Isaac could hear footsteps around him, he could hear terror and the fleeing of people, and he understood. While Clary was shocked that he would leave them without offering his help, he could understand. Downworlders were not liked by Shadowhunters or Valentine, and the fact that he was hunting warlocks didn't help. If he hadn't promised to stand by Clary, Isaac probably would have fled as well.

And maybe if he was in his right mind, he would have said goodbye, kissed her forehead after giving an explanation, and then leaving to the Institute for safety. Really, he probably should have done that, yet he didn't.

"The area's secure. Looks like he was the only assassin," Isabelle said once she arrived to them. Isaac looked back at her and sent her a smile, which she gladly returned.

Alec informed, "He has a Circle rune on the base of his neck." Isaac didn't expect another answer, of course he did, why else would he be here?

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

Everyone moved except for the shocked redhead. "Clary..." Jace tried again, but Isaac doubted it would work.

The five of them walked out of the building, only to be stopped when Isabelle said, "Jace." Clary looked distraught and a victim, which was a card she knew how to play well, which made Isaac feel the urge to make her really a victim. Maybe a scratch to the face would do her good.

"Clary, we have to move," Jace told her, but it wasn't urgent or demanding, it was kind – more of a suggestion, really.

"I'm catching my breath."

"You know what? This is great," Alec started, "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 told him sternly, making Isaac scoff.

"Clary, you know I love you, right?" Isaac said with an innocent smile plastered on his face, "But this isn't the time for you to play the victim and say, 'Whoa is me,' alright? Because if you continue to be a fucking bitch, I'm leaving. I think France would be a nice place, I liked it there."

The redhead threw him a look, but didn't say anything. Jace looked mildly disgusted, while Isabelle had a slightly hurt expression on her face. Isaac didn't mean it, but it had to be done.

"Why should I? What, are you afraid I'm gonna upset her?" Alec threw pointless questions at Jace, "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," Clary went to defend herself, "I am right here. I don't care about your damn jewelry. I'm sorry you're gonna look bad in front of your bosses, okay? But my mom is still missing and my last chance at finding her just disappeared into thin air."

"Fuck off, Clary," Isaac groaned, causing the others to look at him in surprise, "Not everything is about you. This isn't the Clary show, is it? No, it's fucking not. So sit your ass down before I make you have something to cry about."

Isaac hated the way he talked. He wouldn't cause violence or inflict pain on anyone, not after his childhood. But what else could he do? He hated the way she spoke, like her life was the hardest thing in the world. But he had dealt with an abusive father, being paralyzed, fighting off numerous monsters, and deaths of loved ones. He should be the one complaining, but he wasn't, because where did complaining get him? Nowhere.

"Clary, it's gonna be fine," Jace tried to reason with her, but Isaac knew that there would be no way to persuade her unless he actually did something.

"No, it's not!" Clary cried, "People are dying because of me."

Isaac almost went on another rampage from that statement, because no one dying because of her, but because of the Cup. What an egotistical asshole. But, he kept his comments to himself for once because he didn't feel like dealing with the crazed girl and her blonde protector. It would get very messy, and a lot of Shadowhunter blood would be spilled.

"And Magnus?" the redhead started again, "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."

"Maybe not having your memories are for the better, Clary. Some people would wish to forget," the werewolf told her solemnly.

Isabelle went over to Isaac and put her hand in his, which he didn't refuse. He liked the way her smaller hand felt in his, it gave him a source of happiness. But the memories of Allison still remained on his mind. Her bright smile, the cute small, dimples, and then...her death. It replayed in his mind like the night that it happened. Isaac remembered sitting there, and watching her last moments go on and on in his mind. And he couldn't stop them.

"You give up way too easy," Jace said before bringing his hands together and closing his eyes.

"What is he doing?" Clary questioned the scene, not understanding what was happening because of her limited time of knowing about the Shadow world.

"He's tracking Magnus," Alec informed her without emotion, "Be quiet and keep your distance."

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

There was silence for a few more moments before Jace shook his head, "No. The signal's not strong enough. Magnus must be blocking the track. Let's do this, Alec."

Alec went to the blonde Shadowhunter, leaving the redhead more confused than ever, "Do what?"

"Parabatai tracking."

"Of course they are," muttered Clary, like those two words explained everything. The only reason Isaac knew all about it was Jocelyn, who decided to further inform him on the Shadow world just in case this happened and she wouldn't be there.

"When parabatais track, their power grows stronger," Isabelle told her, "Jace and Alec are gonna track Magnus together."

The three of them watched the male Shadowhunters. There was a slight pause before Clary said, "Yeah, this whole parabatai thing seems oddly intimate, if you ask me."

Isabelle sighed, "You don't the half of it."

