"Jace-" I ran into Jace's room dressed in just sweatpants and a cropped t shirt, where he stood with Clary, "I need you."

Jace looks at me, "What's up, shorty?"

I roll my eyes at the nickname, "The mundie's leaving- Iz and I tried to stop him but he won't listen to us."

"Simon?" Clary walks over to me, "He can't leave."

"He can and he is." I place my hands on my hips, "Unless you wanna tie him down and restrain him?"

"He wouldn't listen to you anyway- I have to stop him." Clary rushes past me and out the room.

I roll my eyes, looking at Jace.

"After this-" Jace places a hand on my back and leads me into the elevator, "You go wake Alec and i'll wake Hodge. We might have a lead on the Mortal Cup."

"Got it." I cross my arms.

"How can one mundane be such a pain in my ass?" Jace mutters as the elevator opens, us walking over and blocking the hall that lead to the entrance.

"Yes, you can, it's-" Simon stammers, talking to Clary, "It's not safe here."

"In fact, this is the safest place she could possibly be." Jace crosses his arms.

"Simon-" I looked at him, "She's best where she is."

"You don't get to talk to me, Captain America." Simon points and then looks at Clary, "The cold blooded killer and your hot sister aren't going to make me stay!"

I put my hands up in surrender, "I get it- you think I'm hot."

Jace nudges me, then looks at Simon, "Considering I'm the guy with the weapons, I get to say what I want."

"Okay, come at me, bro!" Simon was ready to start a fight.

"Oh, yeah?" Jace said only in humor.

"Yeah!" Simon reached to shove him.

I came between them, "Stop! Simon- what is your problem?"

"He's my problem!" Simon points at Jace and looks at me, "He's just like Kirk Duplesse from high school."

I stare at him, "What?"

"Do you remember him?" Simon questions, "Total jerk with the square jaw. Smelled like body spray, always bullying people. Why don't you do your own homework? Just once, yeah?-"

"Simon- calm down." I put hands out, wanting him to back away.

"I can take care of myself." Simon stares at me then shoved past me, heading towards the entrance.

Jace looks at Clary, "Neither of us are going to save his ass a second time-"

"Really, Jace?" Clary scoffs, rushing after her friend, "Simon!"

"I'm gonna go wake Alec-" I pat Jace's arm and walk over, heading up the steps and down the hall, quietly entering Alec's room.

Alec was laying in bed, his eyes closed, his breathing slow, his mouth slightly open. His hair was a mess, he was shirtless, and his blanket covered half of his body.

I couldn't help but smile, feeling some sort of rush the minute I had laid eyes on him.

There was a mixed rush of thrill and nervousness, the feeling in my chest increasing with every moment I spent in there.

And I had no idea why I felt like this.

I went over and sat on the side of his bed, running a hand through my messy hair, watching him for a moment.

He seemed so at peace, and that made me happy.

I caught myself staring, taking in every feature.

I didn't realize how much I was smiling until I snapped out of the trance I was in, blinking, my hand touching my lips.

I lick my lips, shaking my head at myself, reaching over, fixing Alec's hair.

I held his face, caressing his cheek with the pad of my thumb.

Alec's eyes slowly open, landing on me. He blinks, his eyes scanning over my features.

"Hey-" Alec's tone was raspy and quiet from just waking up.

"Hi-" I smile softly, "We might have a lead on the Mortal Cup."

My hand now resting on his jaw, half of my palm resting on his neck, noticing how his pulse quickened at my touch, my eyebrows furrowing in slight confusion.

I move my hand away, Alec sitting up, yawning silently.

I softly laugh, my eyes glued to his hair.

"Bed head-" Alec runs a hand through his hair, "That's embarrassing-"

"It's cute, actually." I unintentionally honestly told him, standing up.

Alec got up, grabbing a shirt, looking at me, "You think it's cute?"

I simply shrug, smiling up at him gently.

He looks down at me, our eyes connecting.

I stood still, not breaking eye contact.

A feeling erupted in my chest, catching me completely off guard, his eyes burning into mine.

I clear my throat, blinking, stepping back, "Uh-"

Alec looks away, stammering also, "Uh- yeah-"

"I'll see you in a bit." I snap my fingers, then turn, leaving his room.

