****Daniel's POV****

"Daniel, Pippa, Harry, why didn't you tell me about Sara? Why didn't you tell me I have another daughter?"

Alec's voice reverberated in the room with the frailty of a shattered dream brought to life. Daniel felt his eyes swim with emotion as his head began to ache, the flaring pain from his abdomen acting up again at the mere mention of her name. There is so much he wants to say, so many ways he could react. Pippa and Harry stare in shock at their father. It appears they to have no idea how to react.

Tension runs through the room, so thick not even a knife could cut through it. Daniel has to swallow down chocking pain. His heart clenches as he manages to just barely stutter out a response.

"H-how? How do you know about h-her?"

Alec blinks sadly. "She's my daughter. How could I not know about her? The real question is: why didn't any of you tell me about her?" He seems to be holding back tears, those calloused fingers clenching into fists. "Why lie?"

"It's not that we didn't want to tell you, it's just..." Harry gestures feebly at the air, as if that explained everything.

It didn't.

"Talking about death isn't easy. We didn't want to overwhelm you." Pippa continues where Harry leaves off. Her tone is unflinching, but Daniel can hear the bitterness in Pippa's words. She had been the one who wanted the truth to come out most. Well, I guess she finally got her wish, he bitterly thinks.

"D-death? Sara...she's dead?"

"Yes. She is." Pippa tells them firmly. Daniel can feel his heart rate quicken, that rune on his abdomen itching some more.

Alec seems to curl in on himself now. Magnus tries to press closer to his husband, the look of worry on his face unmistakable. Those white wings remain trembling, powerful energy siphoning off each wingtip to dissipate freely in the air. Lucky for them the new archangel has yet to learn just how dangerous of a weapon he could be given the right situation. Daniel hopes he never has to find out, but finds that very notion to be ridiculous.

His time will come one day. We must help him to be ready.

"Pippa, that's, that's not-"

"What do you mean Daniel? You and I both know it's true! You're just too desperate to admit it." Pippa snaps.

"Guys, this isn't the right time to-"

"Quiet Harry! Daniel needs to stop living in the past." Pippa said.

"I'm not living in the past." Daniel glares. "If I was, I wouldn't have entertained this conversation at all, now would I?" The question was meant to be rhetorical, but Harry runs with it.

"But if that were true, then you would admit the truth. Right?" Harry asks in that small voice he always got when he was upset.

"That's exactly right. If you would accept that Sara is dead, you would be all the better for it." Pippa adds in.

Daniel didn't have the heart to care about hurting his younger brother's feelings currently. He was too full of emotion, so much weight pressing down on him that the air was seemingly pushed out of his lungs. He wanted to keel over to pass out. His legs remained stiff however, as though locked in place by some mysterious force or another. It was likely just his nerves reaching their highest point.

Everything hurts. So much pain. So much hurt. The faded lines on his wrists start to itch too. Old wounds from release; old wounds from sorrow. Daniel knew he needed to stop feeling sorry for himself.

"What I think is that your both out of your minds." Daniel growls out. "Talking about this in front of Alec...he's not ready! This isn't right!"

He can't see it, but he knows his eyes are flaring with their powerful blue light. The kind they got unintentionally whenever he was having an out of control power surge riddling his vulnerable body.

"Sara....how, how did she die? Why are you all so up in arms about it?" Alec asks.

None of the other winged nephilim had seen him break away from the Shadowhunters to stand near them. Magnus was still with Alec like some sort of sparkly anchor, keeping him steady. Alec's own wings were still shaking, but the glowing energy in them had settled.

"Alec, we...it's hard to explain." Harry tries to formulate words.

"Yes. So there isn't a point to explaining it at all." Daniel presses his motion yet again. "Drop it for now."

Pippa shakes her head, one finger raising to point at him in accusation. Daniel has a feeling he knows what she's thinking about. He doesn't like it. Not one bit.

"You would like that wouldn't you Daniel. Ignoring the truth that the Dark Order killed her...it's just gotten easier and easier for you."

"Guys..." Alec tries to grab Daniel and Pippa's attention. There is a sad frown on the former Shadowhunter's face as the Angel tries to comprehend his newfound grief.

