I pace back and forth in the middle of what was now my room in the Institute, running a hand through my hair.

I breath heavy, sobs leaving my lips, tears streaming down my cheeks.

I hadn't been able to sleep that much, and it was still dark out, showing me that sunrise wasn't til a few hours.

I try to calm down, but was only able to think about the memory the Silent Brother's had given me access to.

I was now dressed in a pair of joggers, the tank top Isabelle had given me still on my body.

I pinch my nose, fresh tears falling no matter how hard I tried to keep them held back and calm myself down.

Suddenly, there was a light knock on my door, catching me completely off guard.

I grabbed my phone, looking at the time. 2:37 am.

I walk over to the door, swinging it open, only to reveal Jace Wayland, dressed in sweats and a t shirt.

I swing back around, walking right back into my room, trying to hide my face away from him, wiping away my tears quickly.

Jace slowly walks in, closing the door, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah-" I clear my throat, my voice raspy and at the verge of cracking, "I'm fine- why- why did you knock on my door at almost 3 in the morning?"

"Zee-" Jace came behind me, his hand touching my shoulder from behind.

I go silent, staring at the ground, letting Jace's warm hand resting on my arm.

"Was I that loud?" I whisper, sniffling quietly.

"I couldn't sleep- and I felt like I should check up on you." Jace told me honestly, using his hand to turn me around to face him, "It looks like I did good coming down the hall and here- what's wrong, why are you upset?"

Our eyes were locked like magnets, as I wished they would calm me, but this time they didn't.

I sniffle, "I was thinking about my memory- the one the Silent Brothers got in access to."

"What about it?" Jace questions, "I know Valentine is your father but-"

"You were right-" I fiddle with my necklace, "There was more to it."

Jace nods for me to go on, as I did, "In the memory- I listened to Jocelyn and Luke- two people I'd consider my parents any day. They were talking in the hall outside my bedroom, Luke was going to tell me that Clary and I were Shadowhunters, and Jocelyn was practically begging him not to, and assuring him that we wouldn't find out."

"But then- she mentioned my mother." I teared up at the thought, "She said she didn't think she could handle how hurt I would be if I found out that Valentine- my father, killed my mother right in front of me."

Jace stared at me, his eyes slightly widening at the information.

"She stripped me of all my memories, of my mother- of my family. She made me believe for the past two years that I never knew my parents. She had me convinced that my parents died before I was even born- but turns out, my father killed my mother right in front of me." Tears slipped my eyes, my voice growing weak and cracking with every other word, "I have no memory of her. I don't even remember her being killed- I don't know any of it."

I was breaking in front of Jace Wayland.

Catching me completely off guard, Jace steps forward, wrapping both arms around me, pulling me into his chest.

His chin rests on my head, his grip tight on me.

Tears started to flood, my arms wrapping around him, a sob leaving my lips.

-

I was tied to a chair, the ropes tight around my wrists. My long hair was a mess, dried tears on my cheeks, as I fought to try and get out of what I was being held in, "Jocelyn, what are you doing to me-"

"You can't keep this from her forever, Jocelyn." A man steps in front of me, "She's going to find out one way or another."

"Well, I will keep this from her as long as I have to." Jocelyn said quickly, "Please- Magnus, I have to protect her. She can't know about her parents."

"Mom-" Clary stared at me in fright, "What are you doing to her, let her go- please, let's just go home-"

"Clary- sweetheart, this is all going to be okay-" Jocelyn nods, her hands on her arms, "It'll be like this never happened- you won't remember a thing."

"Jocelyn-" I began, a gasp leaving my mouth, the man who went by Magnus moving his hands, a blue light flashing between his hand, my entire vision going black after that sight.

My eyes snap open, a shriek leaving my lips, my body jolting up quick, my breathing uneven.

Before I could process anything, Alec Lightwood had peaked his head through my door.

I looked at him, my eyes wide as ever.

"You scream- so loud." Alec mutters, "Are you like- okay? You look like you just saw a demon."

"Alec Lightwood wants to know if I'm okay?" I run a hand through my hair, slipping out of my bed, "Did you hit your head somewhere?"

"Well- no." Alec shrugs, stepping into my room, "I just thought I should check up on you- make sure a demon didn't kill you or something. Because- if one did- I know Jace would kill me for not coming to save you."

I roll my eyes, "I just had a bad dream- that's all."

On cue, Simon and Clary rush into my room.

My eyes broke away from Alec's and land on Clary and Simon, confusion falling over my features.

"We heard you scream- are you okay?" Clary walks over to me instantly.

My mouth opens slightly, words not coming out of my mouth, Alec leaving my room to let me talk to Simon and Clary.

"You all right?" Simon questions, "You still seem kind of freaked."

"Just- one hell of a nightmare, uh-" I blink, "Shouldn't you be in the infirmary?"

"Yeah- I just needed to talk to Clary- but then we heard you scream." Simon fixes his glasses.

Clary randomly questions, "Is there something going on between you and Alec?"

"No-" I looked at her as if she had gone insane, "He hates me- you know that."

"I don't know-" Clary trails off, shrugging.

Simon switches the subject, "What was the dream about?"

"I was tied to some sort of chair. Jocelyn and Clary were both there- and Jocelyn kept telling this guy to protect me, and then it looked like he was using some sort of magic- and it went all black." I ran a hand through my hair, the ends hitting right above my chest, "I don't even know what to take away from that."