-

"Magnus Bane." Hodge pulled him up as we sat at the Ops Center, "He's over 300 years old. And, as you can see, he's not exactly shied away from the pleasures of every century. His tastes are both exquisite and quite excessive."

"He looks like the Downworld's David Guetta." Clary crosses her arms.

"Guetta's already a Downworlder." Isabelle looks at her.

Clary's eyebrows furrow, as I add in, "Vampire? Ever seen him in the daylight?"

"Can you guys focus?" Alec looks at us, speaking from next to me as I was seated on the table between him and Jace, "This is not a joke."

"Someone needs to get slayed." Isabelle high fives my palm.

"Alec's right." Hodge looks at us, "Now, Magnus is one of the most powerful warlocks I've ever known. He has a deep mistrust of Shadowhunters."

"Well, then why did he help my mom remove my memories?" Clary questioned, "Isn't she a Shadowhunter?"

"Yes- one of the best. But, help might not be the most accurate word." Hodge spoke, "Now, did Magnus provide a service for Jocelyn? Perhaps. But more than likely, your mother paid Magnus handsomely for his magic."

Jace sat down, "Warlocks usually require payment before they help anyone with anything."

"Word from the Clave is that most of the warlocks have gone into hiding since Valentine began hunting them." Alec adds in.

"Valentine must be searching for the warlock, where did Jocelyn-" Hodge began but stops when his circle rune starts to burn.

"Hodge, your rune-" Clary looks at him, "You okay?"

"So- how do we find Magnus?" Clary looks between us all.

"We don't," I began, "Magnus finds us."

"We'll set up a meeting, somewhere protected." Jace nods, "Lure him out of hiding."

"And I know exactly where we do it." Isabelle grabs the tablet from Hodge and pulls up a flyer onto the screen.

"A Downworld rave." I nod, "Nice, Izzy."

Alec looks at her, "And where'd you get that?"

"During my surveillance of the Downworlders." Isabelle answers, "From what I hear, Magnus likes to party."

"He'll never go for it." Alec shook his head, "Not with Valentine trying to kill him."

"Of course he will." Jace argues, "He'll blend in. Hide in plain sight."

"I don't know, it's seems-" Alec began to say.

"Trust me." Isabelle stops him, "If Magnus is coming out of hiding, he's going to one of the biggest parties of the year."

"Never underestimate Magnus' hedonism. Or his greed." Hodge lead us towards the training room, "Come with me."

"Is that real?" Isabelle questions, staring at the necklace Hodge pulled out of the safe.

"A four-karat, unheated Burmese ruby." Hodge held it up, "And this necklace has special meaning to Magnus Bane as it was a gift from him to his then lover, Camille Belcourt."

"Camille and Magnus were lovers?" I start to laugh.

Jace smirks, "Warlock gets around."

I held my hand up, Jace giving me a high five, a snap following from the both of us after it.

"Magnus bought it in 1857 for the price of his London townhouse." Hodge explained, "Now, the jewel is enchanted by a spell that alerts the wearer to the presence of demons."

"It's so beautiful." Isabelle touched the jewel.

"Magnus has longed to reunite with this necklace." Hodge told us, "Offer it to him. He might just take the bait.

"I'll send Magnus a fire message to arrange the meeting." Jace nods, "We have to get to Magnus before Valentine does."

-

I walked through the Ops Center and towards the training room, dressed in a blood red spaghetti strap dress, one that ended right above my knees and had a side slit, revealing the scabbards attached to my thigh, my hair loosely curled, black heels on my feet.

Jace's eyes land on me, also dressed up, looking at me, holding his hand up, "Damn- someone's looking great-"

I high five him, a snap following from the both of us, my eyes landing on the seraph dagger in his hands, "Aren't swords your thing?"

"This is for Clary." Jace held it up, "Just in case."

"Smart-" I cross my arms, "She knows how to use it- right?"

"How could you ever doubt me?" Jace softly laughs, winking, patting my arm before walking towards the hall that lead to the bedrooms.

I softly laugh to myself, walking up the steps and into the training room.

Alec's eyes land on me, shifting away from the arrow in his hands, staring at me.

His eyes scanned my body, taking notice of the outfit, his eyes connecting with mine, "Wow-"

I walk over to him, as he cleared his throat, "I mean- you look good."

I playfully roll my eyes, "Not too bad yourself."

