GENESIS: A RIGHT TO STAND (Book One) • SHADOWHUNTERS

TRAINING

The next morning, Spencer was up at five, showered and dressed in her usual attire—work-out leggings, a tank top and her grey Nikes, which had miraculously survived the ichor from the Eidolon demon. Her hair was in a ponytail at the back of her head.

    She crept out into the hallway and began making her way down the the foyer, passing the kitchen door.

    It opened, and there was Alexander, hair still missed and wearing blue plaid pyjamas and a black t-shirt. He was shoving a piece of toast into his mouth and froze when he saw her.

    "Uh, morning," she said.

    He ran his gaze over her, taking in her clothes. "What are you doing up?" he mumbled, struggling to chew.

    She smirked. "I was about to go for a run. I normally do in the mornings. Usually for about an hour, then I'd train for a bit."

    He finally managed to swallow. "At five o'clock?" he asked. "By yourself?"

    Spencer frowned. "Yes. I was just heading down to the front door."

    Alexander sighed. "You can't leave."

    "What? Are you seriously going to keep me locked up in here?"

    He rolled his eyes. "Do you really think I want you stuck here?" he said. "You can't leave because you won't be able to get back in again. Only a Shadowhunter can open the Institute's doors. And I'm not coming down every morning at six to let you in."

    Spencer crossed her arms. "So what, I'm just supposed to run laps around the library? Somehow, I don't think Hodge would appreciate that."

    Alexander dusted his hands off. "Come with me," he said, walking back the way Spencer had come. They stopped outside a room and Alexander entered. "Wait here," he instructed, and shut the door.

    Spencer leaned against the wall, trying not be too impatient. Finally, after what seemed like an hour, Alexander emerged. He was freshly showered and had changed into all black. His eyes were the only pop of colour.

    "Let's go." They continued down the hall until they reached a staircase. Alexander led the way up and they came across Clary and Jace, apparently just leaving the library.

    "How'd it go?" Alexander asked, coming to a stop.

    Jace shrugged. "We're going to the Silent City. Clary's got a block in her mind and Brother Jeremiah said they can only remove it there."

    Alexander shivered. "I wouldn't trade places with you for anything."

    "Where are you two off to?" Jace said.

    "Weapons room. Hodge wanted me to take the mundane up there to train."

    Spencer glanced at Clary, who was staring back at her, again with that same, unidentifiable expression on her face. She shifted her feet awkwardly. "I'm Spencer," she said, holding out her hand. "I don't think we've been properly introduced."

    "I know you. You were there that night in Pandemonium," Clary said. "You lied to the bouncer."

    Spencer winced. So Clary hadn't forgotten—or forgiven—her for that. "Yeah, about that—I'm sorry. Really."