𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘 | 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝

𝐱𝐯. 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒- 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕, 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔

♕

The Portal deposited them just inside the front gates of the Institute. 

The courtyard had been rucked up like a rug. Stones lay in great uneven piles, scattering the ground from the iron gates to the front steps. Water ran in rivulets through the cracks in the remaining flagstone, smelling of brine and ocean. A massive hole in the center of the courtyard seemed punched there by a giant.

Dahlia felt drained and exhausted, and worried for Cordelia-for everyone. Since finding out she was Lilith's paladin, Daisy hadn't smiled once; she seemed locked away in her own private unhappiness, the way James often did. Matthew kept glancing at Cordelia covertly, his own expression troubled.

They had battled both Belial and Lilith and survived, Dahlia thought, yet it felt very little like a victory.

"I would prefer not to walk into the Institute carrying the body of a Shadowhunter," said Malcolm. "I fear it might create the wrong impression."

"I'll bring you to the Sanctuary," Lucie said. "We can lay out Jesse's body there." 

James kissed her forehead. "Don't take too long. I expect once Mam and Dad realize we haven't all been tucked safely up at Curzon Street, they'll be desperate to see you."

They were nearly to the front doors when they opened, and Thomas, Christopher, and Anna poured out, followed by Charlotte and Gideon.

There was a confused babble of voices, of hugs and relief. James exclaimed at Thomas being out of prison; Thomas explained that he'd been tested by the Mortal Sword and found innocent. 

Dahlia had squeezed Christopher with a hug, as he had fretted over her. 

"Though," said Christopher, "Bridgestock was still complaining about it when the demon attacked. I doubt he'd get much support for tossing Tom back in prison now, though, after he distinguished himself in battle. He defeated a whole tentacle all by himself!" 

"Indeed," said Thomas. He grinned at Dahlia. "A whole tentacle."

Charlotte had raced over to Matthew and Charles; she kissed Matthew fiercely on the cheek and exclaimed worriedly over Charles until Gideon came to take over from Dahlia and help Matthew bring his brother to the infirmary. They departed, Charlotte darting off to fetch Henry to Charles's bedside. 

"Henry was quite impressive with his staff," said Anna. "The chains rather put my whip to shame."

Thomas had taken Cordelia aside; Dahlia heard him say something about the battle, and the name Alastair, and she saw Cordelia brighten. So Alastair was all right, Ariadne, too, was fine, according to Anna and Christopher. There had been no deaths, and the most seriously injured were in the infirmary, being tended to by the Brothers.

Dahlia felt a weight lift off her chest.

Ariadne appeared at the top of the steps. Usually neat and put-together, she wore torn gear, a bandage around one arm. Her cheek was scratched, her hair tangled. Her eyes were alight. "Dahlia is everything—?" She brightened at the sight of Cordelia and James. "Oh, lovely," she said. "Mr. and Mrs. Herondale were just saying they were going to send to Curzon Street for you." 

Dahlia tore away from Christopher and hugged her sister fiercely.

"Oh my angel, I was so worried." Dahlia muttered. Ariadne smiled wearily. "I should be the one worried, you look utterly torn up."

"Look who's talking" Dahlia countered.

James and Cordelia exchanged a look. "And where are my parents, exactly?" said James. "It's best I talk to them as soon as possible."