"Pick a weapon." Alec clears his throat again and places the arrow down, "I suggest your kindjals."

I take notice of his monotone, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Alec shortly said.

"We're going to a Downworlder's rave." I walked over to the weapons safe and grab my dual kindjals, placing them in their scabbards, "You should be a little more excited- I mean, it'll be fun."

"It's a mission, not a party." Alec rolls his eyes.

"Okay- you've got to admit, before Clary got here, every day was the same." I looked at him, "Go on a mission, kill demons- all the time. At least now- things are interesting."

"Interesting?" Alec stops and turns toward me, "Valentine is alive and actively seeking the Cup. He threatens our entire world. And we're helping his daughter."

"I'm his daughter too, Alec." I reason, "You haven't picked at me as much as you have with her about it."

"I know you, Zee." Alec walks over to me, "You've been by our sides for three years straight- and never have given us any reason to doubt you."

I sigh through my nose, "I don't know have any argument against that-"

"Bottom line- we're helping Valentine's daughter- who's suddenly the key to finding the Mortal Cup." Alec went on, "Who, by the way, we have no reason to trust- I mean she showed up out of nowhere. And all she's done is cause trouble, convince us to go on a journey to save her mundane, and down talk the sister that's been watching over her since she left."

I sigh, "Alec-"

"I was right by your side when you left her a present on her birthday. I helped you keep tabs on her- Jace, Izzy and I have been right by you when you were watching over her. You have been nothing but a good sister to her- and she's practically breaking you apart every time she makes a remark or tries to call you out-" Alec stared at me dead in the eye, my heart warming at his words.

"On top of that, we're gonna end up overpaying some warlock who may or may not have information we need." Alec spoke, "So, no, Zee- I don't find it interesting."

The tension between us was strong, as we didn't break eye contact.

I broke the silence, "Do you feel better now?"

"No, I don't." Alec huffs, walking over to the table and grabbing his bow and quiver.

I follow him, placing a hand on his arm, looking at him again, a small smile playing at my lips.

The corner of Alec's lips turn up in defeat, "Okay, maybe a little."

"You can't keep bottling things up, Alec." I cross my arms, "Because at one point- it'll all erupt and explode. It's bound to happen."

"All right, let's go." Alec shoots me a look, walking past me, "And we're not going for the music."

-

"All clear." I told Jace once Alec, Isabelle and I checked the perimeter of the Hardtail, standing behind him and Clary in line.

Isabelle looks at me, her hands on the gem that rested around her neck, "Do you think red's my color?"

"Are you kidding?" I scoff playfully, "Iz, with a body like yours, everything's your color."

"Good point." Isabelle points at me, "Damn, I make this necklace look so good."

"Will you take it off?" Alec remarks, "I'm certain Magnus Bane doesn't want drool on his ruby when we make the exchange."

I softly laugh, secretly giving him a high five, a small smile forming on his lips.

"You know, I wouldn't be so sure." Isabelle shot back, "Most men like it when I admire their jewels."

"Can you just give it to Jace?" Alec questions.

"You're such a buzzkill." Isabelle laughs, handing Jace the necklace.

Soon enough, we were inside, moving through the crowd, Jace instructing, "Blend in. Keep your weapons ready."

As Jace and Clary walked over to Magnus, Alec, Isabelle and I split, moving with the crowd.

I stood with a man at the bar, not really acknowledging him, only looking around, keeping an eye out.

Minutes later, Alec's voice fills my ears, "Iz- who is she with? I can't tell if he's good looking from here-"

"Alec- are you actually kidding me right now?" Isabelle's laugh follows.

Before I could react to them, my eyes landed on a Circle member started to making his way behind Magnus.

I rushed through the crowd, Alec and Isabelle following after me, noticing also.

"Look out!" Isabelle calls out, as I tossed my dagger, the man going stiff and falling, killed.

I push through people, walking past them and grabbed my blood smeared blade, grabbing the seraph dagger that was with the Circle member.

"Biscuit-" Magnus' eyes land on me, "It's good to see you again."

"Likewise, Magnus." I wiped off the blood onto the Circle members blazer, putting it away.

"Magnus, wait!" Clary rushes to grab him after Magnus opened a portal, "You're my only hope."

"Valentine found us." Magnus faces her, "I warned your mother this might happen."

