Magnus couldn't really wrap his head around everything that had happened, so he just chose to ignore it for the time being. He needed to be vigilant, to be alert, for Alexander. He needed to help him save his family, just like Alec had helped save Catarina and Ragnor.

He looked to his right, where Alec was staring down at the blueprints of the building in front of them, the cold night air tousling his air in a beautiful way. His eyes were fixed on the faint lines of the map, tongue slightly stuck out as he was thinking of the best way to retrieve his brother and his brother's girlfriend. His gear was all black, the rifle on his back and a small handgun in the holster. He knew that Alec was also carrying a knife in his right boot, just like Magnus was carrying one underneath his black coat. Suddenly, Alec's eyes shot up, meeting his and Magnus coughed, feeling caught. "So, what's the plan?" he asked quickly, ignoring Alec's slightly amused look.

"Well," the hunter drawled, smiling a little "Jonathan demanded that we give Valentine over, in exchange he will give us Clary and Jace. Except, Clary is his sister. I'm pretty sure he is reluctant at giving them up, and he would rather kill Jace than let him go. So, we have the back up. You and I will be the ones doing the talking, at the same time the other team will ambush them from the sides. I have five men, any more could result in exposure, so it'll have to do. Besides, I think we can handle Jonathan, don't you?" Alec concluded and Magnus smirked, loading his gun with a click. "Absolutely." he replied and Alec nodded, happy with the answer. "Where is he?" Alec asked a woman next to her. She was dressed in black gear, just like Alec, her dark purple hair reaching her shoulders and her figure slim, almost as small as Clary's. She nodded towards the trees and two men came over, holding Valentine between them. His mouth was covered with a cloth and he mumbled something.

Magnus rolled his eyes, taking his arm and holding him up, and Alec moved to the other side, holding his other arm tightly. His hands were in restraints, but his eyes were shining with anger and disgust, even. Alec turned towards the team of five, including Isabelle and Simon. At first, Simon had insisted to come along and Alec had agreed, asking Isabelle to stay back at the Institute, to find out where the hell was Hodge and to keep an eye on Cat and Ragnor, to make sure they were treated, but of course Alec's sister had refused. Magnus had come to realize, that if there was something Isabelle couldn't stand, was being left to sit aside, whilst her family risked their lives. He also came to know, that she was more than capable of taking care of herself, as well as threatening Alec and Simon into letting her come along.

So, now they both stood side by side with three others. Andrew was a tall blond man with baby blue eyes and a strong built-body. He was standing like a security guard, hands behind his back, looking sternly at Alec, awaiting orders. The girl with the short purple hair, Lyla, was petite but as Isabelle had told him, quick as lighting and just as lethal. Magnus wouldn't have doubted it, observing how the young woman blew a bubble from the gum she was chewing, her nose ring glinting slightly. The last one was a young man who went by the name Brad, his black hair curled and reaching his shoulders. His facial features were soft and deemed him younger then the rest, but his eyes were a dark blue, almost black in the soft street light, giving off an impression that he's seen a lot of things people his age normally wouldn't. Again, Magnus had no doubt that it was true.

"Isabelle, you are in charge of the team. You know what to do, make sure you go over every detail. I want this done with as much caution as possible - Jonathan is unstable, that much we know. What we don't know, is how many men he might have inside with him. Our goal is to take them down, with minimal causalities. You have your guns with tranquilizer darts - use them. Only use live rounds when necessary, you hear me? There's been enough bloodshed already, let's not add to the body count." Alec said, his eyes harsh and determined. The other hunters, including Simon and Isabelle, were regarding him carefully, but Magnus could see the respect they had for him and the way they listened to his every word intently. Once again, the conman was astonished of the way Alexander could make himself be heard with just by the authoritative look and demeanor, even as he was holding Valentine by the arm, slightly slumped.

Isabelle gave him a curt nod and stood in front of her team, a trace of the same strictness in her voice and eyes as she addressed them. "All right, you heard the man. Check your gear and follow me. Andrew, I want you in the front with me, Simon, move to the back with Lyla and Brad." she ordered and Magnus saw her all business-like attitude. He couldn't help but smile a little.

