspacethatseparatedthem.ItwasthesamewaythatJacehadlookedatheratthemanor.Itwas the one thread that bound these two boys that she loved so much, she thought, their onecommonality:Theybothbelievedinherevenwhenshedidntbelieveinherself.

Looking at Simon, and thinking of Jace, she brought the stele down and drew its stinging pointagainsttheinsideofherwrist,whereherpulsebeat.Shedidntlookdownasshewasdoingitbutdrewblindly,trustingherselfandthesteletocreatetherunesheneeded.Shedrewitfaintly,lightlyshewouldneeditonlyforamomentbutwithoutasecondshesitation.Andwhenshewasdone,sheraisedherheadandopenedhereyes.

Thefirst thingshesawwasMalachi.Hisfacehadgonewhite,andhewasbackingawayfromherwithalookofhorror.HesaidsomethingawordinalanguageshedidntrecognizeandthenbehindhimshesawLuke,staringather,hismouthslightlyopen.Jocelyn?Lukesaid.

Sheshookherheadathim,justslightly,andlookedoutatthecrowd.Itwasabluroffaces,fadinginandoutasshestared.Someweresmiling,someglancingaroundthecrowdinsurprise,someturningtothepersonwhostoodnext to them.A fewworeexpressionsofhorrororamazement,handsclampedover theirmouths.She sawAlecglancequickly atMagnus, and then at her, in disbelief, andSimonlooking on in puzzlement, and thenAmatis came forward, shoving herway past PatrickPenhallowsbulk,andranuptotheedgeofthedais.Stephen!shesaid,lookingupatClarywithasortofdazzledamazement.Stephen!

Oh,Clarysaid.Oh,Amatis,no,andthenshefelttherunemagicslipfromher,asifshedshedathin,invisiblegarment.Amatisseagerfacedropped,andshebackedawayfromthedais,herexpressionhalf-crestfallenandhalf-amazed.

Clary lookedoutacross thecrowd.Theywereutterlysilent,everyface turned toher. Iknowwhatyoualljustsaw,shesaid.AndIknowthatyouknowthatthatkindofmagicisbeyondanyglamourorillusion.AndIdidthatwithonerune,asinglerune,arunethatIcreated.TherearereasonswhyIhavethisability,andIknowyoumightnotlikethemorevenbelievethem,butitdoesntmatter.WhatmattersisthatIcanhelpyouwinthisbattleagainstValentine,ifyoullletme.

Therewill be no battle againstValentine,Malachi said.He didntmeet her eyes as he spoke. The

Clavehasdecided.WewillagreetoValentinestermsandlaydownourarmstomorrowmorning.

Youcantdothat,shesaid,atingeofdesperationenteringhervoice.Youthinkeverythingwillbeallright ifyoujustgiveup?YouthinkValentinewill letyoukeeponlivinglikeyouhavealready?YouthinkhellconfinehiskillingtodemonsandDownworlders?Sheswepthergazeacrosstheroom.MostofyouhaventseenValentineinfifteenyears.Maybeyouveforgottenwhathesreallylike.ButIknow.Iveheardhimtalkabouthisplans.YouthinkyoucanstillliveyourlivesunderValentinesrule,butyouwontbeable to.Hell controlyoucompletely,becausehell alwaysbeable to threaten todestroyyouwith theMortal Instruments.Hell startwithDownworlders,ofcourse.But thenhellgo to theClave.Hellkillthemfirstbecausehethinkstheyreweakandcorrupt.ThenhellstartinonanyonewhohasaDownworlder anywhere in their family. Maybe a werewolf brotherher eyes swept over Amatisor arebellious teenagedaughterwhodates theoccasional faerieknighthereyeswent to theLightwoodsoranyonewhos ever somuch as befriended aDownworlder.And then hell go after anyonewhos everemployedtheservicesofawarlock.Howmanyofyouwouldthatbe?

Thisisnonsense,Malachisaidcrisply.ValentineisnotinterestedindestroyingNephilim.

ButhedoesntthinkanyonewhoassociateswithDownworldersisworthyofbeingcalledNephilim,Clary insisted.Look, yourwar isnt againstValentine. Its against demons.Keepingdemons from thisworld isyourmandate,amandate fromheaven.Andamandate fromheaven isntsomethingyoucanjustignore.Downworldershatedemonstoo.Theydestroythemtoo.IfValentinehashisway,hellspendso much of his time trying to murder every Downworlder, and every Shadowhunter whos everassociatedwiththem,thathellforgetallaboutthedemons,andsowillyou,becauseyoullbesobusybeingafraidofValentine.Andtheylloverruntheworld,andthatwillbethat.

Iseewherethisisgoing,Malachisaidthroughgrittedteeth.WewillnotfightbesideDownworldersintheserviceofabattlewecantpossiblywin

Butyoucanwin it,Clarysaid.Youcan.Her throatwasdry,herheadaching,and the faces in thecrowd before her seemed to meld into a featureless blur, punctuated here and there by soft whiteexplosionsof light.Butyoucant stopnow.Youhave tokeepgoing.Youhave to try.My fatherhatesDownworldersbecausehesjealousofthem,shewenton,herwordstrippingoveroneanother.Jealousandafraidofallthethingstheycandothathecant.HehatesthatinsomewaystheyremorepowerfulthanNephilim,andIdbethesnotaloneinthat.Itseasytobeafraidofwhatyoudontshare.Shetookabreath.Butwhatifyoucouldshareit?WhatifIcouldmakearunethatcouldbindeachofyou,eachShadowhunter,toaDownworlderwhowasfightingbyyourside,andyoucouldshareyourpowersyoucouldbeasfast-healingasavampire,astoughasawerewolf,orasswiftasafaerieknight.Andthey,inturn, could share your training, your fighting skills.You could be an unbeatable forceif youll letmeMarkyou,andifyoullfightwiththeDownworlders.Becauseifyoudontfightbesidethem,theruneswontwork. She paused. Please, she said, but theword came almost inaudibly out of her dry throat.PleaseletmeMarkyou.

Herwordsfellintoaringingsilence.Theworldmovedinashiftingblur,andsherealizedthatsheddelivered the last half of her speech staring up at the ceiling of the Hall and that the soft whiteexplosionsshedseenhadbeenthestarscomingoutinthenightsky,onebyone.Thesilencewentonandonasherhands,athersides,curledthemselvesslowlyintofists.Andthenslowly,veryslowly,sheloweredhergazeandmettheeyesofthecrowdstaringbackather.

17

THESHADOWHUNTERSTALE

ClarysatonthetopstepoftheAccordsHall,lookingoutoverAngelSquare.Themoonhadcomeupearlier andwas just visible over the roofs of the houses. The demon towers reflected back its light,silver-white.Thedarknesshidthescarsandbruisesofthecitywell;itlookedpeacefulunderthenightskyifonedidntlookupatGardHillandtheruinedoutlineofthecitadel.Guardspatrolledthesquarebelow,appearinganddisappearingastheymovedinandoutoftheilluminationofthewitchlightlamps.TheystudiouslyignoredClaryspresence.

AfewstepsbelowherSimonwaspacingbackandforth,hisfootstepsutterlysoundless.Hehadhishandsinhispockets,andwhenheturnedattheendofthestairstowalkbacktowardher,themoonlightglossedoffhispaleskinasifitwereareflectivesurface.

Quitpacing,shetoldhim.Yourejustmakingmemorenervous.

Sorry.

Ifeellikewevebeenouthereforever.Clarystrainedherears,butshecouldnthearmorethanthedullmurmurofmanyvoicescomingthroughthecloseddoubledoorsoftheHall.Canyouhearwhattheyresayinginside?

Simonhalf-closedhiseyes;heappearedtobeconcentratinghard.Alittle,hesaidafterapause.

IwishIwereinthere,Clarysaid,kickingherheelsirritablyagainstthesteps.LukehadaskedhertowaitoutsidethedoorswhiletheClavedeliberated;hedwantedtosendAmatisoutwithher,butSimonhad insisted on coming instead, saying itwould be better to haveAmatis inside, supportingClary. IwishIwerepartofthemeeting.

No,Simonsaid.Youdont.

SheknewwhyLukehadaskedhertowaitoutside.Shecouldimaginewhattheyweresayingaboutherinthere.Liar.Freak.Fool.Crazy.Stupid.Monster.Valentinesdaughter.PerhapsshewasbetteroffoutsidetheHall,butthetensionofanticipatingtheClavesdecisionwasalmostpainful.

MaybeIcanclimboneofthose,Simonsaid,eyeingthefatwhitepillarsthathelduptheslantedroofof theHall.Runeswere carvedon them inoverlappingpatterns, butotherwise therewerenovisiblehandholds.Workoffsteamthatway.

Oh,comeon,Clarysaid.Youreavampire,notSpider-Man.

Simonsonlyresponsewastojoglightlyupthestepstothebaseofapillar.Heeyeditthoughtfullyforamomentbeforeputtinghishandstoitandstartingtoclimb.Clarywatchedhim,openmouthed,ashisfingertipsandfeetfoundimpossibleholdsontheridgedstone.YouareSpider-Man!sheexclaimed.

Simonglanceddownfromhisperchhalfwayupthepillar.ThatmakesyouMaryJane.Shehasredhair,hesaid.Heglancedoutacrossthecity,frowning.IwashopingIcouldseetheNorthGatefromhere,butImnothighenough.

Clary knew why he wanted to see the gate. Messengers had been dispatched there to ask theDownworlderstowaitwhiletheClavedeliberated,andClarycouldonlyhopetheywerewillingtodoit.Andiftheywere,whatwasitlikeoutthere?Clarypicturedthecrowdwaiting,milling,wondering.

ThedoubledoorsoftheHallcrackedopen.Aslimfigureslippedthroughthegap,closedthedoor,andturnedtofaceClary.Shewasinshadow,anditwasonlywhenshemovedforward,closer to thewitchlightthatilluminatedthesteps,thatClarysawthebrightblazeofherredhairandrecognizedhermother.

Jocelynlookedup,herexpressionbemused.Well,hello,Simon.Gladtoseeyoureadjusting.

Simonletgoof thepillaranddropped, landing lightlyat itsbase.He lookedmildlyabashed.Hey,Mrs.Fray.

Idontknowiftheresanypointincallingmethatnow,saidClarysmother.MaybeyoushouldjustcallmeJocelyn.Shehesitated.Youknow,strangeasthissituationis,itsgoodtoseeyouherewithClary.Icantrememberthelasttimeyoutwowereapart.

Simonlookedacutelyembarrassed.Itsgoodtoseeyou,too.

Thankyou,Simon.Jocelynglancedatherdaughter.Now,Clary,woulditbeallrightforustotalkforamoment?Alone?

Clarysatmotionlessfora longmoment,staringathermother. Itwashardnot tofeel likeshewasstaringatastranger.Herthroatfelttight,almosttootighttospeak.SheglancedtowardSimon,whowasclearlywaitingforasignalfromhertotellhimwhethertostayorgo.Shesighed.Okay.

SimongaveClaryanencouragingthumbs-upbeforevanishingbackintotheHall.Claryturnedawayandstaredfixedlydownintothesquare,watchingtheguardsdotheirrounds,asJocelyncameandsatdownnexttoher.PartofClarywantedtoleansidewaysandputherheadonhermothersshoulder.Shecouldevenclosehereyes,pretendeverythingwasallright.Theotherpartofherknewthatitwouldntmakeadifference;shecouldntkeephereyesclosedforever.

Clary,Jocelynsaidatlast,verysoftly.Iamsosorry.

Clary stared down at her hands. Shewas, she realized, still holdingPatrickPenhallows stele. Shehopedhedidntthinkshedmeanttostealit.

IneverthoughtIdseethisplaceagain,Jocelynwenton.Clarystoleasidewaysglanceathermotherandsawthatshewaslookingoutoverthecity,atthedemontowerscastingtheirpalewhitishlightovertheskyline.Idreamedaboutitsometimes.Ievenwantedtopaintit,topaintmymemoriesofit,butIcouldntdo that. I thought ifyoueversawthepaintings,youmightaskquestions,mightwonderhowthoseimageshadevercomeintomyhead.IwassofrightenedyoudfindoutwhereIwasreallyfrom.WhoIreallywas.

AndnowIhave.

Andnowyouhave.Jocelynsoundedwistful.Andyouhaveeveryreasontohateme.

Idonthateyou,Mom,Clarysaid.Ijust

Donttrustme,saidJocelyn.Icantblameyou.Ishouldhavetoldyouthetruth.ShetouchedClarysshoulderlightlyandseemedencouragedwhenClarydidntmoveaway.IcantellyouIdidittoprotectyou,butIknowhowthatmustsound.Iwasthere,justnow,intheHall,watchingyou

Youwerethere?Clarywasstartled.Ididntseeyou.

IwasintheverybackoftheHall.Lukehadtoldmenottocometothemeeting,thatmypresencewouldjustupseteveryoneandthroweverythingoff,andhewasprobablyright,butIsobadlywantedto

bethere.Islippedinafterthemeetingstartedandhidintheshadows.ButIwasthere.AndIjustwantedtotellyou

ThatImadeafooloutofmyself?Clarysaidbitterly.Ialreadyknowthat.

No.IwantedtotellyouthatIwasproudofyou.

Claryslewedaroundtolookathermother.Youwere?

Jocelynnodded.OfcourseIwas.ThewayyoustoodupinfrontoftheClavelikethat.Thewayyoushowedthemwhatyoucoulddo.Youmadethemlookatyouandseethepersontheylovedmostintheworld,didntyou?

Yeah,Clarysaid.Howdidyouknow?

BecauseIheardthemallcallingoutdifferentnames,Jocelynsaidsoftly.ButIstillsawyou.

Oh.Clarylookeddownatherfeet.Well,Imstillnotsuretheybelievemeabouttherunes.Imean,Ihopeso,but

CanIseeit?Jocelynasked.

Seewhat?

Therune.TheonethatyoucreatedtobindShadowhuntersandDownworlders.Shehesitated.Ifyoucantshowme

No,itsallright.WiththesteleClarytracedthelinesoftherunetheangelhadshowedheracrossthemarbleoftheAccordsHallstep,andtheyblazedupinhotgoldlinesasshedrew.Itwasastrongrune,amapofcurvinglinesoverlappingamatrixofstraightones.Simpleandcomplexatthesametime.Claryknewnowwhyithadseemedsomehowunfinishedtoherwhenshehadvisualizeditbefore:Itneededamatchingrunetomakeitwork.Atwin.Apartner.Alliance,shesaid,drawingthesteleback.ThatswhatImcallingit.

Jocelynwatchedsilentlyastheruneflaredandfaded,leavingfaintblacklinesonthestone.WhenIwas a young woman, she said finally, I fought so hard to bind Downworlders and Shadowhunterstogether,toprotecttheAccords.IthoughtIwaschasingasortofdreamsomethingmostShadowhunterscouldhardlyimagine.Andnowyouvemadeitconcreteandliteralandreal.Sheblinkedhard.Irealizedsomething,watchingyouthereintheHall.Youknow,alltheseyearsIvetriedtoprotectyoubyhidingyouaway.ItswhyIhatedyougoingtoPandemonium.IknewitwasaplacewhereDownworldersandmundanes mingledand that that meant there would be Shadowhunters there. I imagined it wassomethinginyourbloodthatdrewyoutotheplace,somethingthatrecognizedtheshadowworldevenwithout yourSight. I thought youwould be safe if only I could keep thatworld hidden fromyou. Ineverthoughtabouttryingtoprotectyoubyhelpingyoutobestrongandtofight.Shesoundedsad.Butsomehowyougottobestronganyway.Strongenoughformetotellyouthetruth,ifyoustillwanttohearit.

Idontknow.Clary thoughtof the images theangelhadshowedher,how terrible theyhadbeen. IknowIwasangrywithyouforlying.ButImnotsureIwanttofindoutanymorehorriblethings.

I talked toLuke.He thoughtyoushouldknowwhat Ihave to tellyou.Thewhole story.Allof it.ThingsIvenevertoldanyone,nevertoldhim,even.Icantpromiseyouthatthewholetruthispleasant.Butitisthetruth.

TheLawishard,butitistheLaw.SheowedittoJacetofindoutthetruthasmuchassheowedittoherself. Clary tightened her grip on the stele in her hand, her knuckles whitening. I want to knoweverything.

EverythingJocelyntookadeepbreath.Idontevenknowwheretostart.

HowaboutstartingwithhowyoucouldmarryValentine?Howyoucouldhavemarriedamanlikethat,madehimmyfatherhesamonster.

No.Hesaman.Hesnotagoodman.ButifyouwanttoknowwhyImarriedhim,itwasbecauseIlovedhim.

Youcanthave,Clarysaid.Nobodycould.

IwasyouragewhenIfell inlovewithhim,Jocelynsaid.I thoughthewasperfectbrilliant,clever,wonderful, funny, charming. I know, youre looking at me as if Ive lost my mind. You only knowValentinethewayheisnow.Youcantimaginewhathewaslikethen.Whenwewereatschooltogether,everyonelovedhim.Heseemedtogiveofflight,inaway,liketherewassomespecialandbrilliantlyilluminatedpartoftheuniversethatonlyhehadaccessto,andifwewerelucky,hemightshareitwithus, even just a little. Every girl loved him, and I thought I didnt have a chance. Therewas nothingspecialaboutme.Iwasnteventhatpopular;Lukewasoneofmyclosestfriends,andIspentmostofmytimewithhim.Butstill,somehow,Valentinechoseme.

Gross,Clarywantedtosay.Butsheheldback.Maybeitwas thewistfulness inhermothersvoice,mixedwithregret.MaybeitwaswhatshehadsaidaboutValentinegivingofflight.ClaryhadthoughtthesamethingaboutJacebefore,andthenfeltstupidforthinkingit.Butmaybeeveryoneinlovefeltthatway.

Okay,shesaid,Igetit.Butyouweresixteenthen.Thatdoesntmeanyouhadtomarryhimlater.

Iwaseighteenwhenwegotmarried.Hewasnineteen,Jocelynsaidinamatter-of-facttone.

OhmyGod,Clarysaidinhorror.YoudkillmeifIwantedtogetmarriedwhenIwaseighteen.

Iwould,Jocelynagreed.ButShadowhunterstendtogetmarriedearlierthanmundanes.Theirourlifespansareshorter;alotofusdieviolentdeaths.Wetendtodoeverythingearlierbecauseofit.Evenso,Iwasyoungtogetmarried.Still,myfamilywashappyformeevenLukewashappyforme.EveryonethoughtValentinewasawonderfulboy.Andhewas,youknow,justaboythen.Theonlypersonwhoever toldmeIshouldntmarryhimwasMadeleine.Wedbeenfriendsinschool,butwhenI toldherIwasengaged,shesaidthatValentinewasselfishandhateful,thathischarmmaskedaterribleamorality.Itoldmyselfshewasjealous.

Wasshe?

No,saidJocelyn,shewastellingthetruth.Ijustdidntwanttohearit.Sheglanceddownatherhands.

Butyouweresorry,Clarysaid.Afteryoumarriedhim,youweresorryyoudidit,right?

Clary,Jocelynsaid.Shesoundedtired.Wewerehappy.Atleastforthefirstfewyears.Wewenttoliveinmyparentsmanorhouse,whereIgrewup;Valentinedidntwanttobeinthecity,andhewantedtherestoftheCircletoavoidAlicanteandthepryingeyesoftheClaveaswell.TheWaylandslivedinthemanorjustamileortwofromours,andtherewereothersclosebytheLightwoods,thePenhallows.Itwaslikebeingatthecenteroftheworld,withallthisactivityswirlingaroundus,allthispassion,and

throughitallIwasbyValentinesside.Henevermademefeeldismissedorinconsequential.No,IwasakeypartoftheCircle.Iwasoneofthefewwhoseopinionshetrusted.Hetoldmeoverandoverthatwithoutme,hecouldntdoanyofit.Withoutme,hedbenothing.

He did? Clary couldnt imagine Valentine saying anything like that, anything that made himsoundvulnerable.

Hedid,butitwasnttrue.Valentinecouldneverhavebeennothing.Hewasborntobealeader,tobethecenterofarevolution.Moreandmoreconvertscametohim.Theyweredrawnbyhispassionandthebrillianceofhisideas.HerarelyevenspokeofDownworldersinthoseearlydays.ItwasallaboutreformingtheClave,changinglawsthatwereancientandrigidandwrong.ValentinesaidthereshouldbemoreShadowhunters,more to fight the demons,more Institutes, thatwe shouldworry less abouthidingandmoreaboutprotectingtheworldfromdemonkind.Thatweshouldwalktallandproudintheworld. It was seductive, his vision: a world full of Shadowhunters, where demons ran scared andmundanes,insteadofbelievingwedidntexist,thankedusforwhatwedidforthem.Wewereyoung;wethoughtthankswereimportant.Wedidntknow.Jocelyntookadeepbreath,asifshewereabouttodiveunderwater.ThenIgotpregnant.

Claryfeltacoldprickleatthebackofherneckandsuddenlyshecouldnthavesaidwhyshewasnolonger sure she wanted the truth from her mother, no longer sure she wanted to hear, again, howValentinehadmadeJaceintoamonster.Mom

Jocelynshookherheadblindly.YouaskedmewhyInevertoldyouthatyouhadabrother.This iswhy.Shetookaraggedbreath.IwassohappywhenIfoundout.AndValentinehedalwayswantedtobeafather,hesaid.Totrainhissontobeawarriorthewayhisfatherhadtrainedhim.Oryourdaughter,Idsay,andhedsmileandsayadaughtercouldbeawarriorjustaswellasaboy,andhewouldbehappywitheither.Ithoughteverythingwasperfect.

AndthenLukewasbittenbyawerewolf.Theylltellyoutheresaoneintwochancethatabitewillpassonlycanthropy.Ithinkitsmorelikethreeinfour.Iverarelyseenanyoneescapethedisease,andLuke was no exception. At the next full moon he Changed. He was there on our doorstep in themorning,coveredinblood,hisclothestorntorags.Iwantedtocomforthim,butValentineshovedmeaside. Jocelyn, he said, the baby.As if Lukewere about to run atme and tear the baby out ofmystomach. ItwasLuke, butValentinepushedmeawayanddraggedLukedown the steps and into thewoods.Whenhecamebackmuchlater,hewasalone.Irantohim,buthetoldmethatLukehadkilledhimselfindespairoverhislycanthropy.Thathewasdead.

The grief in Jocelyns voicewas raw and ragged, Clary thought, even now,when she knewLukehadntdied.ButClaryrememberedherowndespairwhenshedheldSimonasheddiedonthestepsoftheInstitute.Thereweresomefeelingsyouneverforgot.

ButhegaveLukeaknife,Clarysaidinasmallvoice.Hetoldhimtokillhimself.HemadeAmatisshusbanddivorceher,justbecauseherbrotherhadbecomeawerewolf.

Ididntknow,Jocelynsaid.AfterLukedied,itwaslikeIfellintoablackpit.Ispentmonthsinmybedroom, sleeping all the time, eating only because of the baby. Mundanes would call what I haddepression, but Shadowhunters dont have those kinds of terms. Valentine believed I was having adifficultpregnancy.HetoldeveryoneIwasill.IwasillIcouldntsleep.IkeptthinkingIheardstrangenoises,criesinthenight.Valentinegavemesleepingdrafts,butthosejustgavemenightmares.Terribledreams thatValentinewas holdingme down,was forcing a knife intome, or that Iwas choking on

poison.InthemorningIdbeexhausted,andIdsleepallday.Ihadnoideawhatwasgoingonoutside,noideathathedforcedStephentodivorceAmatisandmarryCéline.Iwasinadaze.AndthenJocelynknottedherhandstogetherinherlap.Theywereshaking.AndthenIhadthebaby.

Shefellsilent,forsolongthatClarywonderedifshewasgoingtospeakagain.Jocelynwasstaringsightlesslytowardthedemontowers,herfingersbeatinganervoustattooagainstherknees.Atlastshesaid,Mymotherwaswithmewhen thebabywasborn.Youneverknewher.Yourgrandmother.Shewassuchakindwoman.Youwouldhavelikedher,Ithink.Shehandedmemyson,andatfirstIknewonlythathefitperfectlyintomyarms,thattheblanketwrappinghimwassoft,andthathewassosmallanddelicate,withjustawispoffairhaironthetopofhishead.Andthenheopenedhiseyes.

Jocelynsvoicewasflat,almosttoneless,yetClaryfoundherselfshivering,dreadingwhathermothermightsaynext.Dont,shewantedtosay.Donttellme.ButJocelynwenton,thewordspouringoutofherlikecoldpoison.

Horrorwashedoverme.Itwaslikebeingbathedinacidmyskinseemedtoburnoffmybones,anditwasall Icoulddonot todropthebabyandbeginscreaming.Theysayeverymotherknowsherownchildinstinctively.Isupposetheoppositeistrueaswell.Everynerveinmybodywascryingoutthatthiswasnotmybaby,thatitwassomethinghorribleandunnatural,asinhumanasaparasite.Howcouldmymothernotseeit?Butshewassmilingatmeasifnothingwerewrong.

HisnameisJonathan,saidavoicefromthedoorway.I lookedupandsawValentineregardingthescenebeforehimwithalookofpleasure.Thebabyopenedhiseyesagain,asifrecognizingthesoundofhisname.Hiseyeswereblack,blackasnight, fathomlessas tunnelsdugintohisskull.Therewasnothinghumaninthematall.

Therewasalongsilence.Clarysatfrozen,staringathermotherinopenmouthedhorror.ThatsJaceshestalkingabout,shethought.Jacewhenhewasababy.Howcouldyoufeellikethataboutababy?

Mom,shewhispered.Maybemaybeyouwereinshockorsomething.Ormaybeyouweresick

ThatswhatValentinetoldme,Jocelynsaidemotionlessly.ThatIwassick.ValentineadoredJonathan.Hecouldntunderstandwhatwaswrongwithme.AndIknewhewasright.Iwasamonster,amotherwhocouldntstandherownchild.Ithoughtaboutkillingmyself.ImighthavedoneittooandthenIgotamessage,deliveredbyfire-letter,fromRagnorFell.Hewasawarlockwhohadalwaysbeenclosetomyfamily;hewastheonewecalledonwhenweneededahealingspell,thatsortofthing.Hedfoundout thatLukehadbecomethe leaderofapackofwerewolves in theBrocelindForest,by theeasternborder.IburnedthenoteonceIgotit.IknewValentinecouldneverknow.ButitwasntuntilIwenttothewerewolfencampmentandsawLukethatIknewforcertainthatValentinehadliedtome,liedtomeaboutLukessuicide.ItwasthenthatIstartedtotrulyhatehim.

But Luke said you knew there was something wrong with Valentinethat you knew he was doingsomethingterrible.HesaidyouknewitevenbeforehewasChanged.

ForamomentJocelyndidntreply.Youknow,Lukeshouldneverhavebeenbitten.Itshouldnthavehappened.Itwasaroutinepatrolofthewoods,hewasoutwithValentineitshouldnthavehappened.

Mom

Luke says I toldhim IwasafraidofValentine evenbeforehewasChanged.He says I toldhim Icouldhearscreamsthroughthewallsofthemanor,thatIsuspectedsomething,dreadedsomething.AndLuketrustingLukeaskedValentineaboutit theverynextday.ThatnightValentinetookLukehunting,

andhewasbitten.IthinkIthinkValentinemademeforgetwhatIdseen,whateverhadmademeafraid.Hemademebelieveitwasallbaddreams.AndIthinkhemadesureLukegotbittenthatnight.IthinkhewantedLukeoutofthewaysonoonecouldremindmethatIwasafraidofmyhusband.ButIdidntrealizethat,notrightaway.LukeandIsaweachothersobrieflythatfirstday,andIwantedsobadlytotell himabout Jonathan, but I couldnt, I couldnt. Jonathanwasmy son.Still, seeingLuke, even justseeing him, made me stronger. I went home telling myself that I would make a new effort withJonathan,wouldlearntolovehim.Wouldmakemyselflovehim.

That night Iwaswoken by the sound of a baby crying. I sat bolt upright, alone in the bedroom.ValentinewasoutataCirclemeeting,soIhadnoonetosharemyamazementwith.Jonathan,yousee,nevercriednevermadeanoise.Hissilencewasoneofthethingsthatmostupsetmeabouthim.Idasheddownthehalltohisroom,buthewassleepingsilently.Still,Icouldhearababycrying,Iwassureofit.Iraceddownthestairs,followingthesoundofthecrying.Itseemedtobecomingfrominsidetheemptywinecellar,but thedoorwaslocked, thecellarneverused.ButIhadgrownupin themanor.Iknewwheremyfatherhidthekey.

JocelyndidntlookatClaryasshespoke;sheseemedlostinthestory,inhermemories.

InevertoldyouthestoryofBluebeardswife,didI,whenyouwerealittlegirl?Thehusbandtoldhiswifenevertolookinthelockedroom,andshelooked,andfoundtheremainsofallthewiveshehadmurderedbeforeher,displayedlikebutterfliesinaglasscase.IhadnoideawhenIunlockedthatdoorwhatIwouldfindinside.IfIhadtodoitagain,wouldIbeabletobringmyselftoopenthedoor,tousemywitchlighttoguidemedownintothedarkness?Idontknow,Clary.Ijustdontknow.

Thesmelloh,thesmelldownthere,likebloodanddeathandrot.Valentinehadhollowedoutaplaceundertheground,inwhathadoncebeenthewinecellar.ItwasntachildIhadheardcrying,afterall.There were cells down there now, with things imprisoned in them. Demon-creatures, bound withelectrum chains, writhed and flopped and gurgled in their cells, but there wasmore,muchmorethebodiesofDownworlders, indifferentstagesofdeathanddying.Therewerewerewolves, theirbodieshalf-dissolvedbysilverpowder.Vampiresheldhead-downinholywateruntiltheirskinpeeledoffthebones.Faerieswhoseskinhadbeenpiercedwithcoldiron.

EvennowIdontthinkofhimasatorturer.Notreally.Heseemedtobepursuinganalmostscientificend.Therewereledgersofnotesbyeachcelldoor,meticulousrecordingsofhisexperiments,howlongithadtakeneachcreaturetodie.Therewasonevampirewhoseskinhehadburnedoffoverandoveragaintoseeiftherewasapointbeyondwhichthepoorcreaturecouldnolongerregenerate.Itwashardtoreadwhathehadwrittenwithoutwantingtofaint,orthrowup.SomehowIdidneither.

Therewasonepagedevotedtoexperimentshehaddoneonhimself.HehadreadsomewherethatthebloodofdemonsmightactasanamplifierofthepowersShadowhuntersarenaturallybornwith.Hehadtriedinjectinghimselfwiththeblood,tonoend.Nothinghadhappenedexceptthathehadmadehimselfsick.Eventuallyhecametotheconclusionthathewastoooldforthebloodtoaffecthim,thatitmustbegiventoachildtotakefulleffectpreferablyoneasyetunborn.

AcrossfromthepagerecordingthoseparticularconclusionshehadwrittenaseriesofnoteswithaheadingIrecognized.Myname.JocelynMorgenstern.

IrememberthewaymyfingersshookwhileI turnedthepages, thewordsburningthemselvesintomybrain.Jocelyndrankthemixtureagaintonight.Novisiblechangesinher,butagainit is thechildthatconcernsme.WithregularinfusionsofdemonicichorsuchasIhavebeengivingher,thechildmay

becapableofanyfeats.LastnightIheardthechildsheartbeat,morestronglythananyhumanheart,thesound like amighty bell, tolling the beginning of a new generation of Shadowhunters, the blood ofangelsanddemonsmixedtoproducepowersbeyondanypreviouslyimaginedpossible.NolongerwillthepowerofDownworldersbethegreatestonthisearth.

Therewasmore,muchmore. I clawed at the pages,my fingers trembling,mymind racing back,seeing themixturesValentinehadgivenme todrinkeachnight, thenightmaresaboutbeingstabbed,choked,poisoned.ButIwasnttheonehedbeenpoisoning.ItwasJonathan.Jonathan,whomhedturnedintosomekindofhalf-demonthing.Andthat,ClarythatwaswhenIrealizedwhatValentinereallywas.

Claryletoutthebreathshehadntrealizedshedbeenholding.ItwashorriblesohorribleandyetitallmatchedupwiththevisionIthurielhadshowedher.Shewasntsurewhomshefeltmorepityfor,hermotherorJonathan.JonathanshecouldntthinkofhimasJace,notwithhermotherthere,notwiththestorysofreshinherminddoomedtobenotquitehumanbyafatherwhodcaredmoreaboutmurderingDownworldersthanhehadabouthisownfamily.

Butyoudidntleavethen,didyou?Claryasked,hervoicesoundingsmalltoherears.Youstayed.

