"Simon, what are you doing?" Clary ran after Simon the next morning as I walked through the Ops Center, my attention falling onto them.

I had just woken up, my hair was a wavy tamed mess, dressed in gray sweatpants and a cropped t shirt, holding a bowl filled with cut up pineapple in my hand, as I ate another piece, twirling the fork in my hand.

Simon walked toward the hall that lead to the entrance, "I already told Isabelle, they can't keep me prisoner here."

"Prisoner?" Clary chased after him, "Wait, what Simon- where are you going?"

"I'm going home, Clary." Simon stooped and spun to face her, "And if you haven't already completely drunk their Kool-Aid, then you're coming with me."

Clary sighs, "You know I can't."

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

"In fact, this is the safest place she could possibly be." Jace walked out of the elevator and guarded the hall, staring at him.

Simon points at him, his teeth clenched, "You don't get to talk to me, Captain America."

Jace scoffs in humor, "Considering I'm the guy with the weapons, I get to say what I want."

"Okay, come at me, bro!" Simon shouted, ready to start a fight, beating on his chest.

Jace only laughed, "Oh, yeah?"

"Hey, what is your problem?" Clary cuts in.

"He's my problem!" Simon points, "He's just like Kirk Duplesse from high school. Do you remember him? Total jerk with the square jaw- smelled like body spray, always bullying people. Why don't you do your own homework? Just once, yeah?"

When Jace and Clary don't reply, his voice falls low as he walks past Jace and towards the door, "I can take care of myself."

Clary looks at Jace for help but he shrugs, "I'm not saving his ass a second time-"

"Really, Jace?" Clary huffs then changes after him, "Simon!"

When Simon passes me, I place my fork in my bowl, chewing on the pineapple in my mouth, grabbing his arm, easily flipping him onto his back and resting my sock covered foot on his chest, looking down at him as he groaned.

Clary skids to a stop, "What're you doing?"

I picked up my fork and ate another piece of pineapple, "Talk."

"Let go of me!" Simon tried to get up, but I pushed him right back down.

"You were kidnapped by vampires, okay?" Clary shot at him, "You of all people should know how dangerous it is out there."

Simon defeatedly laid on the ground, "I'll be fine."

"Hey, you're not the only one who's in danger." Clary argued, "If you go home right now, you're putting your mother, and your sister, and even Maureen at risk. Think about them."

"I am thinking about them." Simon forcefully pushed my foot away and got up, "Because if everything you've said about the Shadow World's true, they're already in danger, and I need to be home to protect them."

I laughed, "You're going to protect them?"

Simon looks at me, "Yes, I am."

"All right, hotshot." I shrug, walking over to where Jace stood, "You're no Captain America over here."

Simon scoffs, "I can handle well on my own!"

Jace nods, humming in response, "Yeah, sure-"

"Come with me." Simon tried to convince Clary, "We can crash at my place- we can figure all this out."

"You have no idea how much I want to go back to the way things were." Clary sighed deeply, "To be with you and my mom and-"

"Clary." Simon stops her, "We've had each other's backs our whole lives- we've never needed anyone. Let me help you- we don't- we don't need these people."

"Simon- I don't know how to explain this, okay?" Clary sighed deeply, "But I think- I think these are my people."

"Message received, loud and clear." Hurt crosses Simon's face as he left the Institute, Clary calling after him.

Jace looked down at me, "Hey, can you go wake Alec?"

I shot him a look and walked away, leaving him alone as I hopped up the steps and walked through the living hall.

I didn't want to listen to Jace, but if this had anything to do with Alec, I was gonna do it.

My excuse to see him again.

I walked into Alec's room, his room slightly dark because of his curtains not being opened.

I close the door behind me and walked over to the window, tearing open the curtains and letting the bright sunlight in, only to realize his back was to the window.

I step out of the sunlight's way and let it shine on him, in hopes that it would wake him.

Then, I realize he was shirtless.

I almost choke on the pineapple I was eating, my eyes falling onto his bare back.

How can a man's back be attractive?

I slowly walked around his bed, doing a complete double take when my eyes scan down his bicep and chest.