"That's freaky." Simon mutters.

Clary crosses her arms, "Yeah, no kidding."

"Hey- don't get me wrong, because I'm totally grateful that your friends got me out before the vampires drained me like a Big Gulp." Simon looks at me, changing the subject, "But, how well do you know this Jace guy? Can you trust him?"

"I feel like I can." I place my hands on my hips, "I mean, he saved my life- and yours. I think that's a good reason to trust him."

"But- I was thinking all of this craziness started the minute you bumped into him at Pandemonium." Simon reasons, "You think that's just a coincidence?"

"Simon- I don't care." I honestly told him, "Yeah- everything that's been going on has been absolutely insane, and most likely will make me lose my mind- but, he's been with me through it. I can trust him."

Simon nods, as I continued, "All I want is to get my memories back and figure out where the Cup is. But- I don't know this world. I suck at being a Shadowhunter- and I don't even know where to start looking."

"Hey-" Clary touches my arm, "You've done great."

"You've got the hang of literally everything." I shot back at her, "You've become so good at this stuff- I mean, Alec can tolerate you. All he's done to me is point out that I'm not meant to be one. I think that's a step up for you."

"I actually feel like there's another reason for that, but-" Clary began.

"I'm just lost." I looked at her, "I don't know what to do."

"Just know-" Clary grabs one of my hands, holding them between here, "For us; this was predestined."

I gave her a weak smile, sighing deeply through my nose.

"Look, start with what we know, okay?" Simon grabs my other hand, "We know that dreams are remnants of memories."

I nod as he continued, going over each base, "You saw Jocelyn and Clary in the nightmare, before the guy was using his magic."

"Yeah, she- called him Magnus." I brought up, "I mean-"

"Magnus Bane?" Simon questions.

"Maybe?" I trail off, "Why? How do you know that name?"

"I heard it from the vampire. You know, the shockingly hot one, or well- Camille-" Simon clears his throat, "She was super pissed at this Magnus Bane guy when I told her that someone took your memories."

"What, really?" A smile breaks onto my lips, "Simon- you're amazing!"

"I am?" Simon questions.

"You've given me my first solid lead." I jump onto him, hugging him tight, pulling away.

Simon looks confused, "I did?"

"Wait, where are you going?" Clary questions as I headed to the door.

"I have to find Jace-" I open the door, "I have to tell him about this, thank you- thank you-" I point at Clary and Simon, rushing out the room.

I head down the hall and right towards Jace's room, opening the door and walking in, closing the door behind me, "Jace, I need to talk to y-"

The minute I turn around from closing the door, my eyes felt like they were about to pop right out of their sockets.

Jace was shirtless, training, practicing some moves with the punching bag in the corner of his room.

I was completely caught off guard, my eyes landing right on his shirtless figure when he stops at the sound of my voice, facing me, running a hand through his hair.

"Oh my-" I began, spinning back around instantly, closing my eyes, lightly hitting my forehead against his door a few times as if I was trying to knock the image that was now engraved into my brain, out of my head, "I really- really should've knocked first."

Jace softly laughs, "Let me just grab a shirt."

"That's for the best." I mutter, embarrassment filling me, mentally destroying myself for not knocking first and walking right into this beautiful sight.

I wasn't exactly complaining.

"Zee-" Jace's tone was lighthearted, telling me that he could burst out laughing any second, "I'm decent."

"Okay-" I turn back around, opening my eyes, "Hi- how are you-"

He laughs, shaking his head at me, "So, what's up? You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah-" I nod, getting straight to the point, "I need you to tell me everything you know about Magnus Bane."

"Magnus Bane is the High Warlock of Brooklyn, why?" Jace told me, questioning why I asked.

I press my palms together, walking over to him, "Because that vampire, Camille, practically accused him of stealing my memories."

"Where did you hear that?" Jace questions.

"When Simon told Camille someone took my memories back at the Hotel DuMort, she put the blame on Magnus Bane." I explained, placing my hands on my hips.

"Right, and you believe your little mundane friend?" Jace crosses his arms.

"Yes, I believe my little mundane friend." I shot right back at him, a small smirk falling onto his lips because of my use of his nickname for Simon, "To back that up, I had a dream about- Magnus Bane, with Jocelyn and Clary. Jocelyn was telling him that she needed to protect me and I couldn't know about my parents."

"You mean, like, memory fragments?" Jace asks, paying full attention to me.

"I guess-" I shrug lightly.

"Hey- are you okay?" Jace questions, mentioning last night, "You were pretty upset last night."

"I'm okay- now, yeah." I barely nod, "I don't remember going to sleep, though."

"Oh, that's because you fell asleep while I was holding you." Jace told me, "I had to put you in bed."

"What?" My eyes slightly widen, "I was a mess, I'm sorry you had to deal with that-"

"Hey, I'm here for you, okay?" Jace stops me from saying anything further about the topic.

I smile weakly, nodding, "Yeah- thanks."

I clear my throat, changing the subject after a few seconds of us just staring at each other, "They're not making sense- the- uhm, dreams."

"Whatever, why didn't you tell me about that?" Jace questions.

"I just did, didn't I?" I cross my arms.

"Magnus' magic is so powerful, he can invade even the Silent Brothers." Jace told me, "If he's the warlock that took your memories he could be the key to everything."

"People are risking their lives to help me get my memories back." I sigh, "You don't get how- guilty I feel- because there might not be anything there. I might not remember anything that will lead to the Mortal Cup or Jocelyn. It could only be able my mother."

