Our Fate ➰Shadowhunters➰ [Jace]

➰Chapter Eighteen➰

➰Chapter eighteen➰

Izzy had gotten back to the Institute in a hurry, while Jace, Clary, Raphael and me were still out, searching for Simon. Well, Raphael had left looking for him on his own, but he had come back a few minutes ago, cursing under his breath (if a vampire actually had one).

"I swear, if that kid ruins one more jacket—"

"Where is he?" Clary interrupted.

"He'll be back."

"You just let him go? You said you'd look after him!" Clary complained.

Raphael took a deep breath impatiently. "I can't do that until he's ready."

"What does that even mean?"

"It means he's where everybody goes when this happens. His own personal Hell." Raphael said.

"I—I did this," Clary whimpered. "I put him there."

"If it helps, he doesn't even remember it was you. Those first minutes: a complete blank." The vampire shrugged. Clary seemed twice as concerned now.

"But I have to tell him the truth—"

"Once you rein him in, he'll be walking, talking proof to the Clave that Camille broke the Accords. In fact, as a new leader—"

"Okay, just stop it! I don't care about your vampire politics! We have to find Simon." Clary snapped.

"We will." Jace assured her, and even I wanted to believe him.

"He's out there, he's alone, scared—he's hungry. Give me a call when he turns up. He'll need my help." Raphael said, handing me his phone number on a card.

"I think we've had just about enough of your help." I muttered, but he was already gone.

Jace's phone started beeping, and he quickly picked up. "Alec, I need you." He frowned with concern. "That's not possible, Izzy. Nothing can get through the wards." He paused. "Are they okay? Is Alec—" he sighed heavily. "The Cup. Izzy, I'll be there as soon as I can."

Jace hung up harshly and started walking away from us. I called after him, but when he wouldn't budge, I decided to run and catch up. "Hey! What's going on?"

"Valentine attacked my home. Alec's injured. We've got to go."

"We can't. You know Clary won't just leave Simon like that," I said.

"So what about Alec? It's not safe out here, Leah."

"Did you forget how I kicked a whole swarm of Shax demon ass just yesterday?" I retorted, a smirk forming on my face. Yes, I might be getting cocky, but it's not everyday I felt so unstoppable as I had in those few moments.

Jace sighed. "No, I didn't, I was just—I was gonna say—"

"That I still need training, and I agree, but I remain unpersuaded."

'I—I—I don't know what else, Leah! You're right, okay? You're right."

"Did you just say I'm right?" I nudged his arm playfully, making him roll his eyes, but a smile creeped its way onto his lips.

"Don't get used to it. Look, maybe Luke can help you guys find Simon. Werewolves are really great trackers."

"I'll make sure we get to Luke's before doing anything else." I nodded, actually thinking it was a good idea.

"Just promise me you'll be careful, okay?" Jace cupped my cheek with his hand and I held on to it, stroking it gently.

"Always. But we still need to talk—"