I clear my throat and fanned his face, as it didn't wake him up. I fanned harder, my hand practically flapping around, but he didn't budge.

I set my bowl down, getting on the other side of the bed and taking a huge leap up, dipping the bed down and start jumping up and down on his bed.

Alec's eyes tear open as he rolled onto his back, looking up at me, barely being able to keep his eyes open, confusion striking on his expression.

I took one last leap, before letting myself fall onto my knees on the mattress, "Hi."

"Hey-" Alec's voice came out raspy, as he rubbed the sleep away from his eyes, "What're you- doing?"

"Oh-" I folded my hands together, "Jace wanted me to wake you."

Alec stayed laid on his back, "You listen to him?"

"No." I shook my head, biting down on my bottom lip, not realizing that my eyes had fallen onto his chest and trailed down his biceps once more.

Alec noticed this, sitting up, "What?"

"Nothing-" I clear my throat, getting up from his bed, grabbing my bowl, "You just have a really nice- body."

When I realize what I said, I spun away from him and squeezed my eyes shut in embarrassment, clenching my palm into a fist in front of my face.

Alec slips out of his bed and pulls on a t shirt, "A really nice body, huh?"

"That's what I said." I clear my throat, spinning to face him, recovering from embarrassment.

Alec looked like he was enjoying this, but I was mentally screaming inside.

"Let's pretend I never said that." I looked down, my voice barely there as it screamed embarrassment.

Alec's eyes scanned my face as he stared at me, "Like it never happened."

"Cool-" I spun around and walked out of his room.

-

"Magnus Bane." Hodge presents to Isabelle, Clary, Alec and Jace as I walked over to the table they were at, "He's over 300 years old."

"And, as you can see, he's not exactly shied away from the pleasures of every century." Hodge flips through the photos, "His tastes are both exquisite and quite excessive."

I slip my hands in my pockets, joining the conversation, "He's hot."

Jace looks at me, almost relieved and hopeful to see me joining this conversation, "You think he's hot?"

I shrug lightly, Clary looking at us, "He looks like the Downworld's David Guetta."

"Guetta's already a Downworlder." Isabelle points out, "Vampire? Ever seen him in the daylight?"

"Can you focus?" Alec cuts in, "This is not a joke."

I eyed him, my eyes connecting with his for a moment, as I simply smirk and looked back at the screen.

Isabelle lightly shrugs, "Someone needs to get slayed."

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

"Well, there goes my plan of sleeping with him." I let out a sarcastic flippant remark, seeing Jace holding back at laugh from the corner of my eye, Isabelle breaking into a smile but Alec remained serious.

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

"Yes, one of the best." Hodge confirmed, "But "help" might not be the most accurate word."

"Now, did Magnus provide a service for Jocelyn?" He continued, "Perhaps. But more than likely, your mother paid Magnus handsomely for his magic."

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

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

"Valentine must be searching for the warlock, where did Jocelyn-" Hodge strains to speak as the Circle rune I had just noticed on his neck sizzled.

"Oh man, Circle rune." My eyes were glued to it, memories of my father flashing in my head, "That must suck- are you okay?"

Jace looked caught off guard that I was asking Hodge if he was okay, and Alec looked slightly pleased.

Hodge inhales sharply, "I'm fine."

Clary exclaims, "So- how do we find Magnus?"

"We don't." Jace sits up, "Magnus finds us- we'll set up a meeting, somewhere protected, lure him out of hiding."

"And I know exactly where we do it." Isabelle got up and grabbed the tablet, pulling up a flyer on the screen.

"A Downworld rave." Jace read, "Nice, Izzy."

Alec's eyes scanned the screen, "And where'd you get that?"

"During my surveillance of the Downworlders." Isabelle told him, "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 said, "He'll blend in- hide in plain sight."

Clary sighs, "I don't know, it's seems-"

"Trust me." Isabelle doesn't let her finish, "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 said, then walked up the steps towards the training room, "Come with me."

As everyone followed, I don't move.

Isabelle stops and looks back at me, "You comin'?"

I sigh deeply, and follow them, coming to a stop as Hodge held up a necklace, Isabelle staring at it with greedy eyes, "Is that real?"