"Zee-" Jace grabs my arms, "Believe me when I tell you that finding your memories is our only shot at getting the Mortal Cup back."

"Jace-" I huff, breaking eye contact.

"Look at me-" He grabs one side of my face, making me look at him, "I'm willing to take that chance on you."

Isabelle walks in, interrupting, "Jace, I need you. The mundie's leaving."

"Simon?" I slip away from Jace instantly, "He can't leave."

"He can and he is." Isabelle told me, "Unless you wanna tie him down and restrain him?"

I huff once more, rushing out of Jace's room, trying to catch up to Simon, my short legs not helping me, Clary trying to stop him from next to him, "Simon- stop-"

"Simon, what are you doing?" I call out after him, my legs moving faster.

"I already told Isabelle, they can't keep me prisoner here." Simon told me straight up, continuing to walk.

"Prisoner- what? Simon!" I ran, stopping in front of him, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going home, Zee." Simon stares at me, "And if you haven't already completely drunk their Kool-Aid- then you and Clary are coming with me."

"What? Simon, no-" Clary instantly shook her head.

"I can't leave, Simon. Even if I wanted to, they wouldn't let me." I shot right back, "And quite frankly, I want to be here. My house- has been absolutely destroyed."

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

"In fact, this is the safest place she could possibly be." Jace's voice fills my ears, my head snapping towards where it came from, Jace stood right in the center of the entrance to the hall that would take Simon to the doors.

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

"Considering I'm the guy with the weapons, I get to say what I want." Jace crosses his arms as he always does, shrugging.

"Okay, come at me, bro!" Simon raises his voice, ready to start a full fight with him.

Jace eggs him on, getting amusement, "Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah!" Simon pushes past me, and starts to walk over to him, his hands forming into fists.

"Simon, stop-" Clary grabs his arm.

"Hey, no-" I jump, running right in front of Simon again, my hand presses flat on his chest, "You are not touching him- and you are not starting a fight- I am not going to let that happen."

"Why does he matter so much to you, huh, Zee?" Simon stares at me, breathing heavy due to the anger radiating off him.

"Simon- don't do this." I warn, shaking my head.

"No- I truly wanna know." Simon spat back at me, "You have not left his side- and now you're suddenly defending him. This insanity has come into our lives because he bumped into you."

"What is your problem?" I stare at him with slight wide eyes, anger sparking within me.

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

"Simon, what the hell are you talking about-" I began, wanting him to stop.

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

"This isn't high school anymore, Simon." I kept my ground, not letting him pass, "You gotta stop acting like it."

"Isn't it?" Simon scoffs in disbelief, then shoots me once last look, shouldering past me, "I can take care of myself."

"Are you kidding-" I spin around, watching Simon walk past Jace and head towards the entrance, Clary chasing after him, my eyes landing on Jace.

Jace looks at me, "I'm not saving his ass a second time-"

I shot him a look, running after Simon, "Simon- stop- Simon-"

"What?" Simon abruptly stops, looking at Clary and I.

"You were kidnapped by vampires." Clary starts, "You of all people should know how dangerous it is out there."

"I'll be fine." Simon dismisses.

"Hey, you're not the only one who's in danger." I stepped up, "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 says to me.

I clench my jaw lightly in annoyance, "Are you?"

"Yeah." He raises his voice at me, staring at me, "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."

Chills ran down my spine as I could feel Jace's stare on me, as I stepped closer to Simon, "And how the hell are you going to protect them, Simon?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Simon questions instantly.

"Do you know how to kill a demon?" I bombard him with questions, "Do you know how to kill a vampire- or make sure that you don't get kidnapped again? Do you have any idea what you're going to bring home to your family- you practically have a target on your back now."

"I'll figure it out- okay?" Simon snaps, then grabs my hands, "Come with me- you and Clary. We can all 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 spoke up, "To be with you, Zee and my mom and-"

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

"Simon-" Clary sighs, "I don't know how to explain this, okay? But, I think these people-" Clary gestures, then points to herself and I, "Are our people."

"Message received, loud and clear." Simon dismisses, turning, leaving the Institute.

"Simon, wait!" Clary falls out after him, "Simon!"

I place a hand on my hip, another on my forehead, a deep sigh leaving my lips.

-

I was seated on edge of the table, Alec seated behind me to my left, Clary seated in the chair right next to me, my feet resting on the arm, Isabelle seated on the other end of the table, Jace stood by Alec, Hodge introducing us to whole Magnus Bane was.

"Magnus Bane." Hodge held the tablet in his hands, showing us photos, "He's over 300 years old."

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

"He looks like the Downworld's David Guetta." I shrug lightly, playing with the zipper of the sweatshirt I had put on.

"Guetta's already a Downworlder." Isabelle holds back a small laugh, a smile on her lips, looking at me, "Vampire? Ever seen him in the daylight?"

"Can you two focus?" Alec cuts into our conversation, "This is not a joke."

"Someone needs to get slayed." Isabelle remarks.

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

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

"They both were." Hodge looks at us, referring to both Margaret and Jocelyn, "They were ones of the best. But "help" might not be the most accurate word."

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

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

"Word from the Clave is that most of the warlocks have gone into hiding since Valentine began hunting them." Alec adds in, a straight look on his face.

