Fear

The Demon on the throne

Chapter 13- The Demon on the Throne.

Jace POV

We walk down the endless black corridor, Ashley never looking back to see if I was following. He leads me through the winding tunnels passing dozens of locked wooden doors.

Eventually, we approach the largest door with exceptional bronze handles encrusted with dazzling, swirling constellations. Before he pushes the ancient door open, Ashley turns to face me.

"Watch what you say," he warns. "Don't let him see if anything affects you. Not even Clary. No matter what I say or do, remember that I'm on your side." He waits for me to nod reassuringly before pushing the door open.

The first thing I notice when walking into the room is the magnificent glass dome of a roof, the silver stars shining through, winking at me. Around the room are four beautifully sculpted statues built into the stone walls. Each statue has stone wings spread out behind its back, while kneeling on one leg offering a variety of gifts. My eyes skim the majestic patterns carved into the floor: a sea of elegant curves and waves, creating a masterpiece to represent the demons overcoming the angels. A small shiver makes its way down my spine.

I freeze as my eyes reach a stone chair placed in the middle of the room and in that chair the demon himself...

"Sebastian," Ashley nods, gesturing for me to move further into the room. Without another word or any acknowledgement off Sebastian, he goes to stand next to the throne, slightly behind another boy in red.

"Jonathan," Sebastian greets, a smirk playing on his lips.

"It's Jace," I retort. "I call you by your preferred name as you shall call me by mine." I straighten up and push my shoulders back; making me seem much more commanding.

"Jonathan, we think that you should reconsider joining us," Sebastian says, standing up.

"And why exactly should I reconsider?" I ask.

"We could rule the world, you and I-" he begins.

I cut him off, "I don't believe you heard me."

"If you come with me, you have nothing to lose-" he trails off.

I indignantly snort, "Apart from my sense of dignity and all sense of human rights."

Sebastian just ignores me and carries on. "You could rule the world with me. However, if you're not feeling up to it, you could always live your life happily in the institute. Only, your family wouldn't be with you." He walks over to the boy standing next to Ashley and whispers something to him. The boy nods and walks out of the room.

"Where are they? What have you done with my family?" I ask hurriedly walking towards Sebastian. He just ignores me and moves to sit back on his throne. "I don't get you Sebastian; you want to rule the world and yet you act as if you seek to destroy it; you can talk about your sister as if she were a lover and you speak to me as if I were a brother," I state. "I don't want any part in it. You can hold me here as a prisoner, but I will escape."

"I find that a rather curious statement, Herondale," Sebastian replies. "How do you intend to escape when I have shadowhunters watching you at all times?"

"Well, if I told you, I wouldn't be able to escape now, would I?" I snort, shaking my head with emphasis.

"You won't escape anyway," Sebastian says casually.

"How can you possibly be so sure?" I say inquisitively.

"Like I said before: your family's lives depend on this," he stands and moves behind his throne. "Oh and of course Clarissa is another reason to reconsider."

"I do not see how her well-being is any of my concern," I lie. "You can kill her for all I care."

"Oh that's right, isn't it? She betrayed you: sold you out because of spite," he fakes pain. "All because you left her alone on a date."

I feel my face flush and my temperature rise even more, "It wasn't a date."

"You tell her that," Sebastian instructs.

"Get off me," an irritated voice demands from behind me.

"Ah, my dear Clarissa," Sebastian coos, approaching the beautiful voice that I know can only belong to Clary: my Clary, the betrayer.

"It's not exactly like you gave me a choice," Clary points out.

Although I can't see her,can feel her presence behind me. I feel my pulse begin to race and my hands begin to sweat. Never have I fallen for a girl this hard before: especially not one who betrayed me.

"Let go of me already!" Clary exclaims impatiently and I hear a low grunt of pain from behind me.

I whizz around, preparing for the worst: a bloodied up red-head asking for my help (she's just a helpless girl without any physical training). Instead I see a red-head with eyes that burn with hatred. The boy in red is struggling to keep a hold of her constantly wriggling body. I watch her for a few moments as she struggles against the boy's strong grip.

Suddenly, she freezes as her swirling green eyes meet mine. "Clary," I say. One part of me wants to hold onto her and never let go; but another part doesn't want anything to do with the girl who betrayed me.

A/N

So Merry Christmas guys! I hope you enjoyed this special Christmas day chapter. I'll probably post again in a couple of days, anyway. I hope you all have a fantastic day. And, as always, comment what you think and how I could improve- I would really appreciate that!

And now, I'm signing out.