I was seated criss cross on the bench with Simon, the sun warm against my tan skin as I held Simon's hand, my eyes glued to the water.

I felt like I was finally coming to terms that Jace and I were siblings and that's all we would ever be.

And although, whatever I had with Simon felt weird because I never thought he would be anything more than my best friend, it felt good to have him.

To have a good stable relationship, and it to be with my best friend.

"Look at us." I looked at Simon, "We're like a normal couple."

"It's funny how normal doesn't even feel normal anymore." Simon stammers, "I'm not even a normal vampire- I'm a freak of vamp nature."

"You are not a freak." My eyebrows furrow, "You're special."

"Don't you think there has to be some sort of downside?" Simon questioned, "My Bubbie Helen always says there are no handouts in life, that everything comes with a price."

I looked away in thought, "Not necessarily-"

Simon stutters, "What if I'm walking to the subway and then next thing I know, I'm a scorch mark on 9th Avenue-"

"Simon, don't think like that-" I sat up, "I mean- there's always something going on- but right now, we're okay- and at peace. So- enjoy it while it lasts."

"Okay- I will." Simon nods, smiling lightly, "Starting right now."

"Okay." I nod back, "Thank you."

Simon leans in and presses his lips into mine for a few moments. I froze for a moment, then kissed back, and my mind was surrounded by my thoughts.

I wished so much that one day I would love him as much as he loved me, and when I kissed him I wouldn't think about anything.

But, right now, that wasn't it.

Suddenly, Jace's voice fills my ears, causing me to break apart from Simon almost instantly with a flinch, "Zee."

"Jace-" I ran a hand through my hair and let in a shaky breath from how he had scared me.

Jace's lips purse, "Sorry-"

"What are you doing here?" I got up, "Is everything ok?"

"Inquisitor Herondale just arrived at the Institute, she wants to speak with us." Jace told me, "Now."

"I- uh, okay." I nod, turning away, grabbing my jacket from the bench.

Simon got up and walked over to him, "Jace, there's something I wanted to tell you. No matter what, your secret's safe with me."

Jace blinks, "What secret?"

"You know, how your pure angelic blood somehow made me immune to the sun." Simon muttered, looking around to make sure no one else heard.

Jace was quick to reply, "You don't know that's what happened."

"What else could it be?" Simon questions, "My point is, if any vampire were to find out, there'd be a bullseye on your carotid artery."

"You have nothing to worry about, I got your back." Simon said, then began to move into him for a hug, "Get in here-"

"Stop it." Jace immediately said, making Simon pull back at his words.

Simon stammers, "I just-"

"No- never." Jace made it clear, this earning a small laugh from me, "Zee, you ready?"

"Yeah." I walked over and gave Simon a hug, "I'll call you later, okay?-"

"Yeah." Simon gave me another kiss, catching me off guard, as I simply nodded and rushed after Jace.

-

"Valentine, you and I both know, the cup can control demons." Imogen's voice filled our ears through the speaker as Jace and I got closer to where they were holding Valentine in the lower level, "In the wrong hands, it could be catastrophic."

Valentine looked at her, "In your hands, I'm a dead man."

"19 Shadowhunters died in your assault on this institute, along with hundreds of Downworlders that you massacred with the Soul Sword." Imogen activated his agony rune, "Justice will be served."

Valentine began to scream and fight in his chair, making me look away instantly, Jace noticing my reaction.

When Imogen walks out by us, I spoke, "How long can you keep torturing him?"

Imogen walks past us, "As long as it takes."

"If you want the truth, why not just use the soul sword?" Jace questions as we both turned and looked at her.

Imogen stops, "You're telling me how to do my job?"

"No, but you said you retrieved the sword right after the attack." Jace went in depth, "I just don't understand why you wouldn't-"

"The rune your sister drew to deactivate the sword ended up damaging it in the process." Imogen said, making me feel responsible, "It's been sent to the Iron Sisters to be purified."

"You're Valentine's children." She then looks between us, "Tell me what you know."

"We know nothing- and if you go on up and ask Clary- she wouldn't know anything either." I replied to her, "Haven't we proven ourselves? Valentine attacked the Institute and we captured him."

"At what cost?" She questioned, "By taking matters into your own hands, you've planted the seeds of rebellion in the Downworld."

"The Accords will be near impossible to maintain now." She made her way to the elevator, stepping inside, calling out to us before the doors closed, "Fall in line, or you'll end up like Aldertree and Idris facing reprimand."

-

"What's this sand on the floor?" Alec questioned as we all stood over one of the dead bodies at the newest demon attack.

Clary's eyes scan the man, "This looks like a demon attack."