"Valentine must be searching for the warlock, where did Jocelyn-" Hodge cuts himself off, his tune coming into action, as he sets his tablet down and grabbed onto the table to withstand the pain.

"Hodge, your rune." Clary spoke up, "You okay?"

Hodge stays silent, so I spoke up, "So how do we find Magnus?"

"We don't. Magnus finds us." Jace looks at me, "We'll set up a meeting, somewhere protected. Lure him out of hiding."

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

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

"And where'd you get that?" Alec questions.

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

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

"Of course he will. He'll blend in. Hide in plain sight." Jace looks at Alec.

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

"Never underestimate Magnus' hedonism." Hodge said, "Or his greed."

"Come with me-" Hodge lead, leading us into the training room, moving his stele over a tile, pulling out a necklace out of it, standing up.

"Is that real?" Isabelle stared in amazement.

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

"Camille and Magnus were lovers?" I looked up.

"Warlock gets around." Jace remarks, earning a small smile from me.

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

"It's so beautiful." Isabelle touched it.

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

"I'll send Magnus a fire message to arrange the meeting." Jace nods, looking at us right before he walks away, "We have to get to Magnus before Valentine does."

-

My hair was up in a pony tail, a white t shirt tucked into black ripped jeans, as I had decided this was what I was going to wear to the party.

Clary walks into my room, "Hey, Zee- Isabelle wants to see you."

"For what-" I turn, my eyes landing on her, "Wow, what happened to you-"

She was dressed in a black dress, black heels, her hair down and curly as usual, "Isabelle happened, now she wants to see you."

"Fine." I nod slowly, walking past her and into the hall. I made my way down the hall, slowly walking into Isabelle's room.

"Hey- Clary said you wanted to see me?" I stood in the middle of her room.

"That's right." Isabelle walks over to me, "What are you wearing to the Downworlder party tonight?"

"I thought I could just wear what I have on-" I shrug lightly, looking at her.

"I don't think so." Isabelle shook her head and almost laughing, "No Downworlder would be caught dead in that. Plus, it's a party, not a poetry slam."

"Well, I don't really have any party clothes with me, so-" I began.

She cuts me off, holding up a pink dress, "So you'll have to wear mine. How about this?"

"Pink is not my color." I take the dress from her, tossing it onto the bed, as she walks over to her closet, grabbing out another dress, "And- I don't really do dresses, Isabelle."

"Zee-" Isabelle shot me a look, and came over to me with a dress, handing it to me.

I stare at the dress in my hands, "Isabelle, there is no way I'm going to wear this-"

The dress was burgundy, and would end right above my knees. It was a simple spaghetti strap, backless, and had a slit on the left side, that would expose almost my entire thigh.

"Well, why not?" questioned Isabelle, placing her hands on her hips.

"First of all- this dress is way too tight." I tried to reason.

"It's stretchy." Isabelle shrugs, "Put it on."

I huff dramatically, walking behind the folding screen she had in the corner of her room

"Try these." Isabelle sets a pair of gold heels on the ground next to me, before seating herself in a chair, waiting for me to come out.

"Isabelle, I think I'm more of a jeans and sweater kinda girl." I spoke after slipping on the dress and heels, my hands running over the material.

"Come on- lemme see." She played with the black boa in her hands, messing with the feathers.

I sigh deeply, stepping out and in front of the mirror, a smile on her lips, "That dress was made for you."

"Dresses really aren't my thing." I stare at myself in the mirror.

"Oh come on-" Isabelle comes to my side, pulling the hair tie out of my hair, letting my hair fall down to its full length, messing it up a little bit so it was more natural, "There you go."

"Izzy-" I exhale, looking down at my body, noticing how well the dress fit me, "Are you sure I can't just wear what I had on before-"

"Someone's looking badass." Jace's voice makes me shut up quickly, and spin around quick to face him.

He walked into Isabelle's room, dressed in a black button up and burgundy jeans fading into black.

"Never mind." I looked at Isabelle, clearing my throat, then looking at Jace, "Thank you."

"She cleans up well." Isabelle came to my side, "I'm gonna go see Alec. He never knows what to wear to these parties either."

Isabelle gives us both a smirk before slowly leaving her room.

Jace and I stare at each other for a second, only for us to both clear our throats in unison, looking away.

"At least you look the part of a Shadowhunter." He looks at me, "I guess it's pointless for me to ask you to stay behind, while I go meet Magnus by myself."

I shot him a look, "Jace."

"Things could get sticky- Magnus is being hunted." Jace exhales, "You're gonna need a weapon."

I swallow, my voice fading with my words, "A weapon-"

Jace hands me a dagger, "That's a seraph dagger."

"The blade knows you." He handed it to me and held my hands, holding the blade with me, "And you know how to handle yourself."

With that, he lets go of my hands, giving me a nod, leaving me alone in the room.

-

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I walked with Jace, walking towards Hardtail, the biker bar Jace and I had went to, Clary, Alec and Izzy scanning the perimeter, "Last time we were here, this place was filled with vampires and I was encantoed into going on a ride with Brad."

"Relax, all Downworlders hang out here." Jace chuckles lightly, "We just came on vampire night."

"Right." I nod, looking at him, "Vampire night was eventful."

"You gotta admit- you had just as much fun as I did." The corner of Jace's mouth turns up into a small grin.

"Oh yeah- going on a ride on the modified flying motorcycle that you stole." I nod, a smile forming on my lips, "Pretty fun."

