Unfinished Business • Alec Lightwood {On Hold}

Chapter 12 {Edited}

The girls spent a few minutes walking around the Institute as Clary told stories about her and her mother. Leona occasionally added on, talking about her own mother and the things they did.

She and Clary had gotten closer because of the topic while Isabelle and Clary's friendship grew as they began to learn more about each other.

The girls were now in the main hall, near the elevators as Clary retold them everything that had happened with her necklace.

"So, Alec blew right by you and did what he wanted," Isabelle said summarizing Clary's words. "I'd be angry too."

They stopped as Clary clicked the elevator button. "He took the only way I had to see my mother." Clary crossed her arms on her chest. "Plus, he kept on asking what Valentine's room looked like."

"He was interested in Valentine's style?" Isabelle teasingly questioned. "Fascinating..."

Leona shook her head at the girl. "I mean as much as I hate to say it." She looks at Clary. "Trust me. I hate it...but I think he did the right thing." Clary and Isabelle looked at her in shock.

Leona put her hands up in defense. "Look if Valentine, the most dangerous guy on this planet can see you and speak to you, it's risky."

"He has my mother," Clary glared at Leona.

"Who we can get back without the necklace Clary," Leona told her firmly. "I know it sucks okay...it's your mother." Leona sighed. "But it's a big risk, one that could end in disaster if Valentine really does have an eye or hear in the Institute."

Clary sighed in defeat, knowing that Leona had a point. "He thought that I might have seen something that could help us find him." The redhead said referring to the topic she had brought up before.

Leona and Isabelle shared a glance. "And did you?" Isabelle asked.

"I didn't see anything there, but I think I might know another way," Clary told the girls before the sound of the front door opening caught their attention.

Leona turned to see who was entering the front door of the Institute only to let out a quiet curse. "Shit." Leona cursed as she saw Maryse Lightwood, Isabelle's mother, enter the institute.

Isabelle and Leona quickly fixed themselves, straightening their stances as Clary looked at them in confusion.

"Isabelle." The woman addressed her daughter, not sparing Clary or Leona a glance. Leona let out a breath of relief, but a worried look formed on her face as Isabelle had to face her mother first.

"Dress to impress, I see." She said eyeing Isabelle's clothes. Leona let out a soft scoff but bit her lip before she said anything rude. "And you've been playing with the family heirlooms."

Clary glanced at the two girls who had gone quiet before speaking. "Hi, I'm Clary Fray."

"Clary Fairchild." Ms. Lightwood corrected the redhead. "You look just like your mother." The woman inhaled sharply. "We know all about you in Idris."

"Idris?" Clary asked in confusion.

"The Shadowhunter homeland." Isabelle clarified for the girl. "If you think the Institute is well-hidden, wait until you see that place." Leona chuckled, shaking her head. "She's right." Leona could feel Isabelle's mother's eyes on her before turning to look at her daughter.

"How's Max? We all miss him." Isabelle asked her mother. "Little brother. Cute, but clingy." Isabelle informed Clary as Leona smiled. It's been a while since she's seen the youngest Lightwood. "Kinda Simon-ish."

"Robert's picking him up by the Mumbai Institute." Isabelle's mother answered. "Where's Jace? We have a situation that has to be handled now."

"He's in the—" Leona was cut off as Maryse walked past her and into the Institute. Leona let out a sigh, rubbing Isabelle's arm in comfort.