Alec gave him a wary look and then glanced at Valentine. "Let's go." he said and Magnus nodded, mind back on what was about to happen. He knew that this was going to be hell. Jonathan was not the giving up type. He also knew, that Raphael was somewhere in there, and even though he couldn't be sure of his loyalty, he feared for his life. Alec had given his team orders - minimal body count, but if Raphael should step between Alec and his siblings and family, he wouldn't hesitate to take the man down. Magnus hoped that it wouldn't come to that. The went down the small slope, approaching the building. 

It started to rain just as they reached the door and Alec let go of Valentine, to open the door, leaving Magnus to support the man. Valentine looked beaten up, but his eyes shone wicked, almost as if he was enjoying a private joke. Magnus resisted the urge to punch him square in the face. "Alright, keep your eyes open." Alec said, moving inside, taking Valentine's other side once again.

The building was old, the ground was not a floor but mud and dirt, the walls like sheet metal, reminding Magnus warehouses he used to store his valuables, when he was moving from place to place. He always had to have a backup plan, a place to store his weapons and a place to sleep at when he couldn't risk staying at motels. He smelled the air, thick with rain and mold. The ceiling was high and a few, large laps were swinging over their head, making a creaking sound in the empty building. In front of them was a staircase, both sides of metal railing and steps leading upstairs to some office-like rooms. On the left there were two doors and on the right a row of barrels and tins, looking like gasoline. "Lovely." Magnus commented, making Alec chuckle a bit. His eyes were wandering around, observing every detail. Magnus could relate. The first thing he had done when they stepped in was to make sure he had an escape route. He could see another set of stairs, leading to a second floor. From the outside he could've told that there were at least 3 stories to the building.

There was a back door, chained and locked. His eyes moved back to the two doors on the left. One of them was on it's hinges, open. The other seemed sturdy enough, closed. Then, they heard something clink and steps, like someone coming down the stairs, dragging a chain behind them on the ground. Well, the sound wasn't entirely deceiving.

He heard Alec gasp softly as Jonathan appeared into view, Raphael on his side, both carrying a figure in between them. Magnus spared a glance at Alec, whose eyes were shining with distress, panic and anger, and he was biting his lip. Magnus turned back to see Jonathan and Raphael make Jace sit down on a chair, almost in the middle of the weird room. He looked terrible.

From what Magnus could see, his left eye was swollen shut, there were cuts on his face, some of them bleeding, some not. His lower abdomen was bleeding excessively and his arms were covered in bruises. The black jeans concealed any other injuries he might have had. The blonde hair were dirty and more black than blonde at that point and Magnus swallowed. He felt anger towards Jonathan, deep in him like a burning fire. The monster who stood before him needed to die, that much was for sure. If Magnus was feeling this way, he could only imagine how Alec was feeling. He was visibly shaking with anger. Magnus pleaded to the heavens that he'd keep in control.

"Ah, welcome. You made it." Jonathan drawled, voice echoing in the empty room. Magnus tilted his head. "Jonathan." he said and the redhead smirked, smile cruel and unyielding. "Magnus Bane. You've been a pain in the ass for far too long. I'm glad our contract will be terminated today. I'm sure my father agrees with me." Jonathan said, eyeing Valentine. The man just pushed his head back, staring back at his son. Alec's hands were balled in fists. "Jace... Jace." he said, nothing else leaving his lips and it hurt Magnus's heart, hearing his voice to broken. His brother didn't hear him, he seemed dazed, barely keeping it together. The blonde's eyes were drooping shut. "You son of a-" Alec started, releasing Valentines hand and taking a step forward. As Raphael raised his gun, Magnus got a hold of Alec. "Alexander, stop. Do not make this any worse than it is. Remember..." he lowered his voice "the plan. Remember the plan." he finished and Alec stopped, eyes blazing and boring into Jonathan's, who smiled at him, clearly amused.