"Wait-" Clary reaches for him, only for Magnus to leave us hanging, his button resting in Clary's palm.

"The area's secure." Isabelle walks over, "Looks like he was the only assassin."

"He has a Circle rune on the base of his neck." I looked at them.

"They found us. It's not safe here." Jace nods, noticing Clary not moving, "Clary, we have to go."

We move, heading outside through the back door, Clary trailing slowly behind us.

I sigh, "Clary, we have to move-"

"I'm catching my breath." Clary snaps at me, sniffling.

"You know what? This is great." Alec stops, "And not only did Magnus not get the girl her memories back, he took the necklace. This is fantastic-"

"Alec, the girl her name is Clary and I highly suggest you keep your voice down." Jace stared at him.

"Why?" Alec scoffs, "What, are you afraid I'm gonna upset her?"

"You're going to upset me- that's for sure." I looked at him, "You're talking about my sister."

"The sister that's been carelessly hurting you over and over. No matter how hard you try to hide it, Zee- we can all see it, but her." Alec turns towards me, "We have risked our lives again and again for this girl, and where has it gotten us? All right? Nowhere. We're no closer to getting the Mortal Cup. And we've lost the Institute's necklace-"

"Hey, I am right here." Clary steps up, "I don't care about your damn jewelry. I'm sorry you're gonna look bad in front of your bosses, okay? But- my mother is still missing and my last chance at finding her just disappeared into thin air."

Jace huffs, "Clary, it's gonna be fine."

"No, it's not!" Clary shouts, "People are dying because of me. And Magnus? Magnus will never come out of hiding again while Valentine is still after him. We're never gonna find him. And I will- I will never get my memories back."

Jace caught the button she threw, "You give up way too easy."

Jace steps away, attempting to track Magnus.

"What is he doing?" Clary questions.

"He's tracking Magnus." Alec looks away, "Be quiet and keep your distance."

"The button belonged to Magnus." Isabelle told her, "Jace can pinpoint the location using that."

"No-" Jace shook his head, "The signal's not strong enough. Magnus must be blocking the track- let's do this, Alec."

"Do what?" Clary questions when Alec huffs and walks over to Jace.

"Parabatai tracking." I cross my arms.

Clary scoffs, "Of course they are."

I looked at her, "When parabatais track, their power grows stronger. Jace and Alec are gonna track Magnus together- giving us a better chance at finding him."

"Yeah, this whole parabatai thing seems oddly intimate, if you ask me." Clary mutters, staring at Alec and Jace holding onto each other's hands, staring into each other's eyes.

"You don't know the half of it." Isabelle softly laughs.

Jace pulled away, "Got him."

-

"Magnus' lair is right behind that fence." Jace points as we all walked in, armed.

"Magnus lives in a warehouse?" Clary questions.

"Not exactly." Jace shook his head, "Warlock glamour."

"Something's wrong." Isabelle looked around, "It's far too easy to get this close."

"His protective wards must be down." I held my kindjals steady.

"You-" Alec looked at Clary, a straight look on his face, "Don't get in the way."

Suddenly, our attention was brought elsewhere, when a Circle member was killing a man, tossing him off the higher platform, Clary gasping, "Oh, God! Valentine found Magnus!"

We ran towards them, as I quickly stopped at the sound of small cries, "Daddy? Daddy, get up, please!"

A girl was hunched over the man that was just killed, the Circle member from earlier starting to move closer to the girl, ready to kill her off too.

I went with my gut and rushed towards the man, using all force to kick him to the side.

The man looked at me, the girl screaming and running behind me.

He held his seraph blade tight, swinging it at me, as I blocked it with my daggers, pushing him off. With every attempt at killing him, I was unfortunately stopped and blocked, and ended up against the wall, his blade to my neck, "Foolish of you to think-"

Before he could finish his sentence, an arrow was in his back, a broken grunt leaving his lips, his grip loosening.

I pierced my kindjal into him, killing him instantly, as he fell to the ground.

Alec shoots me a look, "You always get yourself into some sort of trouble-"

I took out my blade, wiping the blood onto the dead man's blazer, looking up at him, "I can't count how many times you've saved my life."

"I can't either." Alec playfully rolls his eyes, the girl rushing towards me and to my side.

