"Don't squirm." Robert told Alec, as we sat in the infirmary, my eyes glued to Alec's wound.

"I'm not-" Alec huffs, "It doesn't even hurt."

My arms were crossed as I rested them on the bed frame, crouched, watching Robert, my eyes focusing on the wound more than anything else.

Alec's eyes scanned over my features every now and then, but I didn't know why.

Alec's phone started to buzz next to him, as he grabbed it, Jace's ID on the screen.

As he went to answer, Isabelle grabbed the phone, "No talking- just healing."

Isabelle got up, leaving the room, answering the phone for him.

I got up, sitting next to Alec, "I'm sorry-"

"I'm fine." Alec looks at me.

"No, I meant-" I sigh, "If I would've jumped in earlier, you wouldn't have gotten hurt."

"If you would've jumped in earlier, you would've been the one who was hurt." Alec keeps contact with me, "Either way, you saved me. That's what matters- don't apologize to me."

I pull myself further onto the bed, sitting crossed legged, playing with my hands, "I just- I feel bad. I don't like seeing you hurt."

Alec stares at me, "I'm fine."

"Okay-" I sigh, getting up, hugging myself, "I'm going to check with Isabelle."

With that, I quickly left him alone with Robert.

-

"She calls Meliorn in and arrests him, then acts like it's all out of her hands." Isabelle rants to Alec and I, as I stood with her in the training room, watching Alec go at the punching bag despite his injury.

"Alec-" I reach for him, "You're gonna hurt yourself-"

"I'm fine, Zee-" Alec pulls away before my hand could touch him, grabbing his injured arm, before starting to punching the bag repeatedly once more.

"Alec!" My hand drops to my side, "You're bleeding through your bandage-"

Alec huffs, looking at Isabelle and I, "It was the Clave that gave the order, not Lydia."

Isabelle scoffs, "Are you sure about that?"

"Hey." Jace walks over, as I became tense at his appearance, "You all right?"

Alec rolls his eyes, "I'm fine."

Jace nudges me gently, his voice low, "Hey-"

I looked at him, giving him a smile that was barely there, as I still felt at unease with him since the last time I saw him I had snapped on him and remained angry with him.

"I just spoke to Robert and Maryse." Jace crosses his arms, "They're being sent back to Idris."

"What?" Isabelle blurts out in disbelief, "Another "order" from Lydia?"

Jace looks between us all, "Who's Lydia?"

"She's in charge of the Institute." I mutter, crossing my arms.

Jace's eyes looked as if they could pop right out of their sockets, "She's what?"

"Temporarily." Alec shot me a look as I had failed to mention that.

"And now she's convinced the Clave that Mom and Dad aren't doing their job?" Isabelle questions, completely frustrated.

"Well, maybe they aren't." Alec fought back, "The Institute was under their control when the Forsaken got in."

Jace's eyebrows furrow, "What are you talking about?"

Alec was straightforward, "Mom and Dad were members of the Circle."

"That makes no sense whatsoever-" I shook my head in denial, "Maryse and Robert don't have Circle runes."

"That's because they made a deal with the Clave prior to the Uprising." Alec went in depth, "In exchange for their cooperation, they were pardoned."

Isabelle stares at her older brother, "You're questioning their loyalty?"

"Valentine is back." Alec states, "The Circle is rising. They're under suspicion."

"No way." Jace shook his head, "Robert and Maryse took me in. They raised me as one of their own. I know what kind of people they are."

"Are you sure?" Alec scoffs, "They lied to us- for years, they've been telling us how to act, that we have to uphold the Lightwood name. Well, they're the ones who tarnished it- they're hypocrites."

Lydia walks over, standing next to Alec, holding her hand out for Jace, "You must be Jace Wayland."

I roll my eyes hard, defeating whether or not I should walk away from this conversation right as she joined.

Unfortunately, I stayed and let her presence destroy my mood further.

"Lydia Branwell." Lydia introduced herself, "You're quite the legend back in Idris."

Jace noticed the look on my face, glances at her hand, leaving her hanging, "Don't believe everything you hear."

Lydia sighs, her hand dropping, as she looked at Alec, "Did you tell them?"

"Tell us what?" Isabelle eyes them, suspicious.