Fortworeasons,Jocelynsaid.OnewastheUprising.WhatIfoundinthecellarthatnightwaslikeaslapintheface.Itwokemeupoutofmymiseryandmademeseewhatwasgoingonaroundme.OnceIrealizedwhatValentinewasplanningthewholesaleslaughterofDownworldersIknewIcouldntletithappen.IbeganmeetinginsecretwithLuke.IcouldnttellhimwhatValentinehaddonetomeandtoourchild.Iknewitwouldjustdrivehimmad,thathedbeunabletostophimselffromtryingtohuntdownValentineandkillhim,andhedonlygethimselfkilledintheprocess.AndIcouldntletanyoneelseknowwhathadbeendonetoJonathaneither.Despiteeverything,hewasstillmychild.ButIdidtellLukeaboutthehorrorsinthecellar,ofmyconvictionthatValentinewaslosinghismind,becomingprogressivelymoreinsane.Together,weplannedtothwarttheUprising.Ifeltdriventodoit,Clary.Itwasasortofexpiation,theonlywayIcouldmakemyselffeellikeIhadpaidforthesinofeverhavingjoinedtheCircle,ofhavingtrustedValentine.Ofhavinglovedhim.

Andhedidntknow?Valentine,Imean.Hedidntfigureoutwhatyouweredoing?

Jocelynshookherhead.Whenpeople loveyou, they trustyou.Besides,athomeI tried topretendeverythingwasnormal. Ibehavedas thoughmyinitial revulsionat thesightofJonathanwasgone. IwouldbringhimovertoMaryseLightwoodshouse,lethimplaywithherbabyson,Alec.SometimesCélineHerondalewouldjoinusshewaspregnantbythattime.Yourhusbandissokind,shewouldtellme.HeissoconcernedaboutStephenandme.Hegivesmepotionsandmixturesforthehealthofthebaby;theyarewonderful.

Oh,saidClary.OhmyGod.

Thatswhat I thought, said Jocelyn grimly. Iwanted to tell her not to trustValentine or to acceptanythinghe gave her, but I couldnt.Her husbandwasValentines closest friend, and shewould havebetrayedmetohimimmediately.Ikeptmymouthshut.Andthen

Shekilledherself,saidClary,rememberingthestory.ButwasitbecauseofwhatValentinedidtoher?

Jocelynshookherhead.Ihonestlydontthinkso.Stephenwaskilledinaraid,andsheslitherwristswhenshefoundout thenews.Shewaseightmonthspregnant.Shebledtodeath.Shepaused.Hodgewas the onewho found her body.AndValentine actually did seem distraught over their deaths. Hevanishedforalmostanentiredayafterward,andcamehomebleary-eyedandstaggering.Andyetina

way,Iwasalmostgratefulforhisdistraction.AtleastitmeanthewasntpayingattentiontowhatIwasdoing.EverydayIbecamemoreandmorefrightenedthatValentinewoulddiscovertheconspiracyandtry to torture the truth out ofme:Whowas in our secret alliance?Howmuch had I betrayed of hisplans? Iwondered how Iwouldwithstand torture,whether I could hold up against it. Iwas terriblyafraidthatIcouldnt.Iresolvedfinallytotakestepstomakesurethatthisneverhappened.IwenttoFellwithmyfearsandhecreatedapotionforme

The potion from theBook of theWhite, Clary said, realizing. Thatswhy youwanted it.And theantidotehowdiditwindupintheWaylandslibrary?

Ihiditthereonenightduringaparty,saidJocelynwiththetraceofasmile.IdidntwanttotellLukeIknewhedhatethewholeideaofthepotion,buteveryoneelseIknewwasintheCircle.IsentamessagetoRagnor,buthewas leaving Idris andwouldnt saywhenhedbeback.He saidhecouldalwaysbereachedwithamessagebutwhowouldsendit?EventuallyIrealizedtherewasonepersonIcouldtell,onepersonwhohatedValentineenoughthatshedneverbetraymetohim.IsentalettertoMadeleineexplainingwhat Iplanned todoand that theonlyway to revivemewas to findRagnorFell. Ineverheardawordbackfromher,butIhadtobelieveshehadreaditandunderstood.ItwasallIhadtoholdonto.

Two reasons,Clary said.You said therewere two reasons that you stayed.Onewas theUprising.Whatwastheother?

Jocelynsgreeneyesweretired,butluminousandwide.Clary,shesaid,cantyouguess?ThesecondreasonisthatIwaspregnantagain.Pregnantwithyou.

Oh,Clarysaidinasmallvoice.SherememberedLukesaying,Shewascarryinganotherchildandhadknownitforweeks.Butdidntthatmakeyouwanttorunawayevenmore?

Yes,Jocelynsaid.ButIknewIcouldnt.IfIdrunawayfromValentine,hewouldhavemovedheavenandhelltogetmeback.Hewouldhavefollowedmetotheendsoftheearth,becauseIbelongedtohimandhewouldneverhave letmego.Andmaybe Iwouldhave lethimcomeafterme, and takenmychances, but I would never have let him come after you. She pushed her hair back from her tired-lookingface.TherewasonlyonewayIcouldmakesureheneverdid.Andthatwasforhimtodie.

Clary looked at hermother in surprise. Jocelyn still looked tired, but her facewas shiningwith afiercelight.

IthoughthedbekilledduringtheUprising,shesaid.Icouldnthavekilledhimmyself.Icouldnthavebroughtmyself to, somehow.But I never thought hed survive the battle.And later,when the houseburned,Iwantedtobelievehewasdead.ItoldmyselfoverandoverthatheandJonathanhadburnedtodeathinthefire.ButIknewHervoicetrailedoff.ItwaswhyIdidwhatIdid.Ithoughtitwastheonlywaytoprotectyoutakingyourmemories,makingyouintoasmuchofamundaneasIcould.Hidingyouinthemundaneworld.Itwasstupid,Irealizethatnow,stupidandwrong.AndImsorry,Clary.Ijusthopeyoucanforgivemeifnotnow,theninthefuture.

Mom. Clary cleared her throat. Shed felt like she was about to cry for pretty much the last tenminutes. Itsokay. Its justtheresone thing Idontget.Sheknottedher fingers into thematerialofhercoat.Imean,IknewalreadyalittleofwhatValentinedidtoJaceImean,toJonathan.ButthewayyoudescribeJonathan,itslikehewasamonster.And,Mom,Jaceisntlikethat.Hesnothinglikethat.Ifyouknewhimifyoucouldjustmeethim

Clary.JocelynreachedoutandtookClaryshandinhers.TheresmorethatIhavetotellyou.Theresnothingmore that Ihid fromyou,or liedabout.But thereare things Ineverknew, things Ionly justdiscovered.Andtheymaybeveryhardtohear.

Worsethanwhatyouvealreadytoldme?Clarythought.Shebitherlipandnodded.Goaheadandtellme.Idratherknow.

WhenDorotheatoldmethatValentinehadbeensightedinthecity,IknewhewasthereformefortheCup.Iwantedtoflee,butIcouldntbringmyself totellyouwhy.Idontblameyouatallforrunningfrommethatawfulnight,Clary.IwasjustgladyouwerenttherewhenyourfatherwhenValentineandhisdemonsbrokeintoourapartment.IjusthadtimetoswallowthepotionIcouldhearthembreakingthedoordownShetrailedoff,hervoicetight.IhopedValentinewouldleavemefordead,buthedidnt.HebroughtmetoRenwickswithhim.Hetriedvariousmethodstowakemeup,butnothingworked.Iwasinasortofdreamstate;Iwashalf-consciousthathewasthere,butIcouldntmoveorrespondtohim.IdoubthethoughtIcouldhearorunderstandhim.AndyethewouldsitbythebedwhileIsleptandtalktome.

Talktoyou?Aboutwhat?

Aboutourpast.Ourmarriage.HowhehadlovedmeandIhadbetrayedhim.Howhehadnt lovedanyonesince.Ithinkhemeantittoo,asmuchashecouldmeanthesethings.Ihadalwaysbeentheonehedtalkedtoaboutthedoubtshehad,theguilthefelt,andintheyearssinceIdlefthimIdontthinktheredeverbeenanyoneelse.Ithinkhecouldntstophimselffromtalkingtome,eventhoughheknewheshouldnt.I thinkhejustwantedtotalktosomeone.Youdhavethoughtthatwhatwasonhismindwouldbewhatheddonetothosepoorpeople,makingthemForsaken,andwhathewasplanningtodototheClave.Butitwasnt.WhathewantedtotalkaboutwasJonathan.

Whatabouthim?

Jocelynsmouthtightened.HewantedtotellmehewassorryforwhatheddonetoJonathanbeforehedbeenborn,becauseheknew ithadnearlydestroyedme.Hedknown Iwasclose to suicideoverJonathanthoughhedidntknowIwasalsodespairingoverwhatIddiscoveredabouthim.Hedsomehowgotten hold of angel blood. Its an almost legendary substance for Shadowhunters. Drinking it issupposedtogiveyouincrediblestrength.Valentinehadtrieditonhimselfanddiscoveredthatitgavehimnotjustincreasedstrengthbutafeelingofeuphoriaandhappinesseverytimeheinjecteditintohisblood.Sohetooksome,driedittopowder,andmixeditintomyfood,hopingitwouldhelpmydespair.

Iknowwherehegotholdofangelblood,Clarythought,thinkingofIthurielwithasharpsadness.Doyouthinkitworkedatall?

Idowondernow if thatwaswhy I suddenly found the focusand theability togoon,and tohelpLukethwarttheUprising.Itwouldbeironicifthatwasthecase,consideringwhyValentinediditinthefirstplace.Butwhathedidntknowwasthatwhilehewasdoingthis,Iwaspregnantwithyou.Sowhileitmayhaveaffectedmeslightly,itaffectedyoumuchmore.Ibelievethatswhyyoucandowhatyoucanwithrunes.

Andmaybe,Clarysaid,whyyoucandothingsliketraptheimageoftheMortalCupinatarotcard.AndwhyValentinecandothingsliketakethecurseoffHodge

Valentinehashadyearsofexperimentingonhimselfinamyriadofways,saidJocelyn.Hesasclosenowasahumanbeing,aShadowhunter,cangettoawarlock.Butnothinghecandotohimselfwould

havethekindofprofoundeffectonhimitwouldhaveonyouorJonathan,becauseyouweresoyoung.ImnotsureanyoneseverbeforedonewhatValentinedid,nottoababybeforeitwasborn.

SoJaceJonathanandIreallywerebothexperiments.

Youwereanunintentionalone.WithJonathan,Valentinewantedtocreatesomekindofsuperwarrior,strongerandfasterandbetterthanotherShadowhunters.AtRenwicks,ValentinetoldmethatJonathanreallywasall those things.But thathewasalsocruelandamoralandstrangelyempty.JonathanwasloyalenoughtoValentine,butIsupposeValentinerealizedthatsomewherealongtheway,intryingtocreateachildwhowassuperiortoothers,hedcreatedasonwhocouldneverreallylovehim.

Clary thoughtof Jace,of thewayhed lookedatRenwicks, thewayhedclutched thatpieceof thebrokenPortalsohardthatbloodhadrundownhisfingers.No,shesaid.Noandno.Jaceisnotlikethat.HedoesloveValentine.Heshouldnt,buthedoes.Andheisntempty.Hestheoppositeofeverythingyouresaying.

Jocelynshandstwistedinherlap.TheywerelacedalloverwithfinewhitescarsthefinewhitescarsallShadowhuntersbore,thememoryofvanishedMarks.ButClaryhadneverreallyseenhermothersscars before.Magnussmagichad alwaysmadeher forget them.Therewasone, on the insideof hermotherswrist,thatwasveryliketheshapeofastar.

Hermotherspokethen,andallthoughtsofanythingelsefledfromClarysmind.

Iamnot,Jocelynsaid,talkingaboutJace.

But,Clarysaid.Everythingseemedtobehappeningveryslowly,asifsheweredreaming.MaybeIamdreaming,shethought.Maybemymotherneverwokeupatall,andallofthisisadream. Jace isValentinesson.Imean,whoelsecouldhebe?

Jocelyn looked straight into her daughters eyes. The night Céline Herondale died, she was eightmonthspregnant.Valentinehadbeengivingherpotions,powdershewastryingonherwhathedtriedonhimself, with Ithuriels blood, hoping that Stephens child would be as strong and powerful as hesuspected Jonathan would be, but without Jonathans worse qualities. He couldnt bear that hisexperimentwouldgotowaste,sowithHodgeshelphecutthebabyoutofCélinesstomach.Shedonlybeendeadashorttime

Clarymadeagaggingnoise.Thatisntpossible.

JocelynwentonasifClaryhadntspoken.ValentinetookthatbabyandhadHodgebringittohisownchildhoodhome,inavalleynotfarfromLakeLyn.Itwaswhyhewasgoneallthatnight.Hodgetookcare of the baby until the Uprising. After that, because Valentine was pretending to be MichaelWayland,hemovedthechildtotheWaylandmanorandraisedhimasMichaelWaylandsson.

SoJace,Clarywhispered.Jaceisnotmybrother?

Shefelthermothersqueezeherhandasympatheticsqueeze.No,Clary.Hesnot.

Clarysvisiondarkened.Shecouldfeelherheartpoundinginseparate,distinctbeats.Mymomfeelssorryforme,shethoughtdistantly.Shethinksthisisbadnews.Herhandswereshaking.Thenwhoseboneswerethoseinthefire?Lukesaidtherewereachildsbones

Jocelynshookherhead.ThosewereMichaelWaylandsbones,andhissonsbones.Valentinekilledthembothandburnedtheirbodies.HewantedtheClavetobelievethatbothheandhissonweredead.

ThenJonathan

Isalive,saidJocelyn,painflashingacrossherface.ValentinetoldmeasmuchatRenwicks.ValentinebroughtJaceupintheWaylandmanor,andJonathaninthehousenearthelake.Hemanagedtodividehistimebetweenthetwoofthem,travelingfromonehousetotheother,sometimesleavingoneorbothaloneforlongperiodsoftime.ItseemsthatJaceneverknewaboutJonathan,thoughJonathanmayhaveknownaboutJace.Theynevermet,thoughtheyprobablylivedonlymilesfromeachother.

AndJacedoesnthavedemonbloodinhim?Hesnotcursed?

Cursed?Jocelynlookedsurprised.No,hedoesnthavedemonblood.Clary,ValentineexperimentedonJacewhenhewasababywiththesamebloodheusedonme,onyou.Angelblood.Jaceisntcursed.Theopposite,ifanything.AllShadowhuntershavesomeoftheAngelsbloodinthemyoutwojusthaveabitmore.

Clarysmindwhirled.ShetriedtoimagineValentineraisingtwochildrenatthesametime,onepartdemon, one part angel. One shadow boy, and one light. Loving them both, perhaps, as much asValentinecouldloveanything.JacehadneverknownaboutJonathan,butwhathadtheotherboyknownabouthim?Hiscomplementarypart,hisopposite?Hadhehatedthethoughtofhim?Yearnedtomeethim?Been indifferent?Theyhadbothbeensoalone.Andoneof themwasherbrotherher real, full-blooded brother. Do you think hes still the same? Jonathan, I mean? Do you think he could havegottenbetter?

Idontthinkso,Jocelynsaidgently.

Butwhatmakesyousosure?Claryspuntolookathermother,suddenlyeager.Imean,maybeheschanged.Itsbeenyears.Maybe

ValentinetoldmehehadspentyearsteachingJonathanhowtoappearpleasant,evencharming.Hewantedhimtobeaspy,andyoucantbeaspyifyouterrifyeveryoneyoumeet.Jonathanevenlearnedacertain ability to cast slight glamours, to convince people he was likable and trustworthy. Jocelynsighed.Imtellingyouthissoyouwontfeelbadthatyouweretakenin.Clary,youvemetJonathan.Hejustnevertoldyouhisrealname,becausehewasposingassomeoneelse.SebastianVerlac.

Clarystaredathermother.Buthes thePenhallowscousin,partofhermind insisted,butofcourseSebastianhadneverbeenwhohedclaimedhewas;everythinghedsaidhadbeenalie.Shethoughtofthewayshedfeltthefirsttimeshedseenhim,asifshewererecognizingsomeoneshedknownallherlife, someone as intimately familiar to her as her own self. She had never felt thatway about Jace.Sebastiansmybrother?

Jocelyns fine-boned facewasdrawn,herhands laced together.Her fingertipswerewhite,as if shewerepressingthemtoohardagainstoneanother.IspoketoLukeforalongtimetodayabouteverythingthatshappenedinAlicantesinceyouarrived.Hetoldmeaboutthedemontowers,andhissuspicionthatSebastianhaddestroyed thewards, thoughhehadno ideahow. I realized thenwhoSebastian reallywas.

YoumeanbecauseheliedaboutbeingSebastianVerlac?AndbecausehesaspyforValentine?

Thosetwothings,yes,saidJocelyn,butitactuallywasntuntilLukesaidthatyoudtoldhimSebastiandyedhishairthatIguessed.AndIcouldbewrong,butaboyjustalittleolderthanyou,fair-hairedanddark-eyed, with no apparent parents, utterly loyal to ValentineI couldnt help but think he must beJonathan.And theresmore than that. Valentinewas always trying to find away to bring thewards

down,alwaysdeterminedthattherewasawaytodoit.ExperimentingonJonathanwithdemonbloodhesaiditwastomakehimstronger,abetterfighter,buttherewasmoretoitthanthat

Clarystared.Whatdoyoumean,moretoit?

Itwashiswayofbringingdownthewards,Jocelynsaid.YoucantbringademonintoAlicante,butyouneeddemonsbloodto takedownthewards.Jonathanhasdemonblood; its inhisveins.AndhisbeingaShadowhuntermeanshesgrantedautomaticentrancetothecitywheneverhewantstogetin,nomatterwhat.Heusedhisownbloodtotakethewardsdown,Imsureofit.

Clary thoughtofSebastianstandingacrossfromher in thegrassnear theruinsofFairchildmanor.Thewayhisdarkhairhadblownacrosshisface.Thewayhedheldherwrists,hisnailsdiggingintoherskin. The way hed said it was impossible that Valentine had ever loved Jace. Shed thought it wasbecausehehatedValentine.Butitwasnt,sherealized.Hedbeenjealous.

Shethoughtofthedarkprinceofherdrawings,theonewhohadlookedsomuchlikeSebastian.Shehaddismissedtheresemblanceascoincidence,atrickofimagination,butnowshewonderedifitwasthetieoftheirsharedbloodthathaddrivenhertogivetheunhappyheroofherstoryherbrothersface.Shetriedtovisualizetheprinceagain,buttheimageseemedtoshatteranddissolvebeforehereyes,likeash blown away on the wind. She could only see Sebastian now, the red light of the burning cityreflectedinhiseyes.

Jace, she said. Someone has to tell him. Has to tell him the truth. Her thoughts tumbled overthemselves,helter-skelter; if Jacehadknown,knownhedidnthavedemonblood,maybehewouldnthavegoneafterValentine.IfhedknownhewasntClarysbrotherafterall

ButIthought,saidJocelyn,withamixtureofsympathyandpuzzlement,thatnobodyknewwherehewas?

Before Clary could answer, the double doors of the Hall swung open, spilling light out over thepillaredarcadeand thestepsbelowit.Thedull roarofvoices,no longermuffled, roseasLukecamethrough the doors. He looked exhausted, but there was a lightness about him that hadnt been therebefore.Heseemedalmostrelieved.

Jocelynrosetoherfeet.Luke.Whatisit?

Hetookafewstepstowardthem,thenpausedbetweenthedoorwayandthestairs.Jocelyn,hesaid,Imsorrytointerruptyou.

Thats all right,Luke.Even throughher dazeClary thought,Whydo they keep saying each othersnameslikethat?Therewasasortofawkwardnessbetweenthemnow,anawkwardnessthathadntbeentherebefore.Issomethingwrong?

Heshookhishead.No.Forachange,somethingsright.HesmiledatClary,andtherewasnothingawkwardaboutit:Helookedpleasedwithher,andevenproud.Youdidit,Clary,hesaid.TheClavesagreedtoletyouMarkthem.Therewillbenosurrenderafterall.

18

HAILANDFAREWELL

Thevalleywasmorebeautiful in reality than it hadbeen in Jacesvision.Maybe itwas thebright

moonlight silvering the river that cut across thegreenvalley floor.Whitebirchandaspendotted thevalleyssides,shiveringtheirleavesinthecoolbreezeitwaschillyupontheridge,withnoprotectionfromthewind.

ThiswaswithoutadoubtthevalleywherehedlastseenSebastian.Finallyhewascatchingup.AftersecuringWayfarertoatree,Jacetookthebloodythreadfromhispocketandrepeatedthetrackingritual,justtobesure.

Heclosedhiseyes,expectingtoseeSebastian,hopefullysomewhereveryclosebymaybeevenstillinthevalley

Insteadhesawonlydarkness.

Hisheartbegantopound.

Hetriedagain,moving the thread tohis left fistandawkwardlycarving the trackingruneonto thebackofitwithhisright,lessagile,hand.Hetookadeepbreathbeforeclosinghiseyesthistime.

Nothing, again. Just a wavering, shadowy blackness. He stood there for a full minute, his teethgritted,thewindslicingthroughhisjacket,makinggoosebumpsriseonhisskin.Eventually,cursing,he opened his eyesand then, in a fit of desperate anger, his fist; thewind picked up the thread andcarrieditaway,sofastthatevenifhedregretteditimmediatelyhecouldnthavecaughtitback.

Hismindraced.Clearlythetrackingrunewasnolongerworking.PerhapsSebastianhadrealizedhewasbeingfollowedanddonesomethingtobreakthecharmbutwhatcouldyoudotostopatracking?Maybehedfoundalargebodyofwater.Waterdisruptedmagic.

Not that that helped Jacemuch. Itwasnt as if he couldgo to every lake in the country and see ifSebastianwasfloatingaroundinthemiddleofit.Hedbeensoclose,toosoclose.Hedseenthisvalley,seenSebastianinit.Andtherethehousewas,justbarelyvisible,nestledagainstacopseoftreesonthevalley floor. At least it would be worth going down to look around the house to see if there wasanythingthatmightpointtowardSebastians,orValentines,location.

Withafeelingofresignation,JaceusedthesteletoMarkhimselfwithanumberoffast-acting,fast-disappearing battle Marks: one to give him silence, and one swiftness, and another for sure-footedwalking.Whenhewasdoneandfeelingthefamiliar,stingingpainhotagainsthisskinheslidthesteleintohispocket,gaveWayfarerabriskpatontheneck,andheadeddownintothevalley.

The sides of the valley were deceptively steep, and treacherous with loose scree. Jace alternatedpickinghiswaydownitcarefullyandslidingonthescree,whichwasfastbutdangerous.Bythetimehereachedthevalleyfloor,hishandswerebloodywherehedfallenontotheloosegravelmorethanonce.Hewashedthemintheclear,fast-flowingstream;itswaterwasnumbinglycold.

When he straightened up and looked around, he realized hewas now regarding the valley from adifferentanglethanhedhadinthetrackingvision.Therewasthegnarledcopseoftrees,theirbranchesintertwining,thevalleywallsrisingallaround,andtherewasthesmallhouse.Itswindowsweredarknow,andnosmoke roseoutof thechimney. Jace feltamingledstabof reliefanddisappointment. Itwouldbeeasiertosearchthehouseifnoonewasinit.Ontheotherhand,noonewasinit.

Asheapproached,hewonderedwhataboutthehouseinthevisionhadseemedeerie.Upclose,itwasjustanordinaryIdrisfarmhouse,madeofsquaresofwhiteandgraystone.Theshuttershadoncebeenpaintedabrightblue,butitlookedasifithadbeenyearssinceanyonehadrepaintedthem.Theywere

paleandpeelingwithage.

Reachingoneofthewindows,Jacehoistedhimselfontothesillandpeeredthroughthecloudypane.Hesawabig,slightlydustyroomwithaworkbenchofsorts runningalongonewall.The toolson itwerent anything youd do handiwork withthey were a warlocks tools: stacks of smeared parchment;black,waxycandles;fatcopperbowlswithdrieddarkliquidstucktotherims;anassortmentofknives,someasthinasawls,somewithwidesquareblades.Apentagramwaschalkedonthefloor,itsoutlinesblurred,eachofitsfivepointsdecoratedwithadifferentrune.JacesstomachtightenedtheruneslookedliketheonesthathadbeencarvedaroundIthurielsfeet.CouldValentinehavedonethiscouldthesebehisthings?WasthishishideawayahideawayJacehadnevervisitedorknownabout?

Jace slidoff the sill, landing inadrypatchofgrassjust as a shadowpassedacross the faceof themoon.But therewerenobirdshere,he thought,andglancedup just in time toseea ravenwheelingoverhead.Hefroze,thensteppedhastilyintotheshadowofatreeandpeeredupthroughitsbranches.Astheravendippedclosertotheground,Jaceknewhisfirstinstincthadbeenright.ThiswasntjustanyraventhiswasHugo,theraventhathadoncebeenHodges;HodgehadusedhimonoccasiontocarrymessagesoutsidetheInstitute.SincethenJacehadlearnedthatHugohadoriginallybeenhisfathers.

Jacepressedhimselfclosertothetreetrunk.Hisheartwaspoundingagain,thistimewithexcitement.If Hugo was here, it could only mean that he was carrying a message, and this time the messagewouldntbeforHodge.ItwouldbeforValentine.Ithadtobe.IfJacecouldonlymanagetofollowhim

Perchingona sill,Hugopeered throughoneof thehouseswindows.Apparently realizing that thehousewasempty,thebirdroseintotheairwithanirritablecawandflappedoffinthedirectionofthestream.

Jacesteppedoutfromtheshadowsandsetoutinpursuitoftheraven.

So, technically, Simon said, even though Jace isnt actually related to you, you have kissed yourbrother.

Simon! Clary was appalled. Shut UP. She spun in her seat to see if anyone was listening, but,fortunately,nobodyseemedtobe.ShewassittinginahighseatonthedaisintheAccordsHall,Simonbyherside.Hermotherstoodattheedgeofthedais,leaningdowntospeaktoAmatis.

AllaroundthemtheHallwaschaosastheDownworlderswhohadcomefromtheNorthGatepouredin, spilling in through the doors, crowding against the walls. Clary recognized various members ofLukespack,includingMaia,whogrinnedacrosstheroomather.Therewerefaeries,paleandcoldandlovelyasiciclesandwarlockswithbatwingsandgoatfeetandevenonewithantlers,bluefiresparkingfromtheirfingertipsastheymovedthroughtheroom.TheShadowhuntersmilledamongthem,lookingnervous.

Clutchingherstele inbothhands,Clary lookedaroundanxiously.WherewasLuke?Hedvanishedinto thecrowd.Shepickedhimoutafteramoment, talkingwithMalachi,whowasshakinghisheadviolently.Amatisstoodnearby,shootingtheConsuldaggerglances.

DontmakemesorryIevertoldyouanyofthis,Simon,Clarysaid,glaringathim.Sheddoneherbesttogivehimapared-downversionof Jocelyns tale,mostlyhissedunderherbreathashedhelpedherplowthroughthecrowdstothedaisandtakeherseatthere.Itwasweirdbeinguphere,lookingdownontheroomasifshewerethequeenofallshesurveyed.Butaqueenwouldntbenearlysopanicked.Besides.Hewasahorriblekisser.

Ormaybeitwasjustgross,becausehewas,youknow,yourbrother.SimonseemedmoreamusedbythewholebusinessthanClarythoughthehadanyrighttobe.

Donotsaythatwheremymothercanhearyou,orIllkillyou,shesaidwithasecondglare.IalreadyfeellikeImgoingtothrowuporpassout.Dontmakeitworse.

Jocelyn,returningfromtheedgeofthedaisintimetohearClaryslastwordsthough,fortunately,notwhat she and Simon had been discussingdropped a reassuring pat onto Clarys shoulder. Dont benervous,baby.Youweresogreatbefore.Isthereanythingyouneed?Ablanket,somehotwater

Imnotcold,Clarysaidpatiently,andIdontneedabath,either.Imfine.IjustwantLuketocomeuphereandtellmewhatsgoingon.

Jocelynwaved toward Luke to get his attention, silentlymouthing somethingClary couldnt quitedecipher.Mom,shespat,dont,butitwasalreadytoolate.LukeglancedupandsodidquiteafewoftheotherShadowhunters.Most of them looked away just as quickly, butClary sensed the fascination intheirstares.Itwasweirdthinkingthathermotherwassomethingofalegendaryfigurehere.Justabouteveryoneintheroomhadheardhernameandhadsomekindofopinionabouther,goodorbad.Clarywondered how her mother kept it from bothering her. She didnt look botheredshe looked cool andcollectedanddangerous.

AmomentlaterLukehadjoinedthemonthedais,Amatisathisside.Hestilllookedtired,butalsoalertandevenalittleexcited.Hesaid,Justhangonasecond.Everyonescoming.

Malachi,saidJocelyn,notquitelookingdirectlyatLukewhileshespoke,washegivingyoutrouble?

Luke made a dismissive gesture. He thinks we should send a message to Valentine, refusing histerms. I say we shouldnt tip our hand. Let Valentine show up with his army on Brocelind Plainexpectingasurrender.Malachiseemedtothinkthatwouldntbesporting,andwhenItoldhimwarwasntanEnglishschoolboycricketgame,hesaidthatifanyoftheDownworldersheregotoutofhand,hedstepinandendthewholebusiness.IdontknowwhathethinksisgoingtohappenasifDownworlderscantstopfightingevenforfiveminutes.

Thatsexactlywhathethinks,saidAmatis.ItsMalachi.Hesprobablyworriedyoullstarteatingeachother.

Amatis,Lukesaid.Someonemighthearyou.Heturned,then,astwomenmountedthestepsbehindhim:onewas a tall, slender faerieknightwith longdarkhair that fell in sheets on either sideof hisnarrowface.Heworeatunicofwhitearmor:pale,hardmetalmadeoftinyoverlappingcircles,likethescalesofafish.Hiseyeswereleafgreen.

TheothermanwasMagnusBane.HedidntsmileatClaryashecametostandbesideLuke.Heworealong,darkcoatbuttoneduptothethroat,andhisblackhairwaspulledbackfromhisface.

Youlooksoplain,Clarysaid,staring.

Magnussmiledfaintly.Iheardyouhadarunetoshowus,wasallhesaid.

ClarylookedatLuke,whonodded.Oh,yes,shesaid.Ijustneedsomethingtowriteonsomepaper.

I asked you if you needed anything, Jocelyn said under her breath, sounding verymuch like themotherClaryremembered.

Ivegotpaper,saidSimon, fishingsomethingoutofhis jeanspocket.Hehanded it toher. Itwasa

crumpledflyerforhisbandsperformanceat theKnittingFactoryinJuly.Sheshruggedandflippeditover, raising her borrowed stele. It sparked slightly when she touched the tip to the paper, and sheworriedforamomentthattheflyermightburn,butthetinyflamesubsided.Shesettodrawing,doingherbesttoshuteverythingelseout:thenoiseofthecrowd,thefeelingthateveryonewasstaringather.

The rune came out as it had beforea pattern of lines that curved strongly into one another, thenstretchedacrossthepageasifexpectingacompletionthatwasntthere.Shebrusheddustfromthepageandhelditup,feelingabsurdlyasifshewereinschoolandshowingoffsomesortofpresentationtoherclass.This is the rune, she said. It requires a second rune to complete it, toworkproperly.Apartnerrune.

OneDownworlder,oneShadowhunter.EachhalfofthepartnershiphastobeMarked,Lukesaid.Hescribbled a copy of the rune on the bottom of the page, tore the paper in half, and handed oneillustrationtoAmatis.Startcirculatingtherune,hesaid.ShowtheNephilimhowitworks.

WithanodAmatisvanisheddownthestepsandintothecrowd.Thefaerieknight,glancingafterher,shookhishead.IhavealwaysbeentoldthatonlytheNephilimcanbeartheAngelsMarks,hesaid,withameasureofdistrust.Thatothersofuswillrunmad,ordie,shouldwewearthem.

ThisisntoneoftheAngelsMarks,saidClary.ItsnotfromtheGrayBook.Itssafe,Ipromise.

Thefaerieknightlookedunimpressed.

WithasighMagnusflippedhissleevebackandreachedahandouttoClary.Goahead.

Icant,shesaid.TheShadowhunterwhoMarksyouwillbeyourpartner,andImnotfightinginthebattle.

I should hope not, saidMagnus. He glanced over at Luke and Jocelyn, whowere standing closetogether.Youtwo,hesaid.Goon,then.Showthefaeriehowitworks.

Jocelynblinkedinsurprise.What?

Iassumed,Magnussaid,thatyoutwowouldbepartners,sinceyourepracticallymarriedanyway.

ColorfloodedupintoJocelynsface,andshecarefullyavoidedlookingatLuke.Idonthaveastele

Takemine.Claryhandeditover.Goahead,showthem.

