I did not trust him but I actually wanted every chance to show off what I was able to do. I did not grow up as a shadowhunter but the last years I definitely learned that I'm not ordinary.

Jace: "Now, can I come with you or not?"

I just shrugged again and went away. If he wanted to follow it was up to him. The sky was dark and stars were shining bright. It was night again.

Jace: "I know where the next demon is. You wanna fight?" He smiled.

I began to like his attitude. Killing demons was everything we had. Our only aim in life. I slowed down so Jace could take the lead. We went quick but silent.

Jace: "You controlled the demon, right?"

Again no answer. I could see it drove him crazy.

Jace: "Honestly, if you could answer, all that here would a lot easier."

I could see that he twisted his eyes.

Jace: "Okay, got it. I won't get an answer. Anyway, near to Bergen Beach there is a smaller demon. He's alone."

It took us some time to get there and I doubted that the demon was still there. But as soon as we reached the dark alley we saw him. Again a tall man, light hair, muscles, dressed in dark clothes from what I saw. Over all pretty much my type. A pretty cover is not everything, tho. We came closer and the demon began to smile. Jace stopped.

Jace: "Okay we maybe should not try it out. Let me kill him with my blade."

I ignored him and went further, grabbing the demon by his shirt. I connected to him. It was easy this time. "Down on your knees." I began to give orders. I liked doing that. The demons were the only ones that listened to what I told. I concentrated more. This always led to their death. It's like a burning energy that leaves my hand and digs into the skin of the creatures. Fire and light was burning them from the inside until they disappear with a big bling-bling. When he did that I turned back to Jace.

He stood there, mouth and eyes wide open. "You don't believe what you saw?" My accent was coming through.

Jace: "How did you do that?"

I shrugged my shoulders and came closer to him.

Jace: "What is your name?"

I still did not trust him, but he seemed way too stupid to actually harm me. "Kalia."

Jace: "Kalia? You're not from here. Where are you from?"

So many questions that I don't want to answer. I should have kept silent.

Jace: "Okay maybe that was too personal. Do you want to go back with me to the institute?"

I shook my head.

Jace: "Why?"

Kalia: "Because."

Jace: "That's not an answer."

Kalia: "Basically it is."

Jace: "We can discuss it back in the institute. You probably have nowhere to stay. We have a free room for you. Why do you even hesitate? And don't answer with because."

If I could not answer with 'Because', I wouldn't answer at all.

Jace: "We'll sit down and you can ask me anything you want and maybe then you will come with me. But it's up to you."

Kalia: "Is the brown-haired dude always such a douche?"

Jace: "He's playing hard to get. The oldest child. You know, heavy crown. A bit grumpy but overall loyal and amazing. He's my brother and parabatai."

Kalia: "You are allowed to have a parabatai?"

Jace: "Of course. Why shouldn't it be allowed?"

In Siberia, it wasn't allowed or tolerated. You weren't supposed to trust anyone. Not even our closest friends. Everyone was more or less completely on their own. It worked out. And because there was no 'together', no friendship, no love, a thing like parabatai counted nothing.

Jace: "I'll ask you one more time. Will you come with me, back to the institute? I promise you that we'll let you do what you want. You can go when ether you want."

I thought about it. I had this option or sleeping on the streets with no money and no food. The institute would be a better solution.

Kalia: "Okay, I'll come with you."

I looked into his eyes. They were gorgeous. He smiled, looked relieved and started to go back. I followed him. The institute came in sight when I grabbed him by the jacket and turned him around. He looked surprised.

Kalia: "Promise me. You don't tell anyone about what just happened."

Jace: "I promise."

An hour later I stood in my new room. Alec was not happy that I was supposed to stay but Jace was. I still could not believe the fact that I had an own room. Walls, a roof over my head. It was more than I had the last years. I looked out the big window. You could see the abandoned yard of the institute. Someone knocked on the door. I turned around and it soon opened. It was Jace... again.

Jace: "Can I come in?"

I nodded.

Jace: "I hope you like your room and it will soon feel like your home."

Funny, I don't have a home anymore. 

Jace: "Get some rest. If you need something, my room is next door. You also know where the exit is, in case you want to go. There are clothes in the wardrobe for you to use and here is some food. You haven't eaten for a while."

I nodded and he left, closing the door behind him and leaving the plate on the desk. I was alone. I undressed my jacket and threw it onto the bed. It was huge. At least three people could fit in there. On each side there was a nightstand. Next to the window stood a huge wardrobe. It was full of dark clothes. Some of it was my size but a lot of was too big. Didn't bother me. There also was a huge desk with two chairs and a sparkling chandelier. I had an own bathroom but was way too tired to shower. My eyes began to get heavy. I scraped my shoes off and laid inside the enormous bed. It was soft and smelled like clean cotton. Breathing the scent in, I fell asleep.