A Shadowhunter's Connection

Chapter 5

"What? They lack your charm and superior people skills?" I asked, giving him a half smirk.

Jace laughed softly at my comment, "Yeah, most people do." His smile started to fade slightly as he talk. "The Brothers communicate without using words; using just their thoughts."

"That doesn't sound so bad," I say with a shrug. To me, it doesn't sound as crazy as half the other things that are going on.

"Don't let their silence fool you. They'll hold the Soul-Sword to your head, and with its blade, carve the truth from your mind. If you're not strong enough, you will die."

I tilted my head to the side slightly. "Okay, I take it back. That sounds really bad."

Jace stopped, letting out a sigh as he turned towards me. The rest of the group seemed to move on, letting us have a minute to talk. "Faith, you should know, the pain will be excruciating. You don't have to-"

I interrupted him, hearing the worry and concern in his voice. "It's okay, Jace. I've felt pain before. Pain that you would never imagine even exists. If you're worried about them hurting me, then don't. I can take it."

There was a small pause before Jace put his hand gently on my cheek, rubbing it soothingly. "I know you can. Because you're strong."

His words, his actions, made me feel something deep inside that I've never felt before. It was warm, soothing, and light.

Suddenly, Jace pulled away, looking at the ground for a second. He lightly touched my arm as he began to walk again, "Come on." We continued to walk, seeming to take the lead again.

A stone door with skeletons decorating the front stood, almost hidden in the darkness. It was beautiful as much as it was scary.

Jace stopped, turning to Isabelle and Alec, "Alright, you guys stay here. Keep Simon and Clary safe. We'll be back soon."

Alec looks hesitant but Jace doesn't seem to address it. I've grown used to Alec's looks that it doesn't even faze me anymore.

I give my sister a reassuring nod before taking Jace's outstretched hand. He leads me through the skeleton door and inside. The place is mostly dark but the lights outside help us make our way down a tunnel. We descend some stairs before reaching another dark hallway.

Stopping, Jace reaches into his leather jacket pocket, pulling out a hand size crystal. It suddenly lights up in his hand, giving light to the tunnel around us.

"What's that?" I asked, looking at the crystal then Jace.

"It's witch light. We carry it to remind us that light can be found in even the darkest of places." He cracks a smile, "And it's cooler than a flashlight."

I shrug, "Fair enough," before we make our way back down the tunnel. We move almost cautiously, but fear isn't a word I'd use for the atmosphere. At least, not yet.

We come to an opening in the hall, a large room lit up by fire on the walls. There is a carving of an eye in the middle of the floor, grabbing my attention for a second. When I hear movement, I look up, surprised to see the room filled with at least six people dressed in hoods. One walks over to Jace and I, making me take a step back slightly.

One of the Silent Brother's walks over to us, removing his hood. His mouth and eyes were sowed shut while his head was shaved bald. Carvings of ruins were scared onto his head, making a chill run up my spine.

"Come into the circle," The Silent Brother said, gesturing towards the eyes on the floor. I did as told, Jace staying close behind as I stopped on the eyes. "Step away, Jace Wayland."