Tainted Soul • Lightwood. [ON HOLD]

S I X T E E N

Justin Morgenstern used to be a college student that was used to running with three hours of sleep and several cups of coffee throughout the day. But the present was not as simple as before. Now, Justin Morgenstern is a Shadowhunter running with thirty minutes of sleep and various cups of coffee-which didn't do much for him. He was good at hiding his exhaustion, but it was starting to be more noticeable than wanted. Lately, Shadowhunters have been busier than usual so that helped Justin hide it, but it didn't help him to be running around New York City saving petty mundanes.

He made his way to the heart of the Institute on the lookout for Isabelle when he saw her talking with Alec. Justin cringed at the sight of the taller Shadowhunter. They haven't really talked after Justin's breakdown the other day and he didn't want to speak about it now. Justin rubbed his eyes and tried composing himself and look alive before talking to them-he failed as he was looking rough with dark circles under his eyes and his hair messier than ever.

Before anyone could question his appearance, Jace and Clary appeared. "Shadowhunter down!"

Everything stops for a second as the hunters slowly register what was just said and then Clay is the one to speak. "Milo Keytower."

"What happened?"

Inquisitor Herondale descended the stairs to join the group of four. Logan ran from the other side of the room and joined the others, too.

"From what I understand, his runes were carved out. Is that true, Jace?" The woman asked.

Jace nodded. "Yes, after he was attacked by a wolf."

Justin raised an eyebrow in confusion. Since when have the wolf hated the Shadowhunters so much that they kill them and carve their runes? That's not something he's ever heard of.

"He had multiple bites and claw marks," Clary confirmed.

Logan ran a hand through his hair. "That's definitely not normal."

Isabelle nodded at him. "He's right. What kind of werewolf randomly attacks a Shadowhunter?"

Alec sighed out loud. "One who's trying to send a message."

"And get the attention of the Clave," Inquisitor Herondale says.

Justin furrows his eyebrows. It still didn't make much sense to him as to why any of this would've happened. And even if it was because of the aftermath of everything with Valentine and the Soul-Sword, he was sure the wolves would've found another way.

"We need to find them before this happens again."

"Well, I think I have a pretty good idea who it is." All six heads turned to the Inquisitor. Justin raised an eyebrow, but she saw it in her face.

"Are you out of your mind?" Multiple heads turned to him as the words left his mouth. "Luke would never do that, and you know it."

"Mr. Morgenstern, don't use that tone with me." Justin scowled at her. "Part of his pack died during the attack, it's naïve to think he had nothing to do with this."

Justin took a couple of steps forward until he was in front of her, her petite body towering only because she was on a taller step. "Anything to blame Luke, right?" He raised an eyebrow. "He would never do it."