Chapter 34

Faith's POV

Clary and I find ourselves sitting at Hunter's Moon bar, sipping some drinks while talking about old times. It was relaxing and fun.

"I miss this, some sister time," Clary said, smiling.

Nodding, I agreed, "Yeah, I do too. So, where's Simon?" I asked, surprised to see Clary without her boyfriend.

With a shrug, Clary said, "Probable with Luke. I swear, he hangs out with the wolves more than the vampires."

"Yeah, Luke tells me that he's been helping Simon out and in return Simon keeps an eye on the wolves. They seemed to be best buds now."

"I know you're not the biggest fan of Simon-"

I stopped Clary before she could finish her words, correcting her. "Clary, I like Simon, I do. He's just not my type of guy. Besides, your friends don't have to be my friends."

Clary nodded in agreement, mumbling, "True." She glanced down at her phone, checking the time. "We better get going if we're going to catch that movie."

I nodded in agreement, both of us grabbing our purses before heading out. I wrapped my arm in her's, both of us laughing as we exited the bar and headed down the sidewalk.

My feet come to a halt though, pulling Clary back and halting her as well. My eyes looked down the alleyway, "Hey, what is that?"

Clary and I drop our arms, cautiously heading down the alley way. What I thought might be a puddle of water was actually a puddle of blood and flesh. On the flesh revealed runes, meaning whoever it was, was a Shadowhunter.

"Oh my God," Clary said, causing both of us to pull out our blades.

We followed the blood and flesh, turning the corner and finding a man dead, his runes carved out of him.

Well, so much for that movie.

We called up some backup, doing a quick investigation before heading back to the Institute with the body.

"Shadowhunter down!" I yelled, grabbing Jace, Alec, and Izzy's attention.

"Milo Keytower," Clary said.

Izzy asked, "What happened?"

The voice of Imogen made us jump and turn to find her walking over to us, "From what I understand, his runes were carved out. Is that true?"

I nodded, "Yes, after he was attacked by a wolf it seems."

"He had multiple bite and claw marks," Clary clarified.

Izzy, confused, asked, "What kind of werewolf randomly attacks a Shadowhunter?"

"One who's trying to send a message," Alec said.

"And get the attention of the Clave," Imogen added.

Jace looked between all of us, "We need to find them before this happens again."

Imogen, shifting her weight, said, "Well, I think I have a pretty good idea who it is."

The thought that Luke or any of his wolves would do this was impossible in my mind. But, with everything that seems to go on, who knows anymore.

As much as I hated it Jace, and I decided we better talk to Luke, meeting him at the wolf hangout. To our surprise, Simon was sitting at the table with Luke, seeming to be deep in conversation.

We approached them, Luke looking up at us, "Well, this is a nice surprise."

"I'm afraid it's not so nice of a topic," I said, making Luke look at me confused.

Jace spoke up, "A Shadowhunter's been mutilated and killed by a wolf."

The other wolves in the restaurant are silent and look at us with suspicion. Luke glanced around before pointing a finger at Jace, "Watch your tone in here."

"How do you know a wolf killed him?" Simon asked?

I spoke up, wishing I didn't even have to be here, let alone possible blame someone from the pack, "'Cause of the claw marks and traces of DNA on the body."

Jace spoke up, speaking kindly in hopes of not pissing anyone off, "Luke, the inquisitor would like you to come in."

Luke made a face, reminding me of myself when I didn't want to do something or was suspicious of something. In hopes of calming him down though, I add, "It's just to answer a few questions, promise."

I had a feeling if it was anyone else asking him to do this, Luke wouldn't even consider it. But since it was coming from me, he sighed and nodded in agreement before standing and following us.

We head back to the Institute, leading Luke to Imogen's office where two guards stand and watch. Luke sits in a chair and Imogen starts her questioning which doesn't sound like it.

"Are you questioning me or are you accusing me?" Luke asked?

"A week ago, you demanded the destruction of the Soul Sword. A demand which, of course, is impossible to even consider. Which leads me to wonder, was this killing an act of revenge on the Clave?"

"You think that I would murder a Shadowhunter? My own daughter is a Shadowhunter," Luke said, gesturing over to me.

Imogen eyed Luke, "We all know about your temper, Lucian."

Luke gestured towards his arm, getting angry, "Take my DNA. Test it against your evidence. I'm not your wolf. And if anyone in my pack did it, I'll kill them myself."

Imogen paused for a moment, before looking at the two guards, "Take him down to the lab." Luke stands up and leaves the room with the guards. Jace and I are about to leave too, but Imogen calls Jace back, stopping me as well.

"A word, Jace?"