"I got you-" I wrapped my arm around her, "Come on-"

-

"Magnus." I walked over to him, Alec right by my side, my hands on the girl's shoulders.

"Go join the others, my dear." Magnus told her, "This is no place for a little girl."

The girl nods and leaves us alone, Magnus shooting Alec and I a look, "You two looked like a married couple with Zoe."

Alec gapes at Magnus, as I scoffed in surprise, his words leaving us both speechless.

Magnus looks between us, "Too soon?"

"You have no idea-" I ran a hand through my hair, Alec giving me a shrug, before leaving Magnus and I alone.

"I heard what you did for Zoe." Magnus looks at me, "You risked your life without hesitation to save a young warlock child."

"I guess I'm more mundane than I thought." I quietly said, "But- either way- I had no choice. She's a kid- I wasn't going to let him kill her."

"You always have a choice." Magnus smiles lightly, "You're not like the others, biscuit. Most Shadowhunters protect Downworlders out of sense of duty, but you saved young Zoe because of what was inside your heart. You're more like your mother than you will ever know."

I swallow hard at the mention of my mother, crossing my arms, "Alright- look. Valentine, he found you once, he will find you again. Please- help Clary get her memories back."

Magnus sighs in defeat, "I can summon the demon, but your sister must make the demand. Now, I warn you retrieving her memories will not be easy."

"I know her." I nod slowly, "She will do what she has to do."

"All right, but we're not safe here." Magnus gave in, "The lair's location has been compromised. Hold tight, everyone, we're about to move."

-

"I believe in payment for services rendered." Magnus held up the necklace towards Isabelle, "Thank you for defending the warlocks."

Isabelle stares in awe, "I couldn't."

"Oh, but you could- and you should." Magnus clips the necklace around her neck, "The Lightwoods have been wearing this for years. Besides, this would look silly on your brother."

Clary spoke up, "Okay, so how do we summon the memory demon?"

"Are you certain?" Magnus stares at her, "Summoning such a powerful demon could be lethal."

"I'll do anything to save my mother." Clary told him, "Where is the demon?"

"Okay." Magnus nods, then points at Alec, "Get your team ready."

"Come with me." Magnus lead Clary into another room, soon enough calling Jace in, a small scream coming from Clary.

Time goes by, and soon enough, we all headed into that room, Clary blending in the chalk, having drawn the pentagram on the ground.

Magnus eyes it, "Jocelyn was right, your artistry is beyond compare."

"I don't know about that- you should see Zee's drawings-" Clary quietly said, standing up.

"Is that a compliment I hear?" I cross my arms, "This sudden affection is very overwhelming, Clary."

"Don't get used to it." Clary shoots me a look, then dusts her hands off.

I nod, my lips pursing, "Got it-"

"Okay." Magnus nods, "We're ready. Everyone take your rightful place on the pentagram."

Isabelle sets me right by Alec, stepping away quickly.

"Iz-" I looked back at her in confusion.

She simply shot me a smile, "I'll be the back up."

"Back up-" I stare at her, shaking my head, "Right-"

"We must initiate a bond." Magnus instructs, "Once this bond is sealed, it cannot be broken until the demon retreats. No matter what happens, we must not let go of each other's hands."

As we went around, grabbing hands, I felt my heart stop when my eyes connected with Alec's, as he held his hand out for me.

I exhale, grabbing onto his hand, feel a jolt of energy moving through my body, my other hand grabbing onto Jace's.

"I will lead the ceremony, and you all must do exactly as I say." Magnus explains when we all had connected hands, "The demon's name is Valak. And at some point, he will ask for payment in exchange for Clary's memories."

"What do you mean?" Jace questions, "What kind of payment?"

"We will see." Magnus shrugs, "Let us begin."

As Magnus started to call out words of a spell none of us understood, Isabelle spoke up from behind us, "The necklace. It's pulsing."

Seconds later, a black fog had come between us, a strong breeze now moving through the room.

"Valak is among us-" Magnus calls out, "Do not break the bond."

I felt my hand start to slip away from Alec's, my eyes going wide, as I quickly intertwined my fingers with his, Alec looking at me right as I did that, swallowing, his breathing now uneven.

With that, he held my hand tighter.

"It is time-" Magnus spoke up, "-the demon demands payment."

Alec looks at him, "What does it want?"