Alec swallows, admitting what he had kept from us, "Lydia and I are engaged."

My heart sunk.

I blinked a few times, glancing between Alec and Lydia repeatedly, surprise and confusion crossing over my features.

Jace and Isabelle's expressions had instantly dropped at the words that slipped out of Alec's mouth.

Lydia nods at our facial expressions, confirming it, "We're getting married."

My expression matched Jace and Isabelle's, "Wait- when the hell did this happen? Why is this happening?"

"You're not serious-" Jace glanced between the both of them, just as shocked as I was.

"You were supposed to tell them no." Isabelle stares at her older brother, tears brimming in her eyes, betrayal and hurt crossing her features, shaking her head, "It's your life to ruin."

"Not sure what to say-" Jace clears his throat, at unease as Isabelle walked away.

"How about, "none of this matters"?" Alec suggests, "We have to stop Valentine."

"Finally-" Jace snips, "Something we agree on."

"Congrats, guys." I reluctantly congratulate them, before turning, walking away from them, Jace following my footsteps.

-

There was a sharp pain in my chest, one that hadn't left since I found out about Alec's engagement.

I felt so oblivious to why I felt this way, but I truly was clueless.

I try to get my mind off it, as I walked through the Ops Center, my eyes landing on Jace, who was walking straight towards me.

I sigh as I got closer to him, "Jace, I'm sorry for how I snapped on you, I just-"

My sentence was cut short, a small gasp slipping out through my lips when he bent over, throwing me over his shoulder while still walking, moving into the living space and into his room, putting me down, closing his door.

I open my mouth to express my confusion, only for him to cut me off, "It's okay- I deserved it- but, that's not why I wanted to talk to you."

"Well- what?" I questioned, crossing my arms, "What's wrong?"

"What were you thinking?" Jace asked, "You know, this is not what I meant when I said you and Alec would talk it out and be better than ever."

"What are you- a match maker?" I roll my eyes, not wanting to have this conversation, staring to walk past him.

"Zee-" Jace steps in front of me, "I just- wanna understand why you asked him to forget it all."

I looked at him, "Well- who the hell told you?"

"Izzy." Jace answered, "I don't get it- you guys could've had something going on. And now he's engaged to this Lydia person?"

"I'm pretty sure he has a good reason for his recent engagement-" I trail off, "It's his life, he can do what he wants. If he wants throw it away with a woman he just met- so be it."

"I don't think he would've done it if you didn't push him away and were just honest with him." Jace shrugs.

I roll my eyes, "And what am I supposed to be honest about?"

"Your feelings for him, Zee." Jace confronted me about it, catching me by surprise.

I broke out into laughter, "What?"

"You can act like that all you want, but I can see through it." Jace crosses his arms, "Besides Alec- we all can see it. Why won't you just admit it to him?"

"Admit what?" I scoff, crossing my arms also.

"That you feel the same way." Jace stares at me, "I bet he'd end whatever he has with Lydia if he knew you did."

"I don't know what you're talking about- the kiss was- just a kiss- and Alec's too focused on pleasing his family and keeping it in order to care about who feels anything for him." I argued, sighing.

"But- was it just a kiss to him?" Jace scoffs in surprise, "Did you ever think about that?"

"Why wouldn't it be just a kiss to him, Jace?" I questioned, uncrossing my arms, running a hand through my hair.

"Because he's head over heels for you." Jace stared at me, calling out how oblivious I've been, "How can you not see it?"

I shook my head, looking away.

"You're in denial." Jace rolls his eyes, "Why won't you just let him in? Open up the possibility that you and him to have something- you could be something."

I huff in frustration, "Jace-"

"Tell me the real reason." Jace knew I was bullshitting anyone I've told the kiss about, "Commitment and not being used to relationships isn't why you did it."

"Jace, just drop it-" I began, starting to grow upset over him trying to focus it out of me, this being something I never explained to anyone, even him.

"Zee-" Jace stepped closer, "What's the real reason you told Alec to forget about the kiss?

"I'm afraid, Jace!" I lash out on him, speaking without consideration, "I'm afraid of- love. I'm afraid of what I'm feeling- and what it could do to me."