Jace turn towards me, making me stare at him for a second before nodding, "I'll be in OPS." With that, I leaned up and give him a quick kiss before heading out of the room.

My curiosity rose and I wanted to know what was being said, yet I didn't stay and try and listen but headed to OPS in hopes of getting to the bottom of this. Maybe Jace would tell me later?

Alec joins me as we look for some video footage of what happened. We come up empty handed and are ready to give up when Jace walked over.

"Hey, what did she say?" I asked, curious.

Jace sighed, looking between Alec and I, "Well, she made me Head of the Institute."

My eyes went wide and I looked at him shocked, "Wow."

Alec, clearly not happy, mumbled with a sigh, "Congratulations."

Jace shifted his weight, looking straight at Alec, "It should've been you. I told her that."

Alec pushed himself away from the screen and fully turned to Jace, gesturing off, "The Clave was never gonna hand it to me. I'm dating a guy who's a Downworlder, and you're dating someone that can see the future and who's your connection. You're like the package deal for them."

Jace shook his head, "Look, Alec, I didn't want this. I swear."

"You're a Herondale. Get used to the perks," Alec said.

I wanted to speak up, to try and calm Alec but before I could the sound of the alarm blaring is heard and Clary, Lindsay, who is a Shadowhunter, along with some other Shadowhunters rush in with some bodies.

We quickly rush up to them, Jace asking my sister, "What happened?"

"We found Rosegreen and Penmount dead in the Bowery. Runes carved out."

"Just like Keytower," Lindsay said.

The bodies are wheeled in on stretchers and we stop them, Alec looks at one body while Jace looks at the other.

"Except Penmount's been drained by a vampire."

"And Rosegreen was lanced by a Seelie knight," Jace said, looking up from his body.

Confusion sat in, causing me to look at the small group, "It's not just a lone wolf. It's multiple Downworlders."

Jace looked at me before looking at the group again, "Luke was right all along. These Downworlders want revenge. This could be the start of an uprising."

Great, just great.

Imogen gathered all the Shadowhunters into the computer room before speaking. "Another Shadowhunter was found dead last night in Williamsburg. This time, murdered by a warlock. In this time of crisis, it is essential that we maintain strong leadership. That is why I am naming Jace Herondale head of the Institute, effective upon my departure to Idris. Dismissed."

The crowd dissolved and Alec, Izzy, and Clary walked over to where Jace and I stood, near the front.

Jace quickly gestured with his hand, "Let's not make a big deal about this. She's still in charge until she leaves."

Izzy smiled, "Still! Being appointed head of the Institute and finding out you're a Herondale? Don't let it get to your head."

"Let's not forget the connection," Alec said, making Izzy nod and me to roll my eyes.

Clary shrugged, "So Herondales are what, like, the Kennedys of the Shadow World?"

Alec explained, "It's an old Shadowhunter family, like the Lightwoods."

"But we're the Kennedys," Izzy smiled, pushing her hair over her shoulder in a proud way.

Jace led the way over to a conference table, "Let's focus on what matters. The inquisitor would like us to reach out to our allies to see what they know. At this point, she considers all Downworlders suspects."

"That's casting a pretty broad net," I said a bit nervous.

"She can't possibly think any of our friends did this," Clary said and I nodde din agreement.

Jace sighed and shrugged, "And well, we'll prove that to her. Since Luke's DNA cleared him, we should collect samples from all of our friends to clear them as well. I'll make an Institute-wide announcement."

"I'll go talk to Simon," Clary said.

"I'll go see Raphael," Izzy said.

Alec stood silently before looking at me, "Could you-"

Before Alec could finish, I cut him off, understanding why he wouldn't want to ask his boyfriend for a blood sample. "I'll go talk with Magnus."

"Great, everyone be careful," Jace said and everyone started to split off.

Alec grabbed my arm, stopping me from walking off, "Hey, thanks for this. I just think it would be weird if I-"

"Asked your boyfriend for a blood sample because he may be involved in a murder spree? Its fine, Alec. Besides, I need to talk to Magnus anyways."

"You're close with him," Alec said, smiling.

I made a face, "He's like the crazy, gay Uncle that every kid wants. I just happen to have him."

Alec laughed and rolled his eyes at my words, making me chuckle before leaving.

I went over to Magnus' knocking on his door which was swung open a minute later. "Ah, Faith, I'd say this is a surprise but I'm afraid you've been warned ahead of time."

"Alec texted you I was coming," I said and closed the door behind me as I entered.

"Yes, he was embarrassed to say the least. I assume that's why you're here?"