"We must each relinquish a beloved memory of the one we love the most." Magnus informs us, shooting us all a look.

Clary's memory was taken first, a memory of Jocelyn Fray appearing, and disappearing into the black mist.

I was next, a flash of my mother, Margaret Young, disappearing into the dark mist.

Alec's memory was taken right after mine, only completely catching me off guard. It was a memory of me, as I smiled widely in it before it faded away into the black fog.

Alec's eyes were wide as ever, "No, it's not true! The demon deceived me!"

"Do not break the bond!" Magnus shouts, Alec starting to breath heavily.

"Alec- it's okay!" Isabelle started to say.

Alec forcefully pulls away, breaking the bond, "No!"

"Alec!-" Jace and I shouted in unison, the fog spiraling out of control, locking us all off our feet.

Magnus was using his magic, "I cannot contain the demon much longer!"

Alec got up, heading right for the demon, Jace's eyes going wide, "No!"

Jace pushes him out of the way, the demon taking Jace inside, just grunting, trying to fight it.

"Jace!" Isabelle ran, grabbing his arm,"Grab him!"

Alec and Clary join her, "Hold on!"

"The demon is growing stronger!" Magnus yelled, not being able to go on for any longer.

"He's slipping!" Alec's voice was breathy, as he tried his hardest to pull Jace back.

I pulled out one of my daggers, ready to kill the demon, only to halt when Magnus shouts, "If you kill the demon, your sister's memories will be lost forever!"

"What?" I looked at him with wide eyes, coming up to an impossible choice, "Are you kidding me?"

Clary looks at me, nodding firm, "Do it."

I nod, piercing my blade through the demon, killing it, Jace falling to the ground, as we all rushed to his aid.

"Jace-" I fell to my knees, placing my blade on the ground, "Jace-"

"Oh, my God, Jace." Clary runs a hand through her hair, Jace on the ground, face first, unconscious.

"Jace, get up." Alec stares at him.

"Is he gonna be all right?" Clary looks up at Magnus.

"I don't know." Magnus honestly said, "Does he normally just lay like that without moving?"

I turn Jace onto his back, shaking him gently, "Jace."

Once he didn't move, I did what was the only thing that came to my mind.

My palm comes in contact with his cheek, my eyes slightly screwed shut as I did so, Jace's eyes snapping open, jolting up, gasping for air, coughing, holding his side as he got onto his knees.

"Hey- hey-" I rubbed his back, "Are you okay-"

"I'm all right." Jace breathes heavily, "I'm all right- I'm all right. I'm just getting my second wind."

Alec got up, stepping out of the room and into the hall.

I gave Jace a side hug, before jumping to my feet and following Alec out.

Alec stared at everyone inside, standing completely still.

"Alec-" My hand gently rested on his arm.

Alec shook his head, turning, and walking away.

-

I sat alone in my room, dressed into sweatpants and a t shirt, trying to process everything that had happened tonight.

Jace Wayland's voice fills my ears, my head turning towards my door, "Hey."

"Hey-" My voice was quiet and raspy, "How are you?"

"I'm fine." Jace walks over and sat down next to me, "My head is kinda killin' me, but other than that, I'm fine. How you doin'?"

"I'm fine." I look down at my hands.

"You killed one of the Greater Demons- there's not a lot of Shadowhunters who can make that claim." Jace looks at me, "I'm actually really proud of you."

"Yeah, I guess." I play with my hands, "I mean- tonight was really eventful. I killed a Greater Demon- we lost Clary's memories- and- I found out that I'm the one Alec loves the most."

Jace's lips purse, "I knew that one was coming."

"Of course you did-" I ran a hand through my hair, "I didn't have time to react- and Alec broke the bond. I don't know how to feel about it- I mean, Alec and I are close. Maybe- it's a friend thing."

"Maybe- it isn't." Jace suggests, shrugging gently.

I looked at him, "Don't put that idea in my head, I'll go insane."

"I think you should just let Alec explain it to you himself." Jace leans his head on my shoulder, "Don't overthink it- just get it straight from the source."

"Yeah-" I exhale deeply, leaning my head against his, "Yeah- you're right."

authors note:

i'm eating swedish fish at 2 am to give me energy to finish this chapter

and i was successful

awh zace is such a good brotp, i can't-