"I've never seen a demon cause this kind of hemorrhaging." Jace stood by me, his arms crossed.

I looked at Luke, "Is there any security footage?"

"Nothing in the bar." Luke replied, "Maybe CCTV caught something outside on the street."

Alec stood up, "We should get them back to the Institute."

Luke agreed, "Yeah, that's a good idea."

"Detective Garroway?" A woman walked over, "Who are you talking to?"

Luke held up his phone, as I moved out of the way so she didn't bump into me, as I accidentally stumbled into Jace, "Just dictating some notes while they're still fresh- something you should start doing."

Jace grabbed my arms and caught me, staying still for a second before pushing me straight.

"That's a great idea!" She exclaims, "They didn't mention it in training, but it makes perfect sense- is there some special app for that?"

"Uh, can you pull the car up?" Luke questioned, "I'll meet you out front."

She nods before walking away, leaving him be.

Jace looks at him, "New partner?"

Luke sighs, "She's driving me crazy."

-

"I just got off the phone with Clary." I walked down the steps into the Ops Center with Jace, "She said Luke made it look like a tragic gas leak."

"According to the autopsy, the victims died of massive brain hemorrhaging." Jace looked through the tablet in his hands, as we walked over to the monitors.

I blink, "A demon can do that?"

"A Greater Demon can." Jace simply said.

"And-" I trail off, "What's the difference?"

"Lesser Demons are a dime a dozen in New York." Jace explained, pulling things up in front of us, "Greater Demons are a whole different story."

"They have names, personalities." Jace continued, "They're much more powerful and they're harder to stop."

"They're also incredibly rare." Jace adds in, "When they do show their face, there's a reason."

My eyes scan his expression, "Jace, are you okay?"

Jace stops and looks at me, "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know- I just feel like there's been something off since we brought Valentine in." I mentioned softly, "Did he- say something to you?"

Jace stares at me for a moment, then shook his head, "No- nothing out of the ordinary."

"Jace, you've barely spoken about what happened with the Soul Sword." I crossed my arms, "It's honestly worrying me."

"Yeah, well, there's not much to talk about." Jace dismissed, then looked away, returning back to what he was doing.

"When you do feel like talking, I'm here for you." My hand touches his arm in comfort as he tensed up under it, "I'm your sister, Jace. I mean- I'm going to sit here and listen to whatever you need to let out."

"Like I said, there's nothing to talk about." Jace glances at me, avoiding this conversation getting any further and leaves me standing alone.

-

"I thought Izzy had the flu." Clary said as we surrounded the table, "Why would she leave the Institute?"

Worry was practically written across Alec's forehead, as it was the only emotion threaded in his tone when he spoke, "I don't know, but if he's hurt her-"

"She could have escaped." Jace stopped him, "We don't even know if he has her."

"She hasn't called, and she's not answering her phone." Alec points out, inhaling sharply, "But- she's still alive. I know it, it's just- he's got her."

"What does he want?" Clary questioned as we had gotten a zoom in of his face and now had his identity.

"I don't know, but we should inform the Inquisitor, okay?" Jace began to turn so he could walk away.

I shook my head, "She's in a meeting with the Alicante Council."

"I don't understand." Alec sighed, "Why Izzy? What does a Greater Demon want with her?"

"I'm not sure-" Jace then looks at me from across the table, "But, I think I know who we could ask."

-

"I have no idea what you're talking about-" Valentine said, a smug look on his face, "But- it's so nice to see the both of you."

"Azazel wouldn't leave Duduael on his own." I sigh, crossing my arms, "Someone must've broken him out- and that someone must have access to the Mortal Cup."

"Circle Members." Jace said, "They released the Greater Demon to break you out of here."

"I thought I raised you to have common sense." Valentine shook his head at Jace, "If the Greater Demon wanted to free me, how would I still be here having this inane conversation with you two?"

Valentine then leans forward, "I want to banish demon filth from our realm."

"Then hand over the Cup." I took a step closer, "Tell your followers to give it back and we can force Azazel to give us Izzy."

Valentine looked at me, "I don't know where the Mortal Cup is."

Jace stepped closer to him as he was now directly in front of him, "If you're lying, so help the Angel."

"If you were smart, Jace, you'd use me as bait." Valentine shot back at him, "The only way to control a Greater Demon is with the Mortal Cup."

"Azazel would do anything to destroy it." Valentine continued with the plan he come up with in seconds, "So summon him with your warlock friend and tell him I have the Cup."

"Offer him a trade." Valentine sat up, "Me for Isabelle."