Jace's eyebrows furrow in confusion, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"The more people you let in- the more people you lose." My voice fell quiet, "I have already lost so much- and if I ever open up to anyone in that way, it'd hurt a lot more to lose them."

"Zee-" Seriousness and concern crossed Jace's features, "Is this really what you think?"

I step back, looking down at my feet, "I mean- if it hurts so much to lose- what is family, how much would it hurt if it was someone you poured your entire heart to?"

"I'm afraid to love because I'm afraid of loss." I hug myself, "I mean- come on. In this line of work, when isn't there going to be time where I lose- or come close to losing someone? Simon, someone's who's like a little brother to me, is probably dead right now unless Clary turned him into a vampire- which I have no doubt that she did, Luke, my only father figure- almost could've died, if I get involved with- anyone- especially Alec in the way you're trying to get me to- its only going to hurt me more."

"But- breaking your own rules, stepping out of your boundaries- isn't it worth it?" Jace quietly asks, "Isn't Alec worth it?"

-

"This is insane." Isabelle gasps in defeat as the four of us walked over to the monitor that showed Lydia starting to interrogate Meliorn, "We have to put a stop to this."

Alec scoffs, "Yeah, well, enjoy Portaling back to Idris with Mom and Dad."

"Meliorn is here because of me." Isabelle looked at her brother.

"Alec's right." Jace sighs, "There's nothing we can do to stop this interrogation."

I cross my arms, looking at Jace, "You're on Alec's side now?"

"We swore to protect each other, of course he's on my side." Alec shot me a look.

"You know what, you're unbelievable-" I began to say.

Jace stops me, "I'm not picking sides. Jace Wayland is Switzerland."

"We have got to find Valentine." Jace says, "Let's let this play out. Meliorn might have some important information."

"Forensics don't lie." Lydia began, stood in front of Meliorn, "Tell me what you know about the blood in the Forsaken."

"Have you considered that the blood in the Forsaken came from our dead scouts?" Meliorn shot back, "Scouts sent to help you hunt for Valentine. Why do you think we would side with a murderer?"

"Seelies always play both sides." Lydia crosses her arms.

Meliorn sat still, "You should talk to your own people about playing sides."

Lydia's eyebrows furrow in confusion, "Excuse me?"

"You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?" Meliorn began to smile, "If only Shadowhunters had a better relationship with us Downworlders, you'd know that Clary Fairchild has the Cup."

Isabelle stares at the scene, "Still think we should let this play out?"

-

"I'm pretty sure that's not the cup you're looking for." Jace snatched Clary's bra out of Raj's hand, shoving it back into the drawer.

Him and I had walked into a full search Lydia had begun through Clary's room, as they careless went through all her things in search for the Mortal Cup.

"Give me a break, Wayland." Raj shot back, "I'm just trying to do my job."

"Alec, please stop this." I walked over to Alec, staring up at his fall figure, "Call this off-"

"I guess Clary's bedroom is in part of Switzerland?" Alec questions, taking notice of Jace stopping Raj, then looking back down at me, stood still.

"We can't call it off." Lydia joins our conversation, "We have to find the Mortal Cup."

My gaze shifts to her, "I was talking to Alec."

Before Lydia could speak, Raj walks over to her, "It's all clear."

"Of course it is." Lydia huffs, "It's not here- let's keep looking."

With that, I was left alone with Jace and Alec.

Jace walks over to us, staring at his parabatai, "What is going on with you?"

"Look, we have to turn over the Cup." Alec stood by his duty.

"Alec- we all know where you put the Cup." I said in a low tone so no one but them could hear me, "Please- right now isn't the time."

"Alec, she's risked everything to find it-" Jace began to reason.

"And we've risked everything for her." Alec cuts him off, "Either she gives the Cup to Lydia, or I'll do it myself."

"I'll bring her back." Jace sighs, "But, please, let Clary be the one to give the Cup to the Clave. We owe her that much."

"It's the right call." Alec nods towards us, "You'll see."

He leaves Jace and I alone, as I shot Jace a look instantly, not agreeing with this.

Jace pulled out his phone, putting my hair to the side, taking a photo of blocking rune on my neck, sending it to Clary, dialing her number.

Clary answered, "Hey, what's with the picture?"

"Draw it- now." Jace orders, "It's a Blocking rune. It prevents anyone from finding you using Shadowhunter tracking."