"Well now, I promised you an exchange, and here it is. Life for a life. I've no use for this pathetic piece of scum anyways." Jonathan spat, reaching to Jace and pulling his head back by his hair. Jace groaned, the sound so low and weak. Alec clenched his teeth. "Don't you touch him, I swear to god-" he started but Jonathan laughed. "What? What will you do? Do you think I don't have a gun on you right now? Look up, Lightwood." Jonathan said and Magnus whipped his eyes to the place Jonathan was pointing at. There was a man, aiming his rifle right at Alec, the red dot on his chest. Magnus swallowed. "Where is Clary? You promised both of them. You think you have the leverage? Alec may not kill Valentine, but don't think I won't. I'll slice his throat before your sniper can even think about fixing his gun to me. I don't mind dying, if I'm taking this asshole down with me." Magnus said, voice firm and loud, no trace of fear or hesitation, twirling a knife in his hand expertly.

Jonathan's eyes steadied on him and he narrowed his gaze. Magnus could see he was thinking if Magnus was bluffing or not. The conman didn't hesitate and moved swiftly behind Valentine, holding the knife to his throat. Jonathan's eyes widened a bit. He held up his hand. "Fine. But, as for Clarissa..." he said, now smiling again and looked up. "Sister, dear. Why don't you join us?" he asked and Clary came into view on top of the stairs. Her clothes were ruffled, the dress she had worn to the Lair slightly torn but she still managed to look elegant in it. Her red hair were just as flaring as her brother's, but her eyes were wider, more fearful as she scanned the room. She saw Jace and Magnus could see she was trying not to scream. Her mouth was a thing line as she descended, to take her place beside Jonathan. Magnus exchanged a glance with Alec, seeing the worry in the other's eyes.

Jonathan moved to offer his arm to Clary, and to Magnus's surprise, she took it. "My sister wished to stay, and that is her own choice. So, we will be giving you only Jace. A deals a deal." Jonathan said, his voice matching the smirk on his face - he seemed triumphant. There was a groan and then Jace moved slightly. "Clary... No..." he gurgled and Magnus could see the blood dripping from his mouth. Clary's eyes went to Jace and for a second, Magnus could see the concern and the horror, which was masked quickly. She stared at them both, face almost immobile, except for little twitch of her mouth that Magnus caught. Something was not right here. "It's true. Take him and leave us alone. Jonathan is my brother, my family. I',m staying." she said and Alec shook his head immediately.

"Clary, what are you saying? We are your family, all of us. Jonathan will only hurt you." he said, voice pleading but Jonathan cut in. "Hurt her? You don't know me at all, Lightwood. I would never hurt my darling sister. Release my father and You'll have Jace. You may leave, unharmed." Jonathan said and Magnus observed Clary. There was a very small movement. A shaking of the head, so subtle, Magnus wouldn't have caught it if he hadn't been trained for such a thing. 

He smiled at Jonathan. "Really? Why do I get the feeling you are lying?" he asked bluntly and the redhead's cold eyes were on him again. The black was almost demonic. "You think you have a choice here?" he asked and the red dot moved to Magnus, the sniper aiming at him. Magnus didn't move, his smile didn't falter. "It seems we're in a bit of a stand-off. Who blinks first?" he said sarcastically and Jonathan growled. "Let him go." he said again and Clary stepped closer to Jonathan, putting an arm on his hand. "Listen to him, Alec. You are smart, you'll figure it out. Take Jace and leave us alone." she said, determined and Magnus could see the glint in her eyes as she stared at Alec. She was trying to tell them something. Magnus turned to Alec then, taking the knife from Valentine's throat. "Alexander, we have to do this." he said quietly, observing the other man. 

Alec blinked, staring at him in disbelief. But then, Magnus let his eyes fall into the hazel, staring at Alec like he could read his mind and the other could read his. He smiled encouragingly and finally, Alec sighed. He stared right back, with a look that said 'I hope you know what you're doing'. Magnus nodded and they both grabbed Valentine, moving him towards the four people opposite to them. Jonathan nodded to Raphael and the man took a hold of Jace, who groaned in pain, as Jonathan went to Valentine. Alec and Magnus released Valentine, leaving him falling to the floor on his knees as Raphael thrusted Jace forward. Alec caught him, hand secured around him and Magnus kept an eye on Jonathan, who grabbed his father.