"He has a point." I admit, looking at Jace, "It could work- once we have Izzy, I can take him out with my sunlight rune."

"This is a trap." Jace shook his head, taking a few steps back, "What could possibly make you think that we could trust him?"

I sigh, "We can't."

Valentine spoke up, "I'm not sure I would trust me either if I were you, but the longer Azazel has Isabelle, the greater the chance she dies."

"We don't have a choice, Jace." I face him, "Can you honestly name a better plan than that right now?"

Jace stayed silent, his eyes locked with mine for a moment.

I break eye contact, walking over to Valentine, "If this is a trap, so help the Angel, I will-"

"Zee, I would never do anything to hurt you." Valentine cuts me off, his voice gentle, "You're my daughter."

"Why would that label stop you?" I scoff, "Jace is your son, you've hurt him plenty."

Realization crosses his features as he looks at Jace, who was looking down, "You didn't tell her."

Confusion fills me as I looked between them, "Tell me what?"

"You must still have feelings for her, huh?" Valentine chuckled, knowing he had the upper hand, "And now isn't that a pickle?"

Jace points at him, his voice dangerously low, "Not another word."

"Jace-" I took a step back, "What is he talking about?"

Valentine presses once more, "You wanna do the honours or shall I?"

Then, Jace's fist came in contact with Valentine's jaw, as he shouted, making me jump lightly in surprise with a gasp, "I said shut up!"

Valentine went silent for moment, spitting out blood, "It's rude to keep a girl waiting, Jace."

"Jace, what is going on?" I stepped closer to them, the anticipation killing me, "What do you two know that I don't?"

Jace pauses for a moment, Valentine staring at him with a smug look.

"Valentine's not my father." Jace inhales sharply, his eyes locking with mine, "I'm not your brother, Zee."

My heart stopped.

It was like everything I thought I felt for Simon; disappeared.

Every moment I thought I was moving on; destroyed.

All I thought was shoved deep down; resurfaced.

I stepped back, looking between them over and over.

I was anger, and upset.

Valentine had lied to us, made us believe we were siblings.

And when Jace found out, he didn't tell me, and lead me to believe this lie longer.

But, most of all, I was upset over the fact that the feelings I had for him never went away.

"Jace." My tone was low, my jaw clenched as I stared at the ground, turning away, walking out of the cell, "A word."

A few seconds later, Jace followed me out, closing the door behind him, as I stood a few feet away from him, my back turned towards him, my hands at my temples, "Zee-"

"Jace." I spun and faced him, my eyes holding a red tint, "How long have you known?"

Jace caught my eye, "Just a few days."

"Why else are you hiding from me, Jace?" I questioned, feeling the tears burning in my eyes even when I didn't want them to.

"Nothing." Jace sincerely said, "I swear."

My jaw clenched harder, as my palms flew out to my front as I shoved him back in anger, my voice coming out weak, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You have a good thing going on with Simon." Jace looked down, letting me shove him, "You're happy- I wouldn't wanna ruin that."

I froze for a moment at his words, "That doesn't mean you don't get to tell me that we're not related!"

Jace looks at him, "I know- I'm sorry-"

I push him back again, but this time he grabs my wrists, stopping me.

A tear fell from my eye as I pulled back and forth, trying to rip out of his grasp.

He pulls me, and pressed me up against the wall, stopping me from trying to pull away.

Then I noticed how close we suddenly were.

My heart began to beat out of my chest, my eyes connected with Jace's, my breathing becoming slightly heavy as I felt an overwhelming feeling in my chest.

All I wanted to do was kiss him.

But then I thought about Simon.

Simon was my boyfriend.

I pushed Jace off, stepping away, running a hand through my hair, letting out a shaky breath.

"I- you- did-" I stammer, not even knowing what to say to him anymore, inhaling sharply, "I told you I was here for you- and you're bottling things up. Emotions serve a purpose- you don't go through what you just went through, finding out we're not related, locking up the man that raised you- witnessing all that death when you were fooled into grabbing that sword and not feel something, Jace!"

"It's not good for you!" I huff, as he stares at me, staying silent, "Just feel something."

"I just felt something," Jace inhales deeply, a guilty look on his face, his voice low, "Did you?"

I was at a loss of words.

I spun around and walked toward the elevator, stepping in and giving Jace one last look before the doors closed.

-

"Hey, Zee, it's me." Simon's voice filled my ears as I listened to the voicemail he left me minutes ago, "Are we still on for tonight? 'Cause I can't wait to tell you about the day I had."

"Headlines: I'm going back to NYU, majoring in- wait for it-" Symbols clang together for a second, "Music! Minoring in accounting for mom."