JocelynturnedtoLuke,whoseemedentirelytakenaback.Hethrustouthishandbeforeshecouldaskforit,andsheMarkedhispalmwithahastyprecision.Hishandshookasshedrew,andshetookhiswristtosteadyit;Lukelookeddownatherassheworked,andClarythoughtoftheirconversationabouthermotherandwhathehadtoldherabouthisfeelingsforJocelyn,andshefeltapangofsadness.ShewonderedifhermotherevenknewthatLukelovedher,andifsheknew,whatshewouldsay.

There.Jocelyndrewthesteleback.Done.

Lukeraisedhishand,palmout,andshowedtheswirlingblackmarkinitscentertothefaerieknight.Isthatsatisfactory,Meliorn?

Meliorn?saidClary.Ivemetyou,haventI?YouusedtogooutwithIsabelleLightwood.

Meliorn was almost expressionless, but Clary could have sworn he looked ever so slightlyuncomfortable.Lukeshookhishead.Clary,Meliorn isaknightof theSeelieCourt. Itsveryunlikelythathe

HewastotallydatingIsabelle,Simonsaid,andshedumpedhimtoo.Atleastshesaidshewasgoingto.Toughbreak,man.

Meliornblinked at him.You, he saidwithdistaste,you are the chosen representative of theNightChildren?

Simonshookhishead.No.Imjusthereforher.HepointedatClary.

TheNightChildren,saidLuke,afterabriefhesitation,arentparticipating,Meliorn.IdidconveythatinformationtoyourLady.Theyvechosentotogotheirownway.

Meliornsdelicatefeaturesdrewdownintoascowl.WouldthatIhadknownthat,hesaid.TheNightChildrenareawiseandcarefulpeople.Anyschemethatdrawstheiriredrawsmysuspicions.

I didnt say anything about ire, Luke began, with a mixture of deliberate calm and faintexasperationClarydoubted thatanyonewhodidntknowhimwellwouldknowhewas irritatedatall.Shecouldsensetheshiftinhisattention:Hewaslookingdowntowardthecrowd.Followinghisgaze,Clary saw a familiar figure cut a path across the roomIsabelle, her black hair swinging, her whipwrappedaroundherwristlikeaseriesofgoldenbracelets.

ClarycaughtSimonswrist.TheLightwoods.IjustsawIsabelle.

Heglancedtowardthecrowd,frowning.Ididntrealizeyouwerelookingforthem.

Pleasegotalktoherforme,shewhispered,glancingovertoseeifanyonewaspayingattentiontothem;nobodywas.Lukewasgesturingtowardsomeoneinthecrowd;meanwhile,JocelynwassayingsomethingtoMeliorn,whowaslookingatherwithsomethingapproachingalarm.Ihavetostayhere,butplease,IneedyoutotellherandAlecwhatmymothertoldme.AboutJaceandwhohereallyis,andSebastian.Theyhavetoknow.Tellthemtocomeandtalktomeassoonastheycan.Please,Simon.

All right. Clearlyworried by the intensity of her tone, Simon freed his wrist from her grasp andtouchedherreassuringlyonthecheek.Illbeback.

Hewentdownthestepsandvanishedintothethrong;whensheturnedback,shesawthatMagnuswas looking at her, hismouth set in a crooked line. Its fine, he said, obviously answeringwhateverquestionLukehadjustaskedhim.ImfamiliarwithBrocelindPlain.IllsetthePortalupinthesquare.One thatbigwont lastvery long, though, soyoudbetterget everyone through itprettyquicklyoncetheyreMarked.

As Luke nodded and turned to say something to Jocelyn, Clary leaned forward and said quietly,Thanks,bytheway.Foreverythingyoudidformymom.

Magnussunevensmilebroadened.YoudidntthinkIwasgoingtodoit,didyou?

Iwondered,Clary admitted.Especially considering thatwhen I sawyou at the cottage, you didntevenseefittotellmethatJacebroughtSimonthroughthePortalwithhimwhenhecametoAlicante.Ididnthaveachance toyellatyouabout thatbefore,butwhatwereyou thinking?That Iwouldntbeinterested?

Thatyoudbetoointerested,saidMagnus.ThatyouddropeverythingandgorushingofftotheGard.AndIneededyoutolookfortheBookoftheWhite.

Thatsruthless,Clarysaidangrily.Andyourewrong.Iwouldhave

Donewhatanyonewouldhavedone.What Iwouldhavedone if itweresomeone Icaredabout. I

dontblameyou,Clary,andIdidntdoitbecauseIthoughtyouwereweak.Ididitbecauseyourehuman,andIknowhumanitysways.Ivebeenalivealongtime.

Like you never do anything stupid because you have feelings,Clary said.WheresAlec, anyway?Whyarentyouoffchoosinghimasyourpartnerrightnow?

Magnusseemedtowince.Iwouldntapproachhimwithhisparentsthere.Youknowthat.

Clary propped her chin on her hand. Doing the right thing because you love someone suckssometimes.

Itdoes,Magnussaid,atthat.

Theravenflewinslow,lazycircles,makingitswayoverthetreetopstowardthewesternwallofthevalley.Themoonwashigh,eliminatingtheneedforwitchlightasJacefollowed,keepingtotheedgesofthetrees.

Thevalleywallroseabove,asheerwallofgrayrock.Theravenspathseemedtobefollowingthecurveofthestreamasitwendeditswaywest,disappearingfinallyintoanarrowfissureinthewall.Jacenearlytwistedhisankleseveraltimesonwetrockandwishedhecouldswearoutloud,butHugowouldbe sure to hear him.Bent into an uncomfortable half crouch, he concentrated on not breaking a leginstead.

His shirtwas soakedwith sweat by the time he reached the edge of the valley. For amoment hethought hed lost sight of Hugo, and his heart fellthen he saw the black sinking shape as the ravenswoopedlowanddisappearedinto thedark,fissuredhole in thevalleysrockwall.Jaceranforwarditwassucharelieftoruninsteadofcrawl.Ashenearedthefissure,hecouldseeamuchlarger,darkergapbeyonditacove.Fumblinghiswitchlightstoneoutofhispocket,Jacedivedinaftertheraven.

Onlyalittlelightseepedinthroughthecavesmouth,andafterafewstepseventhatwasswallowedupbytheoppressivedarkness.Jaceraisedhiswitchlightandlettheilluminationbleedoutbetweenhisfingers.

At first he thought hed somehow found his way outside again, and that the stars were visibleoverhead in all their glittering glory. The stars never shone anywhere else the way they shone inIdrisandtheywerentshiningnow.Thewitchlighthadpickedoutdozensofsparklingdepositsofmicaintherockaroundhim,andthewallshadcomealivewithbrilliantpointsoflight.

Theyshowedhimthathewasstandinginanarrowspacecarvedoutofsheerrock,thecaveentrancebehindhim,twobranchingdarktunnelsahead.Jacethoughtofthestorieshisfatherhadtoldhimaboutheroeslostinmazeswhousedropeortwinetofindtheirwayback.Hedidnthaveeitherofthoseonhim,though.Hemovedclosertothetunnelsandstoodsilentforalongmoment,listening.Heheardthedripofwater,faintly,fromsomewherefaraway;therushofthestream,arustlinglikewings,andvoices.

He jerked back. The voiceswere coming from the left-hand tunnel, hewas sure of it.He ran histhumboverthewitchlighttodimit,untilitwasgivingoffafaintglowthatwasjustenoughtolighthisway.Thenheplungedforwardintothedarkness.

Areyouserious,Simon?Itsreallytrue?Thatsfantastic!Itswonderful!Isabellereachedoutforherbrothershand.Alec,didyouhearwhatSimonsaid?JaceisntValentinesson.Heneverwas.

So whose son is he? Alec replied, though Simon had the feeling that he was only partly payingattention.Heseemed tobecastingaround the roomforsomething.Hisparentsstooda littledistance

away,frowningintheirdirection;Simonhadbeenworriedhedhavetoexplainthewholebusiness tothem,too,buttheydnicelyallowedhimafewminuteswithIsabelleandAlecalone.

Whocares!Isabellethrewherhandsupindelight,thenfrowned.Actually,thatsagoodpoint.Whowashisfather?MichaelWaylandafterall?

Simonshookhishead.StephenHerondale.

SohewastheInquisitorsgrandson,Alecsaid.ThatmustbewhysheHebrokeoff,staringintothedistance.

Whyshewhat?Isabelledemanded.Alec,payattention.Oratleasttelluswhatyourelookingfor.

Notwhat,saidAlec.Who.Magnus.Iwantedtoaskhimifhedbemypartnerinthebattle.ButIvenoideawhereheis.Haveyouseenhim?heasked,directinghisquestionatSimon.

Simonshookhishead.HewasuponthedaiswithClary,buthecranedhisnecktolookhesnotnow.Hesprobablyinthecrowdsomewhere.

Really?Areyougoingtoaskhimtobeyourpartner?Isabelleasked.Itslikeacotillion,thispartnersbusiness,exceptwithkilling.

So,exactlylikeacotillion,saidSimon.

MaybeIllaskyoutobemypartner,Simon,Isabellesaid,raisinganeyebrowdelicately.

Alecfrowned.Hewas,liketherestoftheShadowhuntersintheroom,entirelygearedupallinblack,with a belt fromwhich dangledmultipleweapons.Abowwas strapped across his back; Simonwashappy to see hed found a replacement for the oneSebastianhad smashed. Isabelle, youdont need apartner,becauseyourenotfighting.Youretooyoung.Andifyoueventhinkaboutit,Illkillyou.Hisheadjerkedup.WaitisthatMagnus?

Isabelle,followinghisgaze,snorted.Alec,thatsawerewolf.Agirlwerewolf.Infact,itswhats-her-name.May.

Maia,Simoncorrected.Shewasstandingalittlewaysaway,wearingbrownleatherpantsandatightblackT-shirt that saidWHATEVERDOESNTKILLMEHADBETTERSTARTRUNNING.Acordheldbackherbraidedhair.Sheturned,asifsensingtheireyesonher,andsmiled.Simonsmiledback.Isabelleglowered.Simonstoppedsmilinghastilywhenexactlyhadhislifegottensocomplicated?

Alecsfacelitup.TheresMagnus,hesaid,andtookoffwithoutabackwardglance,shearingapaththroughthecrowdtothespacewherethetallwarlockstood.MagnusssurpriseasAlecapproachedhimwasvisible,evenfromthisdistance.

Itssortofsweet,saidIsabelle,lookingatthem,youknow,inkindofalameway.

Whylame?

Because,Isabelleexplained,AlecstryingtogetMagnustotakehimseriously,buthesnevertoldourparentsaboutMagnus,oreventhathelikes,youknow

Warlocks?Simonsaid.

Veryfunny.Isabelleglaredathim.YouknowwhatImean.Whatsgoingonhereis

What isgoingon,exactly?askedMaia, striding intoearshot. Imean, Idontquiteget thispartnersthing.Howisitsupposedtowork?

Like that.Simonpointed towardAlecandMagnus,whostoodabitapart from thecrowd, in theirownsmallspace.AlecwasdrawingonMagnusshand,hisfaceintent,hisdarkhairfallingforwardtohidehiseyes.

Soweallhavetodothat?Maiasaid.Getdrawnon,Imean.

Onlyifyouregoingtofight,Isabellesaid,lookingattheothergirlcoldly.Youdontlookeighteenyet.

Maiasmiledtightly.ImnotaShadowhunter.Lycanthropesareconsideredadultsatsixteen.

Well,youhavetogetdrawnon,then,saidIsabelle.ByaShadowhunter.Soyoudbetterlookforone.

ButMaia,stilllookingoveratAlecandMagnus,brokeoffandraisedhereyebrows.Simonturnedtoseewhatshewaslookingatandstared.

AlechadhisarmsaroundMagnusandwaskissinghim,fullonthemouth.Magnus,whoappearedtobe in a state of shock, stood frozen. Several groups of peopleShadowhunters and Downworldersalikewere staring andwhispering.Glancing to the side, Simon saw theLightwoods, their eyeswide,gapingatthedisplay.Marysehadherhandoverhermouth.

Maialookedperplexed.Waitasecond,shesaid.Doweallhavetodothat,too?

ForthesixthtimeClaryscannedthecrowd,lookingforSimon.Shecouldntfindhim.Theroomwasa roilingmass of Shadowhunters andDownworlders, the crowd spilling through the open doors andontothestepsoutside.EverywherewastheflashofstelesasDownworldersandShadowhunterscametogether inpairsandMarkedeachother.ClarysawMaryseLightwoodholdingoutherhand toa tallgreen-skinnedfaeriewomanwhowasjustaspaleandregalasshewas.PatrickPenhallowwassolemnlyexchangingMarkswith awarlockwhosehair shonewithblue sparks.Through theHall doorsClarycouldseethebrightglimmerofthePortalinthesquare.Thestarlightshiningdownthroughtheglassskylightlentasurrealairtoallofit.

Amazing, isnt it? Luke said. He stood at the edge of the dais, looking down over the room.ShadowhuntersandDownworlders,minglingtogetherinthesameroom.Workingtogether.Hesoundedawed.AllClarycouldthinkwasthatshewishedJacewereheretoseewhatwashappening.Shecouldntputasideherfearforhim,nomatterhowhardshetried.TheideathathemightfacedownValentine,might riskhis lifebecausehe thoughthewascursedthathemightdiewithouteverknowing itwasnttrue

Clary,Jocelynsaid,withatraceofamusement,didyouhearwhatIsaid?

Idid,saidClary,anditisamazing,Iknow.

JocelynputherhandontopofClarys.ThatsnotwhatIwassaying.LukeandIwillbothbefighting.Iknowyouknowthat.YoullbestayingherewithIsabelleandtheotherchildren.

Imnotachild.

Iknowyourenot,butyouretooyoungtofight.Andevenifyouwerent,youveneverbeentrained.

Idontwanttojustsithereanddonothing.

Nothing?Jocelynsaidinamazement.Clary,noneofthiswouldbehappeningifitwasntforyou.Wewouldntevenhaveachancetofightifitwasntforyou.Imsoproudofyou.IjustwantedtotellyouthateventhoughLukeandIwillbegone,wellbecomingback.Everythingsgoingtobefine.

Clarylookedupathermother,intothegreeneyessolikeherown.Mom,shesaid.Dontlie.

Jocelyn took a sharpbreath and stoodup, drawingher handback.Before she could say anything,somethingcaughtClaryseyeafamiliarfaceinthecrowd.Aslim,darkfigure,movingpurposelytowardthem,slippingthroughthethrongedHallwithdeliberateandsurprisingeaseasifhecoulddriftthroughthecrowd,likesmokethroughthegapsinafence.

Andhewas,Claryrealized,ashenearedthedais.ItwasRaphael,dressedinthesamewhiteshirtandblackpantsshedfirstseenhimin.Shehadforgottenhowslighthewas.Helookedbarelyfourteenasheclimbedthestairs,histhinfacecalmandangelic,likeachoirboymountingthestepstothechancel.

Raphael.Lukesvoiceheldamazement,mixedwithrelief.Ididntthinkyouwerecoming.HavetheNightChildrenreconsideredjoiningusinfightingValentine?TheresstillaCouncilseatopenforyou,ifyoudliketotakeit.HeheldahandouttoRaphael.

Raphaels clear and lovely eyes regarded him expressionlessly. I cannot shake hands with you,werewolf.WhenLukelookedoffended,hesmiled,justenoughtoshowthewhitetipsofhisfangteeth.IamaProjection,hesaid,raisinghishandsothattheycouldallseehowthelightshonethroughit.Icantouchnothing.

ButLukeglancedupatthemoonlightpouringthroughtheroof.WhyHeloweredhishand.Well,Imgladyourehere.Howeveryouchoosetoappear.

Raphaelshookhishead.ForamomenthiseyeslingeredonClaryalookshereallydidntlikeandthenheturnedhisgazetoJocelyn,andhissmilewidened.You,hesaid,Valentineswife.Othersofmykind,whofoughtwithyouattheUprising,toldmeofyou.IadmitIneverthoughtIwouldseeyoumyself.

Jocelyninclinedherhead.ManyoftheNightChildrenfoughtverybravelythen.Doesyourpresencehereindicatethatwemightfightalongsideeachotheronceagain?

Itwasodd,Clarythought,tohearhermotherspeakinthatcoolandformalway,andyetitseemednatural toJocelyn.Asnatural in itswayassittingon theground inancientoveralls,holdingapaint-splatteredbrush.

Ihopeso,Raphaelsaid,andhisgazebrushedClaryagain, like the touchofacoldhand.Wehaveonlyonerequirement,onesimpleandsmallrequest.Ifthatishonored,theNightChildrenofmanylandswillhappilygotobattleatyourside.

TheCouncilseat,saidLuke.Ofcourseitcanbeformalized,thedocumentsdrawnupwithinthehour

Not,saidRaphael,theCouncilseat.Somethingelse.

Somethingelse?Lukeechoedblankly.Whatisit?Iassureyou,ifitsinourpower

Oh,itis.Raphaelssmilewasblinding.Infact,itissomethingthatiswithinthewallsofthisHallaswespeak.Heturnedandgesturedgracefully towardthecrowd.Is is theboySimonthatwewant,hesaid.ItistheDaylighter.

The tunnelwas long and twisting, switchbacking on itself over and over as if Jacewere crawlingthrough the entrailsof an enormousmonster. It smelled likewet rockandashes and somethingelse,somethingdankandoddthatremindedJaceeversoslightlyofthesmelloftheBoneCity.

Atlastthetunnelopenedoutintoacircularchamber.Hugestalactites,theirsurfacesasburnishedasgems,hungdownfromaridged,stonyceilinghighabove.Thefloorwasassmoothas if ithadbeen

polished, alternating here and therewith arcane patterns of gleaming inlaid stone.A series of roughstalagmitescircledthechamber.Intheverycenteroftheroomstoodasinglemassivequartzstalagmite,rearingupfromthefloorlikeagiganticfang,patternedhereandtherewithareddishdesign.Peeringcloser, Jace saw that the sides of the stalagmite were transparent, the reddish pattern the result ofsomethingswirlingandmovinginsideit,likeaglasstesttubefullofcoloredsmoke.

Highabove,lightfiltereddownfromacircularholeinthestone,anaturalskylight.Thechamberhadcertainlybeenaproductofdesignratherthanaccidenttheintricatepatternstracingthefloormadethatmuchobviousbutwhowouldhavehollowedoutsuchanenormousundergroundchamber,andwhy?

Asharpcawechoed through the room,sendingashock throughJacesnerves.Heduckedbehindabulkystalagmite,dousinghiswitchlight,justastwofiguresemergedfromtheshadowsatthefarendofthe room andmoved toward him, their heads bent together in conversation. It was only when theyreachedthecenteroftheroomandthelightstruckthemthatherecognizedthem.

Sebastian.

AndValentine.

Hopingtoavoidthecrowd,Simontookthelongwaybacktowardthedais,duckingbehindtherowsofpillarsthatlinedthesidesoftheHall.Hekepthisheaddownashewent,lostinthought.ItseemedstrangethatAlec,onlyayearortwoolderthanIsabelle,washeadingofftofightinawar,andtherestofthemweregoingtostaybehind.AndIsabelleseemedcalmaboutit.Nocrying,nohysterics.Itwasasifshedexpectedit.Maybeshehad.Maybetheyallhad.

Hewasclosetothedaisstepswhenheglancedupandsaw,tohissurprise,RaphaelstandingacrossfromLuke,lookinghisusualnear-expressionlessself.Luke,ontheotherhand,lookedagitatedhewasshakinghishead,hishandsupinprotest,andJocelyn,besidehim,lookedoutraged.SimoncouldntseeClarysfaceherbackwastohimbutheknewherwellenoughtorecognizehertensionjustfromthesetofhershoulders.

NotwantingRaphaeltoseehim,Simonduckedbehindapillar,listening.Evenoverthebabbleofthecrowd,hewasabletohearLukesrisingvoice.

Itsoutofthequestion,Lukewassaying.Icantbelieveyoudevenask.

AndIcantbelieveyouwouldrefuse.Raphaelsvoicewascoolandclear,thesharp,still-highvoiceofayoungboy.Itissuchasmallthing.

Itsnotathing.Clarysoundedangry.ItsSimon.Hesaperson.

Hesavampire,saidRaphael.Whichyouseemtokeepforgetting.

Arentyouavampireaswell?askedJocelyn,hertoneasfreezingasithadbeeneverytimeClaryandSimonhadevergottenintroublefordoingsomethingstupid.Areyousayingyourlifehasnoworth?

Simonpressedhimselfbackagainstthepillar.Whatwasgoingon?

Mylifehasgreatworth,saidRaphael,being,unlikeyours,eternal.ThereisnoendtowhatImightaccomplish, while there is a clear end where you are concerned. But that is not the issue. He is avampire,oneofmyown,andIamaskingforhimback.

Youcanthavehimback,Clarysnapped.Youneverhadhiminthefirstplace.Youwerenevereveninterestedinhimeither,tillyoufoundouthecouldwalkaroundindaylight

Possibly,saidRaphael,butnotforthereasonyouthink.Hecockedhishead,hisbright,softeyesdarkanddarting as a birds.Novampire should have the power he has, he said, just as noShadowhuntershouldhavethepowerthatyouandyourbrotherdo.Foryearswehavebeentoldthatwearewrongandunnatural.Butthisthisisunnatural.

Raphael.Lukestonewaswarning.Idontknowwhatyouwerehopingfor.ButtheresnochancewellletyouhurtSimon.

ButyouwillletValentineandhisarmyofdemonshurtallthesepeople,yourallies.Raphaelmadeasweepinggesturethatencompassedtheroom.Youwillletthemrisktheirlivesattheirowndiscretionbut wont give Simon the same choice? Perhaps he would make a different one than you will. Heloweredhisarm.Youknowwewillnotfightwithyouotherwise.TheNightChildrenwillhavenopartinthisday.

Then have no part in it, said Luke. I wont buy your cooperation with an innocent life. Im notValentine.

Raphael turned to Jocelyn. What about you, Shadowhunter? Are you going to let this werewolfdecidewhatsbestforyourpeople?

JocelynwaslookingatRaphaelasifhewerearoachshedfoundcrawlingacrosshercleankitchenfloor.Veryslowlyshesaid,IfyoulayonehandonSimon,vampire,Illhaveyouchoppedupintotinypiecesandfedtomycat.Understand?

Raphaelsmouthtightened.Verywell,hesaid.WhenyouliedyingonBrocelindPlain,youmayaskyourselfwhetheronelifewastrulyworthsomany.

Hevanished.LuketurnedquicklytoClary,butSimonwasnolongerwatchingthem:Hewaslookingdownathishands.Hehad thought theywouldbeshaking,but theywereasmotionlessasacorpses.Veryslowly,heclosedthemintofists.

Valentine looked as he always had, a big man in modified Shadowhunter gear, his broad, thickshouldersatoddswithhissharplyplaned,fine-featuredface.HehadtheMortalSwordstrappedacrosshisbackalongwithabulkysatchel.Heworeawidebeltwithnumerousweaponsthrustthroughit:thickhuntingdaggers,narrowdirks,andskinningknives.StaringatValentinefrombehindtherock,Jacefeltashealwaysdidnowwhenhethoughtofhisfatherapersistentfamilialaffectioncorrodedthroughwithbleakness,disappointment,andmistrust.

ItwasstrangeseeinghisfatherwithSebastian,wholookeddifferent.Heworegearaswell,andalongsilver-hiltedswordstrappedathiswaist,but itwasntwhathewaswearingthatstruckJaceasodd.Itwas his hair, no longer a cap of dark curls but fair, shining-fair, a sort ofwhite gold. It suited him,actually,betterthanthedarkhairhad;hisskinnolongerlookedsostartlinglypale.HemusthavedyedhishairtoresembletherealSebastianVerlac,andthiswaswhathereallylookedlike.Asour,roilingwaveofhatredcoursedthroughJace,anditwasallhecoulddotostayhiddenbehindtherockandnotlungeforwardtowraphishandsaroundSebastiansthroat.

Hugocawedagainandswoopeddownto landonValen tinesshoulder.Anoddpangwent throughJace, seeing the raven in the posture that had become so familiar to him over the years hed knownHodge. Hugo had practically lived on the tutors shoulder, and seeing him on Valentines felt oddlyforeign,evenwrong,despiteeverythingHodgehaddone.

Valentinereachedupandstrokedthebirdsglossyfeathers,noddingasifthetwoofthemweredeep

in conversation. Sebastianwatched, his pale eyebrows arched. Anyword fromAlicante? he said asHugo lifted himself from Valentines shoulder and soared into the air again, his wings brushing thegemliketipsofthestalactites.

NothingascomprehensibleasIwouldlike,Valentinesaid.Thesoundofhisfathersvoice,coolandunruffled as ever,went through Jace like an arrow.His hands twitched involuntarily and he pressedthemhardagainsthissides,gratefulforthebulkoftherockhidinghimfromview.Onethingiscertain.TheClaveisallyingitselfwithLuciansforceofDownworlders.

Sebastianfrowned.ButMalachisaid

Malachihasfailed.Valentinesjawwasset.

ToJacessurpriseSebastianmovedforwardandputahandonValentinesarm.TherewassomethingaboutthattouchsomethingintimateandconfidentthatmadeJacesstomachfeelasifithadbeeninvadedbyanestofworms.NoonetouchedValentinelikethat.Evenhewouldnothavetouchedhisfatherlikethat. Are you upset? Sebastian asked, and the same tone was in his voice, the same grotesque andpeculiarassumptionofcloseness.

TheClaveisfurthergonethanIhadthought.IknewtheLightwoodswerecorruptedbeyondhope,andthatsortofcorruptioniscontagious.ItswhyItriedtokeepthemfromenteringIdris.Butfortherest to have so easily had their minds filled with Lucians poison, when he is not even NephilimValentinesdisgustwasplain,buthedidntmoveawayfromSebastian,Jacesawwithgrowingdisbelief,didntmove to brush the boys hand from his shoulder. I am disappointed. I thought theywould seereason.Iwouldhavepreferrednottoendthingsthisway.

Sebastianlookedamused.Idontagree,hesaid.Thinkofthem,readytodobattle,ridingouttoglory,only tofind thatnoneof itmatters.That theirgesture is futile.Thinkof the looksontheir faces.Hismouthstretchedintoagrin.

Jonathan.Valentinesighed.Thisisuglynecessity,nothingtotakedelightin.

Jonathan? Jace clutched at the rock, his hands suddenly slippery. Why would Valentine callSebastianbyhisname?Wasitamistake?ButSebastiandidntlooksurprised.

Isnt itbetter if I enjoywhat Imdoing?Sebastian said. I certainlyenjoyedmyself inAlicante.TheLightwoods were better company than you led me to believe, especially that Isabelle.We certainlypartedonahighnote.AndasforClary

JusthearingSebastiansayClarysnamemadeJacesheartskipasudden,painfulbeat.

ShewasntatalllikeIthoughtshedbe,Sebastianwentonpetulantly.Shewasntanythinglikeme.

Thereisnooneelseintheworldlikeyou,Jonathan.AndasforClary,shehasalwaysbeenexactlylikehermother.

Shewontadmitwhatshereallywants,Sebastiansaid.Notyet.Butshellcomearound.

Valentineraisedaneyebrow.Whatdoyoumean,comearound?

Sebastiangrinned,agrinthatfilledJacewithanalmostuncontrollablerage.Hebitdownhardonhislip,tastingblood.Oh,youknow,Sebastiansaid.Toourside.Icantwait.TrickingherwasthemostfunIvehadinages.

Youwerent supposed tobehaving fun.Youwere supposed tobe findingoutwhat itwas shewas

lookingfor.Andwhenshedidfinditwithoutyou,Imightaddyoulethergiveittoawarlock.Andthenyoufailedtobringherwithyouwhenyouleft,despitethethreatsheposestous.Notexactlyaglorioussuccess,Jonathan.

Itried tobringher.Theywouldnt letheroutof theirsight,andIcouldntexactlykidnapher in themiddleoftheAccordsHall.Sebastiansoundedsulky.Besides,Itoldyou,shedoesnthaveanyideahowtousethatrunepowerofhers.Shestoonaivetoposeanydanger

WhatevertheClaveisplanningnow,shesatthecenterofit,Valentinesaid.Huginsaysasmuch.HesawherthereonthedaisintheAccordsHall.IfshecanshowtheClaveherpower

JacefeltaflashoffearforClary,mixedwithanoddsortofprideofcourseshewasatthecenterofthings.ThatwashisClary.

Thentheyllfight,saidSebastian.Whichiswhatwewant,isntit?Clarydoesntmatter.Itsthebattlethatmatters.

Youunderestimateher,Ithink,Valentinesaidquietly.

Iwaswatchingher, saidSebastian. Ifherpowerwasasunlimitedasyouseemto think,shecouldhaveusedittogetherlittlevampirefriendoutofhisprisonorsavethatfoolHodgewhenhewasdying

Powerdoesnthavetobeunlimitedtobedeadly,Valentinesaid.AndasforHodge,perhapsyoumightshowabitmorereserveregardinghisdeath,sinceyouretheonewhokilledhim.

HewasabouttotellthemabouttheAngel.Ihadto.

Youwanted to.Youalwaysdo.Valentine took apair of heavy leathergloves fromhispocket anddrewthemonslowly.Perhapshewouldhave told them.Perhapsnot.All thoseyearshe lookedafterJaceintheInstituteandmusthavewonderedwhatitwashewasraising.Hodgewasoneofthefewwhoknewtherewasmorethanoneboy.Iknewhewouldntbetraymehewastoomuchofacowardforthat.Heflexedhisfingersinsidethegloves,frowning.

Morethanoneboy?WhatwasValentinetalkingabout?

SebastiandismissedHodgewithawaveofhishand.Whocareswhathethought?Hesdead,andgoodriddance.Hiseyesgleamedblackly.Areyougoingtothelakenow?

Yes.Youre clearonwhatmust bedone?Valentine jerkedhis chin toward the sword atSebastianswaist.Usethat.ItsnottheMortalSword,butitsallianceissufficientlydemonicforthispurpose.

Icantgotothelakewithyou?Sebastiansvoicehadtakenonadistinctwhiningtone.Cantwejustreleasethearmynow?

Itsnotmidnightyet.IsaidIwouldgivethemuntilmidnight.Theymayyetchangetheirminds.

Theyrenotgoingto

I gavemy word. Ill stand by it. Valentines tone was final. If you hear nothing fromMalachi bymidnight,openthegate.SeeingSebastianshesitation,Valentinelookedimpatient.Ineedyoutodothis,Jonathan.Icantwaithereformidnight;itlltakemenearlyanhourtogettothelakethroughthetunnels,and I have no intention of letting the battle drag on very long. Future generationsmust know howquicklytheClavelost,andhowdecisiveourvictorywas.

ItsjustthatIllbesorrytomissthesummoning.Idliketobetherewhenyoudoit.Sebastianslook

was wistful, but there was something calculated beneath it, something sneering and grasping andplanningandstrangely,deliberatelycold.NotthatValentineseemedbothered.

To Jaces bafflement, Valentine touched the side of Sebastians face, a quick, undisguisedlyaffectionategesture,beforeturningawayandmovingtowardthefarendofthecavern,wherethickclotsofshadowsgathered.Hepausedthere,apalefigureagainstthedarkness.Jonathan,hecalledback,andJaceglancedup,unable tohelphimself.Youwill lookupon theAngels facesomeday.Afterall,youwillinherittheMortalInstrumentsonceIamgone.Perhapsonedayyou,too,willsummonRaziel.

Id like that,Sebastiansaid,andstoodverystillasValentine,withafinalnod,disappeared into thedarkness.Sebastiansvoicedroppedtoahalfwhisper.Idlikeitverymuch,hesnarled.Idliketospitinhisbastardface.Hewhirled,hisfaceawhitemaskinthedimlight.Youmightaswellcomeout,Jace,hesaid.Iknowyourehere.

Jacefrozebutonlyforasecond.Hisbodymovedbeforehismindhadtimetocatchup,catapultinghimtohisfeet.Heranforthetunnelentrance,thinkingonlyofmakingitoutside,ofgettingamessage,somehow,toLuke.

But the entrance was blocked. Sebastian stood there, his expression cool and gloating, his armsoutstretched,hisfingersalmosttouchingthetunnelwalls.Really,hesaid,youdidntactuallythinkyouwerefasterthanme,didyou?

Jaceskiddedtoahalt.Hisheartbeatunevenlyinhischest,likeabrokenmetronome,buthisvoicewassteady.SinceImbetterthanyouineveryotherconceivableway,itdidstandtoreason.

Sebastian justsmiled. Icouldhearyourheartbeating,hesaidsoftly.WhenyouwerewatchingmewithValentine.Diditbotheryou?

Thatyouseemtobedatingmydad?Jaceshrugged.Yourealittleyoungforhim,tobehonest.