"Got him," Jace let go of Alec's hands as he turned to the three of them. They told them where they were going before the five of them headed off into a building.

The Shadowhunters stood with their blades out, moving softly so that their movements wouldn't attract attention while Isaac walked like he usually would (which was practically tip-toeing). He didn't see the point in getting his claws out yet, the time for that would come later.

"Magnus' lair is right behind that fence," Jace pointed. His voice was quiet, barely above a whisper, but they all knew why.

"Magnus lives in a warehouse?" Clary questioned, making Isaac snort. Why would the High Warlock of Brooklyn live in a warehouse? That would be like the Queen of England living in a shack.

"Not exactly," Jace said nicely, "Warlock glamour."

Isabelle had her hand raised as she alerted them, "Something's wrong. It's far too easy to get this close. His protective wards must be down."

"You," Alec said to Clary, "Don't get in the way."

They heard a man grunting and fighting, a sword slicing. They all looked up to see a Circle member killing a warlock before throwing his body to the ground.

"Oh, God! Valentine found Magnus!" Clary cried as they all went to run towards the scene, hoping that Magnus wasn't dead yet.

Isaac went on his own, the two Lightwoods together and Jace chasing after Clary. He didn't mind being alone, he had been on his own for so long he learned that he worked best by himself, though he would never turn down company from someone that he liked.

Turning a corner, he was met with another Shadowhunter with the Circle rune. There was another warlock trying to fight, but he wasn't quick enough and the Shadowhunter was about to strike. But, before he could, Isaac brought his claws to the man's shoulder and down to his arm, distracting him long enough for the Shadowhunter to get away.

The Circle member smirked, "Valentine will be pleased to have a werewolf to test on."

"Yeah?" Isaac kicked him right in the balls, "Well, keep dreaming."

The blade in his hand almost reached Isaac's skin, but Isaac was quicker, he had seen enough war to know when to move – when to calculate their next move. Bringing the man's arm to his fangs, Isaac bit down on his skin. It wouldn't do anything since he wasn't an alpha, still a beta with yellow eyes, but it sure would give the man a fright.

Smirking, Isaac said, "You're right, Valentine will be pleased to have a werewolf to test on."

Then, the man ran away and Isaac let him go. Death would be too kind, and he wanted to see what happened to him, believing that he was going to turn into one of them.

Finally, Isaac left the scene to search for his friends, finding them in what looked like a living room, sitting down and waiting for everyone to return. Once Clary saw him, she ran up and brought him into a hug, "Isaac!"

He chuckled, "Hey, Clare Bear!"

Their hug lasted a little while longer before they sat down next to each other and continued to wait, holding each other's hand as a sign that they were still there. It brought both of them peace, and brought back memories of normalness when they would do this – just like the morning of Clary's eighteenth birthday; the day everything changed.

Clary then went over to Magnus with the little girl she had previously saved, returning her to him and the other warlocks. Isaac could have listened in on their conversation and known what they were talking about, but he felt that would be incredibly rude and he didn't really feel like listening anyways.

Magnus then addressed the group, "Hold tight, everyone, we're about to move."

The place rumbled before changing the scene to what looked like a New York apartment, with the other warlocks nowhere to be seen. Isaac wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not, but it made him feel better since he wasn't exactly the best with strangers.

"Ah, much better," Magnus sighed, "Ugh, it's inevitable. After each move, I get the itch to redecorate. Normally, I love a dirty lair, but this one is just sloppy."

The coffee table that had been turned stood up straight in its original position. Isaac wanted to snort because, that was redecorating? But he kept his thoughts to himself and just looked onward at the warlock.

"I believe in payment for services rendered," Magnus turned to Isabelle, handing her the necklace with the red jewel, "Thank you for defending the warlocks."

Isabelle looked at it hungrily, but contained herself slightly, "I couldn't."

"Oh, but you could. And you should," Magnus placed it around her neck, and Isaac couldn't deny that it didn't look good on her, "The Lightwoods have been wearing this for years."

He whispered something in her ear that made Isabelle's smile even wider before turning to Isaac, "And you, Isaac, I believe there was something you asked for a few months ago."

The ring that Chris had given him those two years ago was shown brightly to the group, and Isaac stared at it in shock because when Magnus had taken it, he said that he would only give it back once the time was right.

"It's yours, remember?" Isaac stood up to pocket the ring, "Oh, and your family is closer than you think. Meet me later and I might be able to spill a little more."

Isaac gave him a smile before returning to his seat, not letting anyone else see the ring. It felt like a secret, and that he would betray his birth parents if he told anyone else about it. So, he kept it tuck nicely inside his pocket and ignored the curious looks the others gave him.

"Thanks, Magnus," he said finally.