A sigh left my lips as I shoved my hands into my jacket pocket while Magnus poured himself a drink. "I'm sorry Magnus, I know it's a lot to ask, but it's just as a reassurance-"

"That I didn't kill anyone?"

"We know you didn't."

"And yet here we are," Magnus smiled and extended his arms before sitting on the couch.

"Yeah, here we are," I mumbled, sitting down next to him. There was a moment of silence in the room before I spoke up again. "Why are you so protective of me? I mean, I don't think your one to pick favorites but it's like you have."

I know how I was saying the words probable didn't make any sense, but Magnus was a smart man. He knew what I was talking about.

Magnus took a sip of his drink before standing again, setting it down on a table as he seemed to think for a moment.

"There are many things I'm not proud of doing, but taking your memories, hiding Jace from you... that's something I'll always blame myself for. I saw the pain I caused, and I told myself I wouldn't let that happen again." Magnus turned and looked at me, "And for the record I do have favorites."

A small chuckle left my lips as I ducked my head down and nodded. When I looked up Magnus was in front of me with a vial of his blood in his hand. "Here, to clear my name and anything else that pops up."

Standing, I took the vial and looked at Magnus before hugging him, "Thank you. And you know I don't blame you for that."

Magnus put his arms around me, "I know, but I do," He mumbled.

After getting Magnus' blood I headed back to the Institute, walking in to find Alec storming away from Jace in anger. I handed off the vial to one of the Shadowhunters before making my way over to Jace who was running a hand through his hair.

"Hey, what happened?"

"There was another murder, vampire this time. Imogen wants to put GPS chips in the Downworlders."

I crossed my arms, predicting, "Let me guess, without asking."

Jace sighed slightly in annoyance, "Someone is killing our people and we need to find out before we lose someone again."

"I agree that we need to find out who, but who's to say it's even a Downworlder? I mean, what if it's someone pretending to be?"

Raising a brow, Jace asked, "Someone pretending to be multiple Downworlders? It doesn't sound impossible, but why?"

"That's what we need to figure out," I said before taking his hands in mine, "I understand you have to follow orders, just do me a favor? Ask them." I leaned up, giving him a kiss before turning to walk away.

Jace suddenly stops me, "Hey, there's something you should know. Clary was attacked."

At those words I went on the hunt for my sister, finding her leaving the cells downstairs where Simon was locked up for being a suspect.

"Clary, thank God you're okay," I said, hugging her only for her to pull away from me.

"Did you know about them locking up Simon?" Clary asked angrily.

"I just found out. He refused to leave the Institute," I said, as if double checking that, that was the case.

Taking a step back, her anger rising, Clary said, "So you agree?" but it came out as a question.

Shaking my head, slightly confused, I said, "I didn't say that, it's just... with everything going on, everyone's on edge. Simon will be safer here anyways then out there."

"Their hunting Shadowhunters, not Vampires."

"You're right, but if someone is making Downworlders hurt Shadowhunters, do you really want Simon to be one of them?"

Clary said nothing but instead walked past me. I quickly chased after her, following her as she entered the OPS Center and fast walked over to Jace. "So, Imogen says to lock up Simon and you just let it happen?"

"Clary-" I started, but Jace interrupted me.

"I tried to help Simon. You know I wouldn't have done any of this if he hadn't broken Clave rules."

Shrugging dramatically, Clary said, "Suddenly you're into rules? You know, Jace Herondale might have some kind of family name to live up to, but the Jace I know would break any rule for the people he cares about."

"People are dying. People I've known my entire life, people I trained with. There are no easy choices right now. A team just found Lockheart dead."

Suddenly, Imogen walked up to us with two guards holding Maia.

"And we've just caught his killer," Imogen said.

"Maia?" Clary asked, confused.

Looking between Maia and Imogen, I asked, "What's going on?"

Imogen looked at me, "Lockheart was mauled by a wolf. Ms. Roberts was found a block away, minutes after the kill."

Maia pulled against the guards, "I was walking home from work. What, is that a crime now, too?"

"Did anyone see you walking home from work?"

Clary spoke up, "It's New York City. A lot of people were a block away."

Imogen gestured to Maia, "An hour ago, this wolf viciously attacked Jace for carrying out a Clave mandate."

"What?" I asked, my instinct concern as I looked at Jace. He gave me a small nod, letting me know he was fine."

Maia's voice rose, "To put a tracking chip in my neck!"

"Wait, what?" Clary asked, looking at Jace.

In that moment, I knew Jace had done the opposite of what I asked and never asked about putting chips in.

Maia looked at Imogen, venom in her voice, "You know, I've been stopped by cops for no other reason than being black, but I thought the Shadowhunters were more evolved than that." She turned to Jace, "Jace, I didn't do this."