"Jace- is there any chance Zee's with you?" Clary questions, my eyes going wide as I quickly shook my head towards Jace.

Jace inhales deeply, "No- not anymore, you just missed her. But- Clary, the Clave heard you had the Cup- they think you're working with Valentine."

"Oh, my God, why would they-" She gasped, then stopped, "Wait, Jace, is the Cup secure?"

"It will be." He assures, "You need to get to someplace safe. Someplace the Clave would never look- I'll find you."

-

"Where are you taking him?" Isabelle raises her voice at Lydia as she walked right next to Alec towards the entrance, as a few men were dragging Meliorn away.

"To a holding cell." Lydia replies, "And a guard unit will transport him to the Silent Brothers."

Isabelle shouts, Jace and I following her as she followed Lydia and Alec, "You can't do that!"

"It's not our decision, Isabelle." Alec said in a monotone, "The Clave made the order."

Jace backs Isabelle up, "That could be a death sentence to a Downworlder."

"Are you trying to start a war with them?" Isabelle pushed as Lydia stopped and faced us along with Alec, "Meliorn's told you everything he knows."

"You don't know that." Lydia stared at Isabelle, "Maybe we haven't asked the right questions."

"Seelies often skirt the truth." Lydia continued, "If he has information on another terrorist attack, it is our responsibility to get it."

"Let me talk to him-" Isabelle quietly said, her tone serious.

Lydia shot back quick, "That wasn't exactly helpful in the past."

"But- Meliorn may not know anything." I also backed Isabelle up, my eyes landing on the figure towering over me, "Alec, this is going too far."

Alec barely blinks, "We don't have a choice."

-

"And neither do we." Jace sighs as we stood with Magnus in the training room.

"Let me get this straight." Magnus looks between us all, "You need Alec's stele to open the safe, and you want me to steal it from him?"

I shrug, "We prefer the word borrow."

"Without his knowledge." Isabelle adds in.

"No can do-" Magnus shook his head, "Not happening."

"Magnus, ever since Alec found out our parents were in the Circle, he's been messed up." Jace stops him, "He can't see the big picture."

"If the Clave is willing to subject Meliorn to the Silent Brothers, if they're willing to go this far- what do you think will happen if they get the Cup?" Isabelle persuades, "This affects everyone."

"Help us get into that safe." I stood still, "Help us stop this."

"You're all going to owe me." Magnus looks between us, "I'm talking 14th century. Gold, rubies definitely diamonds."

I barely nod, "That's a given."

Magnus inhales, "If we're going to do this- there's no turning back."

-

"You might wanna pick up the pace-" Jace told Isabelle as we were gearing up.

"You do not wanna be on my bad side right now." Isabelle shot back at him, clear that she was upset.

I slip my leather jacket on, grabbing my stele, "Are you gonna be okay?"

"The whole world is turning upside down." Isabelle vented, "Simon turned into a vampire. Now- Meliorn might die because of some-"

"It's not anything you did." Jace stops her, "They just put a bunch of unrelated facts together, and came up with a big lie."

"I wish that made me feel better." Isabelle mutters, grabbing the bag after she was done filling it with essentials.

As we turn, Hodge was stood in front of us, causing us to jerk to a stop.

Hodge sipped the warm liquid out of his mug, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Hodge-" I blurt out, "Hey-"

"It's a very dangerous time, and no one is supposed to leave the premises without express orders." Hodge stares between us all, suspicion threaded in his features.

"Hodge, we were just about to-" Isabelle began.

Hodge cuts her off, "Lie to me?"

"Clary needs us, Hodge." Jace spoke up, "The Clave is looking for her- she could be in serious danger."

"Well, in that case, I'd make a timely exit before anyone of importance notices you're gone." Hodge simply said, stepping aside.

Jace nods, a smile of relief playing on his lips, "We won't forget this."

-

Clary ran out the back door of Hotel DuMort, Simon following her, as she ran into Jace's arms.

Simon walks over to us, a sympathetic expression crossing my features, "Simon-"

"Hey-" Simon weakly smiles at me, his voice soft.

I had noticed how much paler he was, his glasses now gone, and his hair different.

"You're a vampire now-" I softly said, "How is it, so far?"