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

"Are you certain?" Magnus asked her cautiously, and Isaac admitted that he wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not, "Summoning such a powerful demon could be lethal."

"I'll do anything to save my mother," she said without emotion, "Where is the demon?"

"Okay." Magnus have in, "Pretty boy, get your team ready."

"You know what to do," Jace told them all before Magnus interrupted him, "I'm not talking to you."

Magnus then pointed to Alec, "I'm talking to...you." Isaac almost laughed at this, because he was sure that no one ever called Alec the pretty one, and he was also sure that it brought Jace's ego down a little (which he needed).

"Come with me," Magnus beckoned them, bringing them into another room of the apartment. "Everyone wants the Mortal Cup. Don't trust anyone, especially not the Clave."

"Then why should I trust you?" Clary questioned, not knowing why he would tell her this.

"You shouldn't," Magnus countered, "Only trust yourself."

Magnus then presented her something to draw with. "These chalks are beautiful. What are they for?" Clary awed at them.

"If a person wants their memories returned, they must draw the pentagram to summon the demon," Magnus explained, "I can walk you through it, if you like."

"I got this," Clary said.

Isaac and the Lightwood siblings returned to the study, along with Magnus, leaving only Clary and Jace to prepare for the memory demon. While Isaac was sure that Magnus wanted to show off to Alec, he wanted to know more about his family. So, he cornered the warlock.

Magnus looked up with a closed smile, "Ah, yes. What would you like to know about them?"

There was no need to ask, both knew what he was over there for, so Isaac simply asked, "What are their names? Or were?'

"What are you willing to give up if I tell you this?" Magnus inquired, wanting to make a deal with the werewolf.

"Anything, really," Isaac answered truthfully.

"Anything, you say?" Magnus stood up and brought them into a closed space. "Well, there is a lot I could do with the blood of a werewolf of your kind. I hear they heal fast, right?" Isaac nodded. "But, I suppose that is too much of a price for two names, don't you think? Of course, you aren't one to makes deals, so you wouldn't know that...no, I have it!"

Isaac looked at him expectantly, and Magnus only smiled. "I want you to tell me a story," the warlock stated.

"What?" Isaac chuckled, because why the hell did Magnus Bane want him to tell a story.

"No, no, no. Not any story," Magnus shook his head, "The memory demon will call for the memory of your greatest love. Of course, we know everyone's and there would be no need for an explanation, but you...well, I don't think Clary or Jocelyn are who you care for most, correct?"

Isaac silently nodded, betraying himself. He didn't know how he could still bring himself to love her even when he couldn't save her, it felt like he was betraying her by saying that she was the one he loved most.

"Yes, yes," Magnus nodded. "I want you, when the demon is gone, to tell us a story about the one you love the most. That will be your payment. And after, I will willingly tell you the names of your birth parents. Do we have a deal?"

On one hand, he could say no. He could let the memory demon take the memory of the one he loved most and never tell anyone who she was, and that could be it. But then, he would never know who his family was. And the other, Isaac could them all about her and say how he didn't save her, going into the past he never wanted to see again. But which option was better?

"Deal," Isaac finally said, shaking the warlock's hand so that he could no longer break the deal. He would tell them about Allison, and he would learn the names of his birth parents.

•••

Time passed, and finally they were ready to summon the memory demon. The four that weren't originally in the room, greeted the two other Shadowhunters.

"Jocelyn was right, your artistry is beyond compare," Magnus compliment the redhead.

She flushed, "I don't know about that."

"Oh, the only other person I've known who could draw as well was Michelangelo, who was excellent in bed, I might add."

Isabelle let out a small chuckle, and Alec turned a little red before turning away.

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

Isaac went to stand between Isabelle and Clary; the two people he was closest with in their group. They locked hands and Isaac sent a reassuring smile to the redheaded girl, who looked mildly scared about what they were going to do.

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

There was a low booming, and then again and again. Isaac wasn't intimidated by it, I mean, he faced a thousand-year-old Nogistune for Christ's sake! This was nothing compared to that.

Someone said something, but Isaac didn't hear, memories of times with Allison raising in his mind.

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

"What do you mean? What kind of payment?" Jace asked, alarmed, but Magnus did not tell him. Only him and Isaac knew, and it was because of that stupid deal.

"We will see." Magnus discarded his questions, "Let us begin."

Magnus began talking in another language to summon the memory demon, and while some looked mildly alarmed by it, Isaac was cool because he knew that this wasn't the worse that could happen.

"The necklace," Isabelle alerted the group, "It's pulsing."

The wind started to rustle and a creature from between them began to growl; he was here.

"Valak is among us. Do not break the bond," Magnus' voice was strong, "It is time, the demon demands payment."