Jace laughs, Alec coming up behind us, "All clear."

Isabelle and Clary come to my side, Isabelle wearing then necklace, "Do you think red's my color?"

"Iz, with a body like yours, everything's your color." I told her, crossing my arms.

Clary nods, "She has a point."

"Damn, I make this necklace look so good." Isabelle smiles lightly.

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

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

"Can you just give it to Jace?" Alec dismisses, rolling his eyes.

"You're such a buzzkill." Isabelle laughs, taking off the necklace and handing it to Jace.

Jace leads us through the party once we got in, "Blend in. Keep your weapons ready."

I spot Magnus, Jace coming to my side instantly, walking over to him with me, "Magnus."

"Zee Young." Magnus' eyes land on me, "You've grown into a beautiful young woman."

"I'm not exactly in the mood to accept compliments, Magnus." I cross my arms, "You took my memories."

"At Jocelyn's request. She knew the risk." Magnus told me, looking at Jace, "Show me the jewelry, Shadowhunter."

Magnus reaches for the necklace after it is revealed, Jace pulling in back, "Give Zee back her memories, and you get the jewelry."

"I have to confirm it's authenticity." Magnus reasons, keeping his hand held out.

Jace exhales, dropping the necklace into his hand.

"Amor verus numquam moritur. True love cannot die." Magnus translates, "Oh, how I've missed this jewel."

"Magnus- where's your end of the bargain?" I question.

"I wish I could retrieve your memories, but I no longer have them." Magnus honestly told us.

"What?" I blurt out, "Where are they? What did you do with them?"

"I fed them to a memory demon for safekeeping." Magnus informs us.

Jace huffs, "And why the hell would you do that?"

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

"Tortured?" I repeat, "Is Dot okay?"

"You don't know?" Magnus stared at me, my silence allowing him to continue, "Dot is dead."

"What? No-" I stare at him, "How do you know?"

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

I took a deep breath, looking away, fighting my tears.

"Come with me, Zee. Both you and your sister-" Magnus offered, "My lair can offer you protection no Shadowhunter ever could."

"No-" I step back.

"Don't be a fool." Magnus gapes at me, "Jocelyn would want you two to live."

"Then help me get my memories back from whatever demon you gave them to." I demand.

"Valentine is hunting you, too." He stared at me, "And every moment we're outside my lair's protection, is a moment Valentine gets closer to finding us. Come with me."

"I won't offer again." Magnus opens a portal, holding his hand out for me.

I looked at Jace, as he slowly shook his head, "No- Magnus, please. I don't need your protection, I need your help to get my memories back."

"Look out!" Clary's voice fills my ears, Alec shooting an arrow at a Circle member, as he dropped dead.

Alec walks over, grabbing the dagger from him, Magnus taking notice, "Who are you-"

Magnus snaps out of it, starting to walk towards his portal.

"Magnus, wait-" I grab his wrist, stopping him.

"Valentine found us." Magnus looked at me, "I warned Jocelyn this might happen."

"Magnus-" I began, only for him to pull away and disappear into the portal, only leaving me with a button from his jacket.

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

"He has a Circle rune on the base of his neck." Alec stood up.

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

I swallow hard, following them out of the party, slowly trailing behind them.

"Jace." Isabelle calls out for him, her hand on my back, Clary by my side.

Jace turns, "Zee, we have to move."

I stay silent, halting, ignoring what he just said, taking a deep breath.

"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 jaw clenched, "Alec, the girl- her name is Zee and I highly suggest you keep your voice down."

"Why? What, are you afraid I'm gonna upset her?" Alec went on, "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."

Tears well up in my eyes quickly, frustration rushing through me as I took a step closer to them, raising my voice, "Do you think I don't know that?"

"So far- I have screwed up so much for you- and I'm sorry." I lashed out, "I'm sorry that we lost the necklace- I'm sorry that you have had no luck finding your Mortal Cup- I'm sorry you've risked your life for me, over and over, only to get absolutely nothing out of it- I'm sorry that I'm Valentine's daughter- I'm sorry that I just dropped into your life out of no where- but putting the blame on me completely is going to drive me insane. Because I already know. You've made it completely clear to me that I'm the problem that's messed up your entire life."

"Zee, it's gonna be fine." Jace stared at me, Alec keeping his eyes connected with mine as I went off on him.

My head snaps towards Jace, my voice cracking as it raises, "No, it's not!"

"People are dying because of me. And Magnus?" I stepped closer to him, "Magnus will never come out of hiding again while Valentine is still after him. I will never get my memories back."

I threw the button, only for Jace to catch it in his hand, "You give up way too easy."

I swallow, sniffling, Clary grabbing my arm, pulling me back by her and Isabelle, my sight falling onto the mark on my palm from how tight I held the button.

"What is he doing?" I question, watching Jace from where I stood.

"He's tracking Magnus." Alec answered quietly, "Be quiet and keep your distance."

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

"No-" Jace turned, looking at us, "The signal's not strong enough. Magnus must be blocking the track. Let's do this, Alec."

Alec walks over to him, Clary quietly asking, "Do what?"

"Parabatai tracking." Isabelle answers, "When parabatais track, their power grows stronger. Jace and Alec are gonna track Magnus together."

Alec and Jace held onto each other's hands right, staring into each other's eyes, their hands glowing red, a whirring around them.

"Yeah, this whole parabatai thing seems oddly intimate, if you ask me." I mutter.

