The Found Herondale

Chapter 24

Chapter 24
Olive's POV

My eyes widen.

"Barbara l-lived," I murmur, in shock.
We all watch Cecilli with wide eyes.

"Of course, you may take refuge here," Jem interrupts. "Come on in."
Cecilli smiles nervously while Mina and Zach start conversing with her, leading her to a new room.

"May I see the book?" Jem asks.
I nod, handing it to him.
He takes it, his eyes scanning the pages.

"So, explain to me about Barbara Lightwood," I say. "Who were her parents? Siblings?"

"Barbara was one of three children to Gideon and Sophie. Her sister, Eugenia and her brother, Thomas were very close with my children," Tessa begins.
I nod again.
"Thomas married Alistair Carstairs, and I was told by Raleigh Herondale that Barbara was supposed to have passed but she was saved by Adele and Ashton. And so lived to marry Oliver."

Tessa turns to Jem.

"We should have been looking for their descendant too," She mutters. "Not just Kit and Raleigh."
Jem rubs her back.
"But she's here now, that's all we can be grateful for."
Tessa nods.

"That means Raleigh can change the timeline of history," I say.
They both watch me cuiously.
"Go speak to Cecilli," Jem suggests. "Get to know her."

I nod and walk out.

***

Mina, Zach and Cecilli and myself all are gathered in the kitchen, waiting for the microwave to pop the popcorn.

"Where are you from, Kylie?" Cecilli asks, her British accent spot on.
"A small town outside of Berkeley, California," I reply. "But I'm now living in Los Angeles. What about you?"

"I've lived in Chiswick all my life. Mr Blackthorn and Mrs Blackthorn restored it and we moved in," She replies.
"That's so neat," Mina says.
I nod.

Zach pulls the popcorn out of the microwave.
He distributes the container to all of us.

"Thanks," I say.
We all sit at the table, eating.

"Are you headed back to L.A soon?" Mina asks.
I nod.
"I'm heading back to New York to speak with Magnus. But I have some friends waiting for me in L.A."

Zach raises an eyebrow.
"Some friends, hm? Anybody special?"

I unknowingly blush, and everyone ooohs at me.

"Would you like to join me in my return to America?" I ask Cecilli, changing the subject.
She blinks.
"Sure, I'd be honoured."

I smile.

We all finish the popcorn.
Mina and Zach excuse themselves and I lead Cecilli down the hall.

A loud knock sounds from the Institute walls.
More knocks follow, and Jem sprints towards it.
"Stay back!" He yells.

I pull Cecilli into an alcove.
Jem opens the door.

Two hysterical, sobbing parents are at the door.
"Where did my baby go-" The woman says. "Cecilli, she must have come here."
I turn to look at Cecilli.

"Barbara, Samizdat, I assure you that Cecilli is fine and very willing to train here," Jem says. 
"I don't want her training here. Samizdat and I were going to taker her to Idris and have her train with the Dearborn descendants. They'll provide the best."

Cecilli makes a definite no with fear in her eyes.

I motion for her to follow me.
We both walk down the hall to the drawing room.

"What are you doing?" She asks.
"Getting you out of here," I reply. 
I wave my hands, the motion of summoning a portal.

The blue light appears.

Her eyes widen.
"You're a-"

I nod.
"Yes. Do you want to escape or not?"

It opens, and Cecilli runs in, right as Samizdat barges in.
"Who are you?" He shouts.
I send him a fancy gesture and jump in, shutting the portal behind me.

~

We land in the New York Institute, in the library.
Two girls jump, making an 'ack-' noise.

One has big red curls and the other has brown hair.
A shadowhunter and a vampire.

"Sorry," I mutter.
My illusion is still in place.

"Who are you?" Cecilli asks, as the vamp asks the same thing. 
"You go first," I say.

"I am Valentina Graymark," the redhead says.
"And I'm Airy," The brunette says.

"I'm Cecilli Lightwood," Cecilli replies. 
"And I'm Kylie Bridgestock," I add.

The vampire's lip curls, revealing a fang.

"Lightwood?" Valentina  asks. "Did cousin Isabelle change her last name?"
Cecilli shakes her head.
"I'm from a different branch of Lightwoods. My ancestor is Barbara Lightwood."

Airy and Val's jaw drops.
"Whoa," Airy says. "That's so neat."
Cecilli blushes.

"I have an errand to run," I say, excusing myself.

Before they can protest, I quickly walk out and go into the hallway.
I run right into Jace Herondale who has a worried look on his face.

"I am so sorry Mr Herondale-" I say, backing up.
I try to keep the best innocent face plastered.
But I am being sincere.

"It's fine sweetie," He replies. "Who may you be?"
"Kylie Bridgestock," I reply.

Jace nods.
"A pleasure to meet you. Have you seen my daughters Adele and Raleigh by any chances?"
I shake my head.
"If you ask Tessa, she may know. She just portalled me here."

"Ah, okay."
He runs a hand through his blond hair.
"Thank you."

He walks off, and I run out of the Institute.