Distractions

Twenty-Four: Valentine is...Confusing

"You know what he does?" Valentine sounded curious.

"I know his sister, of course I know what he does."

"Who is his sister?"

"Not tell—oh hell no." Everest cut herself off and took off sprinting for the top deck. Valentine stayed in the hallway, simply watching like a creep.

"...I, I know this sounds crazy, but I can see the future," Clary was saying. Why was Clary here? Why did she think she could see the future? Had she done drugs or something?

"No, no that's not possible. Shadowhunters can't do that, Clary—" Jace started to walk away.

"Then I guess I'm not your ordinary Shadowhunter. Neither are you. I never wanted this, Jace. I never wanted any of it."

Jace looked away from the redhead, grimacing slightly. Everest sighed.

"Great bedside manner, Ritz," Everest said, announcing her presence to the two. She nodded at Jace to assure him that she was alright and waved to Clary, who stood stock still with the most impressive fish imitation Everest had seen in a while.

"Everest?" Clary rushed forward and pulled her younger sister into a hug. "Oh, you're okay. I can't believe you're okay. I'm so glad you're alright."

Everest cleared her throat and Clary let go. "Yeah, me too. Anyways, continue with your insane theory about how you're suddenly the Sorcerer Supreme?"

"What did you see?" Jace asked.

"The Downworlders. They slaughter mundanes, one by one, until there's no one left. And. Jace, with your demon blood, you're the only one who can stop them."

Everest couldn't help but wonder if Clary ever thought about how maybe Jace didn't know about his demon blood. Like, what if Valentine hadn't said anything about it and Jace had to find out through Clary that he had demon blood? Sometimes her sister had no tact.

Powerful footsteps approached and Everest looked behind her to see Valentine walking towards them. So, he had decided to stop watching them like a creep. That was at least a third of a baby step in the right direction, right?

"Ah, my children. This is what I've always wanted. To be with my family."

Everest fake gagged. "Ew, please stop. Don't go there. That's gross."

"You and I are not family." Clary's nose scrunched up and her eyes narrowed.

"Clary, I am your father, and I do love you." Everest hated that Valentine seemed so sincere. It was disgusting.

Trigger Warning: Mentions of death, mentions of manipulation

Valentine turned to Jace. "So, are you going to join Jeremy? He's going big game hunting. We got intel on the wolf that killed Jeremy's father. We're gonna bring the beast back to the boat."

Jace shook his head. Valentine turned to Clary and Everest and Everest already knew it was a manipulation tactic. Valentine knew that Jace wouldn't let either of them participate in whatever murder Valentine was planning, he just wanted Jace to say yes.

"Look, since Jace doesn't want to go, why don't one of you girls come along? Hone those Shadowhunter skills of yours, huh?"

"I'd rather face the flamethrower that has complete control over itself," Everest scoffed. Valentine's eyes closed for just a second, and he looked ready to lecture her.

"No. She's...they're not ready to face a cornered werewolf. I'll go."

Trigger Warning over