"Six Shadowhunters are dead. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment," Imogen said, looking at Jace.

Boy I hated those words.

Clary spoke up, grabbing the leader's attention, "Isn't fear an emotion? Because that's all this is. Tracking people because of the kind of blood they have. Locking them up without recourse? Is that what the Clave stands for?"

"Your idealism is charming, but when they wheel in the next dead Shadowhunter with their runes carved out, what will you tell their family? What will your ideals have done for any of them?"

"Okay, that's enough," I said, finally speaking up.

Imogen turned to her guards, nodding to Maia, "Put her downstairs with the vampire." Her phone suddenly rings and she steps away for a moment. Clary uses that moment and looks at Jace, begging.

"Jace, tell her to stop. You know this is wrong." Jace says nothing and Clary turns to me, "Faith?"

My mouth opens to speak only for Imogen to return and turn to Jace, "I'm needed in Idris. The Institute is in your hands now, Jace. Make me proud." She turns to me, giving me a smile as she lightly touches my arm before leaving.

Clary glared at Jace, causing him to sigh and shrug, "Clary, there's no perfect way to do this. I'm doing my best."

"You know, not too long ago, everyone thought you had demon blood. If you weren't a Herondale, she'd be locking you up, too." With that, Clary left us, walking away and causing Jace to turn to me. He saw the way my face looked at him and shrugged, "I'm trying."

"I know, but answer me, truthfully, on something. Did you ask?" Jace said nothing, giving me my answer. With that, I too walked away and left Jace behind.

Tracking down Clary, I fast walked behind her, grabbing her arm as I passed her, and pulled her away.

"What are you doing? Where are we going?"

"We're getting Simon and Maia out," I said. My words caused Clary to smile and to match my pace.

Heading down to the cells, I was grateful that Imogen gave me permission to enter.

Clary and I entered the cells, letting me open the one that held Simon and Maia. "Someone call for a rescue?" I asked, causing Simon to turn and Maia to look up.

"Clary!" Simon yelled, hugging his girlfriend as relief took over him that she was safe.

Maia looked at me, "What will happen when your little boyfriend finds out about this?"

"He already knows," We turned around, finding Jace standing in the cells doorway.

"Jace..."

Jace stepped in, "You disobed an order," He said and walked up to me. "And I disobed a promise. I'm sorry."

I smiled at Jace's words and hugged him, giving his cheek a kiss. When I pulled away, he turned to Maia, "What I did, I was wrong. I'm sorry."

Maia chuckled, "An apology from you. Wow. There's a first time for everything."

All of our phones went off, causing us to look down and Jace to read the message out loud. "Good news. Izzy found and killed the one whose been doing all of this." He turned and looked at me, "Come on."

Jace, Izzy, Alec, and I gathered in one of the office's, talking with Izzy on what she found.

"Her name is Kaelie, she was a Seelie Knight. She had everything. Werewolf claws, vampire fangs, Seelie blades. She used it to make it look like a Downworld uprising."

"Told you so," I mumbled to Jace.

"Yeah. But the question is, why?" Jace asked?

Alec shrugged, "We're not sure. But it has to go beyond covering her tracks."

Jace nodded, crossing his arms, "This is great work, Iz."

I nodded in agreement, "Yeah. How are you doing?"

"Getting better one day at a time."

"Good. We'll keep investigating Kaelie. But in the meantime, my first official act as Head of the Institute is gonna be somewhat controversial so I'm gonna need your help." Jace turned to Alec, "You're taking over."

"The Seelie investigation?"

"No. I mean, you, Alec Lightwood, are now the Head of the New York Institute.

Izzy and I smiled as Alec looked excited, "Can you do that?"

Jace shrugged, smiling, "Yeah. I mean, like you said, being a Herondale comes with certain perks. Naming a successor is one of them. You were right. Downworlders and Shadowhunters, we're all a mix of human, angel, and demon. If we let the Clave forget that... we deserve a revolt. I'll always be a soldier. But you're a leader, Alec."

There was a small pause as the words soaked in before Jace and Alec hug. Alec and Izzy quickly left to get started, leaving Jace and I. He turned to where I was leaning on the desk.

"I can't believe you just did that," I said, proud of him.

"Well, I realized something when I was in charge. I hate being in charge." We both laughed as Jace walked over to me, "Especially if I lose sight of us."

I wrapped my arms around Jace's neck, "For what it's worth, you would make a great leader." I leaned up and gave him a kiss that he returned.

Jace would make a great leader, but right now I'm happy he's no one's and just mine.