What?For thefirst timesinceJacehadmethim,Sebastianseemedflabbergasted.Jacewasable toenjoyitforonlyamoment,though,beforeSebastianscomposurereturned.Buttherewasadarkglintinhis eye that indicated he hadnt forgiven Jace for making him lose his calm. I wondered about yousometimes, Sebastian went on, in the same soft voice. There seemed to be something to you, onoccasion,somethingbehindthoseyelloweyesofyours.Aflashofintelligence,unliketherestofyourmud-stupidadoptivefamily.ButIsupposeitwasonlyapose,anattitude.Youreasfoolishastherest,despiteyourdecadeofgoodupbringing.

Whatdoyouknowaboutmyupbringing?

More than you might think. Sebastian lowered his hands. The same man who brought you up,broughtmeup.Onlyhedidnttireofmeafterthefirsttenyears.

What do you mean? Jaces voice came out in a whisper, and then, as he stared at Sebastiansunmoving,unsmilingface,heseemedtoseetheotherboyasifforthefirsttimethewhitehair,theblackanthraciteeyes,thehardlinesofhisface,likesomethingchiseledoutofstoneandhesawinhismindthefaceofhisfatherastheangelhadshowedittohim,youngandsharpandalertandhungry,andheknew.You,hesaid.Valentinesyourfather.Youremybrother.

ButSebastianwasnolongerstandinginfrontofhim;hewassuddenlybehindhim,andhisarmswerearoundJacesshouldersasifhemeanttoembracehim,buthishandswereclenchedintofists.Hailandfarewell,mybrother,hespat,andthenhisarmsjerkedupandtightened,cuttingoffJacesbreath.

Clarywasexhausted.Adull,poundingheadache, theaftereffectofdrawing theAlliance rune,hadtakenupresidenceinherfrontallobe.Itfeltlikesomeonetryingtokickadoordownfromthewrongside.

Areyouallright?JocelynputherhandonClarysshoulder.Youlooklikeyouarentfeelingwell.

Claryglanceddownandsawthespideringblackrunethatcrossedthebackofhermothershand,thetwinof theoneonLukespalm.Her stomach tightened.Shewasmanaging todealwith the fact thatwithin a few hours her mother might actually be fighting an army of demonsbut only by willfullypushingdownthethoughteverytimeitsurfaced.

ImjustwonderingwhereSimonis.Claryrosetoherfeet.Imgoingtogogethim.

Downthere?Jocelyngazedworriedlydownat thecrowd.Itwas thinningoutnow,Clarynoted,asthosewhohadbeenMarkedfloodedoutthefrontdoorsintothesquareoutside.Malachistoodbythedoors,hisbronzefaceimpassiveashedirectedDownworldersandShadowhunterswheretogo.

Illbefine.ClaryedgedpasthermotherandLuketowardthedaissteps.Illberightback.

Peopleturnedtostareasshedescendedthestepsandslippedintothecrowd.Shecouldfeeltheeyesonher,theweightofthestaring.Shescannedthecrowd,lookingfortheLightwoodsorSimon,butsawnobodysheknewand itwashardenoughseeinganythingover the throng,consideringhowshort shewas.WithasighClaryslippedawaytowardthewestsideoftheHall,wherethecrowdwasthinner.

Themomentshenearedthetalllineofmarblepillars,ahandshotoutfrombetweentwoofthemandpulled her sideways. Clary had time to gasp in surprise, and then shewas standing in the darknessbehindthelargestofthepillars,herbackagainstthecoldmarblewall,Simonshandsgrippingherarms.Dontscream,okay?Itsjustme,hesaid.

OfcourseImnotgoing toscream.Dontberidiculous.Claryglancedfromside toside,wonderingwhatwasgoingonshecouldseeonlybitsandpiecesofthelargerHall,inbetweenthepillars.ButwhatswiththeJamesBondspystuff?Iwascomingtofindyouanyway.

Iknow.Ivebeenwaitingforyoutocomedownoffthedais.Iwantedtotalktoyouwherenooneelsecouldhearus.Helickedhislipsnervously.IheardwhatRaphaelsaid.Whathewanted.

Oh,Simon.Clarysshoulderssagged.Look,nothinghappened.Lukesenthimaway

Maybeheshouldnthave,Simonsaid.MaybeheshouldhavegivenRaphaelwhathewanted.

Sheblinkedathim.Youmeanyou?Dontbestupid.Theresnoway

Thereisaway.Hisgriponherarmstightened.Iwanttodothis.IwantLuketotellRaphaelthatthedealison.OrIlltellhimmyself.

Iknowwhatyouredoing,Claryprotested.AndIrespectitandIadmireyouforit,butyoudonthavetodoit,Simon,youdonthaveto.WhatRaphaelsaskingforiswrong,andnobodywilljudgeyoufornotsacrificingyourselfforawarthatisntyourstofight

Butthatsjustit,Simonsaid.WhatRaphaelsaidwasright.Iamavampire,andyoukeepforgettingit.Ormaybeyoujustwanttoforget.ButImaDownworlderandyoureaShadowhunter,andthisfightisbothofours.

Butyourenotlikethem

Iamoneof them.Hespokeslowly,deliberately,as if tomakeabsolutelysure thatsheunderstoodevery word he was saying. And I always will be. If the Downworlders fight this war with theShadowhunters,withouttheparticipationofRaphaelspeople,thentherewillbenoCouncilseatfortheNightChildren.TheywontbeapartoftheworldLukestryingtocreate,aworldwhereShadowhuntersandDownworlderswork together.Are together.Thevampireswill be shutoutof that.Theyll be theenemiesoftheShadowhunters.Illbeyourenemy.

Icouldneverbeyourenemy.

Itwouldkillme,Simonsaidsimply.ButIcanthelpanythingbystandingbackandpretendingImnotpartofthis.AndImnotaskingyourpermission.Iwouldlikeyourhelp.Butifyouwontgiveittome,Ill get Maia to take me to the vampire camp anyway, and Ill give myself up to Raphael. Do youunderstand?

Shestaredathim.Hewasholdingherarmsso tightlyshecould feel thebloodbeating in theskinunder his hands. She ran her tongue over her dry lips; her mouth tasted bitter.What can I do, shewhispered,tohelpyou?

She looked up at him incredulously as he told her. She was already shaking her head before hefinished,herhairwhippingbackandforth,nearlycoveringhereyes.No,shesaid, thatsacrazyidea,Simon.Itsnotagift;itsapunishment

Maybenot forme,Simonsaid.Heglanced toward thecrowd,andClarysawMaiastanding there,watching them, her expression openly curious. She was clearly waiting for Simon. Too fast, Clarythought.Thisisallhappeningmuchtoofast.

Itsbetterthanthealternative,Clary.

No

Itmightnothurtmeatall.Imean,Ivealreadybeenpunished,right?Ialreadycantgointoachurch,asynagogue, I cant sayI cant say holy names, I cant get older, Im already shut out from normal life.Maybethiswontchangeanything.

Butmaybeitwill.

Heletgoofherarms,slidhishandaroundherside,anddrewPatricksstelefromherbelt.Hehelditouttoher.Clary,hesaid.Dothisforme.Please.

Shetookthestelewithnumbfingersandraisedit,touchingtheendofittoSimonsskin,justabovehiseyes.ThefirstMark,Magnushadsaid.Theveryfirst.Shethoughtofit,andherstelebegantomovethe way a dancer begins to move when the music starts. Black lines traced themselves across hisforeheadlikeaflowerunfoldingonaspeeded-uprolloffilm.Whenshewasdone,herrighthandachedandstung,butasshedrewbackandstared,sheknewshehaddrawnsomethingperfectandstrangeandancient, something from theverybeginningofhistory. Itblazed likea star aboveSimonseyesashebrushedhisfingersacrosshisforehead,hisexpressiondazzledandconfused.

Icanfeelit,hesaid.Likeaburn.

Idontknowwhatllhappen,shewhispered.Idontknowwhatlong-termsideeffectsitllhave.

Withatwistedhalfsmile,heraisedhishandtotouchhercheek.Letshopewegetthechancetofindout.

19

PENIEL

Maiawassilentmostofthewaytotheforest,keepingherheaddownandglancingfromsidetosideonlyoccasionally,hernosewrinkledinconcentration.Simonwonderedifshewassmellingtheirway,andhedecidedthatalthoughthatmightbealittleweird,itcertainlycountedasausefultalent.Healsofoundthathedidnthavetohurrytokeepupwithher,nomatterhowfastshemoved.Evenwhentheyreachedthebeaten-downpaththatledintotheforestandMaiastartedtorunswiftly,quietly,andstayinglowtothegroundhehadnotroublematchingherpace.Itwasonethingaboutbeingavampirethathecouldhonestlysayheenjoyed.

It was over too soon; thewoods thickened and theywere running among the trees, over scuffed,thick-rootedgrounddensewithfallenleaves.Thebranchesoverheadmadelacelikepatternsagainstthestarlit sky. They emerged from the trees in a clearing strewn with large boulders that gleamed likesquarewhiteteeth.Therewereheapedpilesofleaveshereandthere,asifsomeonehadbeenovertheplacewithagiganticrake.

Raphael!Maiahadcuppedherhandsaroundhermouthandwascallingoutinavoiceloudenoughtostartlethebirdsoutofthetreetopshighoverhead.Raphael,showyourself!

Silence.Thentheshadowsrustled;therewasasoftpatteringsound,likerainhittingatinroof.Thepiledleavesonthegroundblewupintotheairintinycyclones.SimonheardMaiacough;shehadherhandsup,asiftobrushtheleavesawayfromherface,hereyes.

Assuddenlyasthewindhadcomeup,itsettled.Raphaelstoodthere,onlyafewfeetfromSimon.Surroundinghimwasagroupofvampires,paleandstillas trees in themoonlight.Theirexpressionswerecold,strippeddowntoabarehostility.HerecognizedsomeofthemfromtheHotelDumort:thepetiteLilyandtheblondJacob,hiseyesasnarrowasknives.Butjustasmanyofthemhehadneverseenbefore.

Raphael stepped forward.His skinwas sallow, his eyes ringedwith black shadow, but he smiledwhenhesawSimon.

Daylighter,hebreathed.Youcame.

Icame,Simonsaid.Imhere,soitsdone.

Its far from done,Daylighter. Raphael looked towardMaia. Lycanthrope, he said. Return to yourpackleaderandthankhimforchanginghismind.TellhimthattheNightChildrenwillfightbesidehispeopleonBrocelindPlain.

Maiasfacewastight.Lukedidntchange

Simoninterruptedherhastily.Itsfine,Maia.Go.

Hereyeswereluminousandsad.Simon,think,shesaid.Youdonthavetodothis.

Yes,Ido.Histonewasfirm.Maia,thankyousomuchforbringingmehere.Nowgo.

Simon

Hedroppedhisvoice.Ifyoudontgo,theyllkillusboth,andallthiswillhavebeenfornothing.Go.Please.

Shenoddedandturnedaway,Changingassheturned,sothatonemomentshewasaslighthumangirl,herbead-tiedbraidsbouncingonhershoulders,andthenextshehadhitthegroundrunningonallfours,aswiftandsilentwolf.Shedartedfromtheclearingandvanishedintotheshadows.

Simon turned back to the vampiresand almost shouted out loud;Raphaelwas standing directly infrontofhim,inchesaway.Upclosehisskinborethetelltaledarktraceriesofhunger.SimonthoughtofthatnightintheHotelDumortfacesappearingoutofshadow,fleetinglaughter, thesmellofbloodandshivered.

RaphaelreachedouttoSimonandtookholdofhisshoulders,thegripofhisdeceptivelyslighthandslikeiron.Turnyourhead,hesaid,andlookatthestars;itwillbeeasierthatway.

Soyouare going to killme,Simon said.Tohis surprise he didnt feel afraid, or evenparticularlyagitated;everythingseemedtohavesloweddowntoaperfectclarity.Hewassimultaneouslyawareofeveryleafonthebranchesabovehim,everytinypebbleontheground,everypairofeyesthatrestedonhim.

Whatdidyouthink?Raphaelsaidalittlesadly,Simonthought.Itsnotpersonal,Iassureyou.ItsasIsaid before you are too dangerous to be allowed to continue as you are. If I had knownwhat youdbecome

Youdneverhaveletmecrawloutofthatgrave.Iknow,saidSimon.

Raphaelmethiseyes.Everyonedoeswhat theymust tosurvive. In thatwayevenweare just likehumans.Hisneedle teeth slid from their sheaths likedelicate razors.Hold still, he said.Thiswillbequick.Heleanedforward.

Wait,Simonsaid,andwhenRaphaeldrewbackwithascowl,hesaiditagain,withmoreforce:Wait.TheressomethingIhavetoshowyou.

Raphaelmadealowhissingsound.Youhadbetterbedoingmorethantryingtodelayme,Daylighter.

Iam.TheressomethingIthoughtyoushouldsee.Simonreachedupandbrushedthehairbackfromhis forehead. It felt like a foolish, even theatrical, gesture, but as he did it, he sawClarys desperatewhite faceasshestaredupathim, thestele inherhand,and thought,Well, forhersake,at least Ivetried.

The effect on Raphael was both startling and instantaneous. He jerked back as if Simon hadbrandishedacrucifixathim,hiseyeswidening.Daylighter,hespat,whodidthistoyou?

Simononlystared.Hewasntsurewhatreactionhedexpected,butithadntbeenthisone.

Clary,Raphaelsaid,answeringhisowninquiry,ofcourse.Onlyapowerlikeherswouldallowthisavampire,Marked,andwithaMarklikethatone

AMarklikewhat?saidJacob, theslenderblondboystanding justbehindRaphael.Therestof thevampireswerestaringaswell,withexpressionsthatmingledconfusionandagrowingfear.AnythingthatfrightenedRaphael,Simonthought,wassuretofrightenthem,too.

ThisMark,Raphaelsaid,stilllookingonlyatSimon,isnotoneofthosefromtheGrayBook.ItisanevenolderMarkthanthat.Oneoftheancients,drawnbytheMakersownhand.HemadeasiftotouchSimonsforeheadbutdidntseemquiteable tobringhimself todo it;hishandhoveredforamoment,thenfelltohisside.SuchMarksarementioned,butIhaveneverseenone.Andthisone

Simonsaid,ThereforewhosoeverslayethCain,vengeanceshallbetakenonhimsevenfold.AndtheLordsetaMarkuponCain,lestanyfindinghimshouldkillhim.Youcantrytokillme,Raphael.ButIwouldntadviseit.

TheMarkofCain?Jacobsaidindisbelief.ThisMarkonyouistheMarkofCain?

Kill him, said a redheaded female vampire who stood close to Jacob. She spoke with a heavyaccentRussian,Simonthought,thoughhewasntsure.Killhimanyway.

Raphaelsexpressionwasamixoffuryanddisbelief.Iwillnot,hesaid.Anyharmdonetohimwillrebounduponthedoersevenfold.ThatisthenatureoftheMark.Ofcourse,ifanyofyouwouldliketobetheonetotakethatrisk,byallmeans,bemyguest.

Noonespokeormoved.

I thought not, said Raphael. His eyes raked Simon. Like the evil queen in the fairy tale, LucianGraymarkhassentmeapoisonedapple.IsupposehehopedIwouldharmyou,andreapthepunishmentthatwouldfollow.

No,Simonsaidhastily.NoLukedidntevenknowwhatIddone.Hisgesturewasmadeingoodfaith.Youhavetohonorit.

Andsoyouchosethis?Forthefirsttimetherewassomethingotherthancontempt,Simonthought,inthewayRaphaelwaslookingathim.Thisisnosimpleprotectionspell,Daylighter.DoyouknowwhatCainspunishmentwas?He spoke softly, as if sharinga secretwithSimon.Andnow thouart cursedfromtheearth.Afugitiveandawanderershaltthoube.

Then,Simonsaid,Illwander,ifthatswhatitcomesto.IlldowhatIhavetodo.

Allthis,saidRaphael,allthisforNephilim.

NotjustforNephilim,saidSimon.Imdoingthisforyou,too.Evenifyoudontwantit.Heraisedhisvoice so that the silent vampires surrounding them could hear him. You were worried that if othervampiresknewwhathadhappenedtome,theydthinkShadowhunterbloodcouldletthemwalkinthedaylighttoo.ButthatsnotwhyIhavethispower.ItwassomethingValentinedid.Anexperiment.Hecausedthis,notJace.Anditisntreplicable.Itwonteverhappenagain.

Iimagineheistellingthetruth,saidJacob,toSimonssurprise.IvecertainlyknownoneortwooftheNightChildrenwhovehadatasteofShadowhunterinthepast.Noneofthemdevelopedafondnessforsunlight.

ItwasonethingtorefusetohelptheShadowhuntersbefore,saidSimon,turningbacktoRaphael,butnow,nowthattheyvesentmetoyouHelettherestofthesentencehangintheair,unfinished.

Donttrytoblackmailme,Daylighter,saidRaphael.OncetheNightChildrenhavemadeabargain,theyhonorit,nomatterhowbadlytheyaredealtwith.Hesmiledslightly,needleteethgleaminginthedark.Thereisjustonething,hesaid.OnelastactIrequirefromyoutoprovethatindeedyouactedhereingoodfaith.Thestressheputonthelasttwowordswasweightedwithcold.

Whatsthat?Simonasked.

WewillnotbetheonlyvampirestofightinLucianGraymarksbattle,Raphaelsaid.Sowillyou.

Jace opened his eyes on a silver whirlpool. Hismouthwas filledwith bitter liquid. He coughed,wonderingforamomentifhewasdrowningbutifso,itwasondryland.Hewassittinguprightwithhis

backagainstastalagmite,andhishandswereboundbehindhim.Hecoughedagainandsaltfilledhismouth.Hewasntdrowning,herealized,justchokingonblood.

Awake,littlebrother?Sebastiankneltinfrontofhim,alengthofropeinhishands,hisgrinlikeanunsheathedknife.Good.IwasafraidforamomentthatIdkilledyouabittooearly.

Jaceturnedhisheadtothesideandspatamouthfulofbloodontotheground.Hisheadfeltasifaballoon were being inflated inside it, pressing against the interior of his skull. The silvery whirlingabovehisheadslowedandstilledtothebrightpatternofstarsvisiblethroughtheholeinthecaveroof.Waitingforaspecialoccasiontokillme?Christmasiscoming.

SebastiangaveJaceathoughtfullook.Youhaveasmartmouth.YoudidntlearnthatfromValentine.Whatdidyoulearnfromhim?Itdoesntseemtomethathetaughtyoumuchaboutfighting,either.Heleanedcloser.Youknowwhathegavemeformyninthbirthday?Alesson.Hetaughtmethattheresaplaceonamansbackwhere,ifyousinkabladein,youcanpiercehisheartandseverhisspine,allatonce.Whatdidyougetforyourninthbirthday,littleangelboy?Acookie?

Ninth birthday? Jace swallowed hard. So tell me, what hole was he keeping you in while I wasgrowingup?BecauseIdontrememberseeingyouaroundthemanor.

Igrewupinthisvalley.Sebastianjerkedhischintowardthecaveexit.Idontrememberseeingyouaroundhereeither,cometothinkofit.AlthoughIknewaboutyou.Ibetyoudidntknowaboutme.

Jaceshookhishead.Valentinewasntmuchgiventobraggingaboutyou.Icantimaginewhy.

Sebastians eyes flashed. It was easy to see, now, the resemblance toValentine: the same unusualcombination of silver-white hair and black eyes, the same fine bones that in another, less stronglymoldedfacewouldhavelookeddelicate.Iknewallaboutyou,hesaid.Butyoudontknowanything,doyou?Sebastiangot tohis feet. Iwantedyoualive towatch this, littlebrother,hesaid.Sowatch,andwatchcarefully.Withamovementsofastitwasalmostinvisible,hedrewtheswordfromitssheathathiswaist.Ithadasilverhilt,andliketheMortalSworditglowedwithadulldarklight.Apatternofstarswasetchedintothesurfaceoftheblackblade;itcaughtthetruestarlightasSebastianturnedtheblade,andburnedlikefire.

Jaceheldhisbreath.Hewondered ifSebastianmerelymeant tokillhim;butno,Sebastianwouldhavekilledhimalready,whilehewasunconscious,ifthatwerehisintention.JacewatchedasSebastianmovedtowardthecenterofthechamber,theswordheldlightlyinhishand,thoughitlookedtobequiteheavy.Hismindwaswhirling.HowcouldValentinehaveanotherson?Whowashismother?SomeoneelseintheCircle?WasheolderoryoungerthanJace?

Sebastianhadreachedthehugered-tingedstalagmiteinthecenteroftheroom.Itseemedtopulseasheapproached,andthesmokeinsideitswirledfaster.Sebastianhalf-closedhiseyesandliftedtheblade.Hesaidsomethingawordinaharsh-soundingdemonlanguageandbroughttheswordacross,hardandfast,inaslicingarc.

The topof the stalagmite sheared away. Inside, itwashollowas a test tube, filledwith amassofblackandredsmoke,whichswirledupwardlikegasescapingapuncturedballoon.Therewasaroarlessasound thanasortofexplosivepressure. Jace felthisearspop. Itwassuddenlyhard tobreathe.Hewantedtoclawattheneckofhisshirt,buthecouldntmovehishands:Theyweretiedtootightlybehindhim.

Sebastian was half-hidden behind the pouring column of red and black. It was coiling, swirling

upwardWatch!hecried,hisfaceglowing.Hiseyeswerealight,hiswhitehairwhippingontherisingwind, and Jace wondered if his father had looked like that when he was young: terrible and yetsomehowfascinating.WatchandbeholdValentinesarmy!

Hisvoicewasdrownedoutthenbythesound.Itwasasoundlikethetidecrashinguptheshore,thebreakingofanenormouswave,carryingmassivedetrituswithit,thesmashedbonesofwholecities,theonrushofagreatandevilpower.Ahugecolumnoftwisting,rushing,flappingblacknesspouredfromthe smashed stalagmite, funneling up through the air, pouring towardand throughthe torn gap in thecavernroof.Demons.Theyroseshrieking,howling,andsnarling,aboilingmassofclawsand talonsandteethandburningeyes.JacerecalledlyingonthedeckofValentinesshipastheskyandearthandseaall around turned tonightmare; thiswasworse. Itwasas if theearthhad tornopenandhellhadpoured through. The demons carried a stench like a thousand rotting corpses. Jaces hands twistedagainst each other, twisted until the ropes cut into hiswrists and they bled.A sour taste rose in hismouth, and he choked helplessly on blood and bile as the last of the demons rose and vanishedoverhead,adarkfloodofhorror,blottingoutthestars.

Jacethoughthemighthavepassedoutforaminuteortwo.Certainlytherewasaperiodofblacknessduring which the shrieking and howling overhead faded and he seemed to hang in space, pinnedbetweentheearthandthesky,feelingasenseofdetachmentthatwassomehowpeaceful.

Itwasovertoosoon.Suddenlyhewasslammedbackintohisbody,hiswristsinagony,hisshouldersstrainingbackward,thestenchofdemonsoheavyintheairthatheturnedhisheadasideandretchedhelplesslyontotheground.Heheardadrychuckleandlookedup,swallowinghardagainsttheacidinhisthroat.Sebastiankneltoverhim,hislegsstraddlingJaces,hiseyesshining.Itsallright,littlebrother,hesaid.Theyregone.

Jaces eyeswere streaming, his throat scraped raw.His voice cameout a croak.He saidmidnight.Valentinesaidtoopenthegateatmidnight.Itcantbemidnightyet.

Ialwaysfigureitsbettertoaskforforgivenessthanpermissioninthesesortsofsituations.Sebastianglancedupatthenowemptysky.ItshouldtakethemfiveminutestoreachBrocelindPlainfromhere,quiteabitlesstimethanitwillFathertoreachthelake.IwanttoseesomeNephilimbloodspilled.Iwantthemtowritheanddieontheground.Theydeserveshamebeforetheygetoblivion.

Do you really think that Nephilim have so little chance against demons? Its not as if theyreunprepared

Sebastian dismissed him with a flick of his wrist. I thought you were listening to us. Didnt youunderstandtheplan?Dontyouknowwhatmyfathersgoingtodo?

Jacesaidnothing.

Itwas good of you, said Sebastian, to leadme toHodge that night. If he hadnt revealed that theMirrorwesoughtwasLakeLyn,Imnotsurethisnightwouldhavebeenpossible.BecauseanyonewhobearsthefirsttwoMortalInstrumentsandstandsbeforetheMortalGlasscansummontheAngelRazielout of it, just as Jonathan Shadowhunter did a thousand years ago.And once youve summoned theAngel,youcandemandofhimonething.Onetask.Onefavor.

Afavor?Jacefeltcoldallover.AndValentineisgoingtodemandthedefeatoftheShadowhuntersatBrocelind?

Sebastianstoodup.Thatwouldbeawaste,hesaid.No.HesgoingtodemandthatallShadowhunters

whohavenotdrunkfromtheMortalCupallthosewhoarenothisfollowersbestrippedoftheirpowers.TheywillnolongerbeNephilim.Andassuch,bearingtheMarkstheydoHesmiled.TheywillbecomeForsaken, easy prey for the demons, and those Downworlders who have not fled will be quicklyeradicated.

Jaces ears were ringing with a harsh, tinny sound. He felt dizzy. Even Valentine, he said, evenValentinewouldneverdothat

Please,saidSebastian.Doyoureallythinkmyfatherwontgothroughwithwhathesplanned?

Ourfather,Jacesaid.

Sebastianglanceddownathim.Hishairwasawhitehalo;helookedlikethesortofbadangelwhomight have followed Lucifer out of heaven. Pardon me, he said, with some amusement. Are youpraying?

No.Isaidourfather.ImeantValentine.Notyourfather.Ours.

ForamomentSebastianwasexpressionless;thenhismouthquirkedupatthecorner,andhegrinned.Littleangelboy,hesaid.Youreafool,arentyoujustlikemyfatheralwayssaid.

Whydoyoukeepcallingmethat?Jacedemanded.Whyareyoublatheringaboutangels

God, saidSebastian,youdontknowanything, doyou?Didmy fatherever sayaword toyou thatwasntalie?

Jace shookhishead.Hedbeenpullingat the ropesbindinghiswrists,but every timehe jerkedatthem,theyseemedtogettighter.Hecouldfeelthepoundingofhispulseineachofhisfingers.Howdoyouknowhewasntlyingtoyou?

BecauseIamhisblood.Iamjustlikehim.Whenhesgone,IllruletheClaveafterhim.

IwouldntbragaboutbeingjustlikehimifIwereyou.

Theresthat,too.Sebastiansvoicewasemotionless.IdontpretendtobeanythingotherthanIam.IdontbehaveasifImhorrifiedthatmyfatherdoeswhatheneedstodotosavehispeople,eveniftheydontwantor,ifyouaskme,deservesaving.Whowouldyouratherhaveforason,aboywhosproudthatyourehisfatheroronewhocowersfromyouinshameandfear?

ImnotafraidofValentine,saidJace.

Youshouldntbe,saidSebastian.Youshouldbeafraidofme.

TherewassomethinginhisvoicethatmadeJaceabandonhisstruggleagainstthebindingsandlookup.Sebastianwasstillholdinghisblacklygleamingsword.Itwasadark,beautifulthing,Jacethought,evenwhenSebastian lowered thepointof it so that it restedaboveJacescollarbone, justnickinghisAdamsapple.

Jacestruggledtokeephisvoicesteady.Sonowwhat?YouregoingtokillmewhileImtiedup?Doesthethoughtoffightingmescareyouthatmuch?

Nothing,notaflickerofemotion,passedacrossSebastianspaleface.You,hesaid,arenotathreattome.Youreapest.Anannoyance.

Thenwhywontyouuntiemyhands?

Sebastian,utterlystill, staredathim.He looked likeastatue, Jace thought, like thestatueofsome

long-deadprincesomeonewhoddiedyoungandspoiled.AndthatwasthedifferencebetweenSebastianand Valentine; though they shared the same cold marble looks, Sebastian had an air about him ofsomethingruinedsomethingeatenawayfromtheinside.Imnotafool,Sebastiansaid,andyoucantbaitme.Ileftyoualiveonlylongenoughsothatyoucouldseethedemons.Whenyoudienow,andreturntoyour angel ancestors, youcan tell them there isnoplace for them in thisworld anymore.TheyvefailedtheClave,andtheClavenolongerneedsthem.WehaveValentinenow.

YourekillingmebecauseyouwantmetogiveamessagetoGodforyou?Jaceshookhishead,thepointofthebladescrapingacrosshisthroat.YourecrazierthanIthought.

Sebastianjustsmiledandpushedthebladeinslightlydeeper;whenJaceswallowed,hecouldfeelthepointofitdentinghiswindpipe.Ifyouhaveanyrealprayers,littlebrother,saythemnow.

Idonthaveanyprayers,saidJace.Ihaveamessage,though.Forourfather.Willyougiveittohim?

Of course, Sebastian said smoothly, but there was something in the way he said it, a flicker ofhesitationbeforehespoke,thatconfirmedwhatJacewasalreadythinking.

Yourelying,hesaid.Youwontgivehimthemessage,becauseyourenotgoingtotellhimwhatyouvedone.Heneveraskedyoutokillme,andhewontbehappywhenhefindsout.

Nonsense.Yourenothingtohim.

Youthinkhellneverknowwhathappenedtomeifyoukillmenow,here.YoucantellhimIdiedinthe battle, or hell just assume thats what happened. But youre wrong if you think he wont know.Valentinealwaysknows.

Youdontknowwhatyouretalkingabout,Sebastiansaid,buthisfacehadtightened.

Jacekept talking,pressinghomehisadvantage.Youcanthidewhatyouredoing, though.Theresawitness.

Awitness?Sebastian lookedalmostsurprised,whichJacecountedassomethingofavictory.Whatareyoutalkingabout?

Theraven,Jacesaid.Hesbeenwatchingfromtheshadows.HelltellValentineeverything.

Hugin?Sebastiansgazesnappedup,andthoughtheravenwasnowheretobeseen,SebastiansfacewhenheglancedbackdownatJacewasfullofdoubt.

IfValentineknowsyoumurderedmewhileIwas tiedupandhelpless,hellbedisgustedwithyou,Jacesaid,andheheardhisownvoicedropintohisfatherscadences,thewayValentinespokewhenhewantedsomething:softandpersuasive.Hellcallyouacoward.Hellneverforgiveyou.

Sebastiansaidnothing.HewasstaringdownatJace,hislipstwitching,andhatredboiledbehindhiseyeslikepoison.

Untieme,Jacesaidsoftly.Untiemeandfightme.Itstheonlyway.

Sebastianslip twitchedagain,hard,andthis timeJacethoughthehadgonetoofar.Sebastiandrewthe swordbackand raised it, and themoonlightburstoff it in a thousand silver shards, silver as thestars,silverasthecolorofhishair.Hebaredhisteethandtheswordswhistlingbreathcutthenightairwithascreamashebroughtitdowninawhirlingarc.

ClarysatonthestepsofthedaisintheHallofAccords,holdingthesteleinherhands.Shehadnever

feltquitesoalone.TheHallwasutterly,totallyempty.ClaryhadlookedeverywhereforIsabelleoncethefightershadallpassedthroughthePortal,butshehadntbeenabletofindher.AlinehadtoldherthatIsabellewasprobablybackatthePenhallowshouse,whereAlineandafewotherteenagersweremeanttobelookingafteratleastadozenchildrenunderfightingage.ShedtriedtogetClarytogotherewithher,butClaryhaddeclined.IfshecouldntfindIsabelle,shedratherbealonethanwithnearstrangers.Orsoshedthought.Butsittinghere,shefoundthesilenceandtheemptinessbecomingmoreandmoreoppressive.Still,shehadntmoved.ShewastryingashardasshecouldnottothinkofJace,nottothinkofSimon,nottothinkofhermotherorLukeorAlecandtheonlywaynottothink,shehadfound,wastoremainmotionlessandtostareatasinglesquareofmarbleonthefloorinstead,countingthecracksinit,overandover.

Thereweresix.One, two, three.Four, five, six.She finished thecount and startedagain, from thebeginning.One

Theskyoverheadexploded.

Oratleastthatwaswhatitsoundedlike.Clarythrewherheadbackandstaredupward,throughtheclearroofof theHall.Theskyhadbeendarkamomentago;nowitwasaroilingmassofflameandblackness, shot throughwithanuglyorange light.Thingsmovedagainst that lighthideous thingsshedidntwanttosee,thingsthatmadehergratefultothedarknessforobscuringherview.Theoccasionalglimpsewasbadenough.

The transparent skylight overhead rippled and bent as the demon host passed, as if it were beingwarpedbytremendousheat.Atlasttherewasasoundlikeagunshot,andahugecrackappearedintheglass, spiderwebbingout into countless fissures.Clary ducked, covering her headwith her hands, asglassraineddownaroundherliketears.