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

Jace breaks away from Alec, "Got him."

-

"Magnus' lair is right behind that fence." Jace told us as we walked into the building, armed and ready for any threat.

"Magnus lives in a warehouse?" I look at him, holding the blade in my hand as tight as I could.

"Not exactly." Jace looked at me, "Warlock glamour."

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

"His protective wards must be down." Jace looks around, being aware of our surroundings.

"You-" Alec calls, my head snapping towards him already knowing he was talking to me, "Don't get in the way."

"Don't get the way?-" I repeat, my teeth beginning to grit and take a step closer to him, only to stop instantly at the sight of one of Valentine's men dropping a man to the ground.

"Oh, God! Valentine found Magnus!" Clary shouts, as we all ran towards the threat, as I drew away from them along the way, my eyes landing on a girl who ran to the dead man on the ground.

"Daddy! Daddy?" She was on her knees, "Daddy, get up, please!"

The same man who had killed the ward came up behind her, holding his lit up sword above her, ready to kill the girl without her knowledge.

Before I could process what I was doing, I ran, my leg swinging up, my heel kicking him in the side, sending him falling to the ground, away from the girl.

The girl gasps, getting up quickly, running behind me, grabbing my hand.

I let out a breath, my eyes trailing from our hands to the man who stood right back up, "Zee Young. Valentine will be so pleased to meet you."

I roll my eyes, considering he had killed my mother in front of me, he had most likely already met me.

"Never met him, and I'd like to keep it that way." I kept my ground, "Plus, I'm not too found on pleasing the bad guy."

"He won't be pleased that you have such a big mouth." He spat, swinging his sword at me, my hand going up, stopping his blade with my dagger, a shing of a sound following.

Isabelle comes behind him, using her whip to grab onto his arm and pull him back, Clary knocking the sword out of his hands.

Jace throws something at him from the higher platform, It piercing into him, killing the man in an instant.

I look up, "For the record, I was perfectly handling that on my own."

Jace scoffs in humor, "Sure you were."

I roll my eyes, "Thanks for the save."

"Any time." He winks at me.

"Stick close." Isabelle walks over to me, Clary by her side, "It's safest if we stay together."

The girl trembled, my head snapping towards her, her hand tightening on mine.

"It's okay." I crouch, holding her face with my free hand, "I won't leave you alone, I promise."

She nods, swallowing hard, as I shot her a nod also, standing straight, following Isabelle further into the building.

-

"Magnus." I call out for him, walking into his living room, holding the little girl in my arms.

Magnus looks at me, looking at the girl, "Go join the others, my dear. This is no place for a little girl."

The girl nods, slipping away from me, walking to where she should be.

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

"I had no choice." I cross my arms, "I wasn't going to let him kill her so she could join her father."

"You always have a choice." Magnus stops, looking at me, "You're not like the others, Zee Young."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I quietly question, staring up at him.

"Most Shadowhunters protect Downworlders out of sense of duty, but you saved young Zoe because of what was inside your heart." Magnus went more in depth, "You're more like your mother than you will ever know.

"Magnus-" I sigh, giving it another shot, "Please- help me get my memories back. There's no running from Valentine anymore."

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

"I'm willing to do what it takes." I honestly told him.

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

Magnus uses his magic, the entire room shaking for a small moment, a flash of blue around the room.

"Ugh, it's inevitable." Magnus spoke, "After each move, I get the itch to redecorate." He looks at Alec, "Normally, I love a dirty lair, but this is one is just sloppy."

Alec doesn't take much note of it, holding onto his bow.

"I believe in payment for services rendered." Magnus walks over to Isabelle, holding the Institutes necklace, "Thank you for defending the warlocks."

I lay my head on Clary's shoulder, my arms crossed, as we leaned against the couch, watching Magnus, Clary rubbing my back in comfort.

"I couldn't." Isabelle gasps lightly.

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

Magnus whispers something into her ear, Isabelle smiling instantly, her eyes widening.

"Okay, so how do we summon the memory demon?" Clary spoke for me, looking at Magnus.

"Are you certain?" Magnus turns the conversation to me, "Summoning such a powerful demon could be lethal."

"I told you I was willing to do anything." I stood up straight, "Where is the demon?"

"Okay." He nods, "Pretty boy, get your team ready."

Jace starts to walk, "You know what to do-"

"I'm not talking to you." Magnus stops him then points to Alec, "I'm talking to you."

Jace looks at Alec, Alec simply shrugging, walking off.

"Come with me." Magnus waves towards me, walking into another room.

I left Clary and followed him, as he spoke, "Everyone wants the Mortal Cup. Don't trust anyone, especially not the Clave."

I looked at him, "Then why should I trust you?"

"You shouldn't." Magnus handed me something, "Only trust yourself."

I opened up, staring at different colored chalks, "What are these for?"

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

I shook my head, "I'll figure it out."

"Shadowhunter-" Magnus calls for Jace, "-prepare Zee as best you can."

Magnus leaves the room, Jace slowly walking in, coming to a stop next to me, staring at me, the look on his face putting me at ease.

"All right-" I turn towards him, "What is it?"

"The memory demon is a Greater Demon." Jace looked hesitant, "The rune will be far more powerful than anything you've faced so far."

I swallow, turning forwards, gesturing for him to draw on my bare shoulder. "I can take it."