"This is my world now-" Simon shrugs gently, "I've got to get used to it at some point."

"Not yet?" I ask.

Simon shakes his head, "Not yet."

"Zee-" Clary's voice fills my ears, my head turning, as she walked over to me, engulfing me into a hug, "I'm so sorry-"

I stumble back in shock, blinking a few times, processing what she was doing, "What the hell-"

"I didn't see it from your perspective at all- and you had ever right to go off on me like that- and I deserved every single word you said to me- and I just- I never thought that my mom would be the one to do all of this and everything is so new- I mean I'm finding out about all the things my mom lied to me about and I put all the blame on you and I had no right to do that- so-" Clary rambles in one breath, "I'm sorry."

"Clary-" I exhale sharply, "Right now- isn't the time or place."

"Right-" Clary clears her throat and steps back, "I'm sorry-"

"Stop- apologizing-" I began to say.

"Can we please focus on the matter at hand?" Isabelle cuts in, "Unless no one here cares that the Clave is planning on murdering Meliorn."

Clary blinks, "What?"

"They think Meliorn has more information on Valentine and the attack than he's saying." Jace told her.

I nod, "They're taking him to the Silent Brothers."

"We have to stop them!" Clary immediately said.

"That's the plan, Clary." Jace nods, "Rescue and recovery."

Isabelle states the plan, "We get him from the guards, in and out, no one gets hurt."

Clary looks between us, "You want us to go up against the Silent Brothers, and an elite Shadowhunter guard unit?"

Luke's eyebrows furrow in confusion, "Without any backup?"

"Pretty much sums it up, yeah." Jace nods in confirmation.

"Well- we need backup. But Jace thinks we can singlehandedly take them all on our own- which he gives us all way too much credit- especially himself." I remark, my arms remaining at my sides.

Jace rolls his eyes playfully, Clary looking between us, "Is Alec coming?"

"No- he's not." I look down.

Jace shook his head, "Not this time."

"If they're doing this to Seelies, no Downworlder is safe." Clary spoke, "But we can't go in alone, not if we don't want to be detected."

Luke nods, "My pack will track the unit, create a distraction."

"I would suggest vampires, but I doubt they'll cooperate." Simon admits.

Jace sighs, "As much as I hate to agree with Simon, vamps aren't exactly team players."

"Let Zee talk to Raphael." Clary shrugs.

I blink, looking at her, "Let me do what?"

"You're good with words." Clary shrugs, "You can persuade him."

-

"We're offering an alliance with the Seelies." I stood in front of Raphael, looking between all the vampires that stood in front of me, behind Raphael, then looking back at Luke.

Luke sighs, "And the werewolves."

"Why should we believe you?" Raphael stares at me, "You killed our people- you violated our home."

"And you kidnapped a mundane." I cross my arms, keeping a straight look on my face, "Don't you remember that?"

"That was me." Simon waves.

"Bottom line- you were just following Camille's orders." I spoke the truth, "She violated the Accords."

"You are a different kind of leader." I persuade, "We are a new generation of Shadowhunters- and we believe everyone can be equal."

"The only way we can stop Valentine- a threat to all of us- is if we work together. We can ensure the Clave doesn't repeat past mistakes." I looked at Raphael, "What do you say?"

"This decision requires a consensus." Raphael replies.

Simon raises his hand, "I vote yes."

"Well, well, well, baby's first words." Raphael remarks.

"Don't make me regret them." Simon stares at him.

Raphael smirks, "If our newest member pledges his loyalty to his new leader and joins our clan we'll all stand beside you."

"Simon's not a pawn." Clary shot out at him.

"No I'm not." Simon sighs, "But I accept your deal."

"Wait-" I looked at him, "Simon, what are you doing?"

"Whatever it takes to protect the Downworld." Simon slowly nods, "It's my world now."

Raphael nods, "Then we're in."

-

"This does not look like the City of Bones." Clary inhales sharply, looking around.

"This is the Downworlders entrance." Jace told her.

"The City of Bones has a service entrance-" Clary trails off, "Perfect."

"I hope I have better luck here than I did last time." Simon comments, "I'm just saying-"

I stop, facing everyone, leading, "Everyone knows what to do?"