Alec moved backwards, letting Jace lean on him and Magnus went to them, taking Jace's other arm and letting him lean on him as well. Jonathan took his fathers gag away and Valentine spat on the ground. "About time." he sneered and Jonathan rolled his eyes, releasing Valentine from his restraints. He rubbed his wrists and just as Magnus raised his eyes towards them, he saw Clary move. At the same time, so did Raphael. Without realizing it, Magnus pushed Alec and Jace, so they fell on the ground next to the wall and behind some kind of a dumpster, as Raphael pulled a gun and Clary pulled something small from beneath her dress.

There was a gunshot and Jonathan screamed. Magnus saw him grab Clary's arm, just as she was about to plunge a needle to his neck. Valentine crumbled to the ground, his neck bleeding and eyes still, Raphael looming over him with a cold look, gun in his hands.

Jonathan twisted Clary's arm and she screamed, loud and Magnus took out his gun, just as Isabelle and her team strode in. At the same time, the sniper shot and Magnus cowered behind the same dumpster he'd pushed Alec and Jace to. He saw more men run down the stairs, guns going off and his eyes went to Jonathan, who was grabbing Clary by the airm, pulling her towards the door that was slightly ajar. Magnus hopped up, avoiding the bullets as well as ignoring Alec's calls, but just as he reached to door, someone tackled him, his gun dropping.

He looked up and saw the bearded face of Hodge, his eyes almost mad and hysterical. Magnus struggled when Hodge locked his arms to the sides. "Magnus Bane. You won't get away, not this time. You'll pay for what you did to my family." he snarled and Magnus, having no clue what he was blabbering about, knocked his head against Hodge's, making him groan and release him. Magnus scrambled to his feet, seeing Alec shoot at the men that were ambushing them. His eyes found Isabelle, just as Jonathan punched her, the girl falling and Jonathan aiming a gun at her. He heard a "No!" and just as Jonathan shot, Simon pushed Isabelle to the side. Clary screamed, but Isabelle's voice rang louder than anything. She jumped at Jonathan with a scream that resembled more of a growl, knocking him down. Magnus got up, aiming his gun at both of them, but he had no way of getting a clear shot.

He heard shuffling and dodged just as Hodge was swinging  another punch at him. Magnus turned, knocking the gun from the man's hand with his foot and swiftly punched his chest, knocking his breath out of him. Hodge staggered back and Magnus heard Clary scream again. He saw Jonathan smirking above Isabelle, who was on the ground, looking up at him, completely defenseless and Clary was held by Jonathan. She struggled in his grip, trying to throw off his aim, but Jonathan pushed her, making her fall to the ground.

Magnus aimed his gun just as he saw Alec burst through the door, at the same moment, Hodge jumped him, again. Magnus's gun went off, firing aimlessly as they struggled, just as Alec shot. Magnus was hurled towards the ground and Hodge reached for the gun he had dropped. Magnus pulled up his knee, hitting Hodge in the groin and the man groaned. Magnus rolled over and saw Alec's gun aimed at Jonathan, who was staring at him in disbelief, the red stain growing larger on his chest. Magnus could have sworn he saw a smirk on his face as he fell. Everything seemes to happen in slow motion. He turned, just in time to see Hodge disappear to the staircase and he got up. Isabelle was wailing over Simon, begging him to open his eyes, but Simon didn't move. Alec stood, his eyes observing them, as Clary ran from the room, yelling Jace's name. Alec's eyes were trained on Jonathan as he lowered his gun, his chest rising and falling rapidly, his wide eyes on his sister, who was holding Simon's head in her lap. Even from there, where Magnus stood, he could see the tremble in Alec's hands.

Magnus stared at Alec, the hunter in a trance seemingly, and he turned on his heel, to chase after Hodge. The gunshots still rang in Magnus's head as he took two steps at a time, determined not to let the man slip from his grasp.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: This was short, I'm sorry. Also, the next one is the last one of this book!!!!!!! I am so incredibly happy, that I have you, my readers, here with me. I never thought anyone would give a crap about this book, and here we are. I am planning on making this a trilogy, so even though next Tuesday will be the end of this book, there will be more, if you are willing to stick with me. I hope you liked this one, and I hope the ending will keep you wanting more ;) Love you, my intellectual badasses xx