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

Clary looked taken back, "What, Camille and Magnus were lovers?"

"Warlock gets around." Jace jokes lightly.

"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."

Isabelle stares at it, "It's so beautiful."

"Magnus has longed to reunite with this necklace." Hodge informed, "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 cross my arms, "I'm coming."

Clary looks at me, "You are?"

"The man's the High Warlock of Brooklyn." My voice was lowered, as I spun and walked away from them, "If he can help you, he can help me too."

-

I walked into Isabelle's room, my eyes falling on Isabelle and Clary, "Jace said you wanted to see me?"

Clary was already dressed in a slim black dress, running a hand through her long hair.

"That's right." Isabelle walks over to me with a smile on her face, "What are you wearing to the Downworlder party tonight?"

"I haven't decided yet." I shrug lightly, slipping my hands into my pockets.

"Good!" Isabelle pulls me along, over to the closet, "I'll decide for you."

"As close as you make us seem-" I watched her, "Shouldn't you know that I-"

"Don't do dresses? I know." Isabelle pulled one out, "Except, I always make you."

"Well, don't we sound like a great duo?" I sarcastically remark, as she simply smiles at my comment.

She hands me the dress, along with a pair of heels, "Go on- put it on."

I simply roll my eyes and went behind the foldable wall, setting down the heels on the ground.

I slipped off my clothes and shimmied into the soft fabric of the dress, as it was a good fit on me.

The dress was burgundy, off the shoulder and had a cut out right where my belly button was, skin tight on my body, yet the fabric was soft. It exposed my cleavage, but not as much that I would kind.

I slipped on the heels, as they were black ankle strap heels, matching with my dress.

I inhale sharply, before setting out from behind the wall, Isabelle smiling; pleased, "I knew that dress was for you."

"Wow." Clary blinks, "You look great."

"Thanks-" I sigh dramatically, before Isabelle had pulled me on a chair, already running the flat iron she had on through my hair, "Hey!-"

"I'm doing you a favor." Isabelle continues to straighten my hair, "The bed head isn't working out with the dress."

I simply roll my eyes once more, letting her continue and finish straightening my wavy, messy hair.

What felt like an hour later, she was done while I added some mascara and lip balm, as she was smearing on red lipstick.

Isabelle handed me two thigh sheathes, "For your kindjals."

I gave her a small smirk, attaching them both around my legs.

Clary puts the finishing touches in her hair, and then, Isabelle drenched me in perfume, or it felt like it as I stumbled back, coughing, "Okay, that's enough!"

"My work here, is done." Isabelle smiles at me proudly, placing on a head accessory on her head to go with her sliver dress.

Before either of us could reply, Jace walks in, dressed in a black button up, going with his jeans.

His eyes fell onto me, "Wow-"

"I've been getting a lot of those today." I exhale deeply, walking past him and out of the room, walking down the hall.

I made my way through the Ops Center and up the steps into the training room, where Alec stood, running some arrows, the weapons vault opened.

He was also dressed in a denim button up, over his black jeans and boots, as I eyed him.

I bite my bottom lip and kept walking.

When Alec looks up, his eyes went slightly wide, "Wow-"

"You know- Jace just did that." I point at him, walking over to the weapons vault, looking through blades.

"I mean- you look-" Alec was stuttering over his words, "Wow- you look, just- I mean- really good."

I looked back at him over my shoulder, my eyes locking with his.

I winked, looking back at the blades, debating whether or not I should actually take my kindjals or just stick to my seraph blade.

I heard him exhale deeply, then clear his throat, "By the way, you have a really nice body."

I couldn't help but break out into a smile because of his words, looking back at him once more, "Wow."

I could see the small smile on his lips, then moments later it fades as he got stuck in his thoughts, "Pick a weapon, I suggest your kindjals."

"Yeah- I guess I do work better with these." I picked them up slowly, turning around and walking over to him, setting them down on the table surface, noticing the change in his tone, glancing at him, "Something wrong?"

"No-" Alec shook his head, "Nothing."

"We're going to a Downworlder's rave." I looked up at him from the kindjals, "You're not the least bit excited?"