"This might sting." Jace's voice is quiet, using his stele to draw the rune, my eyes widening with surprise at the feeling, my eyes screwing shut, small tears filling my eyes that I held back, a small scream that I instantly silenced following.

-

"Margaret and Jocelyn were right, your artistry is beyond compare." Magnus walks into the room followed by the others as I was on my knees, making sure there was no chalk over the lines.

I swallow hard at the mention of my mother, looking up at him, "I don't know about that- you should see what Clary used to draw."

Clary looks down at me, "You've always been so much better than me and you know it."

I roll my eyes, using the pad on my finger to blend in the chalk.

"Oh, the only other person I've known who could draw as well was Michelangelo, who was excellent in bed, I might add." Magnus mentions, his eyes falling onto Alec to make sure he had heard that.

I shot them a look as did Jace, as I pull myself onto my feet, dusting my hands off.

"Okay- we're ready." Magnus rounds my drawing, "Everyone take your rightful place on the pentagram."

Clary stepped away, her hand hovering over her sword, nodding towards me, signaling she would stand by in case anything went wrong.

I stammer, not knowing where to stand, Jace grabbing my waist, placing me on the end between him and Alec, "Here."

"Thanks-" I looked up at him, as he nods, standing at his end.

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

Alec spoke up, glancing at me, "Are you kidding? I have to hold her hand?"

"You know- with every moment that goes by, you make it harder and harder to tolerate you." My head turns towards him.

Alec stares at me, "I could say the exact same thing about you-"

"Guys-" Jace catches our attention.

Alec rolls his eyes, slowly grabbing Magnus' hand, then mine. I reach over, grabbing Jace's hand, a jolt sparking through my body with every grab of hand.

Isabelle looks at us, "You people are pathetic."

She grabs Jace's hand, along with Magnus, closing the circle.

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

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

"We will see." Magnus looks between us all, "Let is begin."

I looked at Jace, letting out a breath through my nose.

"It's going to be okay." Jace mouths to me secretly, as Magnus starts to loudly speak words I didn't understand, as to my knowledge, a spell.

"The necklace." Isabelle looked up, "It's pulsing."

"Valak is among us." Magnus shouts when a black fog centers between us, making it incredibly hard to hold onto each other's hands, "Do not break the bond."

Jace looks at me, holding my hand tighter, "Hold on!"

"I'm trying." I tried my best to keep a hold on both his and Alec's hands, Alec readjusting his grip on mine.

"It is time, the demon demands payment." Magnus calls out, staring up at the nightmare between us.

Alec spoke the question burning in all our minds, "What does it want?"

"We must each relinquish a beloved memory of the one we love the most." Magnus instructs, his grip tightening.

Isabelle was first, a blue light pulling from his chest and moving into the black fog, a flash of Alec in front of her. The same thing happens to me, my eyes wide as I watched the blue light fade into the black, a memory of Clary flashing before me.

The memory that came from Alec, caught me completely off guard, a flash of Jace fading into the black fog. Then it finally clicked to me why Alec hated me so much.

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

"Do not break the bond!" Magnus shouts, already knowing Alec was going to pull away.

"Alec, it's okay!" Isabelle says right after him in assurance.

"No!" Alec shouts, starting to pull away.

Jace's eyes are wide, trying to pulling him back, "Alec!"

"No!" Alec pulls away fully, the demon sending us flying back, my back hitting the wall, sliding down it, a groan leaning my lips, the strong wind keeping us back.

Magnus uses his magic at his best capability, "I cannot contain the demon much longer!"

Alec got up, running towards the demon, Jace running, pushing him away, pulled in by the demon, "No!"

"Jace!" Isabelle shrieks, grabbing onto his arm, "Grab him!"

Alec runs, grabbing his other arm, trying to pull him back, "Hold on!"

"The demon is growing stronger!" Magnus shouts, trying his best to contain Valak.

"He's slipping!" Alec shouts, trying to pull Jace back.

"Clary- Zee-" Isabelle calls for us, "Help us!"

Clary grabs her sword, the blade lighting up at her touch, starting to make her way to the demon but halts in her footsteps at the sound of Magnus' voice, "Clary, if you kill the demon, your sister's memories will be lost forever!"

Clary looks at me, hesitation flashing her eyes, "Zee, I-"

I grab the blade from her, piercing the blade into the demon without hesitation, the demon destructing right before my eyes, my memories along with it.

Jace falls to the ground, unconscious, as I stood in my spot, blinking long and hard, going over the decision I had just made.

"Jace, get up." Alec was on his knees next to Jace, along with Isabelle.

I drop the blade, falling onto my knees beside Jace, Clary coming behind me, her hand resting on my bare back, as I looked up at Magnus, "Is he gonna be all right?"

"I don't know." Magnus looks at me, fixing his sleeve, "Does he normally just lay like that without moving?"

"Jace-" Isabelle breathes, trying to wake him.

Jace gasps for air, forcing himself onto his knees, his eyes wide, coughing, "I'm all right- I'm all right. I'm just getting my second wind."

Alec instantly gets up, stepping away, Magnus slowly following after him, Isabelle and Clary leaving me alone with Jace.

"Zee- you're memories-" Jace breathes heavily, holding his side, "You killed the demon-"

"It's fine- let's not talk about that right now-" I unintentionally place my hand on his shoulder, "What matters is that you're okay. I thought we lost you-"

"Remind me again, what's the, uh-" Jace looks up at me, "What's the count on how many times I saved your life?"

