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chapter twenty-three. . . war in approach
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FOR A WHILE Hodge had been seeking freedom. It was all he had asked and the reason as to why he had betrayed those at the Institute because the only person who could grant his freedom was Valentine Morgenstern. Not only did Hodge hold the Mortal Cup in his possession but Malia Bellerose just the same. The child catatonic, not being able fidget or scream to be released. She couldn't fight back as she had hoped. Hodge hadn't seen anything as such, and he didn't even think too much about it as he followed orders.
As he had met up with a Circle member who led him to Valentine and the ship he had taken over and where held his arm of soon to be Shadowhunters after he makes them drink from the Mortal Cup that his hands were due to lay on. Hodge was taking back by the army of Shadowhunters that walked on board of the ship as he carried Malia within his arms as she walked slow and which he didn't need holding him back.
Valentine had been waiting for his plan to work. He believed all of his plans were able to work. And as his eyes pulled away from the brunette, Veronica Morgenstern standing beside him as her hands rested in the wool-blend hooded coat in burgundy awaiting for what Hodge had promised the both of them.
Hodge rested Malia onto her feet, where he knew that she could stand as Valentine approached him, with hope of good news. "I believe you have something that belongs to me." The Morgenstern had believe that Hodge wouldn't make his appearance unless he had the Mortal Cup or it would've been hugely reckless of him to show his face.
"As we agreed..." The Cup glowed underneath his touch as he happily handed it over to Valentine. "Old friend."
Valentine had somewhat doubted he'd be able to place his hands on the Cup but as Hodge rested it into his hold his doubt had changed. "You've done well, Starkweather. You have earned your freedom."
Hodge nodded. "Thank you. It's been a long time since I've been able to breathe fresh air. To see the outside world with my own eyes."
The traitor had stiffened with the approach of Veronica which he had caught with hearing the thin heel of her ankles boots hit the ground. The maternal figure of Malia Bellerose couldn't help but force a smile towards Hodge as he admired the way her hair was felled back in a bun that complimented her face. "Well, take it all in, Hodge. The world is about to change." She chirped before her eyes fell onto Malia standing behind Hodge. "Thank you for doing what I asked." Veronica thanked the Starkweather. "She'll be of help to us now. Brother," Veronica called for Valentine. "you ready?"
Valentine had approached the tank filled with blood and where he had settled the Cup into. The blood had bubbled as the Cup had begun to purify the blood of all those committed to being part of Valentine's army. As the liquid turned to a golden yellow, Valentine lifted the cup back out of the tank. "Let the cup purify this blood. Only the worthy shall survive." He said as he approached the line of mundanes prepared to become part of the world that Valentine might've glamourised for them, a world where nothing was easy.