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

"It's interesting." I shrug, "I never thought I'd ever be going to a Downworlder's rave- especially considering who my father is. And would you look at that- I'm here, with people who claim know me- going to a rave of the people my father hates the most."

"Interesting?" Alec looks at me, "On your part- sure, but, like you said, Valentine is alive and actively seeking the Cup. He threatens our entire world."

"And we're helping his daughter." Alec continued to vent, "Who, by the way, we have no reason to trust."

"You lost me at daughter." I cross my arms, "Which one, by the way?"

"Clary." Alec's answer almost surprised me, "And- she showed up out of nowhere."

I hum in response, "Huh, I would've thought I'd be the one who wasn't trusted."

"I knew you- I have never seen Clary before my entire life." Alec shot at me, "On top of that, we're gonna end up overpaying some warlock who may or may not have information we need. So, no, Zee- I don't find it interesting."

"Well, that certainly was a lot." I put my kindjals in their sheaths, "Feel better now?"

"No, I don't." Alec huffed, pulling his quiver over his shoulder and grabbing his bow.

I leaned my palm against the table and stared at him, a small smirk playing at my lips.

"Okay, maybe a little." Alec admits, the corner of his lip turning up slightly.

I stare at him for a moment, "You're cute."

A rose color crept onto his cheeks, as he began to stammer.

I playfully roll my eyes and began walking away, "Come on- we have a party to get to."

"All right, let's go." Alec followed me, "And we're not going for the music."

I dramatically sigh, "Well, isn't that unfortunate."

-

"All clear." Alec and Isabelle joined Jace, Clary and I in line.

Isabelle had the necklace around her neck, as it went perfectly with her outfit, "Do you think red's my color?"

"Don't expect any more compliments from me but-" I looked at her, inhaling sharply, "You practically invented the color red."

"Zee's right." Clary agreed, "Iz, with a body like yours, everything's your color."

"Good point." Isabelle then looked at me, and smiled, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say we're growing on you."

"Let's not take it that far." I breathe sharply, placing my hands on my hips.

Isabelle's smile remained, "Damn, I make this necklace look so good."

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

I smirked at his remark, biting the inside of my cheek to make sure I didn't accidentally slip a smile.

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

This, I let out a laugh, as Alec huffs, "Can you just give it to Jace?"

"You're such a buzzkill." Isabelle took off the necklace and handed it to Jace, as we entered the rave.

"Blend in." Jace instructed as we moved through the crowd of people, "Keep your weapons ready."

"Magnus." Jace called out as him and Clary made their way over to him.

"Clary Fairchild." Magnus turns and faces them, "You've grown into a beautiful young woman."

"Damn." I stare at him from where I stood with Alec and Isabelle, "He really is hot."

Isabelle laughs at this, Alec simply shooting me a look.

"Magnus Bane." Clary confronted, "So you're the one who stole my memories."

"At your mother's request." Magnus points out, "She knew the risk."

Magnus then looks at Jace, "Show me the jewelry, Shadowhunter."

Jace hung it before him, "Give Clary back her memories, and you get the jewelry."

"I have to confirm it's authenticity." Magnus reasoned, Jace sighing and handing it to him, "Amor verus numquam moritur."

"True love cannot die." Magnus stares at the jewelry, "Oh, how I've missed this jewel."

Jace speaks up, "Now, it's your turn to pay up."

Magnus confessed, "I wish I could retrieve your memories, but I no longer have them."

"What?" Clary blinks, "Where are they?"

Magnus admits, "I fed them to a memory demon for safekeeping."

"And why the hell would you do that?" Jace quickly asked.

"To protect Clary and the Cup." Magnus told them, "If Valentine ever captured me, he could torture Clary's memories out of me. Just like he tortured Dot."

"Tortured?" Clary repeats, "Wait, is Dot okay?"

"You don't know?" Magnus looks at her, "Dot is dead."

"What?" Clary's expression dropped, "How do you know?"

"I can't feel her magic anymore." Magnus told her, "Valentine killed her because she would not betray your mother."

"Oh, my God." Clary's eyes filled with tears.

"Come with me, Clary." Magnus offered, "My lair can offer you protection no Shadowhunter ever could."