Theywerealmosttothebattlefieldwhenthesoundcame,rippingthenightinhalf.Onemomentthewoodswereassilentastheyweredark.Thenextmomenttheskywaslitwithahellishorangeglow.Simonstaggeredandnearlyfell;hecaughtatatreetrunktosteadyhimselfandlookedup,barelyabletobelievewhathewasseeing.Allaroundhimtheothervampireswerestaringupatthesky,theirwhitefaceslikenight-bloomingflowers,liftingtocatchthemoonlightasnightmareafternightmarestreakedacrossthesky.

Youkeeppassingoutonme,Sebastiansaid.Itsextremelytedious.

Jace opened his eyes. Pain lanced through his head. He put his hand up to touch the side of hisfaceandrealizedhishandswerenolongertiedbehindhim.Alengthofropetrailedfromhiswrist.Hishandcameawayfromhisfaceblackblood,darkinthemoonlight.

Hestaredaroundhim.Theywerenolongerinthecavern:Hewaslyingonsoftdirtandgrassonthevalley floor,not far from thestonehouse.Hecouldhear thesoundof thewater in thecreek,clearlycloseby.Knottedtreebranchesoverheadblockedsomeofthemoonlight,butitwasstillfairlybright.

Getup,Sebastiansaid.YouhavefivesecondsbeforeIkillyouwhereyouare.

Jacestoodasslowlyashe thoughthecouldgetawaywith.Hewasstilla littledizzy.Fightingforbalance,hedugtheheelsofhisbootsintothesoftdirt,tryingtogivehimselfsomestability.Whydidyoubringmeouthere?

Tworeasons,Sebastiansaid.One,Ienjoyedknockingyouout.Two,itwouldbebadforeitherofustogetbloodonthefloorofthatcavern.Trustme.AndIintendtospillplentyofyourblood.

Jacefeltathisbelt,andhisheartsank.EitherheddroppedmostofhisweaponswhileSebastianwasdragginghimthroughthetunnels,or,morelikely,Sebastianhadthrownthemaway.Allhehadleftwasadagger.Itwasashortbladetooshort,nomatchforthesword.

Notmuchofaweapon,that.Sebastiangrinned,whiteinthemoon-dazzleddarkness.

Icantfightwiththis,Jacesaid,tryingtosoundasquaveringandnervousashecould.

What a shame. Sebastian came closer to Jace, grinning. He was holding his sword loosely,theatrically unconcerned, the tips of his fingers beating a light rhythm on the hilt. If therewas evergoingtobeanopeningforhim,Jacethought,thiswasprobablyit.HeswunghisarmbackandpunchedSebastianashardashecouldintheface.

Bonecrunchedunderhisknuckles.TheblowsentSebastiansprawling.Heskiddedbackwardinthedirt, the sword flying from his grip. Jace caught it up as he darted forward, and a second laterwasstandingoverSebastian,bladeinhand.

Sebastiansnosewasbleeding,thebloodascarletstreakacrosshisface.Hereachedupandpulledhiscollaraside,baringhispalethroat.Sogoahead,hesaid.Killmealready.

Jacehesitated.Hedidntwanttohesitate,butthereitwas:anannoyingreluctancetokillanyonelyinghelpless on the ground in front of him. Jace rememberedValentine taunting him, back atRenwicks,daringhissontokillhim,andJacehadntbeenabletodoit.ButSebastianwasamurderer.HedkilledMaxandHodge.

Heraisedthesword.

AndSebastianeruptedofftheground,fasterthantheeyecouldfollow.Heseemedtoflyintotheair,performinganelegantbackflipand landinggracefullyon thegrassbarelya footaway.Ashedid,hekickedout,strikingJaceshand.ThekicksenttheswordspinningoutofJacesgrasp.Sebastiancaughtitout of the air, laughing, and slashed outwith the blade,whipping it toward Jaces heart. Jace leapedbackwardandthebladesplittheairjustinfrontofhim,slicinghisshirtopendownthefront.TherewasastingingpainandJacefeltbloodwellingfromashallowsliceacrosshischest.

Sebastianchuckled,advancingtowardJace,whobackedup,fumblinghisinsufficientdaggeroutofhisbeltashewent.Helookedaround,desperatelyhopingtherewassomethingelsehecoulduseasaweaponalongstick,anything.Therewasnothingaroundhimbutthegrass,theriverrunningby,andthetrees above, spreading their thick branches overhead like a green net. Suddenly he remembered theMalachiConfigurationtheInquisitorhadtrappedhimin.Sebastianwasnttheonlyonewhocouldjump.

Sebastianslashedtheswordtowardhimagain,butJacehadalreadyleapedstraightupintotheair.Thelowesttreebranchwasabouttwentyfeethigh;hecaughtatit,swinginghimselfupandover.Kneelingon thebranch,he sawSebastian,on theground, spinaroundand lookup. Jace flung thedaggerandheardSebastianshout.Breathless,hestraightenedup

AndSebastianwassuddenlyonthebranchbesidehim.Hispalefacewasflushedangrily,hisswordarmstreamingblood.Hehaddroppedthesword,evidently,inthegrass,thoughthatmerelymadethemeven,Jacethought,sincehisdaggerwasgoneaswell.HesawwithsomesatisfactionthatforthefirsttimeSebastianlookedangryangryandsurprised,asifapethedthoughtwastamehadbittenhim.

Thatwasfun,Sebastiansaid.Butnowitsover.

He flung himself at Jace, catching him around thewaist, knocking him off the branch. They fell

twentyfeetthroughtheairclutchedtogether,tearingateachotherandhitthegroundhard,hardenoughthat Jace saw stars behind his eyes. He grabbed for Sebastians injured arm and dug his fingers in;SebastianyelledandbackhandedJaceacrosstheface.Jacesmouthfilledwithsaltyblood;hegaggedonitastheyrolledthroughthedirttogether,slammingpunchesintoeachother.Hefeltasuddenshockoficycold;theydrolleddowntheslightinclineintotheriverandwerelyinghalf-in,half-outofthewater.Sebastiangasped,andJace took theopportunity tograbfor theotherboys throatandclosehishandsaround it, squeezing.Sebastianchoked,seizingJaces rightwrist inhishandand jerking itbackward,hardenoughtosnapthebones.Jaceheardhimselfscreamasiffromadistance,andSebastianpressedtheadvantage,twistingthebrokenwristmercilesslyuntilJaceletgoofhimandfellbackinthecold,waterymud,hisarmahowlofagony.

Half-kneelingonJaceschest,onekneedigginghardintohisribs,Sebastiangrinneddownathim.Hiseyesshoneoutwhiteandblackfromamaskofdirtandblood.Somethingglittered inhisrighthand.Jacesdagger.Hemusthavepickeditupfromtheground.ItspointresteddirectlyoverJacesheart.

Andwe find ourselves exactlywherewewere fiveminutes ago, Sebastian said. Youve had yourchance,Wayland.Anylastwords?

Jacestaredupathim,hismouthstreamingblood,hiseyesstingingwithsweat,andfeltonlyasenseoftotalandemptyexhaustion.Wasthisreallyhowhewasgoingtodie?Wayland?hesaid.Youknowthatsnotmyname.

YouhaveasmuchofaclaimtoitasyouhavetothenameofMorgenstern,saidSebastian.Hebentforward,leaninghisweightontothedagger.ItstippiercedJacesskin,sendingahotstabofpainthroughhisbody.Sebastiansfacewasinchesaway,hisvoiceahissingwhisper.DidyoureallythinkyouwereValentines son? Did you really think a whining, pathetic thing like yourself was worthy of being aMorgenstern, of beingmybrother?He tossed hiswhite hair back: Itwas lankwith sweat and creekwater.Youreachangeling,hesaid.Myfatherbutcheredacorpsetogetyouandmakeyouoneofhisexperiments.Hetriedtoraiseyouashisownson,butyouweretooweaktobeanygoodtohim.Youcouldntbeawarrior.Youwerenothing.Useless.SohepalmedyouoffontheLightwoodsandhopedyoumightbeofsomeusetohimlater,asadecoy.Orasbait.Heneverlovedyou.

Jaceblinkedhisburningeyes.Thenyou

IamValentinesson.JonathanChristopherMorgenstern.Youneverhadanyrighttothatname.Youreaghost.Apretender.Hiseyeswereblackandglinting,likethecarapacesofdeadinsects,andsuddenlyJace heard hismothers voice, as if in a dreambut shewasnt hismothersayingJonathans not a babyanymore.Heisntevenhuman;hesamonster.

Youretheone,Jacechoked.Theonewiththedemonblood.Notme.

Thats right.Thedaggerslidanothermillimeter intoJaces flesh.Sebastianwasstillgrinning,but itwasarictusgrin,likeaskulls.Youretheangelboy.Ihadtohearallaboutyou.Youwithyourprettyangelfaceandyourprettymannersandyourdelicate,delicatefeelings.Youcouldntevenwatchabirddiewithoutcrying.NowonderValentinewasashamedofyou.

No.Jaceforgotthebloodinhismouth,forgotthepain.Youretheonehesashamedof.Youthinkhewouldnt take you with him to the lake because he needed you to stay here and open the gate atmidnight?Likehedidntknowyouwouldntbeable towait.Hedidnt takeyouwithhimbecausehesashamedtostandupinfrontoftheAngelandshowhimwhathesdone.Showhimthethinghemade.

Showhimyou. JacegazedupatSebastianhecouldfeela terrible, triumphantpityblazing inhisowneyes.Heknowstheresnothinghumaninyou.Maybehelovesyou,buthehatesyoutoo

Shutup!Sebastianpusheddownonthedagger,twistingthehilt.Jacearchedbackwardwithascream,and agonyburst like lightningbehindhis eyes. Imgoing todie, he thought. Imdying.This is it. Hewonderedifhishearthadalreadybeenpierced.Hecouldntmove,couldntbreathe.Heknewnowwhatitmustbelikeforabutterflypinnedtoaboard.Hetriedtospeak,triedtosayaname,butnothingcameoutofhismouthbutmoreblood.

AndyetSebastianseemedtoreadhiseyes.Clary.Idalmostforgotten.Youreinlovewithher,arentyou?The shame of your nasty incestuous impulsesmust nearly have killed you. Too bad you didntknowshesnotreallyyoursister.Youcouldhavespenttherestofyourlifewithher,ifonlyyouwerentsostupid.Hebentdown,pushingtheknifeinharder,itsedgescrapingbone.HespokeinJacesear,avoiceassoftasawhisper.Shelovedyou,too,hesaid.Keepthatinmindwhileyoudie.

DarknessfloodedinfromtheedgesofJacesvision,likedyespillingontoaphotograph,blottingouttheimage.Suddenlytherewasnopainatall.Hefeltnothing,notevenSebastiansweightonhim,asifhewerefloating.Sebastiansfacedriftedoverhim,whiteagainstthedarkness,thedaggerraisedinhishand.SomethingbrightgoldglitteredatSebastianswrist,asifhewerewearingabracelet.Butitwasntabracelet,becauseitwasmoving.Sebastianlookedtowardhishand,surprised,asthedaggerfellfromhisloosenedgraspandstruckthemudwithanaudiblesound.

Thenthehanditself,separatedfromhiswrist,thumpedtothegroundbesideit.

JacestaredwonderinglyasSebastiansseveredhandbouncedandcametorestagainstapairofhighblackboots.Thebootswereattachedtoapairofdelicatelegs,risingtoaslendertorsoandafamiliarfacecappedwithawaterfallofblackhair.JaceraisedhiseyesandsawIsabelle,herwhipsoakedwithblood, her eyes fastened on Sebastian, who was staring at the bloody stump of his wrist withopenmouthedamazement.

Isabellesmiledgrimly.ThatwasforMax,youbastard.

Bitch, Sebastian hissedand sprang to his feet as Isabelles whip came slashing at him again withincrediblespeed.Heduckedsidewaysandwasgone.Therewasarustlehemusthavevanishedintothetrees,Jacethought,thoughithurttoomuchtoturnhisheadandlook.

Jace!Isabellekneltdownoverhim,hersteleshininginherlefthand.Hereyeswerebrightwithtears;hemustseemprettybad,Jacerealized,forIsabelletolooklikethat.

Isabelle,hetriedtosay.Hewantedtotellhertogo,torun,thatnomatterhowspectacularandbraveandtalentedshewasandshewasallthosethingsshewasnomatchforSebastian.AndtherewasnowaythatSebastianwasgoingtoletalittlethinglikegettinghishandslicedoffstophim.ButallthatcameoutofJacesmouthwasasortofgurglingnoise.

Donttalk.Hefeltthetipofhersteleburnagainsttheskinofhischest.Youllbefine.Isabellesmileddownathimtremulously.YoureprobablywonderingwhatthehellImdoinghere,shesaid.IdontknowhowmuchyouknowIdontknowwhatSebastianstoldyoubutyourenotValentinesson.Theiratzewasclosetofinished;alreadyJacecouldfeelthepainfading.Henoddedslightly,tryingtotellher:Iknow.Anyway,Iwasntgoingtocomelookingforyouafteryouranoff,becauseyousaidinyournotenotto,and I got that.But therewasnoway Iwasgoing to let youdie thinkingyouhavedemonblood, orwithouttellingyouthattheresnothingwrongwithyou,thoughhonestly,howyoucouldhavethought

anythingsostupidinthefirstplaceIsabelleshandjerked,andshefroze,notwantingtospoiltherune.AndyouneededtoknowthatClarysnotyoursister,shesaid,moregently.Becausebecauseyoujustdid.SoIgotMagnustohelpmetrackyou.IusedthatlittlewoodensoldieryougavetoMax.IdontthinkMagnuswouldhavedoneitnormally,butletsjustsayhewasinanunusuallygoodmood,andImayhave toldhimAlecwantedhim todo italthough thatwasntstrictly true,but itllbeawhilebeforehefindsthatout.AndonceIknewwhereyouwere,well,hedalreadysetupthatPortal,andImverygoodatsneaking

Isabellescreamed.Jacetriedtoreachforher,butshewasbeyondhisgrasp,beinglifted,flungtotheside.Herwhipfellfromherhand.Shescrambledtoherknees,butSebastianwasalreadyinfrontofher.His eyes blazedwith rage, and therewas a bloody cloth tied around the stumpof hiswrist. Isabelledartedforherwhip,butSebastianmovedfaster.Hespunandkickedoutather,hard.Hisbootedfootconnected with her rib cage. Jace almost thought he could hear Isabelles ribs crack as she flewbackward,landingawkwardlyonherside.HeheardhercryoutIsabelle,whonevercriedoutinpainasSebastiankickedheragainandthencaughtupherwhip,brandishingitinhishand.

Jacerolledontohisside.Thealmostfinishediratzehadhelped,butthepaininhischestwasstillbad,andheknew,inadetachedsortofway,thatthefactthathewascoughingupbloodprobablymeantthathehadapuncturedlung.Hewasntsurehowlongthatgavehim.Minutes,probably.HescrabbledforthedaggerwhereSebastianhaddroppedit,nexttothegrislyremainsofhishand.Jacestaggeredtohisfeet.Thesmellofbloodwaseverywhere.HethoughtofMagnussvision,theworldturnedtoblood,andhisslipperyhandtightenedonthehiltofthedagger.

Hetookastepforward.Thenanother.Everystepfeltlikehewasdragginghisfeetthroughcement.IsabellewasscreamingcursesatSebastian,whowaslaughingashebroughtthewhipdownacrossherbody.HerscreamsdrewJaceforwardlikeafishcaughtonahook,buttheygrewfainterashemoved.Theworldwasspinningaroundhimlikeacarnivalride.

Onemorestep,Jacetoldhimself.Onemore.Sebastianhadhisbacktohim;hewasconcentratingonIsabelle.HeprobablythoughtJacewasalreadydead.Andhenearlywas.Onestep,hetoldhimself,buthecouldntdoit,couldntmove,couldntbringhimselftodraghisfeetonemorestepforward.Blacknesswas rushing in at the edges of his visiona more profound blackness than the darkness of sleep. Ablackness thatwoulderaseeverythinghehadever seenandbringhima rest thatwouldbeabsolute.Peaceful. He thought, suddenly, of ClaryClary as he had last seen her, asleep, with her hair spreadacrossthepillowandhercheekonherhand.Hehadthoughtthenthathehadneverseenanythingsopeacefulinhislife,butofcourseshehadonlybeensleeping,likeanyoneelsemightsleep.Ithadntbeenherpeacethathadsurprisedhim,buthisown.Thepeacehefeltatbeingwithherwaslikenothinghehadeverknownbefore.

Painjarreduphisspine,andherealizedwithsurprisethatsomehow,withoutanyvolitionofhisown,hislegshadmovedhimforwardthatlastcrucialstep.Sebastianhadhisarmback,thewhipshininginhishand;Isabellelayonthegrass,acrumpledheap,nolongerscreamingnolongermovingatall.Youlittle Lightwood bitch, Sebastianwas saying. I should have smashed your face inwith that hammerwhenIhadthechance

AndJacebroughthishandup,withthedaggerinit,andsankthebladeintoSebastiansback.

Sebastianstaggeredforward,thewhipfallingoutofhishand.HeturnedslowlyandlookedatJace,andJacethought,withadistanthorror,thatmaybeSebastianreallywasnthuman,thathewasunkillable

afterall.Sebastiansfacewasblank, thehostilitygonefromit,andthedarkfirefromhiseyes.HenolongerlookedlikeValentine,though.Helookedscared.

Heopenedhismouth,asifhemeanttosaysomethingtoJace,buthiskneeswerealreadybuckling.Hecrashedtotheground,theforceofhisfallsendinghimslidingdowntheinclineandintotheriver.Hecame to restonhisback,hiseyesstaringsightlesslyupat thesky; thewater flowedaroundhim,carryingdarkthreadsofhisblooddownstreamonthecurrent.

Hetaughtmetheresaplaceonamansbackwhere,ifyousinkabladein,youcanpiercehisheartandseverhisspine,allatonce,Sebastianhadsaid.Iguesswegotthesamebirthdaypresentthatyear,bigbrother,Jacethought.Didntwe?

Jace!ItwasIsabelle,herfacebloody,strugglingintoasittingposition.Jace!

Hetriedtoturntowardher,triedtosaysomething,buthiswordsweregone.Heslidtohisknees.Aheavyweightwaspressingonhisshoulders,andtheearthwascallinghim:down,down,down.HewasbarelyawareofIsabellecryinghisnameasthedarknesscarriedhimaway.

Simonwasaveteranof countlessbattles.That is, ifyoucountedbattles engaged inwhileplayingDungeonsandDragons.HisfriendEricwasthemilitaryhistorybuffandhewastheonewhousuallyorganizedthewarpartofthegames,whichinvolveddozensoftinyfigurinesmovinginstraightlinesacrossaflatlandscapedrawnonbutcherpaper.

Thatwasthewayhedalwaysthoughtofbattlesorthewaytheywereinmovies,withtwogroupsofpeopleadvancingateachotheracrossaflatexpanseofland.Straightlinesandorderlyprogression.

Thiswasnothinglikethat.

Thiswaschaos,ameleeofshoutingandmovement,andthelandscapewasntflatbutamassofmudandbloodchurnedintoathick,unstablepaste.SimonhadimaginedthattheNightChildrenwouldwalktothebattlefieldandbegreetedbysomeoneincharge;heimaginedhedseethebattlefromadistancefirstandbeable towatchas the twosidesclashedagainsteachother.But therewasnogreeting,andtherewerenosides.Thebattle loomedupoutof thedarknessas ifhedwanderedbyaccidentfromadesertedsidestreetintoariotinthemiddleofTimesSquaresuddenlytherewerecrowdssurgingaroundhim,handsgrabbinghim,shovinghimoutoftheway,andthevampireswerescattering,divingintothebattlewithoutevenaglancebackforhim.

Andthereweredemonsdemonseverywhere,andhedneverimaginedthekindofsoundstheydmake,thescreamingandhootingandgrunting,andwhatwasworse,thesoundsoftearingandshreddingandhungrysatisfaction.Simonwishedhecouldturnhisvampirehearingoff,buthecouldnt,andthesoundswerelikeknivespiercinghiseardrums.

Hestumbledoverabodylyinghalfinandhalfoutofthemud,turnedtoseeifhelpwasneeded,andsawthattheShadowhunterathisfeetwasgonefromtheshouldersup.Whitebonegleamedagainstthedark earth, and despite Simons vampire nature, he felt nauseated. Imust be the only vampire in theworldsickenedbythesightofblood,hethought,andthensomethingstruckhimhardfrombehindandhewentover,skiddingdownaslopeofmudintoapit.

Simonswasnttheonlybodydownthere.Herolledontohisbackjustasthedemonloomedupoverhim. It looked like the image of Death from a medieval woodcutan animated skeleton, a bloodiedhatchet clutched inonebonyhand.He threwhimself to the side as theblade thumpeddown, inchesfromhisface.Theskeletonmadeadisappointedhissingnoiseandhoistedthehatchetagain

Andwasstruckfromthesidebyaclubofknottedwood.Theskeletonburstapartlikeapiñatafilledwith bones. They rattled into pieces with a sound like castanets clacking before vanishing into thedarkness.

AShadowhunter stood over Simon. Itwas no one hed ever seen before.A tallman, bearded andblood-splattered,whoranagrimyhandacrosshisforeheadashestareddownatSimon,leavingadarkstreakbehind.Youallright?

Stunned,Simonnoddedandbeganscramblingtohisfeet.Thanks.

Thestrangerleaneddown,offeringahandtohelpSimonup.Simonacceptedandwentflyingupoutofthepit.Helandedonhisfeetattheedge,hisfeetskiddingonthewetmud.Thestrangerofferedasheepish grin. Sorry.Downworlder strengthmy partners awerewolf. Im not used to it. He peered atSimonsface.Youreavampire,arentyou?

Howdidyouknow?

Themangrinned.Itwasatiredsortofgrin,but therewasnothingunfriendlyaboutit.Yourfangs.Theycomeoutwhenyourefighting.IknowbecauseHebrokeoff.Simoncouldhavefilledintherestforhim:IknowbecauseIvekilledmyfairshareofvampires.Anyway.Thanks.Forfightingwithus.

ISimonwasabouttosaythathehadntexactlyfoughtyet.Orcontributedanything,really.Heturnedtosayit,andgotexactlyonewordoutofhismouthbeforesomethingimpossiblyhugeandclawedandragged-wingedsweptdownoutoftheskyanddugitstalonsintotheShadowhuntersback.

Themandidnt evencryout.Hisheadwentback, as ifhewere lookingup in surprise,wonderingwhathadholdofhimandthenhewasgone,whippingupintotheemptyblackskyinawhirofteethandwings.HisclubthumpedtothegroundatSimonsfeet.

Simondidntmove.Thewholething,fromthemomenthedfallenintothepit,hadtakenlessthanaminute. He turned numbly, staring around him at the blades whirling through the darkness, at theslashingtalonsofdemons,atthepointsofilluminationthatracedhereandtherethroughthedarknesslikefirefliesdartingthroughfoliageandthenherealizedwhattheywere.Thegleaminglightsofseraphblades.

HecouldntseetheLightwoods,orthePenhallows,orLuke,oranyoneelsehemightrecognize.Hewasnt aShadowhunter.Andyet thatmanhad thankedhim, thankedhim for fighting.What hed toldClarywastruethiswashisbattletoo,andhewasneededhere.NothumanSimon,whowasgentleandgeekyandhatedthesightofblood,butvampireSimon,acreaturehebarelyevenknew.

Realvampiresknowthat theyredead,Raphaelhadsaid.ButSimondidntfeeldead.Hedneverfeltmorealive.Heturnedasanotherdemonloomedupinfrontofhim:thisonealizard-thing,scaled,withrodentteeth.ItsweptdownonSimonwithitsblackclawsextended.

Simon leaped. He struck themassive side of the thing and clung, his nails digging in, the scalesgivingwayunderhisgrip.TheMarkonhis forehead throbbedashe sankhis fangs into thedemonsneck.

Ittastedawful.

Whentheglassstoppedfalling,therewasaholeintheceiling,severalfeetwide,asifameteorhadcrashed through it.Coldairblew in through thegap.Shivering,Clarygot toher feet,brushingglassdustfromherclothes.

ThewitchlightthathadlittheHallhadbeendoused:Itwasgloomyinsidenow,thickwithshadowsanddust.ThefaintilluminationofthefadingPortalinthesquarewasjustvisible,glowingthroughtheopenfrontdoors.

Itwasprobablynolongersafetostayinhere,Clarythought.SheshouldgotothePenhallowsandjoin Aline. She was partway across the Hall when footsteps sounded on the marble floor. Heartpounding,sheturnedandsawMalachi,along,spideryshadowinthehalf-light,stridingtowardthedais.Butwhatwashestilldoinghere?ShouldnthebewiththerestoftheShadowhuntersonthebattlefield?

Ashedrewclosertothedais,shenoticedsomethingthatmadeherputherhandtohermouth,stiflingacryofsurprise.TherewasahuncheddarkshapeperchedonMalachisshoulder.Abird.Araven,tobeexact.

Hugo.

Clary ducked to crouch behind a pillar asMalachi climbed the dais steps. There was somethingunmistakably furtive in the way he glanced from side to side. Apparently satisfied that he wasunobserved,hedrewsomethingsmallandglittering fromhispocketandslipped itontohis finger.Aring?Hereachedtotwistit,andClaryrememberedHodgeinthelibraryattheInstitute,takingtheringfromJaceshand

TheairinfrontofMalachishimmeredfaintly,asifwithheat.Avoicespokefromit,afamiliarvoice,coolandcultured,nowtouchedwithjustthefaintestannoyance.

Whatisit,Malachi?Iminnomoodforsmalltalkrightnow.

MylordValentine,saidMalachi.Hisusualhostilityhadbeenreplacedwithaslimyobsequiousness.Huginvisitedmenotamomentago,bringingnews.IassumedyouhadalreadyreachedtheMirror,andthereforehesoughtmeoutinstead.Ithoughtyoumightwanttoknow.

Valentinestonewassharp.Verywell.Whatnews?

Itsyourson, lord.Yourotherson.Hugintrackedhimto thevalleyof thecave.Hemayevenhavefollowedyouthroughthetunnelstothelake.

Claryclutchedthepillarwithwhitenedfingers.TheyweretalkingaboutJace.

Valentinegrunted.Didhemeethisbrotherthere?

Huginsaysthatheleftthetwoofthemfighting.

Clary felt her stomach turn over. Jace, fighting Sebastian? She thought of theway Sebastian hadliftedJaceat theGardandflunghim,as ifheweighednothing.Awaveofpanicsurgedoverher,sointensethatforamomentherearsbuzzed.Bythetimetheroomswambackintofocus,shehadmissedwhateverValentinehadsaidtoMalachiinreturn.

It is theonesoldenough tobeMarkedbutnotoldenough to fight, thatconcernme,Malachiwassayingnow.TheydidntvoteintheCouncilsdecision.Itseemsunfairtopunishtheminthesamewaythatthosewhoarefightingmustbepunished.

Ididconsiderthat.Valentinesvoicewasabassrumble.BecauseteenagersaremorelightlyMarked,ittakesthemlongertobecomeForsaken.Severaldays,atleast.Ibelieveitmaywellbereversible.

WhilethoseofuswhohavedrunkfromtheMortalCupwillremainentirelyunaffected?

Imbusy,Malachi,saidValentine. Ive toldyou thatyoullbesafe. Iamtrustingmyownlife to thisprocess.Havesomefaith.

Malachibowedhishead.Ihavegreatfaith,mylord.Ihavekeptitformanyyears,insilence,servingyoualways.

Andyouwillberewarded,saidValentine.

Malachilookedup.Mylord

Buttheairhadstoppedshimmering.Valentinewasgone.Malachifrowned,thenmarcheddownthedaisstepsandtowardthefrontdoors.Claryshrankbackagainst thepillar,hopingdesperatelythathewouldnt see her. Her heart was pounding. What had all that been about? What was all this aboutForsaken?Theanswerglimmeredatthecornerofhermind,butitseemedtoohorribletocontemplate.EvenValentinewouldnt

Something flew at her face then,whirling and dark. She barely had time to throwher arms up tocoverhereyeswhensomethingslashedalongthebackofherhands.Sheheardafiercecaw,andwingsbeatagainstherupraisedwrists.

Hugin! Enough! It wasMalachis sharp voice.Hugin! There was another caw and a thump, thensilence.ClaryloweredherarmsandsawtheravenlyingmotionlessattheConsulsfeetstunnedordead,shecouldnttell.WithasnarlMalachikickedtheravensavagelyoutofhiswayandstrodetowardClary,glowering.Hecaughtholdofherbyableedingwristandhauledher toher feet.Stupidgirl,hesaid.Howlonghaveyoubeentherelistening?

Longenoughtoknowthatyoureoneof theCircle,shespat, twistingherwrist inhisgrasp,butheheldfirm.YoureonValentinesside.

Thereisonlyoneside.Hisvoicecameoutinahiss.TheClaveisfoolish,misguided,panderingtohalfmenandmonsters.AllIwantistomakeitpure,toreturnittoitsformerglory.AgoalyoudthinkeveryShadowhunterwouldapproveof,butnotheylistentofoolsanddemon-loverslikeyouandLucianGraymark.And now youve sent the flower of theNephilim to die in this ridiculous battlean emptygesturethatwillaccomplishnothing.Valentinehasalreadybeguntheritual;soontheAngelwillrise,andtheNephilimwillbecomeForsaken.AllthosesavethefewunderValentinesprotection

Thatsmurder!HesmurderingShadowhunters!

Notmurder,saidtheConsul.Hisvoicerangwithafanaticspassion.Cleansing.ValentinewillmakeanewworldofShadowhunters,aworldpurgedofweaknessandcorruption.

Weaknessandcorruptionisntintheworld,Clarysnapped.Itsinpeople.Anditalwayswillbe.Theworldjustneedsgoodpeopletobalanceitout.Andyoureplanningtokillthemall.

Helookedatherforamomentwithhonestsurprise,asifhewereastonishedattheforceinhertone.Fine words from a girl who would betray her own father.Malachi jerked her toward him, yankingbrutallyonherbleedingwrist.PerhapsweshouldseejusthowmuchValentinewouldmindifItaughtyou

But Clary never found out what he wanted to teach her. A dark shape shot between themwingsoutspreadandclawsextended.

TheravencaughtMalachiwiththetipofatalon,rakingabloodygrooveacrosshisface.Withacry

theConsulletgoofClaryandthrewuphisarms,butHugohadcircledbackandwasslashingathimviciouslywithbeakandclaws.Malachistaggeredbackward,armsflailing,untilhestrucktheedgeofabench,hard.Itfelloverwithacrash;unbalanced,hesprawledafteritwithastrangledcryquicklycutoff.

Clary raced towhereMalachi lay crumpledon themarble floor, a circle of blood alreadypoolingaroundhim.Hehadlandedonapileofglassfromthebrokenceiling,andoneofthejaggedchunkshadpiercedhisthroat.Hugowasstillhoveringintheair,circlingMalachisbody.HegaveatriumphantcawasClary stared at himapparently he hadnt appreciated theConsuls kicks and blows.Malachi shouldhaveknownbetter than to attack one ofValentines creatures,Clary thought sourly.Thebirdwas nomoreforgivingthanitsmaster.

ButtherewasnotimetothinkaboutMalachinow.Alechadsaidthattherewerewardsuparoundthelake,and that ifanyonePortaled there,analarmwouldgooff.Valentinewasprobablyalreadyat themirrortherewasnotimetowaste.Backingslowlyawayfromtheraven,ClaryturnedanddashedtowardthefrontdoorsoftheHallandtheglimmerofthePortalbeyond.

20

WEIGHEDINTHEBALANCE

Waterstruckherinthefacelikeablow.Clarywentdown,choking,intofreezingdarkness;herfirstthoughtwasthatthePortalhadfadedbeyondrepairing,andthatshewasstuckinthewhirlingblackin-betweenplace,whereshewouldsuffocateanddie,justasJacehadwarnedhershemightthefirsttimeshedeverusedaPortal.

Hersecondthoughtwasthatshewasalreadydead.

She was probably only actually unconscious for a few seconds, though it felt like the end ofeverything.Whenshecameawake,itwaswithashockthatwasliketheshockofbreakingthroughalayerof ice.Shehadbeenunconsciousandnow, suddenly, shewasnt; shewas lyingonherbackoncold,dampearth,staringupataskysofullofstarsitlookedlikeahandfulofsilverpieceshadbeenflungacross itsdark surface.Hermouthwas fullofbrackish liquid; she turnedherhead to the side,coughedandspatandgaspeduntilshecouldbreatheagain.

Whenherstomachhadstoppedspasming,sherolledontoherside.Herwristswereboundtogetherwithafaintbandofglowinglight,andherlegsfeltheavyandstrange,pricklingalloverwithintensepinsandneedles.Shewonderedifshedlainonthemstrangely,orperhapsitwasasideeffectofnearlydrowning.Thebackofherneckburnedasifawasphadstungher.Withagaspsheheavedherselfintoasittingposition,legsstretchedoutawkwardlyinfrontofher,andlookedaround.

