Lost || Jace Herondale

EPILOGUE

Ithuriel, my father, stood before me. The last living relative I had. My family. I had been imagining this day, wondering if it would ever arrive, since I had learned of my ancestry. 

And finally, it was here. 

I had pinched myself just to be sure this was true. I had defeated Valentine and freed my father from his chains. 

"My child, I am so proud of you." Ithuriel spoke, approaching me with open arms. 

It took a moment for the action to reach my brain. But as soon as it did, I accepted his embrace - tightly wrapping my arms around his waist. Tears pricked at my eyelids until they overflowed and trickled down my cheeks. I felt a soft material brush over my back - realising it was his feathered wings enclosing my body into his. 

A flash of light brought us out of our hold on each other. A second angel approached us. 

"Archangel Raziel." Ithuriel bowed his head in respect. I held in a gasp, feeling Jace, Alec and Izzy tense behind me. The pair of angels were a picture of immaculate health. The heavenly fire had erased all physical traces of Valentine's torture, though I could still see the pained look in my father's eyes. 

Raziel spoke, his voice calm and clear, "Angel Freya. You have shown loyalty to the angels in your actions tonight. Because of you, downworlders will have their freedom." He stepped closer, resting his palm on my shoulder. "As payment for your service." 

A tingling sensation travelled down my spine until pure agony erupted from my back. I screamed, almost doubling over and collapsing to the ground from the scolding pain. It left as quickly as it was inflicted, and what remained could only be described as freedom. 

My freedom. 

My entire body felt complete - a part of me I didn't even know I'd lost had been returned to me. Grazing my shoulders were a pair of white wings. Heaven. It felt like heaven as the wind blew through the delicate feathers. "Thank you," were the only two words I could think to say. 

I didn't miss Ithuriel's proud look as Raziel said, "you have permission to return to Heaven. To be live with your own kind, your father. The city of angels awaits you." 

"I-" I started, turning around to glance at Jace in question. My stomach and heart clenching with the thought of leaving the good friends I had made. Leaving Jace.

Jace bit his cheek, trying his best to conceal his hear shattering. "It's okay Freya. You deserve to be with the angels. To be with your family. This is your life and your choice. I won't stop you if you wish to leave."

"You can come home." Ithuriel prompted. 

I paused. I had wanted to meet my father for years, hoping beyond hope that I would get to build a relationship with him. But faced with that decision now just didn't feel right. 

"You are my family Ithuriel, but the New York institute is my home." I felt confidence flourish through me at the decision, "my mother wished that downworlders and shadowhunters were equal. She never had the chance to follow through with her goals. But I will. And I will make sure that there is never another Valentine."

Ithuriel nodded, pride shinning in his crystal eyes, "very well, my child. Know that I will always be here - in your thoughts and heart should you need me. All you must do is call."

Raziel accepted my answer, "you're future is bright, Angel Freya. And I know one day, when the time is right, you will become a worthy Archangel."

"I only ask one thing," I revealed tentatively.

"Of course." Raziel agreed, awaiting my request.

"There is a silent brother, by the name of Brother Zachariah." I started, remembering the kindness he had shown me in the silent city. "He is  a dear friend to Magnus and he earnt his freedom a long time ago. He deserves to be reunited with Tessa. Should he choose to." 

"Your wish is granted. Jem will be offered the chance to leave the brotherhood and seek a life of his own." Raziel accepted.