"No!" Clary shook her head, "No, I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Don't be a fool." Magnus scoffed, "Your mother would want you to live."

"Then help me get my memories back from whatever demon you gave them to." Clary argued, "Valentine is hunting you, too."

"And every moment we're outside my lair's protection, is a moment Valentine gets closer to finding us." Magnus offered again, "Come with me. I won't offer again."

"No." Clary denied, "No, I won't hide from my problems and neither should you."

"Look out!" Isabelle called out when we noticed a Circle member inching towards Magnus.

I moved, pulling out my kindjals and launching myself at him, piercing my blades into him, killing him instantly.

Magnus notices me right away, "Zee Young."

"Morgenstern." I corrected him, grabbing the member's seraph blade and tossed it to Alec as he caught it smoothly, "Considering I just saved your life- you don't need to worry about me killing you."

"I never have, biscuit." Magnus simply said, before opening a portal and turning for it.

"Magnus, wait!" Clary almost yelled, "You're my only hope."

"Valentine found us." Magnus doesn't look back, "I warned your mother this might happen."

"Wait!" Clary reaches for him but only grabbed the button of his blazer as it ripped off as he entered the portal, disappearing.

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

I stare at the man I just killed, "He has a Circle rune on the base of his neck."

"They found us." Jace was already backing up, "It's not safe here, Clary, we have to go."

When Clary doesn't move, I speak, "Hello? Are you deaf?"

Jace speaks again, "Clary."

Clary reluctantly gets up and follows us outside, through the back door, leaning on Isabelle for support, beginning to slow down.

This makes Isabelle speak up, "Jace."

Jace stopped, "Clary, we have to move."

"I'm catching my breath." Clary snipped at him.

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

Jace's tone was laced with annoyance, "Alec, the girl her name is Clary and I highly suggest you keep your voice down."

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

"We have risked our lives again and again for this girl, and where has it gotten us?" Alec continued, "Nowhere- we're no closer to getting the Mortal Cup. And we've lost the Institute's necklace."

I cross my arms and slightly shrug, "You know what, he's not entirely wrong-"

"Hey, I am right here." Clary cuts in, tears in her eyes, "I don't care about your damn jewelry."

"I'm sorry you're gonna look bad in front of your bosses, okay?" Clary stepped away from Isabelle, "But my mother is still missing and my last chance at finding her just disappeared into thin air."

"All right." I was already annoyed, "That's enough."

"Clary, it's gonna be fine." Jace assures her.

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

I looked at her, "Can you not?"

"Magnus?" Clary ignored my comments, a tear slipping her eye, "Magnus will never come out of hiding again while Valentine is still after him."

I sigh dramatically, "Will you knock it off?"

"We're never gonna find him." Clary practically screams and threw the button, "And I will- I will never get my memories back."

"Are you sure we're related?" I caught the button, "Because I don't find myself as half as annoying as I find you."

Clary stares at me, as I roll my eyes and walk away from them, activating my tracking rune, trying to track Magnus.

Clary sniffles, "What is she doing?"

"She's tracking Magnus." Alec sighs deeply, "Be quiet and keep your distance."

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

"No- I can't." I sigh deeply, spinning to face them, "The signal's not strong enough."

"Isabelle, my supposed parabatai- my other half, my bond for life." I looked at her, placing a hand on my hip and gesture for her to come over by me, a smirk playing at my lips, "Why don't you come over here and we put that parabatai connection to work, shall we?"

Isabelle smiles at my remark, walking over to me, activating the tracking rune and grabbing my hand, holding the button with me.

I closed my eyes and focused, hearing Jace and Clary's quiet whispers as Jace explained to her what Isabelle and I were doing.

Within moments, my eyes snap open, "I got him."

-

I held my kindjals tightly, "Magnus' lair is right behind that fence."

Clary held her dagger and looked around, "Magnus lives in a warehouse?"

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

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

Jace looked around, "His protective wards must be down."

"You." Alec caught Clary's attention, "Don't get in the way."

Then, a grunt filled our ears as a Circle member killed one of their own, as he fell from the higher platform.

"Oh, God!" Clary gasped as we all ran towards the attack, "Valentine found Magnus!"