"Perhaps we should let them talk things out Alexander. They don't seem to be in the best mood." Magnus whispers gently. Alec seems to be considering his husband's words as Pippa speaks yet again.

"No! We're going to talk to you. Daniel, will you be joining us, or are you going to continue to deny everything?" There is hardly any sympathy in Pippa's voice now. Some would say she was being harsh, it sure felt that way on paper. Daniel however understood that this anger was a long time coming.

I was just too lost in myself to see it.

Still, Daniel doesn't plan on sticking around.

"I'm not denying anything. But, I am going to leave. Tell him whatever you have to, just know that it isn't going to change anything. It won't help any of us sleep at night, least of all Alec." He doesn't wait for a reply as he spins on his heels to rush out of the room. The manor house floorboards creak under his feet as he runs, like a sad song of disappointment.

He doesn't look back.

The same looks of disappointment reign on Pippa and Harry's faces as they watch him go. They undoubtedly knew how the eldest would react.

But they still had hopes for a better result.

Their hopes were clearly unfounded.

***Isabelle's POV***

After Daniel had left, Pippa and Harry had ushered them to sit down for the story they had to tell. No one disagreed that talking about death whilst standing up was a bad idea, so soon enough Isabelle found herself sitting next to her fiancé on one of the formerly tarp covered cushions. The leather material was somewhat worn but still intact, it's coolness seeping into her skin. The fireplace crackles with embers as its light continues to gleam. The fire would bare witness to both a lovely party and....well, a hopefully not too haunting story.

Alec looks so sad...I wish I knew what to say to him. But I don't even know where to begin. This whole situation really just came out of nowhere...

At least she wasn't alone in her worries. Jace sat across the room on one of the other couches. Clary sat curled up in his lap, their two heartbeats intermingling. One might think such an intimate position inappropriate for such a somber occasion, but Isabelle knew better. Having Clary so close helps him get his thoughts together quicker. It keeps him reassured too. Unfortunately for Jace however, it appeared he was unable to come up with anything to say as of now.

So, Alec was left to his own devices. The eldest sat with his husband on the center couch, this one a deep navy blue -a fairly new addition- his eyes glassy as he stares off at something unseen. He appears to be mumbling slightly under his breath. As to what he is saying, Isabelle doesn't know. Normally an enhanced hearing rune would be all it would take for her to eavesdrop but seeing as her stele sat on one of the coffee tables far away she didn't feel inclined to get up for it as of yet.

Pippa and Harry stand stiffly in the middle of the room, the glowing fireplace at their backs. The shadows that they cast are long, outstretched lines. Those wings clutch against their backs make the shadows seem bulkier than they actually are. It's a wonder that the feathery appendages weren't quivering from their tucked away spots.

Perhaps they've processed their grief better?

"I'm sure you all are going to have a lot of questions, but Harry and I would both appreciate it if you saved them until the end. Is that alright or...?" Pippa trails off. Her green gaze is locked onto Alec in what looks to be an attempt to gauge his reaction. Alec remains with his stony expression of careful blankness, not giving anything away.

Surprisingly, it is Simon who has a question.

"So, before we begin, would you mind explaining what exactly the Dark Order is first? I think we would all appreciate it."

Harry lets out a tired sigh, the sort of noise only someone who has lived for centuries can make. Isabelle had heard Magnus make that very noise a few times in the past, like whenever Alec was being difficult or he was dealing with the anniversary of a loved one's death.

"Yes. I suppose that's fair. As you all know, Alec...well, Remiel as he is formerly more known as was sent to Earth as a messenger of sorts and a protector too. Earth, despite all its uniqueness, had several problems that needed to addressed by someone of the divine." Pippa explains.

"But isn't that what Shadowhunters are for?" Clary asks.

"Yes, but you have to recall that Shadowhunters didn't come into being until the year 1234. Demons still roamed the Earth long before that, demons of even worse power compared to those commonly seen now. Measures had to be taken or many more lives would've been lost." Pippa murmurs.

