Tell Me A Secret || Alec Lightwood

Chapter XIX

"We're family now.."

Those words are the only thing heard in the cold room of the ship.

Creatures are sitting quietly in their cells while trying to get some rest.

The cold is deadly. It wouldn't be a surprise if some creatures won't even survive the night.

"We're family now.."

The cuffs cut into the wrists that are tied up to the ceiling.

Soft clicking from chains is heard every now and then.

"We're family now.."

The copper taste of blood still lingers. The smell too is very present in the dark room.

"We're-"

A loud bang interrupts you.

Creatures crawl away deeper into their cells. The once calm silence turns into chaos. The feeling of fear dominating the energy in the room.

Your eyes shut close and you lower your head further.

Heavy footsteps stop in front of your cell. "Still holding on to those memories of yours?"

Valentine's voice could cut to the bone. His gaze stays on you, checking your state.

Your cell is small to say the least. The only thing you can do is stand up straight with your hands tied to the ceiling.

It's torture but you endure it. It's the only thing you can do.

Much to Valentine's disapproval, you keep quiet, like you were the past few weeks.

"Still no talking, is it. I'm losing my patience Amelia.."

You simply lower your head, staring at your feet. Bare and dirty.

You don't see Valentine's face but you're damn sure he's fuming.

For weeks he has been trying to get you to talk. With no success.

Knowing he went easy on you these last weeks by just keeping you locked up with sometimes a beating or two, you know he'll change his tactic soon.

"I'll get you to talk! Sooner or later!"

You flinch when he slams his blade on the bars of your cell.

A minute later, he's gone. The tension eases for just a little bit.

As the creatures start to breath normally again, your mind drift to Jace. You haven't seen him since you arrived with him here.

Valentine immediately separated you too. Smart move, because this way you can't think of a way to escape with him.

"We're family now.."

You whisper the sentence again. It's the only thing keeping you sane.

"He will break you, you know?"

You grow quiet for a second before answering the mysterious voice. "He won't."

A dry, soft chuckle fills the room. "What Valentine wants, he gets. It's only a matter of time.."

"No, never again. I won't give in."

Movement is heard besides you. The creature in the cell crawls a bit closer from you, must have moved closer to the bars to hear you better.

"Strong.. Inspiring even but stupid."

"It's that or giving up." Your replies are short since you grow annoyed.

A soft sigh fills the room. "I'm sorry. I've annoyed you. I've been here for years. Can't even remember how many. It's difficult to stay positive after a while."

You grow tired for a second. Years.. Creatures have been captured for years?

"You still there?"

"Yes.. Yes I am"

You look around the room but due the darkness, you don't see anything but pitch back cages. "What do you look like?"

Now it's the creatures turn to become quiet.

As you start to regret the question, it answers.

"I am a warlock. Once I had beautiful black horns... Now they are burned and ripped off. I was pretty you know.. Until Valentine found me."

Not knowing why, you feel pained for the warlock.. She sounds nice.

"Warlock? Do I know you?"

A soft yet dry chuckle is heard. "No.. I'm from Greece. You don't know me but I know you. The half warlock, half shadowhunter..."

You don't know what to say. Of course you are 'famous' in the shadow world.

"You know, I can't even imagine the pain he has caused you. I'm so sorry. You were too young."

"He should do this to anyone. No creature deserves this." Your answers sounded harsher than intended.

"Sorry.. I didn't mean to sound harsh."

The warlock laughs softly. "You don't need to apologize Amelia. You have a fight in you. You're strong. I recognize myself in you.. at least before all of this."

"No, you can't give up hope. Never." You groan as you shift in the handcuffs. "We keep fighting."

"You perhaps but for me it's too late."

Silence..

Without thinking you ask: "Do you have family?"

Silence again but then she speaks up in a whisper. "I had 3 children. Well, they are probably 20 by now... But yes, I do have a family."

"Then you keep fighting for them."

"You make it sound so simple. I won't and can't. The only thing I want is for them not to end up like me... For fighting it's far too late."

"Bullsh*t. I will make sure you can see your children again. I promise. For every single one of you in here, I will help you escape."

You hear some creatures move quietly. They don't react to your words. Too afraid of what trying to escape Valentine would cost them.

"Your courage and strength is admirable Amelia but I'm afraid that will never be possible. If you have the chance, you escape. You don't look at us. You are the only hope for all this to stop. You have to escape alone."

"No" you didn't even have to think about it. "No, you will all escape with me"

Your eyes close, you don't know for how long but they open when you hear a familiar voice.

Am I dreaming?

"Amelia?"

You blink around the dark room and notice a dark silhouette at the door of the basement.

"Jace?"