"Text when you're in position." Jace follows up.

As Luke steps forward, Raphael whistles, making him stop, "Stay."

Luke stood still, as Raphael smirks, "Good dog."

Luke rolls his eyes, "Bite me."

"Roll over." Raphael shot back at him.

"Play dead." Luke snips back at him.

"Boom!" Simon makes a sound affect and shares a fist bump with Luke.

And right when the bickering was over and they started to walk in unison, someone had to destroy it.

Within seconds, a werewolf had shoved into Simon, making him stumble forward, the vampires hissing at the werewolves, as the werewolves growled right back.

"Hey, stop-" Jace and Clary tried to stop them.

"Hey, enough!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, getting between them, my voice breaking at how loud my tone became, "Stop!"

Raphael and Luke looked down at my tiny body, the hissing and growling fading away.

I turn towards Taito, the werewolf that had shoved Simon, my screams not quieting down, "What are you trying to achieve here?"

Taito was ten times bigger than me, but that didn't stop me from telling him off.

"If you're going to keep trying to start unneeded fights, you can get the hell out because none of us are going to wind up dead because you had a fight to pick with a vampire!" I shouted at him, turning towards Raphael and Luke, stood between the two groups.

"All our lives are at stake, and this isn't going to help any of us!" My voice was loud and clear as I addressed this to everyone, "It's time put aside our differences, and work together!"

I breathe heavily, my tone dropping low, "Tonight we're all Downworlders, is that understood?"

Silence follows my screams, as I looked to my right, "Luke?"

Luke nods gently, my head turning to my left, "Raphael?"

Raphael nods, everyone dead silent as they slowly parted ways, heading towards their positions.

"I guess I should expect people to hate me for who I am now." Simon sighs, "I'll get used to it."

"Never get used to it." Clary looks at him, "You hear me?"

"Let's do this." Isabelle nods towards Simon, as they slowly move away, heading for their positions.

Jace stares at me in amusement, "I didn't know you had that type of voice in you, shorty."

"Jace-" I huff.

"Before I forget-" Jace took out the Mortal Cup and Clary's necklace, "These belong to you."

Clary slowly took them, "Did Alec give you these?"

Jace shrugs, "Let's just say this is where they're safest- be careful."

"Don't worry-" Clary places it in her bag, "I won't activate it now that I know how it works. Thank you-"

"Thank me if we make it out of this alive." Jace exhales sharply, nodding towards us.

"You mean- when we make it out?" I correct him, walking away from them, as they followed closely behind me.

-

"Come here." Jace told Clary, drawing the vision rune on her neck, as I activated mine, seeing through the walls, watching Alec walk along side Meliorn, a few Shadowhunters along side of them.

"No-" I trail off, "Are you kidding me?"

"Alec?" Clary stared at the same thing, "What's he doing here?"

"Oh, no-" Jace sighs, "Damn it- Lydia must have sent him."

Clary's eyebrows furrow in confusion, "Lydia?"

I deactivate my vision rune, looking at them, crossing my arms, "Alec's future wife."

Clary opens her mouth in question, as I quickly shook my head, "Don't ask."

Clary looks between us, "Just say the word, and we'll call the whole thing off."

"No, there's no turning back now-" Jace shook his head, "So whatever happens, follow my lead."

Clary and I follow Jace, beating Alec and Meliorn to the entrance, taking our positions.

Alec held onto Meliorn, drawing the rune on the pillar, watching as the wall that hide the entrance destroy into nothingness.

"Alec-" Clary ran in front of him, Alec's eyes squinting in confusion.

"You told me you were taking Clary back to the Institute-" Alec stares at Jace once him and I came in sight, "You lied to me."

Jace sighs, "I did what needed to be done."

"Alec, the Clave has gone too far." Clary spoke, "You have to see that- please, just let Meliorn go."

Alec stays still, his eyes glued to me, "I have my orders."

"Alec-" I took a step closer to him, "Please- this is wrong, you have to see that."

Alec stood still and silent, his eyes lingering with mine.

"Meliorn could die if you carry out this order." I carefully took a step closer, "We want you to come with us. Please- you may no see it now- but we're on the right side here."

Alec stared into my eyes for a few moments, then looked away, and at the ground, "I told you, I have my orders."