"So, if angels were the first to hunt demons then why were Shadowhunters created in the first place?" Jace asks. "Seems like a bit of a wasted effort to me."

Harry shakes his head. "No one...besides the angels know why it was decided Shadowhunters needed to be created. But, if I had to guess I'd say it has to do with angelic purity."

"Angelic purity?" Isabelle ponders aloud. Those words certainly went together, but how did they make sense in this circumstance?

"Yes. Angels are known for having pure natures. They are created with the intention of being incorruptible beings. Unfortunately however this isn't always the case. If it were, something like the Dark Order would never have come into existence in the first place."

At most everyone's confused stares Pippa elaborates further. "The Dark Order consists of Fallen Angels. They once were pure but became tainted by the evil of this world."

"Oh. So is that why Shadowhunters were created?" Simon asks.

"Yes. Most likely. I would ask Dad but...." Harry trails off, a sad look sent to Alec who was finally meeting the youngest sibling's gaze. "You don't remember all that right now I suppose."

"No. You're not wrong about that." Alec sighs. "I wish I did remember. Then maybe things would be easier..."

The unspoken "then I would've known the truth from the get go" is left unspoken but still heavily implied with Alec's somber words. Isabelle wants to reach out and hug him. Magnus takes this as his cue to gently embrace his husband from the side. One of those ring clad fingers run smoothly down the Archangel's back to steady him.

Pippa nods with acceptance. "Yes though we can't change the past. All we can do is move forward."

Alec's eyes darken. "Just like Daniel did with Sara? I don't think that worked out well. And, I don't think it worked out with you two either. That argument...was rather intense."

"Alec...we don't like fighting over Sara, and grieving over her is hard. It's not something any of us take joy in doing. You have to understand-"

"Maybe I don't want to understand." Alec rises to his feet now. "Everyone handles grief in their own way and I get that. But I don't think Daniel should be left alone to handle his. That can't be any good for him."

Pippa shakes her head. "We do want to help him." She sighs. "It's just..."

Harry continues where Pippa leaves off. "Every time we try he always refuses it. Its been almost six years now and he still has not come to terms with it. At this point, there's not much we can do except wait for him to get to that point."

Alec doesn't seem to like that answer, but he clearly has nothing to say in argument.

"How about both of you just get to the chase. We can talk about grief later. So, tell us, who exactly is Sara? What role does she play in all this mess?" Clary asks rather bluntly. Her parabatai was never one to beat around the bush. This could come in handy on some occasions, but right now it felt just a tad bit harsh.

"Sara...well, for starters she is, or was, Daniel's twin sister. They were practically inseparable since birth. Wherever one went the other followed."

"Huh. That's interesting. So if Daniel is a Lightwood, you're a Wayland," Jace points at Harry and then points at Pippa. "and you're a Fairchild then what Shadowhunter family did Sara help start?" The question had no bad intent behind it, but it still made Pippa and Harry frown in silent contemplation, as though they were pondering whether or not to tell the truth or avoid it entirely.

"I suppose it doesn't matter if you know this or not but I will warn you, it might upset you." Harry said.

"Huh? Why would it upset me? You are referring to me right?" Jace is perplexed.

"Yes, I am. Look, are you sure you want to know? Like, really sure?"

"Yes." Jace said seriously. "I'm sure."

Both Pippa and Harry seemed unsurprised by his response. "Sara has a lot in common with you. I'm surprised we didn't realize it earlier, but, I guess that's just what happens when you detach yourself from Shadowhunter society for several centuries." Pippa runs a hand down one of her wings, as though to hear herself up for her next words. "Sara is...well, was, Sara Herondale. She and her husband Rhys started the Herondale family."

There is silence at those words. Isabelle watches Jace's mouth gape open in shock, the disbelief clear on his face. Clary stiffens beside her boyfriend too, while Alec and Magnus just frown thoughtfully.

"She was...we were related?"

"Yes. After losing Sara, imagine my surprise when I found out that my last direct descendant wasn't even mine, wasn't a Wayland at all....but instead Sara's." Harry sounds tired; he hunches in on himself as though the words exhaust him.