ShewasontheshoreofLakeLyn,wherethewatergavewaytopowderysand.Ablackwallofrockrose behind her, the cliffs she remembered fromher time herewithLuke.The sand itselfwas dark,glitteringwithsilvermica.Hereandthereinthesandwerewitchlighttorches,fillingtheairwiththeirsilveryglow,leavingatraceryofglowinglinesacrossthesurfaceofthewater.

By the shore of the lake, a few feet away fromwhere she sat, stood a low tablemadeout of flatstonespiledoneontheother.Ithadclearlybeenassembledinhaste;thoughthegapsbetweenthestoneswerepackedinwithdampsand,someoftherockswereslippingawayatangles.Placedonthesurface

ofthestoneswassomethingthatmadeClarycatchherbreaththeMortalCup,andlaidcrosswaysatopit,theMortalSword,a tongueofblackflamein thewitchlight.Aroundthealtarweretheblacklinesofrunescarvedintothesand.Shestaredatthem,buttheywerejumbled,meaningless

A shadow cut across the sand, moving fastthe long black shadow of a man, made wavering andindistinct by the flickering light of the torches. By the time Clary raised her head, he was alreadystandingoverher.

Valentine.

Theshockofseeinghimwassoenormousthatitwasalmostnoshockatall.Shefeltnothingasshestaredupather father,whose facehoveredagainst thedarksky like themoon:white,austere,pittedwith black eyes likemeteor craters.Over his shirtwere looped a number of leather straps holding adozenormoreweapons.Theybristledbehindhimlikeaporcupinesspines.Helookedhuge,impossiblybroad,theterrifyingstatueofsomewarriorgodintentondestruction.

Clarissa,hesaid.You tookquitea risk,Portalinghere.Youre lucky I sawyouappear in thewaterbetweenoneminute and the next.Youwere quite unconscious; if itwerent forme, youwouldhavedrowned.Amusclebesidehismouthmovedslightly.AndIwouldntconcernyourselfovermuchwiththe alarmwards theClaveput up around the lake. I took thosedown themoment I arrived.Nooneknowsyourehere.

Idontbelieveyou!Claryopenedhermouthtoflingthewordsinhisface.Therewasnosound.Itwaslike one of those nightmareswhere shewould try to screamand screamandnothingwould happen.Onlyadrypuffofaircamefromhermouth,thegaspofsomeonetryingtoscreamwithacutthroat.

Valentineshookhishead.Dontbothertryingtospeak.IusedaRuneofQuietude,oneofthosethattheSilentBrothersuse,on thebackofyourneck.Theresabinding runeonyourwrists,andanotherdisablingyourlegs.Iwouldnttrytostandyourlegswontholdyou,anditllonlycauseyoupain.

Claryglaredathim,tryingtoboreintohimwithhereyes,cuthimwithherhatred.Buthetooknonotice.Itcouldhavebeenworse,youknow.BythetimeIdraggedyouontothebank,thelakepoisonhadalreadystarteditswork.Ivecuredyouofit,bytheway.NotthatIexpectyourthanks.Hesmiledthinly. You and I, weve never had a conversation, have we? Not a real conversation. You must bewonderingwhyIneverreallyseemedtohaveafathersinterestinyou.Imsorryifthathurtyou.

Now her stare went from hateful to incredulous. How could they have a conversation when shecouldntevenspeak?Shetriedtoforcethewordsout,butnothingcamefromherthroatbutathingasp.

Valentine turnedback tohisaltarandplacedhishandon theMortalSword.Theswordgaveoffablacklight,asortofreverseglow,asifitweresuckingtheilluminationfromtheairaroundit.Ididntknowyourmotherwaspregnantwithyouwhen she leftme, he said.Hewas speaking toher,Clarythought,inawayheneverhadbefore.Histonewascalm,evenconversational,butitwasntthat.Iknewthere was something wrong. She thought she was hiding her unhappiness. I took some blood fromIthuriel,driedittoapowder,andmixeditwithherfood,thinkingitmightcureherunhappiness.IfIdknownshewaspregnant,Iwouldnthavedoneit.Idalreadyresolvednottoexperimentagainonachildofmyownblood.

Yourelying,Clarywantedtoscreamathim.Butshewasntsurehewas.Hestillsoundedstrangetoher.Different.Maybeitwasbecausehewastellingthetruth.

AftershefledIdris,Ilookedforherforyears,hesaid.AndnotjustbecauseshehadtheMortalCup.

BecauseIlovedher.IthoughtifIcouldonlytalktoher,Icouldmakeherseereason.IdidwhatIdidthatnightinAlicanteinafitofrage,wantingtodestroyher,destroyeverythingaboutourlifetogether.ButafterwardIHeshookhishead,turningawaytolookoutoverthelake.WhenIfinallytrackedherdown, Idheard rumorsshedhadanotherchild,adaughter. IassumedyouwereLucians.Hedalwayslovedher,alwayswantedtotakeherfromme.Ithoughtshemustfinallyhavegivenin.HaveconsentedtohaveachildwithafilthyDownworlder.Hisvoicetightened.WhenIfoundherinyourapartmentinNewYork,shewasstillbarelyconscious.ShespatatmethatIdmadeamonsteroutofherfirstchild,andshedleftmebeforeIcoulddothesametohersecond.Thenshewentlimpinmyarms.AllthoseyearsIdlookedforher,andthatwasallIhadwithher.Thosefewsecondsinwhichshelookedatmewithalifetimesworthofhate.Irealizedsomethingthen.

HeliftedMaellartach.Claryrememberedhowheavyeven thehalf-turnedSwordhadbeen tohold,and saw as the blade rose that themuscles ofValentines arm stood out, hard and corded, like ropessnakingundertheskin.

I realized, he said, that the reason she leftmewas to protect you. Jonathan shehated, but youshewouldhavedoneanythingtoprotectyou.Toprotectyoufromme.Sheeven livedamongmundanes,whichIknowmusthavepainedher.Itmusthavehurthernevertobeabletoraiseyouwithanyofourtraditions.You are half ofwhat you could have been.You have your talentwith runes, but its beensquanderedbyyourmundaneupbringing.

HeloweredtheSword.Thetipofithung,now,justbyClarysface;shecouldseeitoutofthecornerofhereye,floatingattheedgeofhervisionlikeasilverymoth.

IknewthenthatJocelynwouldnevercomebacktome,becauseofyou.Youaretheonlythingintheworldsheeverlovedmorethanshelovedme.Andbecauseofyoushehatesme.Andbecauseofthat,Ihatethesightofyou.

Claryturnedherfaceaway.Ifhewasgoingtokillher,shedidntwanttoseeherdeathcoming.

Clarissa,saidValentine.Lookatme.

No.Shestaredatthelake.Faroutacrossthewatershecouldseeadimredglow,likefiresunkawayintoashes.Sheknewitwasthelightofthebattle.Hermotherwasthere,andLuke.Maybeitwasfittingthattheyweretogether,evenifshewasntwiththem.

Illkeepmyeyesonthatlight,shethought.Illkeeplookingatitnomatterwhat.ItllbethelastthingIeversee.

Clarissa,Valentinesaidagain.Youlookjustlikeher,doyouknowthat?JustlikeJocelyn.

Shefeltasharppainagainsthercheek.ItwasthebladeoftheSword.Hewaspressingtheedgeofitagainstherskin,tryingtoforcehertoturnherheadtowardhim.

ImgoingtoraisetheAngelnow,hesaid.AndIwantyoutowatchasithappens.

TherewasabittertasteinClarysmouth.Iknowwhyyouresoobsessedwithmymother.Becauseshewas the one thing you thought you had total control over that ever turned around and bit you. Youthoughtyouownedherandyoudidnt.Thatswhyyouwantherhere,rightnow,towitnessyouwinning.Thatswhyyoullmakedowithme.

TheSwordbitfartherintohercheek.Valentinesaid,Lookatme,Clary.

Shelooked.Shedidntwantto,butthepainwastoomuchherheadjerkedtothesidealmostagainstherwill, the blood dripping in great fat drops down her face, splattering the sand.A nauseous paingrippedherassheraisedherheadtolookatherfather.

He was gazing down at the blade of Maellartach. It, too, was stained with her blood. When heglancedbackather,therewasastrangelightinhiseyes.Bloodisneededtocompletethisceremony,hesaid.Iintendedtousemyown,butwhenIsawyouinthelake,IknewitwasRazielswayoftellingmeto use my daughters instead. Its why I cleared your blood of the lakes taint. You are purifiednowpurifiedandready.Sothankyou,Clarissa,fortheuseofyourblood.

Andinsomeway,Clarythought,hemeantit,meanthisgratitude.Hehadlongagolosttheabilitytodistinguishbetweenforceandcooperation,betweenfearandwillingness,betweenloveandtorture.AndwiththatrealizationcamearushofnumbnesswhatwasthepointofhatingValentineforbeingamonsterwhenhedidntevenknowhewasone?

Andnow,Valentinesaid,Ijustneedabitmore,andClarythought,Abitmorewhat?justasheswungtheSwordbackandthestarlightexplodedoffit,andshethought,Ofcourse.Itsnotjustbloodhewants,butdeath.TheSwordhad fed itselfonenoughbloodbynow; itprobablyhada taste for it, just likeValentinehimself.HereyesfollowedMaellartachsblacklightasitslicedtowardher

Andwentflying.KnockedoutofValentineshand,ithurtledintothedarkness.Valentineseyeswentwide;hisgazeflickeddown,fasteningfirstonhisbleedingswordhandandthenhelookedupandsaw,atthesamemomentthatClarydid,whathadstrucktheMortalSwordfromhisgrasp.

Jace,afamiliar-lookingswordgrippedinhislefthand,stoodattheedgeofariseofsand,barelyafootfromValentine.ClarycouldseefromtheoldermansexpressionthathehadntheardJaceapproachanymorethanshehad.

Clarysheartcaughtatthesightofhim.Driedbloodcrustedthesideofhisface,andtherewasalividredmark at his throat.His eyes shone likemirrors, and in thewitchlight they looked blackblack asSebastians.Clary,hesaid,nottakinghiseyesoffhisfather.Clary,areyouallright?

Jace!Shestruggledtosayhisname,butnothingcouldpasstheblockageinherthroat.Shefeltasifshewerechoking.

Shecantansweryou,saidValentine.Shecantspeak.

Jaceseyesflashed.Whathaveyoudonetoher?HejabbedtheswordtowardValentine,whotookastep back. The look onValentines facewaswary but not frightened. Therewas a calculation to hisexpressionthatClarydidnt like.Sheknewsheought tofeel triumphant,butshedidntifanything,shefeltmorepanickedthanshehadamomentago.ShedrealizedthatValentinewasgoingtokillherhadaccepteditandnowJacewashere,andherfearhadexpandedtoencompasshimaswell.Andhelookedsodestroyed.Hisgearwasrippedhalfwayopendownonearm,andtheskinbeneathwascrisscrossedwithwhitelines.Hisshirtwastornacrossthefront,andtherewasafadingiratzeoverhisheartthathadnotquitemanagedtoerasetheangryredscarbeneathit.Dirtstainedhisclothes,asifhedbeenrollingaroundontheground.Butitwashisexpressionthatfrightenedherthemost.Itwassobleak.

ARuneofQuietude.Shewontbehurtbyit.ValentineseyesfastenedonJacehungrily,Clarythought,asifheweredrinkinginthesightofhim.Idontsuppose,Valentineasked,thatyouvecometojoinme?TobeblessedbytheAngelbesideme?

Jacesexpressiondidntchange.Hiseyeswerefixedonhisadoptivefather,andtherewasnothingin

themnolingeringshredofaffectionorloveormemory.Therewasntevenanyhatred.Justdisdain,Clarythought.Acolddisdain.Iknowwhatyoureplanningtodo,Jacesaid.IknowwhyyouresummoningtheAngel.AndIwontletyoudoit.IvealreadysentIsabelletowarnthearmy

Warningswilldothemlittlegood.Thisisnotthesortofdangeryoucanrunfrom.Valentinesgazeflickeddown toJacessword.Put thatdown,hebegan,andwecan talkHebrokeoff then.Thatsnotyoursword.ThatsaMorgensternsword.

Jacesmiled,adark,sweetsmile.ItwasJonathans.Hesdeadnow.

Valentinelookedstunned.Youmean

Itookitfromthegroundwhereheddroppedit,Jacesaid,withoutemotion,afterIkilledhim.

Valentineseemeddumbfounded.YoukilledJonathan?Howcouldyouhave?

Hewouldhavekilledme,saidJace.Ihadnochoice.

Ididntmeanthat.Valentineshookhishead;hestilllookedstunned,likeaboxerwhodbeenhittoohardinthemomentbeforehecollapsedtothemat.IraisedJonathanItrainedhimmyself.Therewasnobetterwarrior.

Apparently,Jacesaid,therewas.

ButAndValentinesvoicecracked,thefirsttimeClaryhadeverheardaflawinthesmooth,unruffledfacadeofthatvoice.Buthewasyourbrother.

No.Hewasnt.Jacetookastepforward,nudgingthebladeaninchclosertoValentinesheart.Whathappenedtomyrealfather?Isabellesaidhediedinaraid,butdidhereally?Didyoukillhimlikeyoukilledmymother?

Valentinestilllookedstunned.Clarysensedthathewasfightingforcontrolfightingagainstgrief?Orjustafraidtodie?Ididntkillyourmother.Shetookherownlife.Icutyououtofherdeadbody.IfIhadntdonethat,youwouldhavediedalongwithher.

Butwhy?Why did you do it? You didnt need a son, you had a son! Jace looked deadly in themoonlight,Clary thought, deadly and strange, like someone she didnt know.The hand that held theswordtowardValentinesthroatwasunwavering.Tellmethetruth,Jacesaid.Nomoreliesabouthowwerethesamefleshandblood.Parentslietotheirchildren,butyouyourenotmyfather.AndIwantthetruth.

ItwasntasonIneeded,Valentinesaid.Itwasasoldier.IhadthoughtJonathanmightbethatsoldier,buthehadtoomuchofthedemonnatureinhim.Hewastoosavage,toosudden,notsubtleenough.Ifeared even then, when hewas barely out of infancy, that hewould never have the patience or thecompassiontofollowme,toleadtheClaveinmyfootsteps.SoItriedagainwithyou.AndwithyouIhadtheoppositetrouble.Youweretoogentle.Tooempathic.Youfeltotherspainasifitwereyourown;youcouldntevenbearthedeathofyourpets.Understandthis,mysonIlovedyouforthosethings.ButtheverythingsIlovedaboutyoumadeyounousetome.

SoyouthoughtIwassoftanduseless,saidJace.Isupposeitwillbesurprisingforyou,then,whenyoursoftanduselesssoncutsyourthroat.

Weve been through this. Valentines voice was steady, but Clary thought she could see the sweatgleaming at his temples, at the base of his throat. Youwouldnt do that. You didnt want to do it at

Renwicks,andyoudontwanttodoitnow.

Yourewrong.Jacespokeinameasuredtone.IhaveregrettednotkillingyoueverydaysinceIletyougo. My brother Max is dead because I didnt kill you that day. Dozens, maybe hundreds, are deadbecauseIstayedmyhand.Iknowyourplan.IknowyouhopetoslaughteralmosteveryShadowhunterin Idris. And I ask myself, how many more have to die before I do what I should have done onBlackwellsIsland?No,hesaid.Idontwanttokillyou.ButIwill.

Dontdothis,saidValentine.Please.Idontwantto

Todie?Noonewantstodie,Father.ThepointofJacesswordslippedlower,andthenloweruntilitwasrestingoverValentinesheart.Jacesfacewascalm,thefaceofanangeldispatchingdivinejustice.Doyouhaveanylastwords?

Jonathan

BloodspottedValentinesshirtwherethetipofthebladerested,andClarysaw,inhermindseye,JaceatRenwicks,hishandshaking,notwanting tohurthis father.AndValentine tauntinghim.Drive thebladein.Threeinchesmaybefour.Itwasntlikethatnow.Jaceshandwassteady.AndValentinelookedafraid.

Lastwords,hissedJace.Whatarethey?

Valentineraisedhishead.Hisblackeyesashelookedattheboyinfrontofhimweregrave.Imsorry,hesaid.Iamsosorry.Hestretchedoutahand,asifhemeanttoreachouttoJace,eventotouchhimhishandturned,palmup,thefingersopeningandthentherewasasilverflashandsomethingflewbyClaryinthedarknesslikeabulletshotoutofagun.Shefeltdisplacedairbrushhercheekasitpassed,andthenValentinehadcaughtitoutoftheair,alongtongueofsilverfirethatflashedonceinhishandashebroughtitdown.

ItwastheMortalSword.ItleftatraceryofblacklightontheairasValentinedrovethebladeofitintoJacesheart.

Jaces eyes flewwide.A look of disbelieving confusion passed over his face; he glanced down athimself,whereMaellartachstuckgrotesquelyoutofhischestitlookedmorebizarrethanhorrible,likeapropfromanightmarethatmadenologicalsense.Valentinedrewhishandbackthen,jerkingtheSwordoutofJaceschestthewayhemighthavejerkedadaggerfromitsscabbard;asifithadbeenallthatwasholdinghimup,Jacewenttohisknees.Hisswordslidfromhisgraspandhitthedampearth.Helookeddownatitinpuzzlement,asifhehadnoideawhyhehadbeenholdingit,orwhyhehadletitgo.Heopenedhismouthasiftoaskthequestion,andbloodpouredoverhischin,stainingwhatwasleftofhisraggedshirt.

EverythingafterthatseemedtoClarytohappenveryslowly,asiftimewerestretchingitselfout.ShesawValentinesinktothegroundandpullJaceontohislapasifJacewerestillverysmallandcouldbeeasilyheld.Hedrewhimcloseandrockedhim,andhe loweredhis faceandpressed itagainstJacesshoulder,andClarythoughtforamomentthathemightevenhavebeencrying,butwhenheliftedhishead,Valentineseyesweredry.Myson,hewhispered.Myboy.

TheterribleslowingoftimestretchedaroundClarylikeastranglingrope,whileValentineheldJaceandbrushedhisbloodyhairbackfromhisforehead.HeheldJacewhilehedied,andthelightwentoutofhiseyes,andthenValentinelaidhisadoptedsonsbodygentlydownontheground,crossinghisarmsoverhischestas if tohide thegaping,bloodywound there.Ave,hebegan,as ifhemeant tosay the

wordsoverJace,theShadowhuntersfarewell,buthisvoicecracked,andheturnedabruptlyandwalkedbacktowardthealtar.

Clarycouldntmove.Couldbarelybreathe.Shecouldhearherownheartbeating,hearthescrapeofherbreathinginherdrythroat.FromthecornerofhereyeshecouldseeValentinestandingbytheedgeof the lake,blood streaming from thebladeofMaellartachanddripping into thebowlof theMortalCup.Hewaschantingwordsshedidntunderstand.Shedidntcaretotrytounderstand.Itwouldallbeover soon, and shewasalmostglad.Shewondered if shehadenoughenergy todragherselfover towhere Jace lay, if shecould liedownbesidehimandwait for it tobeover.She staredathim, lyingmotionlesson thechurned,bloodysand.Hiseyeswereclosed,his facestill; if itwerent for thegashacrosshischest,shecouldhavetoldherselfhewasasleep.

Buthewasnt.HewasaShadowhunter;hehaddiedinbattle;hedeservedthelastbenediction.Aveatquevale.Herlipsshapedthewords,thoughtheyfellfromhermouthinsilentpuffsofair.Halfwaythrough,shestopped,herbreathcatching.Whatshouldshesay?Hailandfarewell,JaceWayland?Thatnamewasnottrulyhis.Hehadneverevenreallybeennamed,shethoughtwithagony,justgiventhenameof a dead child because it had suitedValentines purposes at the time.And therewas somuchpowerinaname.

Herheadwhippedaround,andshestaredat thealtar.Therunessurrounding ithadbeguntoglow.Theywererunesofsummoning,runesofnaming,andrunesofbinding.TheywerenotunliketherunesthathadkeptIthurielimprisonedinthecellarsbeneaththeWaylandmanor.Nowverymuchagainstherwill,shethoughtofthewayJacehadlookedatherthen,theblazeoffaithinhiseyes,hisbeliefinher.Hehadalwaysthoughtshewasstrong.Hehadshoweditineverythinghedid,ineverylookandeverytouch.Simonhadfaithinhertoo,yetwhenhedheldher,ithadbeenasifsheweresomethingfragile,somethingmadeofdelicateglass.ButJacehadheldherwithallthestrengthhehad,neverwonderingifshecouldtakeithedknownshewasasstrongashewas.

ValentinewasdippingthebloodySwordoverandoverinthewaterofthelakenow,chantinglowandfast. The water of the lake was rippling, as if a giant hand were stroking fingers lightly across itssurface.

Claryclosedhereyes.RememberingthewayJacehadlookedatherthenightshedfreedIthuriel,shecouldnthelpbutimaginethewayhedlookathernowifhesawhertryingtoliedowntodieonthesandbesidehim.Hewouldntbetouched,wouldntthinkitwasabeautifulgesture.Hedbeangryatherforgivingup.Hedbesodisappointed.

Claryloweredherselfsothatshewaslyingontheground,heavingherdeadlegsbehindher.Slowlyshecrawledacrossthesand,pushingherselfalongwithherkneesandboundhands.Theglowingbandaroundherwrists burnedand stung.Her shirt tore as shedraggedherself across theground, and thesandscrapedthebareskinofherstomach.Shebarelyfeltit.Itwashardwork,pullingherselfalonglikethissweatrandownherback,betweenhershoulderblades.Whenshefinallyreachedthecircleofrunes,shewaspantingsoloudlythatshewasterrifiedValentinewouldhearher.

Buthedidnteventurnaround.HehadtheMortalCupinonehandandtheSwordintheother.Asshewatched,hedrewhisrighthandback,spokeseveralwordsthatsoundedlikeGreek,andthrewtheCup.Itshonelikeafallingstarasithurtledtowardthewaterof thelakeandvanishedbeneaththesurfacewithafaintsplash.

The circle of runes was giving off a faint heat, like a partly banked fire. Clary had to twist and

struggletoreachherhandaroundtothestelejammedintoherbelt.Thepaininherwristsspikedasherfingersclosedaroundthehandle;shepulleditfreewithamuffledgaspofrelief.

Shecouldntseparateherwrists,soshegrippedthesteleawkwardlyinbothhands.Shepushedherselfupwithherelbows,staringdownat therunes.Shecouldfeel theheatof themonher face; theyhadbegun to shimmer likewitchlight.Valentinehad theMortalSwordpoised, ready to throw it; hewaschantingthelastwordsofthesummoningspell.WithafinalburstofstrengthClarydrovethetipofthesteleintothesand,notscrapingasidetherunesValentinehaddrawnbuttracingherownpatternoverthem,writinganewruneovertheonethatsymbolizedhisname.Itwassuchasmallrune,shethought,suchasmallchangenothinglikeherimmenselypowerfulAlliancerune,nothingliketheMarkofCain.

Butitwasallshecoulddo.Spent,ClaryrolledontohersidejustasValentinedrewhisarmbackandlettheMortalSwordfly.

Maellartachhurtledendoverend,ablackandsilverblurthatjoinedsoundlesslywiththeblackandsilver lake.A great plumewent up from the placewhere it splashed down: a flowering of platinumwater.Theplumerosehigherandhigher,ageyserofmoltensilver,likerainfallingupward.Therewasagreatcrashingnoise, the soundof shattering ice,aglacierbreakingand then the lakeseemed toblowapart,silverwaterexplodingupwardlikeareversehailstorm.

AndrisingwiththehailstormcametheAngel.ClarywasnotsurewhatshedexpectedsomethinglikeIthuriel,butIthurielhadbeendiminishedbymanyyearsofcaptivityandtorment.Thiswasanangelinthefullforceofhisglory.Asherosefromthewater,hereyesbegantoburnasifshewerestaringintothesun.

Valentines hands had fallen to his sides. He was gazing upward with a rapt expression, a manwatchinghisgreatestdreambecomereality.Raziel,hebreathed.

TheAngelcontinuedtorise,asifthelakeweresinkingaway,revealingagreatcolumnofmarbleatits center.Firsthisheademerged from thewater, streaminghair likechainsof silverandgold.Thenshoulders,whiteasstone,andthenabaretorsoandClarysawthattheAngelwasMarkedalloverwithrunesjustastheNephilimwere,althoughRazielsrunesweregoldenandalive,movingacrosshiswhiteskinlikesparksflyingfromafire.Somehow,at thesametime,theAngelwasbothenormousandnobiggerthanaman:Claryseyeshurttryingtotakeallofhimin,andyethewasallthatshecouldsee.Ashe rose, wings burst from his back and opened wide across the lake, and they were gold too, andfeathered,andsetintoeachfeatherwasasinglegoldenstaringeye.

Itwasbeautiful,andalsoterrifying.Clarywantedtolookaway,butshewouldnt.Shewouldwatchitall.ShewouldwatchitforJace,becausehecouldnt.

Itsjustlikeallthosepictures,shethought.TheAngelrisingfromthelake,theSwordinonehandandtheCupintheother.Bothwerestreamingwater,butRazielwasdryasabone,hiswingsundampened.His feet rested, white and bare, on the surface of the lake, stirring its waters into small ripples ofmovement.Hisface,beautifulandinhuman,gazeddownatValentine.

Andthenhespoke.

Hisvoicewaslikeacryandashoutandlikemusic,allatonce.Itcontainednowords,yetwastotallycomprehensible.The forceofhisbreathnearlyknockedValentinebackward;hedug theheelsofhisbootsintothesand,hisheadtiltedbackasifhewerewalkingagainstagale.ClaryfeltthewindoftheAngelsbreathpassoverher:Itwashotlikeairescapingfromafurnace,andsmelledofstrangespices.

It has been a thousand years since I was last summoned to this place, Raziel said. JonathanShadowhuntercalledonme then,andbeggedme tomixmybloodwith thebloodofmortalmen inaCupandcreatearaceofwarriorswhowouldridthisearthofdemonkind.IdidallthatheaskedandtoldhimIwoulddonomore.Whydoyousummonmenow,Nephilim?

Valentines voicewas eager.A thousand years have passed,GloriousOne, but demonkind are stillhere.

Whatisthattome?Athousandyearsforanangelpassbetweenoneblinkofaneyeandanother.

TheNephilimyoucreatedwereagreatraceofmen.Formanyyearstheyvaliantlybattledtoridthisplaneofdemon taint.But theyhave faileddue toweaknessandcorruption in their ranks. I intend toreturnthemtotheirformerglory

Glory?TheAngelsoundedfaintlycurious,asifthewordwerestrangetohim.GlorybelongstoGodalone.

Valentinedidntwaver.TheClaveas the firstNephilimcreated it existsnomore.TheyhavealliedthemselveswithDownworlders, thedemon-taintednonhumanswhoinfest thisworldlikefleasonthecarcassofarat.Itismyintentiontocleansethisworld,todestroyeveryDownworlderalongwitheverydemon

Demonsdonotpossess souls.Butas for the creatures you speakof, theChildrenofMoon,Night,Lilith,andFaerie,allare souled. It seems that your rulesas towhatdoesanddoesnot constituteahumanbeingarestricter thanourown.Clarycouldhavesworn theAngelsvoicehadtakenonadrytone. Do you intend to challenge heaven like that other Morning Star whose name you bear,Shadowhunter?

Nottochallengeheaven,no,LordRaziel.Toallymyselfwithheaven

Inawarofyourmaking?Weareheaven,Shadowhunter.Wedonotfightinyourmundanebattles.

When Valentine spoke again, he sounded almost hurt. Lord Raziel. Surely you would not haveallowedsuchathingasaritualbywhichyoumightbesummonedtoexistifyoudidnotintendtobesummoned.WeNephilimareyourchildren.Weneedyourguidance.

Guidance?NowtheAngelsoundedamused.Thathardlyseemstobewhyyoubroughtmehere.Youseekratheryourownrenown.

Renown?Valentineechoedhoarsely.Ihavegiveneverythingforthiscause.Mywife.Mychildren.Ihavenotwithheldmysons.IhavegiveneverythingIhaveforthiseverything.

The Angel simply hovered, gazing down at Valentine with his weird, inhuman eyes. His wingsmoved in slow,undeliberatemotions, like thepassageof clouds across the sky.At last he said,GodaskedAbrahamtosacrificehissononanaltarmuchlikethisone,toseewhoitwasthatAbrahamlovedmore,IsaacorGod.Butnooneaskedyoutosacrificeyourson,Valentine.

Valentineglanceddownat thealtarathis feet, splashedwith Jacesblood,and thenbackupat theAngel.IfImust,Iwillcompelthisfromyou,hesaid.ButIwouldratherhaveyourwillingcooperation.

When JonathanShadowhunter summonedme, said theAngel, I gavehimmyassistancebecause Icouldseethathisdreamofaworldfreeofdemonswasatrueone.Heimaginedaheavenonthisearth.Butyoudreamonlyofyourownglory,andyoudonot loveheaven.MybrotherIthurielcanattest to

that.

Valentineblanched.But

DidyouthinkthatIwouldnotknow?TheAngelsmiled.ItwasthemostterriblesmileClaryhadeverseen.Itistruethatthemasterofthecircleyouhavedrawncancompelfrommeasingleaction.Butyouarenotthatmaster.

Valentinestared.MylordRazielthereisnooneelse

Butthereis,saidtheAngel.Thereisyourdaughter.

Valentinewhirled.Clary, lyinghalf-conscious in the sand,herwrists andarmsa screamingagony,stareddefiantlyback.Foramoment theireyesmetandhe lookedather, really lookedather,andsherealizeditwasthefirsttimeherfatherhadeverlookedherinthefaceandseenher.Thefirstandonlytime.

Clarissa,hesaid.Whathaveyoudone?

Clarystretchedoutherhand,andwithher fingershewrote in thesandathis feet.Shedidntdrawrunes.Shedrewwords:thewordshehadsaidtoherthefirst timehedseenwhatshecoulddo,whensheddrawntherunethathaddestroyedhisship.

MENEMENETEKELUPHARSIN.

Hiseyeswidened,justasJaceseyeshadwidenedbeforeheddied.Valentinehadgonebonewhite.HeturnedslowlytofacetheAngel,raisinghishandsinagestureofsupplication.MylordRaziel

TheAngelopenedhismouthandspat.OratleastthatwashowitseemedtoClarythattheAngelspat,andthatwhatcamefromhismouthwasashootingsparkofwhitefire,likeaburningarrow.ThearrowflewstraightandtrueacrossthewaterandburieditselfinValentineschest.Ormaybeburiedwasntthewordittorethroughhim,likearockthroughthinpaper,leavingasmokingholethesizeofafist.ForamomentClary,staringup,couldlookthroughherfatherschestandseethelakeandthefieryglowoftheAngelbeyond.

Themomentpassed.Likeafelledtree,Valentinecrashedtothegroundandlaystillhismouthopeninasilentcry,hisblindeyesfixedforeverinalastlookofincredulousbetrayal.

Thatwasthejusticeofheaven.Itrustthatyouarenotdismayed.

Clarylookedup.TheAngelhoveredoverher,likeatowerofwhiteflame,blottingoutthesky.Hishandswereempty;theMortalCupandSwordlaybytheshoreofthelake.

Youcancompelmetooneaction,ClarissaMorgenstern.Whatisitthatyouwant?

Claryopenedhermouth.Nosoundcameout.

Ah,yes,theAngelsaid,andtherewasgentlenessinhisvoicenow.Therune.Themanyeyesinhiswingsblinked.Somethingbrushedoverher.Itwassoft,softerthansilkoranyothercloth,softerthanawhisperorthebrushofafeather.Itwaswhatsheimaginedcloudsmightfeellikeiftheyhadatexture.Afaintscentcamewiththetouchapleasantscent,headyandsweet.

Thepainvanishedfromherwrists.Nolongerboundtogether,herhandsfelltohersides.Thestingingatthebackofherneckwasgonetoo,andtheheavinessfromherlegs.Shestruggledtoherknees.Morethananything,shewantedtocrawlacrossthebloodysandtowardtheplacewhereJacesbodylay,crawl

tohimandlaydownbesidehimandputherarmsaroundhim,eventhoughhewasgone.ButtheAngelsvoicecompelledher;sheremainedwhereshewas,staringupintohisbrilliantgoldenlight.

ThebattleonBrocelindPlainisending.Morgensternsholdoverhisdemonsvanishedwithhisdeath.Alreadymanyarefleeing;therestwillsoonbedestroyed.ThereareNephilimridingtotheshoresofthislakeat thisverymoment. Ifyouhavearequest,Shadowhunter,speak itnow.TheAngelpaused.AndrememberthatIamnotagenie.Chooseyourdesirewisely.