He didn't have the strength to look me in the eye and tell me no.

"You and your damn orders." Clary huffs, "Who cares about orders?"

"See? That's how little you know about being a Shadowhunter." Alec looks at her, "You couldn't possibly understand-"

"It's you that doesn't understand, Alec." Jace cuts him off, "Not this time- I'm really sorry."

With that, Jace runs, tackling Alec to the ground.

"Let's go- come on-" I lead, grabbing Meliorn's arm, pulling him back the way he came from, Clary on Meliorn's other side.

I ran out by Isabelle and Simon, using my stele up to break the cuffs on Meliorn's wrists, looking at Clary, "Stay here-"

I bolt back the way I came, hearing grunts, thuds and Jace's shouts, "Alec, we both know what this is about."

"Oh, do we?" Alec scoffs, his voice strained, "Okay- why doesn't the legend, Jace Wayland, tell us what's it about?"

"You're hurt-" Jace pants from all the physical movement, "Zee, she-"

Jace's sentence was cut off when Alec pushes him off, throwing punching at him as he did right back, but within seconds, Alec had Jace to the ground, a seraph dagger to his neck.

My eyes wide, Jace shouting, "Do it- do it! I don't wanna be alive if we're on different sides, Alec."

I ran, pushing my tiny body into him, knocking him onto the ground, as I was on top of him, my arm against his neck, my legs on either side of him, "Alec, stop!"

The dagger now sat a few feet away from us, Jace slowly sitting up, watching us, panting.

"Is this about me?" My voice broke as I raised my tone, staring right into his eyes, "Is it, Alec?"

Alec pushed me off, standing up, as I was quick to jump up, grabbing him back his collar and pushing him into the wall, my arm returning back to where it was before, "Will you stop- avoiding it? I know how you feel and-"

Alec cuts me off, grabbing me and pushing me against the wall, pinning my wrists over my head.

"Stop it." Alec breathes, "I said- stop."

"Fine- but please- come with me." I breathe heavily, grunting as I use my leg to knock him off his feet, his hands gripping my wrists, putting me down with him, as I fell onto one knee, Alec laying on his back, "This isn't the way to fight Valentine."

"We'll fight Valentine the right way together." Jace stood behind us, nodding in agreement with me.

Alec lets go of my wrists, slowly sitting up, staring at Jace, "If we do that we'll be considered traitors like Mom and Dad."

"I'm begging you, my parabatai- my brother." Jace held his hand out for Alec as I stood back up, "Please, Alec, come with us."

Alec looks up at us, letting out a breath, "No."

"What? No, Alec-" I crouched, grabbing his face, "Look at me- please."

Alec's eyes shift towards me once I grabbed his face, as I was now pleading, "I'm sorry, okay- please- please come with us-"

Jace stared at his parabatai, hurt crossing his features, grabbing my arm, pulling me with him as he ran off, as I begged him, letting him pull me along, my hands holding his bicep, "Jace- wait- please- we can convince him!"

-

"I underestimated you." Meliorn told Isabelle, stood with her outside of Hotel DuMort, as I stood with them, waiting for Clary and Jace to say goodbye to Simon.

"Is that a thank you?" Isabelle quietly asked.

"In the Seelie world, it is." Meliorn smiles, his lips connection with hers, as I almost instantly turn my back towards them, crossing my arms.

Jace and Clary ran over, Clary clearing throat to try and break them away, Jace speaking up, "I hate to break up this reunion, Izzy, but we have to go."

Isabelle pulls away from Meliorn, smiling at him, "You're in good hands."

"Iz and I need to get back to the Institute, see what hell has broken loose." I exhale deeply, looking down at my feet, "And hopefully talk some sense into Alec."

Clary places a hand on my shoulder, making me look up at her, "Hey- are you and I good?"

It took me a second to respond.

I blink, barely shrugging, "We will be."

Clary gently nods, giving me a weak smile.

"This is progression." I step back, running a hand through my hair, "Let's go, Iz."

"Take care of him." Isabelle tells Clary and Jace.

Clary nods, "We will."

And with that, Isabelle and I ran off into the night, leaving Meliorn alone with Jace and Clary.

authors note.

hi

she had valid reasons

this chapter is kinda bad so like my bad