We had separated by the time we reached, as I hid behind all the boxes, watching as a little girl ran over to the dead man, "Daddy!"

As much as I didn't want to admit it, my heart broke at the sight of it.

"Daddy?" The girl fell to her knees, begging for her father to wake up, "Daddy, get up, please!"

As a Circle member came closer to her from behind, holding a seraph blade, I had a sudden urge to stop it.

I had always been taught that Downworlders were the enemies.

From what I remembered.

In that moment, I didn't care what she was.

I couldn't just watch her get killed.

I ran, launching myself at the familiar Circle member, kicking him back, the girl instantly running behind me, hiding.

"Zee Morgenstern." He recognizes me instantly, "You're turning against the Circle?"

I don't reply, and held my ground.

"Valentine would be so disappointed in you." He scoffed to him, "All this time, he thought you'd been captured. Just wait til he hears about this-"

I moved quickly, dodging his attempts to swing at me and pierced my blades into his chest, as he fell into me, "You won't be here to tell him."

I brought my foot up and kicked him away from me, wiping the blood from my swords into his blazer and putting my kindjals back into my sheathes.

I walked over to the girl and crouched in front of her, "Hey, you're going to be okay, all right?"

The girl hugged me tightly, making me freeze.

I slowly hugged her back, holding her, "I'm not going to leave your side. It's all okay now."

From the corner of my eye, I see Alec watching me.

I pretend I don't see him, and held the girl; being her comfort.

-

"Magnus." I walked into the room that was filled with warlocks, holding the girl's hand.

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

The girl nodded and rushed off, joining her kind.

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

"She's a young girl- I had no other choice." I cross my arms, "Just because Valentine is my father, doesn't mean I'll stand by and watch an innocent girl get hurt like he would."

"You always have a choice." Magnus' mouth slightly turned up, "You're not like the others, Zee Young."

I shot him a look, "Didn't I already tell you it was Morgenstern?"

"Young suits you better." Magnus said, "Most Shadowhunters protect Downworlders out of sense of duty, but you saved young Zoe because of what was inside your heart."

"If you were truly on valentine's side you wouldn't have saved Zoe, biscuit." Magnus' nickname made me smile softly, "You're more like your mother than you will ever know."

"Biscuit." I nodded once, "I like that."

Magnus smiled.

"Hey-" I clear my throat, "If I told you my father forced a warlock to take my memories away, would you be able to help me get them back?"

"I'd need to know the name of the memory demon, then I could summon him." Magnus nodded.

I lean against the couch, "In other news, I think you should help Clary get her memories back now."

Magnus opens his mouth to speak but I beat him to it, "Look, knowing my father, he found you once, he will find you again. We need to work together."

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

"She'll do it." I drop my arms.

"All right." Magnus inhales shapely, "But we're not safe here."

"The lair's location has been compromised." He said, "Hold tight, everyone, we're about to move."

-

"I believe in payment for services rendered." Magnus walked over to Isabelle and clipped the necklace we gave him around her neck, "Thank you for defending the warlocks."

Isabelle almost gasped, "I couldn't."

"Oh, but you could, and you should." Magnus insisted, "The Lightwoods have been wearing this for years. Besides, this would look silly on your brother."

"Okay, so how do we summon this memory demon?" I cut in, crossing my arms, looking between them.

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

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

Magnus nods, accepting that she will do what it takes, "Okay, get your team ready."

I came between Jace and Alec, crossing my arms, "You heard him, pretty boy, get your team ready."

Jace uncrosses his arms and began walking away, "I know what to do-"

"Slow down, hotshot." I grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back beside me, my arm leaning against his shoulder, "I wasn't talking to you."

Jace looked down at me, "What?"

"I was talking to him." I turned my head and looked up at Alec, who was already looking down at me.

A small smile formed on his lips at my words, before he quickly recovers into a confused expression when he notices the look on Jace's face, shrugging innocently.

Magnus leads Clary into another room, Jace soon being called in, Clary letting out a piercing scream.

What felt like an hour later, we all went into the room, my eyes falling onto the colorful pentagram drawn on the ground.