Claryhesitatedonlyforamoment,butthemomentstretchedoutaslongasanymomenteverhad.Shecouldaskforanything,shethoughtdizzily,anythinganendtopainorworldhungerordisease,orforpeace on earth.But then again, perhaps these thingswerent in the power of angels to grant, or theywould already have been granted. And perhaps people were supposed to find these things forthemselves.

Itdidntmatter,anyway.Therewasonlyonethingshecouldaskfor,intheend,onlyonerealchoice.

SheraisedhereyestotheAngels.

Jace,shesaid.

TheAngelsexpressiondidntchange.ShehadnoideawhetherRazielthoughtherrequestagoodoneorabadone,orwhethershethoughtwithasuddenburstofpanicheintendedtograntitatall.

Closeyoureyes,ClarissaMorgenstern,theAngelsaid.

Claryshuthereyes.Youdidntsaynotoanangel,nomatterwhatithadinmind.Herheartpounding,shesatfloatingin thedarknessbehindhereyelids,resolutelytryingnot to thinkofJace.Buthisfaceappearedagainsttheblankscreenofherclosedeyelidsanywaynotsmilingatherbutlookingsidelong,andshecouldseethescarathistemple,theunevencurlatthecornerofhismouth,andthesilverlineonhis throatwhereSimonhadbittenhimall themarksandflawsandimperfections thatmadeupthepersonshelovedmostintheworld.Jace.Abrightlightlithervisiontoscarlet,andshefellbackagainstthesand,wonderingifshewasgoingtopassoutormaybeshewasdyingbutshedidntwanttodie,notnowthatshecouldseeJacesfacesoclearlyinfrontofher.Shecouldalmosthearhisvoice,too,sayinghername,thewayhedwhispereditatRenwicks,overandoveragain.Clary.Clary.Clary.

Clary,Jacesaid.Openyoureyes.

Shedid.

Shewaslyingonthesand,inhertorn,wet,andbloodiedclothes.Thatwasthesame.WhatwasnotthesamewasthattheAngelwasgone,andwithhimtheblindingwhitelightthathadlitthedarknesstoday.Shewasgazingupatthenightsky,whitestarslikemirrorsshiningintheblackness,andleaningoverher,thelightinhiseyesmorebrilliantthananyofthestars,wasJace.

Hereyesdrankhimin,everypartofhim,fromhistangledhairtohisbloodstained,grimyfacetohiseyesshiningthroughthelayersofdirt;fromthebruisesvisiblethroughhistornsleevestothegaping,blood-soaked tear down the front of his shirt, throughwhich his bare skin showedand therewas nomark,nogash,toindicatewheretheSwordhadgonein.Shecouldseethepulsebeatinginhisthroat,andalmostthrewherarmsaroundhimatthesightbecauseitmeanthisheartwasbeatingandthatmeant

Yourealive,shewhispered.Reallyalive.

Withaslowwondermenthereachedtotouchherface.Iwasinthedark,hesaidsoftly.Therewas

nothingtherebutshadows,andIwasashadow,andIknewthatIwasdead,andthatitwasover,allofit.AndthenIheardyourvoice.Iheardyousaymyname,anditbroughtmeback.

Notme.Clarysthroattightened.TheAngelbroughtyouback.

Becauseyouaskedhimto.Silentlyhetracedtheoutlineofherfacewithhisfingers,asifreassuringhimselfthatshewasreal.Youcouldhavehadanythingelseintheworld,andyouaskedforme.

Shesmiledupathim.Filthyashewas,coveredinbloodanddirt,hewas themostbeautiful thingshedeverseen.ButIdontwantanythingelseintheworld.

Atthat,thelightinhiseyes,alreadybright,wenttosuchablazethatshecouldhardlybeartolookathim.ShethoughtoftheAngel,andhowhehadburnedlikeathousandtorches,andthatJacehadinhimsomeofthatsameincandescentblood,andhowthatburningshonethroughhimnow,throughhiseyes,likelightthroughthecracksinadoor.

I love you,Clarywanted to say.And, Iwould do it again. Iwould always ask for you.But thosewerentthewordsshesaid.

Yourenotmybrother,shetoldhim,alittlebreathlessly,asif,havingrealizedshehadntyetsaidthem,shecouldntgetthewordsoutofhermouthfastenough.Youknowthat,right?

Veryslightly,throughthegrimeandblood,Jacegrinned.Yes,hesaid.Iknowthat.

Epilogue

AcrosstheSkyinStars

Ilovedyou,soIdrewthesetidesofmenintomyhandsandwrotemywillacrosstheskyinstars.

T.E.LawrenceThesmokeroseinalazyspiral,tracingdelicatelinesofblackacrosstheclearair.Jace,aloneonthe

hill overlooking the cemetery, sat with his elbows on his knees and watched the smoke driftheavenward.Theironywasntlostonhim:Thesewerehisfathersremains,afterall.

Hecouldseethebierfromwherehewassitting,obscuredbysmokeandflame,andthesmallgroupstanding around it.He recognized Jocelyns bright hair from here, andLuke standing beside her, hishandonherback.Jocelynhadherheadturnedaside,awayfromtheburningpyre.

Jacecouldhavebeenoneofthatgroup,hadhewantedtobe.Hedspentthelastcoupleofdaysintheinfirmary,andtheydonlylethimoutthismorning,partlysothathecouldattendValentinesfuneral.Buthedgottenhalfwaytothepyre,astackedpileofstrippedwood,whiteasbones,andrealizedhecouldgonofarther.Hedturnedandwalkedupthehillinstead,awayfromthemournersprocession.Lukehadcalledafterhim,butJacehadntturned.

Hedsatandwatchedthemgatheraroundthebier,watchedPatrickPenhallowinhisparchmentwhitegearsettheflametothewood.Itwasthesecondtimethatweekhedwatchedabodyburn,butMaxshadbeenheartbreakinglysmall,andValentinewasabigmanevenflatonhisbackwithhisarmscrossedover his chest, a seraph blade gripped in his fist. His eyes were bound with white silk, as was thecustom.Theyhaddonewellbyhim,Jacethought,despiteeverything.

TheyhadntburiedSebastian.AgroupofShadowhuntershadgonebacktothevalley,buttheyhadntfoundhisbodywashedawaybytheriver,theydtoldJace,thoughhehadhisdoubts.

HehadlookedforClaryin thecrowdaroundthebier,butshewasnt there.Ithadbeenalmost twodays now since hed seen her last, at the lake, and he missed her with an almost physical sense ofsomething lacking. Itwasnther fault theyhadnt seeneachother.Shedbeenworriedhewasnt strongenoughtoPortalbacktoAlicantefromthelakethatnight,andshedturnedouttoberight.BythetimethefirstShadowhuntershadreachedthem,hedbeendriftingintoadizzyunconsciousness.Hedwokenup thenextday in thecityhospitalwithMagnusBanestaringdownathimwithanoddexpressionitcouldhavebeendeepconcernormerelycuriosity, itwashard to tellwithMagnus.Magnus toldhimthatthoughtheAngelhadhealedJacephysically,itseemedthathisspiritandmindhadbeenexhaustedtothepointthatonlyrestcouldhealthem.Inanyevent,hefeltbetternow.Justintimeforthefuneral.

Awindhadcomeupandwasblowingthesmokeawayfromhim.In thedistancehecouldsee theglimmering towers ofAlicante, their former glory restored.Hewasnt totally surewhat he hoped toaccomplishbysittinghereandwatchinghisfathersbodyburn,orwhathewouldsayifheweredownthereamongthemourners,speakingtheirlastwordstoValentine.Youwereneverreallymyfather,hemightsay,orYouweretheonlyfatherIeverknew.Bothstatementswereequallytrue,nomatterhowcontradictory.

Whenhedfirstopenedhiseyesatthelakeknowing,somehow,thathedbeendead,andnowwasntall

Jacecould thinkaboutwasClary, lyinga littledistanceawayfromhimon thebloodysand,hereyesclosed.Hedscrambledtoherinanearpanic,thinkingshemightbehurt,orevendeadandwhenshedopenedhereyes,allhedbeenabletothinkaboutthenwasthatshewasnt.Notuntiltherewereothersthere,helpinghimtohisfeet,exclaimingoverthesceneinamazement,didheseeValentinesbodylyingcrumplednearthelakesedgeandfeeltheforceofitlikeapunchinthestomach.HedknownValentinewasdeadwouldhavekilledhimhimselfbutstill,somehow, thesightwaspainful.ClaryhadlookedatJacewithsadeyes,andhedknownthateventhoughshedhatedValentineandhadneverhadanyreasonnotto,shestillfeltJacesloss.

He half-closed his eyes and a flood of images washed across the backs of his eyelids: Valentinepickinghimupoffthegrassinasweepinghug,Valentineholdinghimsteadyintheprowofaboatonalake, showinghimhow tobalance.Andother,darkermemories:Valentineshandcrackingacross thesideofhisface,adeadfalcon,theangelshackledintheWaylandscellar.

Jace.

Helookedup.Lukewasstandingoverhim,ablacksilhouetteoutlinedbythesun.Hewaswearingjeans and a flannel shirt as usualno concessionary funeral white for him. Its over, Luke said. Theceremony.Itwasbrief.

Imsureitwas.Jacedughisfingersintothegroundbesidehim,welcomingthepainfulscrapeofdirtagainsthisfingertips.Didanyonesayanything?

Just theusualwords.Lukeeasedhimselfdownonto thegroundbeside Jace,wincinga little. Jacehadntaskedhimwhat thebattlehadbeenlike;hehadntreallywantedtoknow.HeknewithadbeenovermuchquickerthananyonehadexpectedafterValentinesdeath,thedemonshehadsummonedhadfledintothenightlikesomuchmistburnedoffbythesun.Butthatdidntmeantherehadntbeendeaths.ValentineshadntbeentheonlybodyburnedinAlicantethesepastdays.

AndClarywasntImean,shedidnt

Come to the funeral?No. She didntwant to. Jace could feel Luke looking at him sideways.Youhaventseenher?Notsince

No,notsincethelake,Jacesaid.Thiswasthefirsttimetheyletmeleavethehospital,andIhadtocomehere.

Youdidnthaveto,Lukesaid.Youcouldhavestayedaway.

Iwantedto,Jaceadmitted.Whateverthatsaysaboutme.

Funeralsarefortheliving,Jace,notforthedead.ValentinewasmoreyourfatherthanClarys,evenifyoudidntshareblood.Youretheonewhohastosaygood-bye.Youretheonewhowillmisshim.

IdidntthinkIwasallowedtomisshim.

YouneverknewStephenHerondale,saidLuke.AndyoucametoRobertLightwoodwhenyouwereonlybarelystillachild.Valentinewasthefatherofyourchildhood.Youshouldmisshim.

Ikeep thinkingaboutHodge,Jacesaid.Upat theGard, Ikeptaskinghimwhyhednever toldmewhatIwasIstillthoughtIwaspartdemonthenandhekeptsayingitwasbecausehedidntknow.Ijustthoughthewaslying.ButnowIthinkhemeantit.HewasoneoftheonlypeoplewhoeverevenknewtherewasaHerondalebabythathadlived.WhenIshowedupattheInstitute,hehadnoideawhichof

ValentinessonsIwas.Therealoneortheadoptedone.AndIcouldhavebeeneither.Thedemonortheangel.Andthethingis,Idontthinkheeverknew,notuntilhesawJonathanattheGardandrealized.Sohejusttriedtodohisbestbymeallthoseyearsanyway,untilValentineshowedupagain.Thattookasortoffaithdontyouthink?

Yes,Lukesaid.Ithinkso.

Hodgesaidhe thoughtmaybeupbringingmightmakeadifference,regardlessofblood.I justkeepthinkingifIdstayedwithValentine,ifhehadntsentmetotheLightwoods,wouldIhavebeenjustlikeJonathan?IsthathowIdbenow?

Does it matter? said Luke. You are who you are now for a reason. And if you ask me, I thinkValentinesentyoutotheLightwoodsbecauseheknewitwasthebestchanceforyou.Maybehehadotherreasonstoo.Butyoucantgetawayfromthefactthathesentyoutopeopleheknewwouldloveyouandraiseyouwithlove.Itmighthavebeenoneofthefewthingsheeverreallydidforsomeoneelse.HeclappedJaceontheshoulder,agesturesopaternalthatitalmostmadeJacesmile.Iwouldntforgetaboutthat,ifIwereyou.

Clary,standingandlookingoutIsabelleswindow,watchedsmokestaintheskyoverAlicantelikeasmudgedhandagainstawindow.TheywereburningValentinetoday,sheknew;burningherfather,inthenecropolisjustoutsidethegates.

Youknowaboutthecelebrationtonight,dontyou?ClaryturnedtoseeIsabelle,behindher,holdinguptwodressesagainstherself,oneblueandonesteelgray.WhatdoyouthinkIshouldwear?

ForIsabelle,Clarythought,clotheswouldalwaysbetherapy.Theblueone.

Isabellelaidthedressesdownonthebed.Whatareyougoingtowear?Youaregoing,arentyou?

ClarythoughtofthesilverdressatthebottomofAmatisschest,thelovelygossamerofit.ButAmatiswouldprobablyneverletherwearit.

Idontknow,shesaid.Probablyjeansandmygreencoat.

Boring,Isabellesaid.SheglancedoveratAline,whowassittinginachairbythebed,reading.Dontyouthinkitsboring?

IthinkyoushouldletClarywearwhatshewants.Alinedidntlookupfromherbook.Besides,itsnotlikeshesdressingupforanyone.

ShesdressingupforJace,Isabellesaid,asifthiswereobvious.Aswellsheshould.

Aline lookedup,blinking inconfusion, thensmiled.Oh, right. Ikeepforgetting. Itmustbeweird,right,knowinghesnotyourbrother?

No, Clary said firmly. Thinking he was my brother was weird. This feelsright. She looked backtoward the window. Not that Ive really seen him since I found out. Not since weve been back inAlicante.

Thatsstrange,saidAline.

Itsnot strange, Isabelle said, shootingAlineameaningful look,whichAlinedidnt seem tonotice.Hesbeeninthehospital.Heonlygotouttoday.

Andhedidntcometoseeyourightaway?AlineaskedClary.

Hecouldnt,Clarysaid.HehadValentinesfuneraltogoto.Hecouldntmissthat.

Maybe,saidAlinecheerfully.Ormaybehesnotthatinterestedinyouanymore.Imean,nowthatitsnotforbidden.Somepeopleonlywantwhattheycanthave.

NotJace,Isabellesaidquickly.Jaceisntlikethat.

Alinestoodup,droppingherbookontothebed.Ishouldgogetdressed.Seeyouguystonight?Andwiththat,shewanderedoutoftheroom,hummingtoherself.

Isabelle,watchinghergo,shookherhead.Doyouthinkshedoesntlikeyou?shesaid.Imean,isshejealous?ShedidseeminterestedinJace.

Ha!Clarywasbrieflyamused.No,shesnotinterestedinJace.Ithinkshesjustoneofthosepeoplewhosaywhatevertheyrethinkingwhenevertheythinkit.Andwhoknows,maybeshesright.

Isabellepulledthepinfromherhair,lettingitfalldownaroundhershoulders.ShecameacrosstheroomandjoinedClaryat thewindow.Theskywasclearnowpast thedemontowers; thesmokewasgone.Doyouthinkshesright?

Idontknow.IllhavetoaskJace.IguessIllseehimtonightattheparty.Orthevictorycelebrationorwhateveritscalled.ShelookedupatIsabelle.Doyouknowwhatitllbelike?

Therellbeaparade,Isabellesaid,andfireworks,probably.Music,dancing,games,thatsortofthing.LikeabigstreetfairinNewYork.Sheglancedoutthewindow,herexpressionwistful.Maxwouldhavelovedit.

ClaryreachedoutandstrokedIsabelleshair,thewayshedstrokethehairofherownsisterifshehadone.Iknowhewould.

Jacehadtoknocktwiceatthedooroftheoldcanalhousebeforeheheardquickfootstepshurryingtoanswer; his heart jumped, and then settled as the door opened and Amatis Herondale stood on thethreshold,lookingathiminsurprise.Shelookedasifshedbeengettingreadyforthecelebration:Sheworealongdovegraydressandpalemetallicearringsthatpickedoutthesilverystreaksinhergrayinghair.Yes?

Clary,hebegan,andstopped,unsurewhatexactlytosay.Wherehadhiseloquencegone?Hedalwayshadthat,evenwhenhehadnthadanythingelse,butnowhefeltasifhedbeenrippedopenandalltheclever,facilewordshadpouredoutofhim,leavinghimempty.IwaswonderingifClarywashere.Iwashopingtotalktoher.

Amatis shookherhead.Theblanknesshadgone fromherexpression, and shewas lookingathimintentlyenoughtomakehimnervous.Shesnot.IthinksheswiththeLightwoods.

Oh.Hewassurprisedathowdisappointedhefelt.Sorrytohavebotheredyou.

Itsnobother.Imgladyourehere,actually,shesaidbriskly.TherewassomethingIwantedtotalktoyouabout.Comeintothehall;Illberightback.

Jacesteppedinsideasshedisappeareddownthehallway.Hewonderedwhatonearthshecouldhavetotalktohimabout.MaybeClaryhaddecidedshewantednothingmoretodowithhimandhadchosenAmatistodeliverthemessage.

Amatiswasbackinamoment.ShewasntholdinganythingthatlookedlikeanotetoJacesreliefbutrathershewasclutchingasmallmetalboxinherhands.Itwasadelicateobject,chasedwithadesignof

birds.Jace,Amatissaid.LuketoldmethatyoureStephensthatStephenHerondalewasyourfather.Hetoldmeeverythingthathappened.

Jacenodded,whichwasallhefeltcalledontodo.Thenewswasleakingoutslowly,whichwashowhe liked it; hopefully hed be back in New York before everyone in Idris knew and was constantlystaringathim.

YouknowIwasmarriedtoStephenbeforeyourmotherwas,Amatiswenton,hervoicetight,asifthewordshurttosay.Jacestaredatherwasthisabouthismother?Didsheresenthimforbringingupbadmemoriesofawomanwhoddiedbeforehewaseverborn?Ofallthepeoplealivetoday,Iprobablyknewyourfatherbest.

Yes,Jacesaid,wishinghewereelsewhere.Imsurethatstrue.

Iknowyouprobablyhavefeelingsabouthimthatareverymixed,shesaid,surprisinghimmainlybecause itwas true.You never knew him, and hewasnt themanwho raised you, but you look likehimexceptforyoureyes,thoseareyourmothers.AndmaybeImbeingcrazy,botheringyouwiththis.MaybeyoudontreallywanttoknowaboutStephenatall.Buthewasyourfather,andifhedknownyouShethrusttheboxathimthen,nearlymakinghimjumpback.ThesearesomethingsofhisthatIsavedovertheyears.Lettershewrote,photographs,afamilytree.Hiswitchlightstone.Maybeyoudonthavequestionsnow,butsomedayperhapsyouwill,andwhenyoudowhenyoudo,youllhavethis.Shestoodstill,givinghimtheboxas ifshewereofferinghimaprecious treasure.Jacereachedoutand took itfromherwithoutaword;itwasheavy,andthemetalwascoldagainsthisskin.

Thank you, he said. Itwas the best he could do.He hesitated, and then said, There is one thing.SomethingIvebeenwondering.

Yes?

IfStephenwasmyfather,thentheInquisitorImogenwasmygrandmother.

ShewasAmatispaused.Averydifficultwoman.Butyes,shewasyourgrandmother.

Shesavedmylife,saidJace.Imean,foralongtimesheactedlikeshehatedmyguts.Butthenshesaw this. He drew the collar of his shirt aside, showing Amatis the white star-shaped scar on hisshoulder.Andshesavedmylife.Butwhatcouldmyscarpossiblymeantoher?

Amatisseyeshadgonewide.Youdontremembergettingthatscar,doyou?

Jaceshookhishead.ValentinetoldmeitwasaninjuryfromwhenIwastooyoungtoremember,butnowIdontthinkIbelievehim.

Itsnotascar.Itsabirthmark.Theresanoldfamilylegendaboutit,thatoneofthefirstHerondalestobecomeaShadowhunterwasvisitedbyanangel inadream.Theangel touchedhimontheshoulder,andwhenhewokeup,hehadamarklikethat.Andallhisdescendantshaveitaswell.Sheshrugged.Idontknowifthestoryistrue,butalltheHerondaleshavethemark.Yourfatherhadonetoo,here.Shetouchedherrightupperarm.Theysayitmeansyouvehadcontactwithanangel.Thatyoureblessed,insomeway.ImogenmusthaveseentheMarkandguessedwhoyoureallywere.

JacestaredatAmatis,buthewasntseeingher:Hewasseeingthatnightontheship;thewet,blackdeckandtheInquisitordyingathisfeet.Shesaidsomethingtome,hesaid.Whileshewasdying.Shesaid,Yourfatherwouldbeproudofyou.Ithoughtshewasbeingcruel.IthoughtshemeantValentine.

Amatisshookherhead.ShemeantStephen,shesaidsoftly.Andshewasright.Hewouldhavebeen.

Clary pushed open Amatiss front door and stepped inside, thinking how quickly the house hadbecomefamiliartoher.Shenolongerhadtostraintorememberthewaytothefrontdoor,orthewaytheknobstuckslightlyasshepusheditopen.Theglintofsunlightoffthecanalwasfamiliar,aswastheviewofAlicante through thewindow.She could almost imagine livinghere, almost imaginewhat itwouldbelikeifIdriswerehome.Shewonderedwhatshedstartmissingfirst.Chinesetakeout?Movies?MidtownComics?

Shewasabouttoheadforthestairswhensheheardhermothersvoicefromthelivingroomsharp,andslightlyagitated.ButwhatcouldJocelynhave tobeupsetabout?Everythingwasfinenow,wasnt it?Withoutthinking,Clarydroppedbackagainstthewallnearthelivingroomdoorandlistened.

Whatdoyoumean,youre staying?Jocelynwassaying.Youmeanyourenotcomingback toNewYorkatall?

IvebeenaskedtoremaininAlicanteandrepresentthewerewolvesontheCouncil,Lukesaid.ItoldthemIdletthemknowtonight.

Couldntsomeoneelsedothat?OneofthepackleadershereinIdris?

ImtheonlypackleaderwhowasonceaShadowhunter.Thatswhytheywantme.Hesighed.Istartedallthis,Jocelyn.Ishouldstayhereandseeitout.

Therewasashortsilence.Ifthatshowyoufeel,thenofcourseyoushouldstay,Jocelynsaidatlast,buthervoicedidntsoundsure.

Illhavetosellthebookstore.Getmyaffairsinorder.Lukesoundedgruff.ItsnotlikeIllbemovingrightaway.

I can take care of that. After everything youve done Jocelyn didnt seem to have the energy tomaintainherbrighttone.Hervoicetrailedoffintosilence,asilencethatstretchedoutsolongthatClarythoughtaboutclearingherthroatandwalkingintothelivingroomtoletthemknowshewasthere.

Amomentlatershewasgladshehadnt.Look,Lukesaid,Ivewantedtotellyouthisforalongtime,butIdidnt.Iknewitwouldnevermatter,evenifIdidsayit,becauseofwhatIam.YouneverwantedthattobepartofClaryslife.Butsheknowsnow,soIguessitdoesntmakeadifference.AndImightaswelltellyou.Iloveyou,Jocelyn.Ihavefortwentyyears.Hepaused.Clarystrainedtohearhermothersresponse,butJocelynwassilent.At lastLukespokeagain,hisvoiceheavy.Ihave togetbackto theCouncilandtellthemIllstay.Wedonteverhavetotalkaboutthisagain.Ijustfeelbetterhavingsaiditafterallthistime.

ClarypressedherselfbackagainstthewallasLuke,hisheaddown,stalkedoutofthelivingroom.Hebrushedbyherwithoutseemingtoseeheratallandyankedthefrontdooropen.Hestoodthereforamoment,staringblindlyoutatthesunshinebouncingoffthewaterofthecanal.Thenhewasgone,thedoorslammingshutbehindhim.

Clarystoodwhereshewas,herbackagainstthewall.ShefeltterriblysadforLuke,andterriblysadforhermother, too.It lookedlikeJocelynreallydidnt loveLuke,andmaybenevercould.Itwasjustlike ithadbeenforherandSimon,exceptshedidntseeanywaythatLukeandhermothercouldfixthings.NotifhewasgoingtostayhereinIdris.Tearsstunghereyes.Shewasabouttoturnandgointothe living roomwhen she heard the sound of the kitchen door opening and another voice. This one

soundedtired,andalittleresigned.Amatis.

SorryIoverheardthat,butImgladhesstaying,Lukessistersaid.Notjustbecausehellbenearmebutbecauseitgiveshimachancetogetoveryou.

Jocelynsoundeddefensive.Amatis

Itsbeenalongtime,Jocelyn,Amatissaid.Ifyoudontlovehim,yououghttolethimgo.

Jocelyn was silent. Clary wished she could see her mothers expressiondid she look sad? Angry?Resigned?

Amatisgavealittlegasp.Unlessyoudolovehim?

Amatis,Icant

Youdo!Youdo!Therewasasharpsound,asifAmatishadclappedherhandstogether.Iknewyoudid!Ialwaysknewit!

Itdoesntmatter.Jocelynsoundedtired.ItwouldntbefairtoLuke.

I dont want to hear it. There was a rustling noise, and Jocelyn made a sound of protest. ClarywonderedifAmatishadactuallygrabbedholdofhermother.Ifyoulovehim,yougorightnowandtellhim.Rightnow,beforehegoestotheCouncil.

ButtheywanthimtobetheirCouncilmember!Andhewantsto

AllLucianwants,saidAmatisfirmly,isyou.YouandClary.Thatsallheeverwanted.Nowgo.

BeforeClary had a chance tomove, Jocelyn dashed out into the hallway. She headed toward thedoorandsawClary,flattenedagainstthewall.Halting,sheopenedhermouthinsurprise.

Clary!Shesoundedasifsheweretryingtomakehervoicebrightandcheerful,andfailingmiserably.Ididntrealizeyouwerehere.

Clary stepped away from thewall, grabbed hold of the doorknob, and threw the doorwide open.Brightsunlightpouredinto thehall.Jocelynstoodblinkingin theharsh illumination,hereyesonherdaughter.

IfyoudontgoafterLuke,Clarysaid,enunciatingveryclearly,I,personally,willkillyou.

ForamomentJocelynlookedastonished.Thenshesmiled.Well,shesaid,ifyouputitlikethat.

Amoment later shewasoutof thehouse,hurryingdown the canalpath toward theAccordsHall.Claryshutthedoorbehindherandleanedagainstit.

Amatis,emergingfromthelivingroom,dartedpasthertoleanonthewindowsill,glancinganxiouslyoutthroughthepane.DoyouthinkshellcatchhimbeforehegetstotheHall?

Mymomsspentherwholelifechasingmearound,Clarysaid.Shemovesfast.

Amatisglancedtowardherandsmiled.Oh,thatremindsme,shesaid.Jacestoppedbytoseeyou.Ithinkheshopingtoseeyouatthecelebrationtonight.

Ishe?Clarysaidthoughtfully.Mightaswellask.Nothingventured,nothinggained.Amatis,shesaid,andLukessisterturnedawayfromthewindow,lookingathercuriously.

Yes?

Thatsilverdressofyours,inthetrunk,saidClary.CanIborrowit?

ThestreetswerealreadybeginningtofillwithpeopleasClarywalkedbackthroughthecitytowardtheLightwoodshouse.Itwastwilight,andthelightswerebeginningtogoon,fillingtheairwithapaleglow.Bunchesof familiar-lookingwhite flowershung frombaskets on thewalls, filling the airwiththeirspicysmells.Darkgoldfire-runesburnedonthedoorsofthehousesshepassed;therunesspokeofvictoryandrejoicing.

TherewereShadowhuntersoutinthestreets.Nonewerewearinggeartheywereinavarietyoffinery,from themodern towhat bordered on historical costumery. Itwas an unusuallywarm night, so fewpeoplewerewearingcoats,but therewereplentyofwomeninwhat lookedtoClary likeballgowns,theirfullskirtssweepingthestreets.Aslimdarkfigurecutacrosstheroadaheadofherassheturnedonto the Lightwoods street, and she saw that it was Raphael, hand in hand with a tall dark-hairedwomaninaredcocktaildress.HeglancedoverhisshoulderandsmiledatClary,asmilethatsentalittleshiver over her, and she thought that it was true that there really was something alien aboutDownworlderssometimes,somethingalienandfrightening.Perhapsitwasjustthateverythingthatwasfrighteningwasntnecessarilyalsobad.

Although,shehadherdoubtsaboutRaphael.

ThefrontdooroftheLightwoodshousewasopen,andseveralofthefamilywerealreadystandingoutonthepavement.MaryseandRobertLightwoodwerethere,chattingwithtwootheradults;whentheyturned,ClarysawwithslightsurprisethatitwasthePenhallows,Alinesparents.Marysesmiledatherpast them;shewaselegantinadarkbluesilksuit,herhair tiedbackfromherseverefacewithathicksilverband.ShelookedlikeIsabellesomuchsothatClarywantedtoreachoutandputahandonher shoulder.Maryse still seemed so sad, even as she smiled, andClary thought,Shes rememberingMax,justlikeIsabellewas,andthinkinghowmuchhewouldhavelikedallthis.

Clary! Isabelle bounded down the front steps, her dark hair flying behind her. She was wearingneitherof theoutfits shedshowed toClaryearlier,butan incrediblegoldsatindress thathuggedherbody like the closedpetals of a flower.Her shoeswere spiked sandals, andClary rememberedwhatIsabellehadoncesaidabouthowshelikedherheels,andlaughedtoherself.Youlookfantastic.

Thanks.Clary tuggeda little self-consciouslyat thediaphanousmaterialof thesilverdress. Itwasprobablythegirliestthingshedeverworn.Itlefthershouldersuncovered,andeverytimeshefelttheendsofherhairticklethebareskinthere,shehadtoquelltheurgetohuntforacardiganorhoodietowrapherselfin.Youtoo.

Isabellebentovertowhisperinherear.Jaceisnthere.

Clarypulledback.Thenwhere?

Alec says hemight be at the square,where the fireworks are going to be. Im sorryI haveno ideawhatsupwithhim.

Claryshrugged,tryingtohideherdisappointment.Itsokay.

AlecandAlinetumbledoutofthehouseafterIsabelle,Alineinabrightreddressthatmadeherhairlookshockinglyblack.Alechaddressedlikeheusuallydid,inasweateranddarkpants,thoughClaryhadtoadmitthatatleastthesweaterdidntappeartohaveanyvisibleholesinit.HesmiledatClary,andshethought,withsurprise,thatactuallyhedidlookdifferent.Lightersomehow,asifaweightwereoffhisshoulders.

Ive never been to a celebration that hadDownworlders at it before, saidAline, looking nervouslydownthestreet,whereafaeriegirlwhoselonghairwasbraidedwithflowersno,Clarythought,herhairwas flowers, connected by delicate green tendrilswas plucking some of thewhite blossoms out of ahangingbasket,lookingatthemthoughtfully,andeatingthem.

Youllloveit,Isabellesaid.Theyknowhowtoparty.Shewavedgood-byetoherparentsandtheysetofftowardtheplaza,Clarystillfightingtheurgetocoverthetophalfofherbodybycrossingherarmsoverherchest.Thedressswirledoutaroundherfeetlikesmokecurlingonthewind.ShethoughtofthesmokethathadrisenoverAlicanteearlierthatday,andshivered.

Hey!Isabellesaid,andClary lookeduptoseeSimonandMaiacomingtowardthemupthestreet.She hadnt seen Simon for most of the day; hed gone down to the Hall to observe the preliminaryCouncilmeetingbecause,hesaid,hewascuriouswhotheydchoosetoholdthevampiresCouncilseat.ClarycouldntimagineMaiawearinganythingasgirlyasadress,andindeedshewascladinlow-slungcamopantsandablackT-shirtthatsaidCHOOSEYOURWEAPONandhadadesignofdiceunderthewords.Itwasagamertee,Clarythought,wonderingifMaiawasreallyagamerorwaswearingtheT-shirttoimpressSimon.Ifso,itwasagoodchoice.YouheadingbackdowntoAngelSquare?

Maia and Simon acknowledged that they were, and they headed toward the Hall together in acompanionablegroup.SimondroppedbacktofallintostepbesideClary,andtheywalkedtogetherinsilence.ItwasgoodjusttobeclosetoSimonagainhehadbeenthefirstpersonshedwantedtoseeonceshewasbackinAlicante.Shedhuggedhimverytightly,gladhewasalive,andtouchedtheMarkonhisforehead.

Diditsaveyou?shedasked,desperatetohearthatshehadntdonewhatshehadtohimfornoreason.

Itsavedme,wasallhedsaidinreply.

IwishIcouldtakeitoffyou,shedsaid.IwishIknewwhatmighthappentoyoubecauseofit.