I shot him a look, "After that- I personally think we're even."

"I don't think so." Jace laughs, shaking his head.

-

I sat in my room, dressed in a pair of black joggers and a wine colored slim long sleeve, my sketch boom testing in my lap, the pads of my fingers glazing over the charcoal embedded in the sheet; a drawing of my mother.

My fingers trace her name I had written in the corner of the page, my eyes scanning the drawing of her.

All my memories of her were gone.

"Hey." Jace's voice catches my attention, my head snapping up quickly, landing on him leaning against my door frame, "How you doin'?"

"I'm fine." I slam the book closed, placing the book on my nightstand.

Jace crosses his arms, "Can I come in?"

I nod, swallowing, readjusting my position on the bed.

"You know, that move you did launching into the tornado, that was pretty impressive." Jace honestly told me, walking over to me, "You must have one hell of an instructor."

I playfully rolled my eyes at me, pursing my lips to hold back a small smile, "He's alright."

"Plus- I didn't even know what I was doing." I followed up, "I just acted. I knew what I had to do and I did it."

"Zee- you killed one of the Greater Demons." Jace sits on my bed with me, "There's not a lot of Shadowhunters who can make that claim."

"Yeah, what a great claim I can make." I scoff lightly, looking away, "I killed the Greater Demon that was the only source of my memories. I'm so cool-"

Jace shot me a look due to my sarcasm, "Zee."

"I'm never going to find Jocelyn." I cross my arms, "And now- I'm useless to all of you. I have no idea where the Cup is- my knowledge on that is gone with my memories."

"Hey-" Jace stops me, "I'm not leaving your side until we find Jocelyn. We will find her. I promise."

I sigh through my nose, giving him a nod.

"Get some sleep, okay?" Jace nods towards me, getting up, leaving me alone in my room once again.

I sat there for a moment, then got up, walking out of my room and into Alec's, Alec stood by his bed, his eyes falling onto me immediately.

I shot him a look, closing the door behind me, walking further into his room, crossing my arms, "You know-"

He cuts me off, "Why are you in my room? Get out of my room-"

"Why else would I be in your room, Alec? I need to talk to you." I roll my eyes, crossing my arms.

He walks over to me, "Make it quick, what do you want?"

"I've figured it out." I looked up at him.

"Figured what out?" He stared down at me.

"I've figured out why you've had it out for me since I got here." I spoke, "Not for Clary- just me."

Alec rolls his eyes, "I don't have time for this-"

"You're in love with Jace." I place my hands on my hips.

Alec stops and stares at me dead in the eye, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Look who you're talking to." My eyebrows furrow, "I should've figured it out sooner, honestly."

Alec's eyebrows furrow in defense, looking away, "Shut up- you have no idea what you're talking about."

"I saw the memory." I brought up, "It's not that hard to piece together, Alec."

"I said-" Alec's jaw starts to clench lightly in anger, "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh?" I kept my ground, "Do you have another valid reason for why you've only picked on me?"

"You dropped out of nowhere." He steps closer, his tone dropping low, "I don't see why he trusted you so quickly. You're Valentine's daughter. It's appropriate to take cautious measures."

"That's all you've categorized me as. Valentine's daughter." I took a step closer to him, "Are you ever going to call me by my actual name?"

Alec shot at me, "I don't think I will. Especially when I'm unsure if you're some sort of spy or not."

"When are you ever going to stop picking on me?" I question, pushing, "When are you going to admit that you're in love with Jace?"

"I said shut up." Alec starts to raise his voice.

I scoff, raising my voice as well, stepping up to the challenge, him towering over me, "Why? Because I'm saying something you won't? Alec, it's okay to-"

Before I could say anything else, Alec's lips were pressed into mine, his hands grasping my face.

I froze for a second, before melting into the kiss, confusion falling over me, along with nervousness, my hands resting on his chest.

I snap out of the trance I was pulled in, pulling away from the kiss, panting, "Why the hell did you do that?"

"I-" Alec stammers, "I wanted you to shut up."

I swallow, staring up at him, "And now?"

Alec's tongue runs over his bottom lip, his eyes landing on my lips.

He presses me into his wall, connecting his lips with mine once more, our movements now filled with lust.

His hands slowly slip under my shirt and rest on my waist, his hands almost circling around my entire waist.

One hand grips his hair gently, the other flat on his chest, a small groan coming from Alec's mouth into the kiss.

Innocence was threaded in every movement Alec did, gentle but lustful.

Alec breaks the kiss, and pulls off his shirt, tossing it somewhere on the ground, his hands grabbing the hem of my shirt, pulling it over my head, throwing it around the room also.

"Alec-" I began, running a hand through my own hair as he held me, "Think about this-"

Alec grabs my legs and lifting me up, dismissing, "I don't wanna think right now."

With that, he laid me down on his bed, climbing on top of me, pressing his lips into mine, silencing me.

authors note:

i decided to double update this book because i already had a gif attached to this and i've written a few more chapters in advance.

ok but, jace screaming alec's name is hella hot, js

also zee's mother will be played by holly marie combs

btw ahhh don't come for me for making something happen between zee and alec, he's still gonna be with magnus ahhhh

i just neeeeeeeded something to happen between zee and alec cause like the tension that they had kinda killed me and made me really want something to happen between them

but like he's gay af i promise , malec all the way , my forever ship .

and also, the beginning of the next chapter is gonna be a lilll, mature :)