Asher Lightwood

Dead Man's Party

We all got into the van and went back to the Institute. I couldn't stop thinking about Raphael. That man was one of the worst things to ever happen to me.

"You protect humans. You left Simon all alone in the van." Clary said.

"Great job guys, you rock." "There is some truth to the idea that human beings should have a modicum of common sense." Alec said.

"Alec! Can you not be a smartass for five damn minutes?!" I snapped.

"Look, they won't do anything to Simon, they just want to draw you out. They want the Cup and they think you have it." Jace said.

"Why do they think that? Why does everyone think that?" Clary asked.

"What my mom lies to me my whole life except for 'Oh there's this magic cup I hid on the planet Bongo, but don't tell anyone'?" she said.

"What am I supposed to do now?" she asked. "We have to report to the Clave." Alec said. "Here we go." I groaned. "Let them know what we've learned about Valentine." he said, walking into the ops center.

"What, he's my father? Go, do that. What good does that do Simon?" she asked, making Alec stop.

"Clary it's all connected. Vamps want the Cup." Jace said. "Why? It makes new Shadowhunters." she asked.

"Nobody wants Valentine creating an army loyal to himself." Alec said. "Plus it controls demons." Izzy said.

"They'll propose a trade. Simon for the Cup." Jace said. "So, vampire will trade Simon for the Cup and Valentine will trade my mother for the Cup. Either way I lose someone I love." she said.

I know her pain. "How about I just toss it in the air and let them fight it out amongst themselves." she said sarcastically. Or was it sarcastic? I don't know.

"So this doesn't matter to you?" Alec asked. "Yes of course it matters!" Clary snapped. She turned to Jace

"Listen, when you saved my life, I put my trust in you. Now I need you to put your trust in me. I can't turn into what you are overnight" Clary said.

"It's true, she was raised as a mundane." I piped up after staying quiet. "What are you her spokesman now?" Alec asked. Every time I open my mouth, smartass Alec comes through.

"I don't need a spokesman, I need a plan." She said and walked away. I started walking to my room when Alec followed me.

"Ash. Ash where are you going?" "Away from you." I said. "Why? What's your problem?" he asked, grabbing my shoulder. I whipped around, throwing his hand off me.

"What's my problem?! What's your problem?! You can't go one conversation without making some stupid smartass remark! It's starting to get old!" I snapped. I turned around again, but Alec grabbed my wrist.

"Let go of me!" I ordered, wrenching my hand away. Alec grabbed both my shoulders and pushed me against the wall.

"What the hell, Alec?! Let me go!" I yelled, pushing at him. He grabbed both my wrists in his hand and still kept me against the wall.

"What is going on with you?! Why are you suddenly so upset?!" Alec demanded to know.

"I'm fine, Alec!" I said, still pushing my way out. "No you're not!" Alec said, pushing me back against the wall.

"Listen, I've been with you at your worst. You've never lashed out like this before. You've kicked me, punched me, slapped me and I stayed right here beside you because you're my little sister and I love you! What's going on, Ash?" Alec asked. I tried to release all the tension from my body.