metanoia | alec lightwood

34

"Today, we stand before you to celebrate one person- and one person only." Inquisitor Herondale stood before everyone in Alicante, having me stand right next to me, where we were all dressed up for ceremony, "Zee Young."

I looked at her when she addressed me as Young and not Morgenstern, almost speechless as she continued, "Her actions aren't nothing less than heroic."

"This woman- fought bravely for our people and more, and has defeated our greatest enemy." She placed a hand on my back, "Valentine may have used the Mortal Instruments to raise the Angel Raziel, but you prevented a wish from being granted."

"Zee Young, may your heroism be a shining example to Shadowhunters across the world." Inquisitor Herondale said, as cheer erupted in the entire room, her voice lowering, "Your mother would be so proud of you."

"Thank you." I gave her just a small smile before heading down the steps and immediately walking towards Alec and Isabelle, exhaling in relief, "I'm glad that's over-"

"You deserved every bit of recognition!" Isabelle threw her arms around me, hugging me tightly, "You are the hero of Alicante- you went hand to hand with Valentine and killed him, so don't be so modest."

"Hero." I repeated, slowly pulling away, "That's weird to hear- I've never been called that before."

"Well, you better get used to it-" Alec pulls me into his hold next, kissing all over my face, making me start to giggle lightly, trying to pull my face away.

"I'm gonna look for Mom-" smiled Isabelle, walking away from Alec and I, giving us some alone time.

"Alec, stop!-" I couldn't help but continue giggling, lightly pushing his face away from mine playfully.

"Actually- we should talk." Alec puts a strand of my hair behind my ear, then exhales, "That night at Lake Lyn-"

I was confused, "We already talk about that."

"But, there's more to the story, isn't there?" Alec asks, "More than that's been lead on-"

"What?" I blink, "I already told you everything I know, Alec- you were there for some of it-"

"I felt Jace die." Alec said to me, "He says he has no idea why, but, he's lying- my parabatai rune disappeared."

"Isabelle felt me die, and here I am-" I replied, "I don't know how to explain to you that I have no idea-"

"I guess you're right." Alec wraps his arms around me fully, before starting to kiss all over my face again, making me burst out into more giggles.

-

"Hey there, Barbie." I quietly greeted Jace, walking towards him with a very small smile on my lips to try and comfort him when I noticed he was standing by his parents' graves, "You doing alright?"

"This is the closest I've ever gotten to them." Jace exhales slow, holding his necklace in his hands, "Too bad it's in the Cemetery of the Disgraced."

"They put their trust in the wrong person, Jace." I placed a hand on his back to comfort him, "People make mistakes all the time- it's okay."

Jace barely nods, staying silent.

"Listen," I trail off, "We should tell Alec-"

Jace looks at me, as I exhaled slow, going more in depth, "How I brought you back with the wish?-"

Jace shook his head almost immediately, "No-"

"Jace, he's onto me." I dropped my hand, looking up at him, "And after- taking his memories- and lying to him, I mean, I know more than anyone how that feels and I never forgave my father for what he did to me-"