"Jocelyn was right, your artistry is beyond compare." Magnus complimented Clary.

Clary dusted her hands off and got up, "I don't know about that."

"Okay, we're ready." Magnus nods, rolling up his sleeves, "Everyone take your rightful place on the pentagram."

I began stepping back, but Isabelle puts me between Alec and Jace, stepping back herself.

"We must initiate a bond." Magnus instructs once Clary and Jace get on their spots, "Once this bond is sealed, it cannot be broken until the demon retreats."

Magnus looked between us all, "No matter what happens, we must not let go of each other's hands."

"Well, I'm set." I remark, "I get to hold hands with two very attractive men."

Jace let out a small chuckle, as Magnus held out his hand for Alec.

Alec took it, his body suddenly stiffening.

I looked between them, letting out an amused laugh before grabbing Alec's hand, feeling the jolt through my body, suddenly stiffening myself.

I grabbed Jace's hand, as he grabbed Clary's and Clary grabbed Magnus', completing the bond.

"I will lead the ceremony, and you all must do exactly as I say." Magnus instructed, "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 asked, "What kind of payment?"

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

When Magnus speaks out a spell, Isabelle calls out from behind us, "The necklace. It's pulsing."

"Valak is among us." Magnus said when a black fog comes to the center of the pentagram, "Do not break the bond."

Magnus stares at the fog, "It is time, the demon demands payment."

"What does it want?" Alec's grip tightened on my hand, as it got harder and harder to hold on.

"We must each relinquish a beloved memory of the one we love the most." Magnus directed, as it would be taken from us unwillingly.

I was first; a memory of Valentine appearing in the black fog. I stared at the strict look on his face disappeared into the mist, my expression hard.

I looked down; ashamed, as I could feel everyone eyes on me.

Next was Clary; a memory of what looked like her mother appearing in the fog and disappearing.

When I looked up, Alec was next.

The blue mist pulled from his chest, where his heart was and faded into the black mist, my eyes falling onto a memory of me.

One I didn't remember, but I looked awfully happy.

Then, it faded into the fog.

"Huh?" I blurt out when I realize what that meant, my eyes slightly widening, my head snapping towards Alec.

"No, it's not true!" Alec couldn't look at me, "The demon deceived me!"

Magnus raises his voice, "Do not break the bond!"

"Alec, it's okay!" Isabelle calls out from behind us.

My eyes were glued to him, but I couldn't muster out any words.

"No!" Alec pulled his hands away, especially I didn't let go of his, trying to keep him in place, the demon getting loose and knocking us all off our feet.

I landed on the ground next to Alec, our hands still linked.

Magnus used his magic and strained, "I cannot contain the demon much longer!"

Alec let go of my hand and began rushing towards the demon, my eyes widening as Jace pushes him out the way and gets pulled by the demon himself, "No!"

"Jace!" Isabelle gasped and grabbed his arm, "Grab him!"

I got up and grabbed onto his other arm, Alec pulling as well, but the demon was too strong.

Magnus strains again, "The demon is growing stronger!"

I pulled harder, "He's slipping-"

"Clary!" Isabelle called out to her as she helplessly laid on the ground, "Help us!"

Clary got up and grabbed her dagger, ready to kill the demon when Magnus shouts, "Clary, if you kill the demon, your memories will be lost forever!"

Clary doesn't hesitate, piercing her blade into the demon and killing it, Jace falling on top of me before I could move out of the way.

I grunt, pushing him off me, sitting on my knees and shaking him, "Jace."

"Oh, my God, Jace-" Clary gasped as we were all at his aid, but he doesn't move, "Is he gonna be all right?"

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

I got up, my foot kicking into his side as he gasped out for air, his hand going to where I kicked him, "Ow!"

"He's awake." I said in a monotone, my eyes following Alec as he walked out of the room.

I slowly followed him, as he stood in the hall and stared at Jace, Clary and Isabelle.

"Alec." I stare at him, not knowing what to say.

Alec shook his head, remaining silent, before quickly walking away and leaving me alone in the hall.

authors note:

e x p o s e d

zee really went all soft at the end cause of alec's feelings for her

we stan them

also. my. new. layout.

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