Pippa gives him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, keeping her eyes fixated on the rest of the group. Red wings sparkle with faint light; fire dances in the fireplace. The red hot flames crackle even more with each gesture Pippa makes.

"We all hated that for you, but, it was nice too. In a way it was like we still got to have a piece of her with us. Even if it was a very estranged piece." Amusement rings in her voice. "I think Magnus would agree that you don't look anything like the original Herondales."

Magnus snorts at that. Isabelle stares at him curiously. There is amusement on Magnus's face, a distant look recalling someone of long past.

"You're not wrong that they look differently. But all Herondales act the same. Will and Jace are fine examples of that."

Who's Will? Is he talking about William Herondale? Isabelle wants to ask, but Alec beats her to it. His voice was low but still able to be heard.

"I assume you're thinking about Will Herondale."

Magnus waves his hand idly. "Will, James, Edmund, Owen. So, so many Herondales. All of them with bleeding hearts and sarcastic wit. And not to mention a fear of ducks...though I suppose James is the exception on that one. He did once ask them and I quote "to embrace him as their king" so..." He shrugs.

Everyone snickers at that, except Jace who flushes in embarrassment.

"That's not funny. Having a fear of ducks makes perfect sense." Jace mumbles.

"Oh honey, it kinda is." Clary rubs his arm sympathetically. Not one to waste offered comfort, Jace leans into his girlfriend's warmth, pulling her closer to pepper her with small kisses that Clary returns with fervor.

"Ahem. Not to break up the sweet moment, but we should be getting back on track." Alec says calmly. The tension has yet to leave his shoulders.

"Yes. I agree. The quicker we get through this the more concise everything will be. Now, where to continue..." Pippa trails off in thought.

"Why don't you start at the events that led up to her death." Magnus says.

Harry nods. "Good idea. Let's see, if I recall correctly it all started..."

***Harry's POV***

Flashback....

Harry had just gotten done with his daily errands and was returning home for the evening. A chill was in the air, bustling through his wings to ruffle the bronze feathers. He clutches in his grip an old parcel, the strap that held everything together was slightly ripped with frayed string at the ends of it. Inside contains the rolls upon rolls of reports he'd been collecting from the surrounding cities.

None of the reports were good.

It was with a heavy heart that he touches down on the stone path leading up to their home. Many things about the building had changed over the centuries, but the old stone path had remained a constant regardless of all the changes.

The pale stones were covered in leafy moss that made the surface mostly uneven as he steps on them. His steps feel squishy as a result but it does not hinder him from reaching the door. Because he left his key behind that morning, he knocks three times precisely before the door is wrenched open by a familiar redhead.

"Harry. Welcome home! Do you have any good news?" Pippa pulls him into a cheerful embrace as he walks through the door.

Harry accepts the comfort of the embrace with open arms, relishing in the warmth his older sister always seemed to exude. He lets out a tired sigh as he steps back.

"No. I'm afraid not."

Pippa frowns. "I suppose it's just as we feared then. Daniel and Sara will want to hear about the reports."

"I'm sure. Where are the twins anyways?"

Harry sets down the parcel on the entry table made of weathered mahogany to take off all his extra garments. Despite being practically invisible to most anything- including sickness for the most part- he still could get cold.

Pippa shrugs. "Last I heard they were out visiting Ricardo and the kids. Sara has been sad lately about not being around them all the time with everything going on, so Daniel thought it was only fair they took some time to see them."

"Hmm, I can't say I blame him for trying to cheer her up, but I doubt Sara will truly feel better until everything returns to normal."

"Yes. I think that sounds about right."

The two make their way into the living room. What had once just been a sitting area with several plush couches had transformed into an entertaining center with a large flat screen tv and a plethora of movies stacked on a high up shelf. Out of everyone in the family, Harry watches television the most. The youngest finds the ridiculous things the Mundanes get up to hysterical.

He plops down in one of the cushy seats before speaking again, one of his hands searching for the remote on the coffee table. Harry just barely manages not to knock over the old coffee cup sitting on one of the coasters, the little white ceramic cup luckily not spilling any of its now cold contents.

"Do you know when they'll be back?"

