Lifeline

17. Breath

I'm back! Aaand because I was away so long, this chapter is super long for you guys. Enjoy! <3

Third Person POV

"...Astra?"

Jay's voice was breathless. His face, too. Everything in him, so on the surface even a stranger could see it, conveyed breathlessness, laced with hope and relief.

Astra lay there with Amelia, still sleeping. Though she did not stir, Jay let out a breath of laughter, closing his eyes and slumping against the door with relief. Jane noticed his hand resting on his chest, just above his heart - right over his parabatai rune. He opened his eyes and looked at Jane and Aunt Katy.

"I was so worried about Amelia, I hardly noticed how content Astra felt today. She's been home since this morning - I could feel her not being stressed anymore since I woke up." His tone as he spoke was mildly amused, making light of his mistake now that he knew neither Astra of Amelia were currently in danger. Total honesty, this surprised no one. Shadowhunters lived on life and death situations, survived them daily, and rarely dwelled on them unless under certain circumstances. "What ifs" just aren't as important when so constant. When everyone lives, you make your peace, move on, and grow with experience.

Amelia stirred in her mothers arms. She shifted and slowly blinked her eyes open, grunting as she tried to escape the tangle of blankets entrapping her. Astra stirred in her sleep, allowing Amelia out. Amelia shifted over to the edge of the bed. She squirmed, wanting to get off the bed, but made timid by the height. Jay walked over, stepping lightly to avoid waking his sister. When he got over to Amelia, she smiled wildly, holding her arms up to reach him. Jay reached up and scooped her up into his arms, and she automatically wrapped her arms around his neck. "Jay-Jay!" She giggled loudly. Jay's eyes widened.

"Shh, shh! Not so loud Jellybean... " Jay looked at Astra with worry her slumber had been disturbed. She remained deep in sleep. Jay, still holding Amelia, crept out of the room, then Jane lightly closed the door. Once they were halfway down the hall, as if sensing the danger was over, squealed in delight. "To the kitchen!" She said, leaning slightly away from Jay to point where she wanted to go. Jay grinned at Jane.

"I guess she's hungry."

"Well," Aunt Katy said, "I suppose it is about time I made breakfast."

Jay laughed, and moved Amelia to his shoulder, running down the hall knowing she would love the rush. Amelia let out a cry of delight, glee evident on her face...

***

Astra reached out groggily, wondering where Amelia was. When she felt no more than an empty bed, she opened her eyes. Maybe someone else might be worried by the empty room that greeted her, but for Astra, it was fairly routine. Amelia often woke before she did, usually because she was exhausted from a mission, and so Jay or Aunt Katy would come get her.

Almost immediately after she closed her eyes to return to sleep, she felt the air leave her lungs and memories hit her like a train. Breath...

She had been in the wizarding world.

Ugh!

She groaned and opened her eyes. She took a moment to just lie there, pondering recent events. After sleeping, the world was once again moving at an acceptable pace, and now she was able to think over what had happened in the past thirty-six hours. She took in a deep breath, and allowed herself to believe that all would be well.

It happened. It had happened, and she had almost died, but now it was over. Not only was she still alive, but she was home. She had no intention of going back to meet this 'Draco'. He was not her brother. Jay was her brother, and she did not want nor need another one. Nothing against 'Draco', but she had left behind the name Malfoy long ago, and all that came with it. It was over, and she was just fine.