Hedtakenholdofherwristanddrawnherhandgentlybackdowntoherside.Wellwait,hedsaid.Andwellsee.

Shedbeenwatchinghimclosely,butshehadtoadmitthattheMarkdidntseemtobeaffectinghiminanyvisibleway.Heseemedjustashealwayshad.JustlikeSimon.Onlyhedtakentobrushinghishairslightlydifferently,tocovertheMark;ifyoudidntalreadyknowitwasthere,youdneverguess.

Howwasthemeeting?Claryaskedhimnow,givinghimaonce-overtoseeifheddressedupforthecelebration.Hehadnt,butshehardlyblamedhimthejeansandT-shirthehadonwereallhehadtowear.Whodtheychoose?

NotRaphael, Simon said, sounding as if hewere pleased about it. Someother vampire.Hehad apretentiousname.Nightshadeorsomething.

You know, they askedme if Iwanted to draw the symbol of theNewCouncil,Clary said. Its anhonor.IsaidIddoit.ItsgoingtohavetheruneoftheCouncilsurroundedbythesymbolsofthefourDownworlderfamilies.Amoonforthewerewolves,andIwasthinkingafour-leafcloverforthefaeries.Aspellbookforthewarlocks.ButIcantthinkofanythingforthevampires.

Howaboutafang?Simonsuggested.Maybedrippingblood.Hebaredhisteeth.

Thankyou,Clarysaid.Thatsveryhelpful.

Imglad theyaskedyou,Simonsaid,moreseriously.Youdeserve thehonor.Youdeserveamedal,really,forwhatyoudid.TheAllianceruneandeverything.

Claryshrugged.Idontknow.Imean,thebattlebarelywentonfortenminutes,afterallthat.IdontknowhowmuchIhelped.

Iwasinthatbattle,Clary,Simonsaid.Itmayhavebeenabouttenminuteslong,butitwastheworsttenminutes ofmy life.And I dont reallywant to talk about it. But Iwill say that even in that tenminutes,therewouldhavebeenalotmoredeathifithadntbeenforyou.Besides,thebattlewasonlypart of it. If you hadnt done what you did, there would be no New Council. We would beShadowhunters andDownworlders, hating each other, instead of Shadowhunters andDownworlders,goingtoapartytogether.

Claryfeltalumprisinginherthroatandstaredstraightahead,willingherselfnottotearup.Thanks,Simon.Shehesitated,sobrieflythatnoonewhowasntSimonwouldhavenoticedit.Buthedid.

Whatswrong?heaskedher.

Imjustwonderingwhatwedowhenwegetbackhome,shesaid.Imean,IknowMagnustookcareofyourmomsoshehasntbeenfreakingoutthatyouregone,butschool.Wevemissedatonofit.AndIdontevenknow

Yourenotgoingback,Simonsaidquietly.YouthinkIdontknowthat?YoureaShadowhunternow.YoullfinishupyoureducationattheInstitute.

Andwhataboutyou?Youreavampire.Areyoujustgoingtogobacktohighschool?

Yeah,Simonsaid,surprisingher.Iam.Iwantanormallife,asmuchasIcanhaveone.Iwanthighschool,andcollege,andallofthat.

Shesqueezedhishand.Thenyoushouldhaveit.Shesmiledupathim.Ofcourse,everyonesgoingtofreakoutwhenyoushowupatschool.

Freakout?Why?

Becauseyouresomuchhotternow thanwhenyou left.Sheshrugged. Its true.Mustbeavampirething.

Simonlookedbaffled.Imhotternow?

Sureyouare. Imean, lookat those two.Theyreboth totally intoyou.Shepointed toafewfeet infrontofthem,whereIsabelleandMaiahadmovedtowalksidebyside,theirheadsbenttogether.

Simonlookedupaheadatthegirls.Clarycouldalmostswearhewasblushing.Arethey?Sometimestheygettogetherandwhisperandstareatme.Ihavenoideawhatitsabout.

Sureyoudont.Clarygrinned.Poor you, youhave two cute girls vying for your love.Your life ishard.

Fine.Youtellmewhichonetochoose,then.

Noway.Thatsonyou.Sheloweredhervoiceagain.Look,youcandatewhoeveryouwantandIwilltotallysupportyou.Iamallaboutsupport.Supportismymiddlename.

Sothatswhyyounevertoldmeyourmiddlename.Ifigureditwassomethingembarrassing.

Claryignoredthis.Butjustpromisemesomething,okay?Iknowhowgirlsget.Iknowhowtheyhate

their boyfriendshaving a best friendwhos agirl. Just promisemeyouwont cutmeout of your lifetotally.Thatwecanstillhangoutsometimes.

Sometimes?Simonshookhishead.Clary,yourecrazy.

Herheartsank.Youmean

Imean thatIwouldneverdateagirlwhoinsistedthatIcutyououtofmylife.Itsnon-negotiable.Youwantapieceofall this fabulousness?Hegesturedathimself.Well,mybest friendcomesalongwithit.Iwouldntcutyououtofmylife,Clary,anymorethanIwouldcutoffmyrighthandandgiveittosomeoneasaValentinesDaygift.

Gross,saidClary.Mustyou?

Hegrinned.Imust.

AngelSquarewasalmostunrecognizable.TheHallglowedwhiteatthefarendoftheplaza,partlyobscuredbyanelaborateforestofhugetreesthathadsprungupinthecenterofthesquare.Theywereclearlytheproductofmagicalthough,Clarythought,rememberingMagnussability towhiskfurnitureandcupsofcoffeeacrossManhattanattheblinkofaneye,maybetheywerereal,iftransplanted.Thetreesrosenearlytotheheightofthedemontowers,theirsilverytrunkswrappedwithribbons,coloredlights caught in the whispering green nets of their branches. The square smelled of white flowers,smoke, and leaves. All around its edges were placed tables and long benches, and groups ofShadowhunters and Downworlders crowded around them, laughing and drinking and talking. Yetdespitethelaughter,therewasasombernessmixedwiththeairofcelebrationapresentsorrowsidebysidewithjoy.

The stores that lined the squarehad theirdoors thrownopen, light spillingoutonto thepavement.Partygoersstreamedby,carryingplatesoffoodandlong-stemmedglassesofwineandbrightlycoloredliquids.Simonwatchedakelpieskippast,carryingaglassofbluefluid,andraisedaneyebrow.

ItsnotlikeMagnussparty,Isabellereassuredhim.Everythinghereoughttobesafetodrink.

Oughttobe?Alinelookedworried.

Alec glanced toward the mini-forest, the colored lights reflecting in the blue irises of his eyes.Magnusstoodintheshadowofatree,talkingtoagirlinawhitedresswithacloudofpalebrownhair.She turnedasMagnus looked toward them,andClary lockedeyeswithher foramomentacross thedistancethatseparatedthem.Therewassomethingfamiliarabouther,thoughClarycouldnthavesaidwhatitwas.

Magnusbrokeawayandcametowardthem,andthegirlhedbeentalkingtoslippedintotheshadowsofthetreesandwasgone.HewasdressedlikeaVictoriangentleman,inalongblackfrockcoatoveraviolet silkvest.A squarepockethandkerchief embroideredwith the initialsM.B.protruded fromhisvestpocket.

Nicevest,saidAlecwithasmile.

Wouldyoulikeoneexactlylikeit?Magnusinquired.Inanycoloryouprefer,ofcourse.

Idontreallycareaboutclothes,Alexprotested.

AndIlovethataboutyou,Magnusannounced,thoughIwouldalsoloveyouifyouowned,perhaps,onedesignersuit.Whatdoyousay?Dolce?Zegna?Armani?

Alec sputtered as Isabelle laughed, and Magnus took the opportunity to lean close to Clary andwhisperinherear.TheAccordsHallsteps.Go.

Shewantedtoaskhimwhathemeant,buthedalreadyturnedbacktoAlecandtheothers.Besides,shehadafeelingsheknew.ShesqueezedSimonswristasshewent,andheturnedtosmileatherbeforereturningtohisconversationwithMaia.

She cut through the edge of the glamour forest to cross the square, weaving in and out of theshadows.The trees reachedup to the footof theHall stairs,whichwasprobablywhy thestepswerealmostdeserted.Thoughnotentirely.Glancingtowardthedoors,Clarycouldmakeoutafamiliardarkoutline,seatedintheshadowofapillar.Herheartquickened.

Jace.

Shehadtogatherherskirtupinherhandstoclimbthestairs,afraidshedsteponandtearthedelicatematerial.ShealmostwishedshehadwornhernormalclothesassheapproachedJace,whowassittingwithhisbacktoapillar,staringoutoverthesquare.Heworehismostmundaneclothesjeans,awhiteshirt,andadark jacketover them.Andforalmost the first timesinceshedmethim,she thought,hedidntseemtobecarryinganyweapons.

Sheabruptlyfeltoverdressed.Shestoppedaslightdistanceawayfromhim,suddenlyunsurewhattosay.

As if sensingher there, Jace lookedup.Hewasholdingsomethingbalanced inhis lap, shesaw,asilverybox.Helookedtired.Therewereshadowsunderhiseyes,andhispalegoldhairwasuntidy.Hiseyeswidened.Clary?

Whoelsewoulditbe?

Hedidntsmile.Youdontlooklikeyou.

Itsthedress.Shesmoothedherhandsdownthematerialself-consciously.Idontusuallywearthingsthispretty.

Youalwayslookbeautiful,hesaid,andsherememberedthefirsttimehedcalledherbeautiful,inthegreenhouseattheInstitute.Hehadntsaiditlikeitwasacompliment,butjustasifitwereanacceptedfact,likethefactthatshehadredhairandlikedtodraw.Butyoulookdistant.LikeIcouldnttouchyou.

Shecameoverthenandsatdownnexttohimonthewidetopstep.Thestonewascoldthroughthematerialofherdress.Sheheldherhandouttohim;itwasshakingslightly,justenoughtobevisible.Touchme,shesaid.Ifyouwantto.

He tookherhandand laid itagainsthischeekforamoment.Thenheset itbackdowninher lap.Claryshiveredalittle,rememberingAlineswordsbackinIsabellesbedroom.Maybehesnotinterestedanymore,nowthatitsnotforbidden.Hehadsaidshelookeddistant,buttheexpressioninhiseyeswasasremoteasafarawaygalaxy.

Whatsinthebox?sheasked.Hewasstillclutchingthesilverrectangletightlyinonehand.Itwasanexpensive-lookingobject,delicatelycarvedwithapatternofbirds.

IwenttoAmatissearliertoday,lookingforyou,hesaid.Butyouwerentthere.SoItalkedtoAmatis.Shegavemethis.Heindicatedthebox.Itbelongedtomyfather.

Foramomentshejustlookedathimuncomprehendingly.ThiswasValentines?shethought,andthen,

withajolt,No,thatsnotwhathemeans.Ofcourse,shesaid.AmatiswasmarriedtoStephenHerondale.

Ivebeengoing through it, he said.Reading the letters, the journal pages. I thought if I did that, Imightfeelsomesortofconnectiontohim.Somethingthatwouldleapoffthepagesatme,saying,Yes,thisisyourfather.ButIdontfeelanything.Justbitsofpaper.Anyonecouldhavewrittenthesethings.

Jace,shesaidsoftly.

Andthatsanotherthing,hesaid.Idonthaveanameanymore,doI?ImnotJonathanChristopherthatwassomeoneelse.ButitsthenameImusedto.

WhocameupwithJaceasanickname?Didyoucomeupwithityourself?

Jaceshookhishead.No.ValentinealwayscalledmeJonathan.AndthatswhattheycalledmewhenIfirst got to the Institute. I was never supposed to think my name was Jonathan Christopher, youknowthatwas an accident. I got the nameout ofmy fathers journal, but itwasntmehewas talkingabout.Itwasntmyprogresshewasrecording.ItwasSebItwasJonathans.SothefirsttimeIevertoldMarysethatmymiddlenamewasChristopher,shetoldherselfthatshedjustrememberedwrong,andChristopherhadbeenMichaelssonsmiddlename.Ithadbeentenyears,afterall.ButthatwaswhenshestartedcallingmeJace:Itwaslikeshewantedtogivemeanewname,somethingthatbelongedtoher,tomylifeinNewYork.AndIlikedit.IdneverlikedJonathan.Heturnedtheboxoverinhishands.Iwonder ifmaybeMaryseknew,orguessed,but justdidntwant toknow.She lovedmeand shedidntwanttobelieveit.

WhichiswhyshewassoupsetwhenshefoundoutyouwereValentinesson,saidClary.Becauseshethoughtsheoughttohaveknown.Shekindofdidknow.Butweneverdowanttobelievethingslikethataboutpeoplewelove.And,Jace,shewasrightaboutyou.Shewasrightaboutwhoyoureallyare.Andyoudohaveaname.YournameisJace.Valentinedidntgivethatnametoyou.Marysedid.Theonlythingthatmakesanameimportant,andyours,isthatitsgiventoyoubysomeonewholovesyou.

Jacewhat?hesaid.JaceHerondale?

Oh,please,shesaid.YoureJaceLightwood.Youknowthat.

He raised his eyes to hers.His lashes shadowed them thickly, darkening the gold. She thought helookedalittlelessremote,thoughperhapsshewasimaginingit.

Maybeyoureadifferentpersonthanyouthoughtyouwere,shewenton,hopingagainsthopethatheunderstoodwhatshemeant.Butnoonebecomesatotallydifferentpersonovernight.JustfindingoutthatStephenwasyourbiologicalfatherisntgoingtoautomaticallymakeyoulovehim.Andyoudonthave to.Valentinewasntyour real father,butnotbecauseyoudonthavehisblood inyourveins.Hewasntyourrealfatherbecausehedidntactlikeafather.Hedidnttakecareofyou.ItsalwaysbeentheLightwoodswhohave takencareofyou.Theyreyour family.Just likeMomandLukearemine.Shereachedtotouchhisshoulder,thendrewherhandback.Imsorry,shesaid.HereIamlecturingyou,andyouprobablycameupheretobealone.

Youreright,hesaid.

Claryfeltthebreathgooutofher.Allright,then.Illgo.Shestoodup,forgettingtoholdherdressup,andnearlysteppedonthehem.

Clary!Settingtheboxdown,Jacescrambledtohisfeet.Clary,wait.ThatwasntwhatImeant.IdidntmeanIwantedtobealone.ImeantyouwererightaboutValentineabouttheLightwoods

She turned and looked at him. He was standing half in and half out of the shadows, the bright,coloredlightsofthepartybelowcastingstrangepatternsacrosshisskin.Shethoughtofthefirsttimeshedseenhim.Shedthoughthelookedlikealion.Beautifulanddeadly.Helookeddifferenttohernow.Thathard,defensivecasingheworelikearmorwasgone,andheworehisinjuriesinstead,visiblyandproudly.Hehadntevenusedhissteletotakeawaythebruisesonhisface,alongthelineofhisjaw,athisthroatwheretheskinshowedabovethecollarofhisshirt.Buthelookedbeautifultoherstill,morethanbefore,becausenowheseemedhumanhuman,andreal.

Youknow,shesaid,Alinesaidmaybeyouwouldntbeinterestedanymore.Nowthatitisntforbidden.Nowthatyoucouldbewithmeifyouwantedto.Sheshiveredalittleintheflimsydress,grippingherelbowswithherhands.Isthattrue?Areyounotinterested?

Interested?As if youwere aa book, or a piece of news?No, Im not interested. ImHe broke off,gropingfor theword thewaysomeonemightgropefora lightswitch in thedark.DoyourememberwhatIsaidtoyoubefore?Aboutfeelinglikethefactthatyouweremysisterwasasortofcosmicjokeonme?Onbothofus?

Iremember.

Ineverbelievedit,hesaid.Imean,IbelieveditinawayIletitdrivemetodespair,butIneverfeltit.Neverfeltyouweremysister.BecauseIdidntfeelaboutyouthewayyouresupposedtofeelaboutyoursister. But that didntmean I didnt feel like youwere a part ofme. Ive always felt that. Seeing herpuzzledexpression,hebrokeoffwithanimpatientnoise.Imnotsayingthisright.Clary,IhatedeverysecondthatIthoughtyouweremysister.IhatedeverymomentthatIthoughtwhatIfeltforyoumeanttherewassomethingwrongwithme.But

Butwhat?Clarysheartwasbeatingsoharditwasmakingherfeelmorethanalittledizzy.

IcouldseethedelightValentinetookinthewayIfeltaboutyou.Thewayyoufeltaboutme.Heuseditasaweaponagainstus.Andthatmademehatehim.Morethananythingelsehedeverdonetome,thatmademehatehim,anditmademeturnagainsthim,andmaybethatswhatIneededtodo.BecausethereweretimesIdidntknowifIwantedtofollowhimornot.ItwasahardchoiceharderthanIliketoremember.Hisvoicesoundedtight.

IaskedyouifIhadachoiceonce,Claryremindedhim.Andyousaid,Wealwayshavechoices.YouchoseagainstValentine.Intheendthatwasthechoiceyoumade,anditdoesntmatterhowharditwastomakeit.Itmattersthatyoudid.

Iknow,Jacesaid.ImjustsayingthatIthinkIchosethewayIdidinpartbecauseofyou.SinceIvemetyou,everythingIvedonehasbeeninpartbecauseofyou.Icantuntiemyselffromyou,Clarynotmyheartormybloodormymindoranyotherpartofme.AndIdontwantto.

Youdont?shewhispered.

Hetookasteptowardher.Hisgazewasfastenedonherface,asifhecouldntlookaway.Ialwaysthoughtlovemadeyoustupid.Madeyouweak.AbadShadowhunter.Toloveistodestroy. Ibelievedthat.

Shebitherlip,butshecouldntlookawayfromhim,either.

Iusedtothinkbeingagoodwarriormeantnotcaring,hesaid.Aboutanything,myselfespecially.ItookeveryriskIcould.Iflungmyselfinthepathofdemons.IthinkIgaveAlecacomplexaboutwhat

kindoffighterhewas,justbecausehewantedtolive.Jacesmiledunevenly.AndthenImetyou.Youwereamundane.Weak.Notafighter.Nevertrained.AndthenIsawhowmuchyoulovedyourmother,loved Simon, and how youd walk into hell to save them. You did walk into that vampire hotel.Shadowhunterswith a decade of experiencewouldnt have tried that. Love didntmake youweak, itmadeyoustrongerthananyoneIdevermet.AndIrealizedIwastheonewhowasweak.

No.Shewasshocked.Yourenot.

Maybe not anymore.He took another step, and now hewas close enough to touch her.ValentinecouldntbelieveIdkilledJonathan,hesaid.CouldntbelieveitbecauseIwastheweakone,andJonathanwastheonewithmoretraining.Byallrightsheprobablyshouldhavekilledme.Henearlydid.ButIthoughtofyouIsawyouthere,clearly,asifyouwerestandinginfrontofme,watchingme,andIknewIwantedtolive,wanteditmorethanIdeverwantedanything,ifonlysothatIcouldseeyourfaceonemoretime.

Shewishedshecouldmove,wishedshecouldreachoutandtouchhim,butshecouldnt.Herarmsfeltfrozen at her sides.His facewas close to hers, so close that she could seeher own reflection in thepupilsofhiseyes.

AndnowImlookingatyou,hesaid,andyoureaskingmeifIstillwantyou,asifIcouldstoplovingyou.AsifIwouldwanttogiveupthethingthatmakesmestrongerthananythingelseeverhas.IneverdaredgivemuchofmyselftoanyonebeforebitsofmyselftotheLightwoods,toIsabelleandAlec,butittookyearstodoitbut,Clary,sincethefirsttimeIsawyou,Ihavebelongedtoyoucompletely.Istilldo.Ifyouwantme.

Fora split second longer she stoodmotionless.Then, somehow, shehadcaughtat the frontofhisshirtandpulledhimtowardher.Hisarmswentaroundher, liftingheralmostoutofhersandals,andthenhewaskissingherorshewaskissinghim,shewasntsure,anditdidntmatter.Thefeelofhismouthonherswas electric; her hands grippedhis arms, pulling himhard against her.The feel of his heartpounding through his shirtmade her dizzywith joy.No one elses heart beat like Jaces did, or evercould.

Helethergoatlastandshegaspedshedforgottentobreathe.Hecuppedherfacebetweenhishands,tracingthecurveofhercheekboneswithhisfingers.Thelightwasbackinhiseyes,asbrightasithadbeenbythelake,butnowtherewasawickedsparkletoit.There,hesaid.Thatwasntsobad,wasit,eventhoughitwasntforbidden?

Ivehadworse,shesaid,withashakylaugh.

Youknow,hesaid,bendingtobrushhismouthacrosshers,ifitsthelackofforbiddenyoureworriedabout,youcouldstillforbidmetodothings.

Whatkindsofthings?

Shefelthimsmileagainsthermouth.Thingslikethis.

Aftersometimetheycamedownthestairsandintothesquare,whereacrowdhadbeguntogatherinanticipationofthefireworks.Isabelleandtheothershadfoundatablenearthecornerofthesquareandwerecrowdedarounditonbenchesandchairs.Astheyapproachedthegroup,Clarypreparedtodrawher hand out of Jacesand then stopped herself. They could hold hands if theywanted to. Therewasnothingwrongwithit.Thethoughtalmosttookherbreathaway.

Yourehere!Isabelledanceduptothemindelight,carryingaglassoffuchsialiquid,whichshethrustatClary.Havesomeofthis!

Clarysquintedatit.Isitgoingtoturnmeintoarodent?

Whereisthetrust?Ithinkitsstrawberryjuice,Isabellesaid.Anyway,itsyummy.Jace?Sheofferedhimtheglass.

Iamaman,hetoldher,andmendonotconsumepinkbeverages.Gettheegone,woman,andbringmesomethingbrown.

Brown?Isabellemadeaface.

Brownisamanlycolor,saidJace,andyankedonastraylockofIsabelleshairwithhisfreehand.Infact,lookAleciswearingit.

Aleclookedmournfullydownathissweater.Itwasblack,hesaid.Butthenitfaded.

Youcoulddressitupwithasequinedheadband,Magnussuggested,offeringhisboyfriendsomethingblueandsparkly.Justathought.

Resisttheurge,Alec.SimonwassittingontheedgeofalowwallwithMaiabesidehim,thoughsheappearedtobedeepinconversationwithAline.YoulllooklikeOliviaNewton-JohninXanadu.

Thereareworsethings,Magnusobserved.

SimondetachedhimselffromthewallandcameovertoClaryandJace.Withhishandsinthebackpocketsofhisjeans,heregardedthemthoughtfullyforalongmoment.Atlasthespoke.

Youlookhappy,hesaid toClary.HeswiveledhisgazetoJace.Andagoodthingforyouthatshedoes.

Jaceraisedaneyebrow.IsthisthepartwhereyoutellmethatifIhurther,youllkillme?

No,saidSimon.IfyouhurtClary,shesquitecapableofkillingyouherself.Possiblywithavarietyofweapons.

Jacelookedpleasedbythethought.

Look,Simonsaid.Ijustwantedtosaythatitsokayifyoudislikeme.IfyoumakeClaryhappy,Imfinewithyou.Hestuckhishandout,andJacetookhisownhandoutofClarysandshookSimons,abemusedlookonhisface.

Idontdislikeyou,hesaid.Infact,becauseIactuallydolikeyou,Imgoingtoofferyousomeadvice.

Advice?Simonlookedwary.

Iseethatyouareworkingthisvampireanglewithsomesuccess,Jacesaid, indicatingIsabelleandMaiawithanodofhishead.Andkudos.Lotsofgirlslovethatsensitive-undeadthing.ButIddropthatwholemusicianangleifIwereyou.Vampirerockstarsareplayedout,andbesides,youcantpossiblybeverygood.

Simonsighed.Idontsupposetheresanychanceyoucouldreconsiderthepartwhereyoudidntlikeme?

Enough,bothofyou,Clarysaid.Youcantbecompletejerkstoeachotherforever,youknow.

Technically,saidSimon,Ican.

Jacemadeaninelegantnoise;afteramomentClaryrealizedthathewastryingnottolaugh,andonlysemi-succeeding.

Simongrinned.Gotyou.

Well,Clarysaid.Thisisabeautifulmoment.ShelookedaroundforIsabelle,whowouldprobablybenearlyaspleasedasshewasthatSimonandJaceweregettingalong,albeitintheirownpeculiarway.

Insteadshesawsomeoneelse.

Standingat theveryedgeof theglamouredforest,whereshadowblended into light,wasaslenderwomaninagreendressthecolorofleaves,herlongscarlethairboundbackbyagoldencirclet.

The Seelie Queen. Shewas looking directly at Clary, and as Clarymet her gaze, she lifted up aslenderhandandbeckoned.Come.

WhetheritwasherowndesireorthestrangecompulsionoftheFairFolk,Clarywasntsure,butwithamurmured excuse she stepped away from the others andmade her way to the edge of the forest,wendingherwaythroughriotouspartygoers.Shebecameaware,asshedrewclosetotheQueen,ofapreponderanceoffaeriesstandingverynearthem,inacirclearoundtheirLady.Evenifshewantedtoappearalone,theQueenwasnotwithouthercourtiers.

TheQueenheldupanimperioushand.There,shesaid.Andnocloser.

Clary,afewstepsfromtheQueen,paused.Mylady,shesaid,rememberingtheformalwaythatJacehadaddressedtheQueeninsidehercourt.Whydoyoucallmetoyourside?

Iwouldhaveafavorfromyou,saidtheQueenwithoutpreamble.Andofcourse,Iwouldpromiseafavorinreturn.

Afavorfromme?Clarysaidwonderingly.Butyoudontevenlikeme.

The Queen touched her lips thoughtfully with a single long white finger. The Fair Folk, unlikehumans, do not concern themselves overmuchwith liking. Love, perhaps, and hate. Both are usefulemotions.But likingShe shruggedelegantly.TheCouncilhasnotyet chosenwhichofour folk theywould like to sit upon their seat, she said. I know thatLucianGraymark is like a father to you.Hewould listen to what you asked him. I would like you to ask him if they would choosemy knightMeliornforthetask.

Clary thoughtback to theAccordsHall,andMeliornsay inghedidnotwant to fight in thebattleunlesstheNightChildrenfoughtaswell.IdontthinkLukelikeshimverymuch.

Andagain,saidtheQueen,youspeakofliking.

WhenIsawyoubefore,intheSeelieCourt,Clarysaid,youcalledJaceandmebrotherandsister.Butyouknewwewerentreallybrotherandsister.Didntyou?

TheQueensmiled.Thesamebloodrunsinyourveins,shesaid.ThebloodoftheAngel.AllthosewhobeartheAngelsbloodarebrotherandsisterundertheskin.

Claryshivered.Youcouldhavetoldusthetruth,though.Andyoudidnt.

I toldyou the truthas I saw it.Weall tell the truthaswesee it,dowenot?Didyouever stop towonderwhat untruthsmight have been in the tale yourmother told you, that served her purpose intellingit?Doyoutrulythinkyouknoweachandeverysecretofyourpast?

Claryhesitated.Withoutknowingwhy,shesuddenlyheardMadameDorotheasvoiceinherhead.Youwillfallinlovewiththewrongperson,thehedge-witchhadsaidtoJace.ClaryhadcometoassumethatDorotheahadonlybeenreferringtohowmuchtroubleJacesaffectionforClarywouldbringthemboth.Butstill,therewereblanks,sheknew,inhermemoryevennow,things,events,thathadnotcomebackto her. Secretswhose truths shed never know. She had given them up for lost and unimportant, butperhaps

No.Shefeltherhandstightenathersides.TheQueenspoisonwasasubtleone,butpowerful.Wasthereanyoneintheworldwhocouldtrulysaytheykneweverysecretaboutthemselves?Andwerentsomesecretsbetterleftalone?

Sheshookherhead.WhatyoudidintheCourt,shesaid.Perhapsyoudidntlie.Butyouwereunkind.Shestartedtoturnaway.AndIhavehadenoughunkindness.

WouldyoutrulyrefuseafavorfromtheQueenoftheSeelieCourt?theQueendemanded.Noteverymortalisgrantedsuchachance.

Idontneedafavorfromyou,Clarysaid.IhaveeverythingIwant.

SheturnedherbackontheQueenandwalkedaway.

Whenshereturnedtothegroupshehadleft,shediscoveredthattheyhadbeenjoinedbyRobertandMaryseLightwood,whowereshesawwithsurpriseshakinghandswithMagnusBane,whohadputthesparkly headband away and was being the model of decorum. Maryse had her arm around Alecsshoulder.Therestofherfriendsweresittinginagroupalongthewall;Clarywasabouttomovetojointhem,whenshefeltataponhershoulder.

Clary!Itwashermother,smilingatherandLukestoodbesideher,hishandinhers.Jocelynwasntdressedupatall;sheworejeans,anda looseshirt thatat leastwasntstainedwithpaint.YoucouldnthavetoldfromthewayLukewaslookingather,though,thatshelookedanythinglessthanperfect.Imgladwefinallyfoundyou.

ClarygrinnedatLuke.SoyourenotmovingtoIdris,Itakeit?

Nah,hesaid.Helookedashappyasshedeverseenhim.Thepizzahereisterrible.

Jocelyn laughedandmovedoff to talk toAmatis,whowasadmiringa floatingglassbubble filledwithsmokethatkeptchangingcolors.ClarylookedatLuke.WereyoueveractuallygoingtoleaveNewYork,orwereyoujustsayingthattogethertofinallymakeamove?

Clary, said Luke, I am shocked that you would suggest such a thing. He grinned, then abruptlysobered.Youreallrightwithit,arentyou?IknowthismeansabigchangeinyourlifeIwasgoingtoseeifyouandyourmothermightwanttomoveinwithme,sinceyourapartmentsunlivablerightnow

Clarysnorted.Abigchange?Mylifehasalreadychangedtotally.Severaltimes.

Lukeglancedover towardJace,whowaswatching themfromhisseaton thewall.Jacenoddedatthem,hismouthcurlingupatthecornerinanamusedsmile.Iguessithas,Lukesaid.

Changeisgood,saidClary.

Lukeheldhishandup;theAlliancerunehadfaded,asithadforeveryone,buthisskinstillborethewhite telltale trace of it, the scar thatwould never entirely disappear.He looked thoughtfully at theMark.Soitis.

Clary!Isabellecalledfromthewall.Fireworks!

ClaryhitLukelightlyontheshoulderandwenttojoinherfriends.Theywereseatedalongthewallinaline:Jace,Isabelle,Simon,Maia,andAline.ShestoppedbesideJace.Idontseeanyfireworks,shesaid,mock-scowlingatIsabelle.

Patience,grasshopper,saidMaia.Goodthingscometothosewhowait.

IalwaysthoughtthatwasGoodthingscometothosewhodothewave,saidSimon.NowonderIvebeensoconfusedallmylife.

Confused is a niceword for it, said Jace, but hewas clearly only somewhat paying attention; hereachedoutandpulledClarytowardhim,almostabsently,asifitwereareflex.Sheleanedbackagainsthisshoulder,lookingupatthesky.Nothinglittheheavensbutthedemontowers,glowingasoftsilver-whiteagainstthedarkness.

Wheredidyougo?heasked,quietlyenoughthatonlyshecouldhearthequestion.

TheSeelieQueenwantedmetodoherafavor,saidClary.Andshewantedtodomeafavorinreturn.ShefeltJacetense.Relax.Itoldherno.

NotmanypeoplewouldturndownafavorfromtheSeelieQueen,saidJace.

ItoldherIdidntneedafavor,saidClary.ItoldherIhadeverythingIwanted.

Jacelaughedatthat,softly,andslidhishandupherarmtohershoulder;hisfingersplayedidlywiththechainaroundherneck,andClaryglanceddownattheglintofsilveragainstherdress.ShehadworntheMorgenstern ringsinceJacehad left it forher,andsometimesshewonderedwhy.Didshe reallywanttoberemindedofValentine?Andyet,atthesametime,wasiteverrighttoforget?

Youcouldnteraseeverythingthatcausedyoupainwithitsrecollection.ShedidntwanttoforgetMaxorMadeleine,orHodge,ortheInquisitor,orevenSebastian.Everymemorywasvaluable;eventhebadones.Valentinehadwantedtoforget:toforgetthattheworldhadtochange,andShadowhuntershadtochangewithittoforgetthatDownworldershadsouls,andallsoulsmatteredtothefabricoftheworld.HehadwantedtothinkonlyofwhatmadeShadowhuntersdifferentfromDownworlders.Butwhathadbeenhisundoinghadbeenthewayinwhichtheywereallthesame.

Clary,Jacesaid,breakingheroutofherreverie.Hetightenedhisarmsaroundher,andsheraisedherhead;thecrowdwascheeringasthefirstoftherocketswentup.Look.

Shelookedasthefireworksexplodedinashowerofsparkssparksthatpaintedthecloudsoverheadastheyfell,onebyone,instreakinglinesofgoldenfire,likeangelsfallingfromthesky.