Nyla Herondale was a mystery, one that only a select few had the pleasure of knowing. Hidden in the shadows for months, Nyla finally steps back into her former life when the past comes knocking at the door. She'd left it all behind and never looked...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"I still don't understand. How can Shadowhunters be better than... than what you people call mundane?"
It was clear to Nylana Herondale that Clary Fray — or Fairchild as she knew her — was angry. Nyla couldn't blame her, she would have been mad too if a Vampire had kidnapped her friend but Nyla was also a level-headed person, these things took some thinking about.
"Because we protect humans," Isabelle answered.
"You're right. Humans. You protect humans. You left Simon all alone in the van. Great job, guys. You rock," Clary replied sarcastically.
"There is some truth to the idea that human beings should have a modicum of common sense," Alec pointed out.
Nyla gave Alec a warning look as she crossed her arms. All things considered, Clary was her cousin whether she liked it or not — to which she hadn't quite decided yet — and she had a duty to defend her when possible.
"Alec, not now," Isabelle warned.
"Look, they won't do anything to Simon," Jace reasoned. "They just wanted to draw you out. They want the Cup, and they think you have it."
"But why do they think that? Why does anyone think that?" Clary questioned. "What, my mom lies to me my entire life except, 'Oh, by the way, there's this magic cup, I hid on, like the planet Bongo, but don't tell anyone'. What am I supposed to do now?"
"We have to report to the Clave," Alec demanded.
"Great." Jace scoffed.
"They have to know we've learned about Valentine," Nyla shrugged. "They always know everything."
"What, that he's my father? Great. Fine. Tell them. What good does that do Simon?" Clary argued.
"Clary, it's all connected. The vamps want the Cup," Jace explained.
"Why? It makes new Shadowhunters."
"Nobody wants Valentine forming an army loyal to himself," Nyla explained. "It controls demons too. I know the Vamps, we have mutual respect. They'll propose a trade. Simon for the Cup."
"If you have 'mutual respect', why can't you ask for him back?" Clary pressed.
"Mutual respect doesn't mean friendship, Clary. It means that we respect each other and he'll except me to respect his offer."
"So, vampires will trade Simon for the Cup and Valentine will trade my mother for the Cup. Either way, I lose someone I love," Clary sighed. "What if I just toss it up in the air and let them fight it out among themselves?"
