𝑶𝑭 𝑩𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑩𝑬𝑻𝑹𝑨𝒀𝑨𝑳

Ꮨ ᎠᏘRK RᏋFLᏋᏨTIᎧᏁ

"But we don't..."

"Am I clear, Clarissa?" Alyssa gave the redhead a hard look that left no room for arguments. Clary reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Good, now let's get back to the Institute."

Clary waited for Sebastian and Alyssa to step out before holding Jace back by the arm. "Jace, please talk to her. She has to..."

"I agree with her, Clary. She's right, Jonathan is a threat that we need to protect the Mirror from. You have to look at the bigger picture and focus. Finding the Mortal Mirror and keeping it safe are our top priorities. I'm sorry." Jace told her before walking out as well. Clary let out a sigh before following after them.

The Institute - Office

The four Shadowhunters entered the room just in time Dot thank Alec. Both of them looked up at the new entrants, while Antonio sat up from his place on the couch.

"It's Jonathan, my brother. He's the one who came after Elliot." Clary told them without preamble.

"He's after the Mirror, isn't he?" Antonio asked, gaining nods from them. Alyssa noticed Sebastian's sudden interest in Dot. She followed his gaze to see him looking at the mark on Dot's right.

"Sebastian, thanks, but we're good here. You're dismissed. Please leave." Alyssa said, drawing attention to the hostile tone she used.

"Uh, if I can be of any assistance, I'd be happy to help." Sebastian said, still eyeing the mark. Alyssa stepped in his line of sight with a hard look in her eyes, making him back up.

"Like she said, we're good. We've got it covered." Alec said, with the same look in his eyes as Alyssa.

"Now leave. Don't make me repeat myself." Alyssa added. Sebastian gave a brief fake smile and nodded.

"Sure." He left the room, seeing that his presence was no longer welcome.

"Alyssa, why are you always so hostile to him? He's just trying to help." Clary said.

"Even you, Alec. What's going on?" Jace added.

"Jace, can we talk?" Alyssa asked, instead of replying Clary. Jace had a look of confusion but he nodded and followed her out of the room.

"I don't know about you, Clary, but there's something about that guy that sets all my alarm bells ringing." Antonio said. "Something about him puts me on edge." Clary frowned at him, not understanding.

Jace and Alyssa's Room

The couple entered their room, and Alyssa closed the door. She drew the Soundless rune on it to prevent eavesdroppers.

"What did you want to talk about, babe?" Jace asked.

"It's about Sebastian." Alyssa answered.

"What about him? Why are you always hostile to him?"

"Do you trust me, Jace?"

"Of course. Why are you..."

"Then trust me when I say that Sebastian isn't to be trusted. I don't know how Alec, Tony, and I are the only ones who see it. There's something about him that sets my alarm bells ringing, something almost evil, if I should say."

"Why? He's been nothing but helpful to us."

"Yeah. A little too helpful. Neither you nor Izzy or Clary see it, but he's often eager to offer his help, and it has nothing to do with wanting to help."

"So what, you think he's hiding something or after something?"

"Both. Unfortunately all Alec and I have are my suspicions."