hiraeth | c.g. |

vii

The ride to Hilltop was one that the members of Solaris were well-acquainted with, especially Clary as she followed the usual roads she and her people took in order to get to their allies quickly. The sun was high in the sky as they traveled, beating down on them and the cracked asphalt they traveled on. However, the Solaris guard within the wagons were covered from the heat, the only ones subjected to it being those at the helm, which included Alec and Clary. The only sounds to be heard were that of the creaking wagon wheels and soft neighs from the horses.

Clary sat at the head of the cohort, the harsh sun barely reaching her through her armor and hood that shielded her face. She was silent and watchful, her eyes only ever straying from the path ahead when she removed her pocket watch to look at the time, noting they were right on schedule. The figure at the head was silent, with one hand on the reigns of her horse while the other looked to the pocket watch in her hand. It showed her the accurate time of their travels, detailing to her that they were right on track.

"I'm sorry about earlier," a voice sounded, forcing Clary to look away from the family heirloom and towards the source. She wasn't surprised to see Alec looking to her as he drove the wagon she rode besides, his gaze only moving to make sure he stayed on path.

Clary only shook her head. "It's fine, I just—" Clary sighed, gripping tightly onto the watch before she turned to Alec. "I can't, Alec. With the breaches and just Solaris— I can't focus on anything but protecting our community."

With a soft nod from him, Clary couldn't help but feel grateful for his kindness. She knew she was the last to deserve it. From leading him on, albeit unintentionally when they were kids, to now being unable to love him because her heart belonged to her past.

Her thoughts were cut short as hoofbeats sounded, her eyes falling upon the quickly approaching scouts she had sent out before the rest of the cohort. While most of them returned to ride along the sides and trail behind the wagon, one brought his horse to fall in step with Clary's horse.

"Everything clear?" Clary asked, earning a quick nod from the man. "There were three Infected on the road but we got them down quickly. It's quiet for the next few miles so I don't suspect anything will be stopping us from getting to Hilltop before nightfall." Clary nodded, pocketing the watch before turning to the man. "Thank you—"

Before she could continue, Clary's eyes fell past the man and over the forest upon seeing a shining light erupt from it. "Hold!" Clary shouted, all members of her Guard following her gaze as they looked to the flare, all halting their horses. Clary's eyes widened as she saw it flicker among the pale, blue sky, wondering who it could be from. Her heart clenched as she wondered if it was anyone from Hilltop considering their close proximity. Her mind could only think of who it could be.

Enid. Jesus. Tara. Alden—

Not wanting to risk it being anyone she knew, Clary turned towards her people. "Alec, lead the others to Hilltop and fast! Let Jesus and Tara know about what we saw and that I went to check it out."

The young man shook his head. "Reese, it's too dangerous to go alone! I can—" Clary shook her head. "I'm quicker and quieter on my own. I'll be fine, just go!"

Not allowing Alec or any of the other soldiers to retort, Clary brought up the fabric around her neck and over her nose in case it was someone she didn't know.

"Go now!" Clary demanded, tugging at Montu's reins to turn him before she kicked the side of her horse. "Bear, search!" As the horse reacted, speeding towards where the flare had gone, the dark dog was right at her heels.