"Everyone's happy." Simon softly laughs, "Call me back, okay?"

Then the voicemail ended, making me feel guilty.

I loved Simon.

But, not the way he loved me.

And how excited he was to tell me about his day, making me feel even more guilty.

I shove my phone in my pocket and sigh, walking back over by everyone else.

"Is the courtyard glamoured?" Alec questioned, making sure Valentine's chained were steady.

Magnus nods, "No one can see us."

"I don't know." Alec inhales sharply, "Still seems like a risk."

"We have no choice." Magnus told him, "This is the only space big enough."

"Security cameras in the cell are down." Jace walked over, "We've got a half hour until the Inquisitor's done with her meeting."

Alec looks at me, "Are you ready?"

I simply nod, Clary inhaling sharply, "Let's do this."

I stepped back, hiding behind the wall as they begun.

"I call upon the power of the Pentagram." Magnus used his magic, "Azazel, I summon thee. From within our realm, into this mystical confinement, I summon thee. You seek the Mortal Cup, we seek the return of our friend. For this exchange, I summon thee."

Thunder roared, as the one and only Azazel appeared, "Well if it isn't Magnus Bane."

"Brave move." Azazel went to move but couldn't go any further due to Magnus's magic and the pentagram.

"Return Isabelle Lightwood and we'll hand over Valentine." Magnus told him, "He can lead you to the Mortal Cup."

"Valentine Morgenstern." Azazel notices him, "The man who dares to dream big."

Azazel looks between them, "It is a tempting offer, but I don't have your friend Isabelle."

Alec was quick to speak, "He's lying."

"I'm not so sure." Jace said right after him.

"There's no time for debate." Magnus fires at Azazel to keep him contained, "The barrier's weakening."

"We can still find Isabelle, but we can't let Azazel get away." Jace began, then gives me my signal, "Zee, now!"

I ran out by them, drawing the sunlight rune on the palm of my hand, aiming at Azazel, except nothing happens.

My eyebrows furrow as I brought my palm to face me, the rune not on my hand.

I drew it again, trying once more only for the same reaction to happen.

I used my other palm to hit against my palm where I repeatedly drew the rune for it to not work, as if it would jump start it, "It won't work!"

Clary looked at me, "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing's happening!" I tried again, but it was no use.

"You thought you could contain me?" Azazel roared, sending us all flying back and to the ground.

I fell between Clary and Alec, gripping my head in pain, as everything around us went dark.

We all were letting out different cries and screams of pain, as Alec shouts, "Magnus, stop him!"

Azazel went over to Magnus, then over to Valentine, gripping his head, Valentine letting out screams through the gag around his mouth.

I unintentionally called out for Jace, as his eyes were glued to me.

He forced himself up, pulling up his sleeve, a rune of his glowing, along with his eyes.

He flips behind Azazel, swinging his sword at him, his sword vibrating the ground when it hit, due to Azazel disappearing when he swung.

And suddenly, the pain stopped.

Alec was breathing heavily as him, Clary and I forced ourselves to sit up, staring at Jace who was shocked himself.

Alec and I both spoke up in unison, "How did you do that?"

"I have no idea." Jace confesses, then sighs, "Doesn't matter- he got away."

-

"You headed out?" Jace questions, after I hung up on Simon, my eyes landing on him.

"Yeah, to Simon's." I swallow hard, "I told him I would come by."

"Okay- I'll catch you later." Jace nods and began walking away.

"Jace." I waited a moment before calling his name, "Wait- please."

Jace halts, before walking over to me and standing in front of me once more to see what I needed to say.

"I- I'm sorry I blew up at you." I apologized gently, "I just- finally accepted that we were brother and sister, and then suddenly- we're not- and after everything you've been through, that wasn't fair at all, so I'm sorry."

"No, I, uh- I actually think you were right." He inhales sharply, "I should've told you."

I stare at him for a moment, then purse my lips, "This whole brother-sister thing, I finally thought I knew where we stood. And now I just don't know- I just need time to process- all of this-"

"Join the club." Jace crossed his arms, "How you holding up?"

"Other than feeling like a total failure because my sunlight rune didn't work-" I trail off, "Okay- I think."

"How did you do it?" I begged the question that was burning in my mind, "You activated a rune without your stele."

"I don't know." Jace confesses, "I saw you lying there- in pain, screaming for my help- and it just kind of ignited on its own."

His words gave me a warm feeling in my chest.

"None of this makes sense." I sigh deeply, "But- we're gonna figure it out, together, okay?"

I gave him a weak smile, before walking past him, mentally shoving everything I just felt deep down.

authors note:

watch out for the next chapter js

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