Running in Circles- The Mortal Instruments Fanfiction

Chapter 4

This chapter is dedicated to ReadingFangirl02 for voting. I hope you're enjoying the story!
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People should either be caressed or crushed. If you do them minor damage they will get their revenge; but if you cripple them there is nothing you can do. If you need to injure someone, do it in such a way that you need not fear their vengeance.
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Jace woke up again. From the light, he suspected he had either been out. for under an hour, or for 24 hours. This time, he knew better than to make a noise.

Although he didn't know who had captured him, judging by the pain in his face and chest, they weren't friendly.

Before he betrayed them, Hodge had installed an ingenious mechanism into the back of the waistband of all of his pants. It was a short blade that could cut through most rope, and was specifically designed to sever a rope binding one's hands behind their back.

He fumbled around for a few minutes before realizing that he was dressed in sweatpants and a baggy sweatshirt, both bright yellow. How annoying. Now, not only would he be more visible trying to escape, but if he did manage it, he would look like Magnus on his way back to the institute.

Exhausted, he relaxed back into the chair and fell unconscious once more just as he heard footsteps echo across the floor outside.
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"Who's Lydia?" Asked Izzy.
The other Lightwoods shared a look. Finally Robert started, "Lydia. Lydia Highsmith."
At this Izzy gasped, but the others were still in the dark.
He continued, "As you know, I... I had an affair about 10 years ago. The woman's name was Annamarie." He covered his face. "Highsmith."

Realization dawned on Clary and Simon's faces at this.

"So... You had an affair and an illegitimate child and now it's coming back to bite you in the ass?" Said Simon insensitively.

"In a nutshell, yes." Was Maryse's grave response.

"I don't see what could come of more discussion. Let's get cleaned up and eat dinner," said Robert, obviously trying to get out of an uncomfortable situation.

They were stopped again, this time by a buzzing from Izzy's phone.

"You go on ahead, I'll meet you in the kitchen," she said, still hoping that somehow it was Jace, and this had all been some horrible mistake.

No such luck.

Erchomai.

It wasn't signed, and it came from a private number. Not only did they know their secrets, but they were up on technology too.

She practically ran to the kitchen to show the others. Erchomai was what Sebastian had sent them, and now someone knew this and was trying to scare them. Izzy mentally congratulated them- they were doing a pretty fucking great job of it.

"Someone just sent me this text," she said, showing it to her mother first.

Maryse visibly paled, and everyone's worry increased.

"Do you think it's Sebastian back from the dead again?" Simon asked.

"No. I think it's someone else trying to scare us by reminding us about something so awful,"Alec replied thoughtfully.

"Robert, could you please talk to Annamarie again? I know it would be awkward, but maybe you could gain some insight into what Lydia has to do with all of this," suggested Clary.

"She has nothing to do with it. She is simply being used for blackmail."

"Could you check anyways? I'm sure we would all rather be in an awkward situation than risk our only lead on Jace," Clary argued.

"I suppose so, but Lydia died last year," said Robert gravely.

Several people raised their voices at this, angry that Robert didn't tell anyone about this before.

His only excuse was that he hadn't thought it important, which the others thought was very weak.

"I'm going up to bed," said Robert, and then left the table as quickly as he could.
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Nine hours later, Alec lay in bed beside Magnus, sleeping, having gone home after Clary had fallen asleep right at the table.

He woke up with a start, and ran to the institute as quickly as he could.
He ran upstairs and pounded on his parents' bedroom door. Maryse came to the door as quickly as she could, shocked.

"It's my parabatai rune."
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Dun dun duunn!
It's done and yeah. I know where I want to go with this and I'm thinking maybe 10-15 chapters. I'm so inspired rn especially because of you guys!!!! Asdfghjkl you make me really happy. Vote comment and have a great day.
Byeee!
Ev.