Lost || Jace Herondale

ONE

I haven't slept with my back facing the door in ten years. My seven years of peaceful bliss prior had been long forgotten. No matter where we lived, safety isn't something I've felt in my own home. My bed wasn't a place of comfort anymore and I couldn't wait to leave it in the morning.  

My job at the pandemonium served as an excellent distraction. The shifts often being late at night until early morning meant I could avoid the dread of going to sleep and being at home as much as possible. I didn't have time to stand still or sit with my thoughts. The atmosphere at the club was always hectic. Never calming down or slowing up. It may not be the ideal job for some, but for me it was perfect. It fit around my senior year of high school and at the weekends I occupied my mind working at the New York public library during the day and the Pandemonium at night - giving me time for only a few restless hours of sleep.

I took the back entrance into the club and sped into the staff room. After signing in and hanging my coat up I headed to the bar - politely smiling at my co-workers. I didn't know them well due to us all being too busy to have a conversation and nor did I care to. Most would bitch about you behind your back and trade you for a sniff of cocaine. 

Even though I had only been working at the pandemonium for just under a year, I had grown to recognize the regulars:

Firstly there was a man with very short dark auburn hair. He ordered a whisky with rocks every Friday without fail. He would always meet up with a different person each week to discuss 'business'. But we all knew it was drug dealing of some sort. The bartenders turned a blind eye to all the drug deals in return for some free crack. I followed suit in keeping their business quiet, knowing it was not worth the trouble getting involved. 

Secondly there was a woman with dirty blonde hair and a very curvy figure who would order a different Gin flavour each Saturday. She would meet up with men from dating sites and if it wasn't going well and there were a lot of awkward silences then she would make the excuse to go to the bathroom. Then she would take the side door outside, leaving the poor guy to wonder what he did wrong. I would always remember to unlock the door when my shift started - giving her an easy escape. 

"There's my early bird," Reece, my boss, called loudly so he could be heard over the music. He was middle aged and I had only ever seen him wearing a black shirt. His hair was greying with age but he was a kind man who took care of us and defended us against any rude customers. Although you would be wise not to cross him as his presence alone could turn the loudest of rooms to silence. 

"Hi Reece, am I on the bar today?" I presumed as there appeared to only be two bartenders working already. 

"Yes. Freya, can you cover the floor bar? We're swamped down there." Reece rubbed his palms together expectantly. 

"Sure, I'll see you later." I headed to my spot in the bar. Despite it only being eight in the evening, people were already drunk enough to not care how they danced. 

I set to work organising the bar, wiping down the counter and preparing glasses that will be used for the night. 

I ignored the aches in my feet and back as it hit the four hour mark of serving drinks to customers. Some of the alcohol combinations I had been asked to make made my stomach clench and bile rise to my throat. Despite working with alcohol, I wasn't one to drink it. I had seen first hand what the poisonous liquid could do and I promised myself I would never succumb to it. 

I held my breath as I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. Checking the text message, my phone almost slipped onto the floor from my sweating palms.  My free hand immediately grasped the black and silver wing necklace that rested against my chest. It was a habit I didn't realise I did half the time, but it brought comfort. The necklace was the one thing I have from my parents and I've never taken it off. The text was from my step-father, Elijah. 

Elijah: Come straight home, I'll know if you take any detours.

I bite my lip, holding my breath as a I replied, stating that I would come straight home. My shoulders sunk, I would always take the long route home after working at the pandemonium. It meant less time at home and the fresh air was greatly welcomed given how claustrophobic the club could be at times.

My lips pulled upwards once I laid my eyes upon my favourite customer. "Evening Magnus, would you like your usual?" 

"Of course my dearest Freya." He smoothed down his jacket and adjusted the many rings on his fingers.

I made quick work of creating his signature cocktail that made even my mouth water. I slid it across the counter - watching as he took a sip. "It's perfect. I knew we'd make a fine bartender out of you." 

I grinned widely. While Reece may call himself our boss, it is Magnus Bane who runs the pandemonium and got me the job in the first place. Not many things are actually legal in this club so Reece didn't think twice allowing an underage student to be hired. 

"I admire your work ethic Freya, but you do too much. You need to slow down my dear, I see your tired eyes." Magnus lifted his eyebrows, allowing the glitter on his flawless eyeshadow to shimmer. There are not many people who I trust, but I have never not felt safe around Magnus. 

"You know I love to be busy Magnus. Besides, if I didn't work as much then who would make your favourite cocktail perfectly. But you are wearing new eyeshadow and you've ironed your shirt. So there must be something you're not telling me." 

Magnus laughs softly, "alright you got me there. Habeo diem." 

"I have a date." I paused, my mouth gaping wide open, "You have a date!" 

Magnus quizzed me on Latin ever since the first time we met in the NYC library. He was on the search for a book with a specific Latin quote and was shocked when he discovered I could speak it fluently - curtesy of my mother. A painful knot began to twist in my chest at the small memory of her reading Latin tales to me before bed. I pushed it down, focusing my senses on the blaring music and flashing lights. 

"We're meeting tonight at my place. He's tall, dark and handsome. A stickler for rules but incredibly loyal. He does have a bit of a protective streak but he makes my heart flutter. I needed a drink to settle my nerves and you always seem to make me feel better little Freya."

"I'm so happy for you Magnus, I can't wait to hear all about it." Warmth spread up my spine, Magnus deserved someone special in his life. He would never admit to it, but he was lonely. Sometimes I wondered if his chats with me were the only normal conversations he had. 

Magnus had done more for me than I was willing to admit. He helped me out the gutter without him even realising it with this job and I couldn't be more grateful. I owe him everything.  

Our conversation was interrupted by a blond, muscular man taking a seat beside Magnus. He was covered in what appeared to be symbolic tattoos which creeped up his arms and peaked from the collar of his shirt. I had seen them before, but I've always assumed they were a part of some gang or cult and I've never been brave enough to ask about them. Magnus tensed immediately - his eyes flicking from mine to the man so quickly I almost missed it. 

He took a long glance at me while I poured a beer for another customer, seeming to have to pull his amber eyes away to speak into Magnus' ear. I could just about hear him over the music. "It's dangerous to have a pretty human working in this club. Especially with the rise in demon population." 

An involuntary blush crept on my face but confusion swirled inside me at the man's choice of words. "Can I get you anything to drink?" I tentatively asked the man, his broad shoulders making anyone feel slightly intimidated.

His eyes widened and snapped up to mine, shock evident on his face, "You can see-"

"Jace, I believe that's your job over there." Magnus spoke up, pointing to a trio of men lurking in the corner.

Jace stood from the bar stool as he trained his eyes to where Magnus motioned. His brows knitted together, jaw tightening at Magnus. His eyes shifted from the men in the corner, to Magnus and then to me. I couldn't help but notice the slight soften of his features as he glanced at me one last time before venturing off to do his 'job'. 

I assumed that this 'Jace' must have drank something to act the way he was. But it wasn't my business and I wouldn't pry. You learn not to ask questions in a club like the pandemonium. 

All of a sudden, my mind started to get loud again. I gritted my teeth and dug my nails deep into my palm to quieten it down.