Pippa takes a seat on the other side of the couch. Her mostly red wings are folded up behind her like tightly wrapped extensions of flame.

"No. But I think they should be back by dinner. In the meantime, I don't see why we can't catch up on some quality tv." Pippa gestures to the screen idly. Her nails are painted a sapphire blue hue today, the color glinting in the low light of the room.

"Fair enough. So what do you want to watch?"

The younger siblings had about an hour to themselves before the twins arrived home. Daniel walked in right behind Sara, a lightness to his expression that he always got from some alone time. Harry inwardly laughs at the elder brother's wing tips, which have been dyed a bright pink for no discernible reason.

Looks like the kiddos are at it again. He knew Gabby's craftsmanship when he saw it. And as the paint went well above the little girl's reach Isaac had to be helping her out too.

"What took you guys so long?" Pippa asks from her seat without offering a greeting. Formalities were never her thing, especially not when she was impatient.

"Sorry we're late. I just...I couldn't leave. I've missed being home." Sara's admission makes Pippa's impatience soften a bit.

"And those little rascals wouldn't get off my wings." Daniel rolls his eyes at his wings. The star like design to them was somewhat blotted out by pink paint.

"Hahaha yeah. That too." Sara agrees.

"Well, now that you're both here we can get down to business."

"Sounds good, but let's move this to the dinner table. I can tell Harry's starving." Sara says, her hazel eyes fixed on him. As if on cue, his stomach rumbles. This elicits a laugh from everyone.

"You read my mind. Let's eat!"

With that said the four winged nephilim proceed to the dining room. One quick snap of fingers from Pippa has the table set with pizza from their favorite restaurant down the street. Being in Italy has several perks. Fresh Italian food on a daily basis was one of them.

They were finishing off dessert -delicious chocolate chip and cream cannolis- when Sara brought them back on track. The eldest sister was never one to let things go. In fact that was the reason why they were in this mess in the first place.

Why they were trying to take down the Dark Order before their father is returned to them.

In retrospect, this had been a bad idea.

"So Harry, you got those reports right?" Sara inquires.

Harry nods, pulling the several stacks of paper out of the parcel he left behind his chair. Bronze feathers flutter in the air. Their old cat, a fluffy white Persian named Mina, was chewing on one of the feathers that had landed on the ground. She was curled up under the table, her usual spot during dinner time because she loved being fed bits of food. Of course, this excluded most desserts because of the high chocolate content in them.

"All the neighboring areas are experiencing the same problems. People missing, dead mutilated bodies lying in the street, demonic circles scrawled on the ground, blood on marketplace walls. All of these problems point to one group."

Sara glances over the papers he hands her. One nod from her in agreement is all Daniel and Pippa to know the seriousness of the situation they're in.

"We have to stop them."

***Time Skip***

The wind was howling as death reigned over the clearing.

There was a loud, mind shattering scream. The sound came from seemingly two people, even though it was only one whose noise was fully heard.

"DANIEL!"

"SARA!"

Harry watches with horror as Sara, his sister, his friend, his ally, disappears into a void of her own creation. Her form seems to crumple in on itself as she vanished in the dark expanse. The one who is responsible laughs maniacally before flying off.

And then there was absolute silence for a mere second.

A shuddering breath, and then Daniel crumbled to the floor.

Harry and Pippa rush over to him, catching him before he fell completely. All of them are sobbing, though for Daniel, the pain of loss is much more physical as his rune flares bright red, the brightest he had ever seen it.

After grieving for so long, Harry's eyes are bloodshot red as he watches Daniel writhing on the clearing floor. Blood spurts from his parabatai rune, down his mouth and nose too. Pippa holds the eldest steady with worried eyes.

Neither of them had ever seen anything like this before.

Daniel screams Sara's name several times through it all, despite Pippa and Harry trying to calm him down. That rune keeps burning its light into the air, though strangely it does not disappear.

Eventually, what feels like several hours later, Daniel passes out and they return home with heavy hearts and one less family member.

Despite the fact that they won, it still feels like they lost.

Little did they know this was not the first time this would occur.

Nor would it be the last.

And that this meant something.

Something very important.