"What does it want?" Alec asked quickly, wanting this to end.

"We must each relinquish a beloved memory of the one we love the most."

The demon went after Clary first, letting everyone see a memory of her mother, as expected. Then others went, and finally it was time for Isaac. He knew what would be shown, and sure enough there was a memory of Allison shooting her arrow and it almost going right through Lydia's skull, before Isaac had caught it; saving the Martin girl's life.

He let out a shaky breath before seeing Alec's memory; it was of Jace. (Which Isaac had to admit, that was a plot twist right there, yes it was.)

"No, it's not true! The demon deceived me!" Alec yelled, but it was pointless.

"Do not break the bond!" Magnus told him, and Isaac had to agree.

"Alec, it's okay!" Isabelle tried to persuade him, but they all knew that there was nothing they could do to change his mind.

"No!"

They tried to tell him to stop, but it didn't work. Alec had released the bond between them, and all of them were thrown to the wall.

Magnus strained to contain the demon, "I cannot contain the demon much longer!"

Alec was walking towards it, and Jace was what he was doing. "No!" he grunted, letting the demon take him instead of his parabatai.

The creature roared, and the others went to try and save him. "Jace!" Isabelle screamed.

"Grab him! Grab him!" Isabelle told the others, and they all went to Jace's aid.

"Hold on!" Alec told Jace.

"The demon is growing stronger!" Magnus informed the group, and they all tried harder to help Jace escape. They would not let him be taken.

"He's slipping!"

"Clary!" Isabelle turned to the redhead, "Help us!"

"Clary, if you kill the demon, your memories will be lost forever!" Magnus told her before she did anything.

"Help us!" pleaded Isabelle again. Clary took another look at the blade in her hand before deciding. She struck the demon, again and again, allowing the others to save Jace from his grasp.

"Jace...oh, my God, Jace. Jace get up!" Clary screamed at his unconscious figure.

"Is he going to be alright?"

"I don't know," Magnus told them, "Does he normally just lay like that without moving?"

Isaac couldn't help but laugh, and it felt nice. Everything was okay, Jace had to be okay. After everything that had just happened, he had to be alright...he just had to.

Finally, Jace gasped and coughed for breath, looking at everyone around him, "I'm alright. I'm alright. I'm alright, I'm just getting my second wind."

It was much later now, but they were still at Magnus' apartment. All of them were sprawled out on the couches and Isaac knew what was about to happen. He had to complete his deal, he had to.

Magnus smirked at him, "Isaac, would be so kind to tell us who that girl was?"

Isaac let out a visible sigh, knowing that he had to do it. He had to, he couldn't keep going on in his life not knowing. But what was worse? Knowing or not knowing? Maybe they wouldn't be the parents he wanted, maybe they were Circle members who died? Maybe, maybe, maybe...

But what if they were good people? What if they were people who could love him and show him what a real family was...it was time to decide.

"Her name was Allison," he began, "Allison Argent."

Clary leaned in closer, her eyebrows raised in curiosity, "Was?"

He nodded, "Yeah, she, uh, she died. Got killed when she was trying to save her friend...he was my friend as well. No, he's not dead, she was the only one who...who died that night."

"What happened," Isabelle joined in, wanting to know more about the enigma that was Isaac Lahey.

He made a face before continuing, "We were at Oak Creek, trying to save our friend who had been captured by the Nogistune. He had friends, the Oni, and sent them after us. Nothing could kill them, they were a figment of darkness, but she did. She found out how to kill one, and for that, they killed her."

He chuckled bitterly, "And you know what? She died in the arms of her first love, which wasn't me. Said it was perfect, and then...and then she was gone. And then she was gone."

"What was she like?" Isabelle asked again.

"Kind...yeah, kind and loyal. She was brave as well, stuck with her family, but she was also tricked by them easily as well. Allison just wanted to save everyone, that's all she really wanted. And yeah, she saved everyone but Aiden, who died the next night just like her. She was the first person who taught me that there were good people in the world. Before that, I really only had my adoptive father since my adoptive mother died when I was young and Camden, adoptive brother, went to fight and then got himself killed.

So, yeah, I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for her..." he trailed off at the end, wanting to cry but also wanted to tear something apart in his guilt.

The others saw this, and Clary gave him a hug and Isabelle a squeeze on the shoulder before they left. Magnus was the only one left.

"Thank you," he nodded before sighing, "Jocelyn Fairchild and Valentine Morgenstern...those are your parents."

•••

oh my god, guys! this is the longest chapter of the book!!! also, we hit 30k words this chapter! i feel so accomplished!

dedicated to izzyslightwoods for this amazing edit! I love you, thank you so much!

question of the day,
allison or lydia?

answer of the day,
lydia, but i do love me some allison