chapter four

"𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔤𝔞𝔰-𝔩𝔞𝔪𝔭𝔰 𝔤𝔩𝔢𝔞𝔪 𝔦𝔫 𝔞 𝔤𝔬𝔩𝔡𝔢𝔫 𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔢;

𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔯𝔲𝔟𝔶 𝔩𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔥𝔞𝔫𝔰𝔬𝔪𝔰 𝔰𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔢,

𝔊𝔩𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢, 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔣𝔩𝔦𝔠𝔨𝔢𝔯 𝔩𝔦𝔨𝔢 𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢-𝔣𝔩𝔦𝔢𝔰 𝔟𝔯𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱;

𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔥𝔞𝔰 𝔣𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔢𝔫 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔫𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱,

𝔄𝔫𝔡 𝔬𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔞𝔤𝔞𝔦𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔱𝔬𝔴𝔫 𝔰𝔢𝔢𝔪𝔰 𝔣𝔞𝔦𝔯

𝔗𝔥𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔪𝔦𝔰𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔥𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔰 𝔦' 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔞𝔦𝔯."

~ Amy Levy, "A March Day in London"

---

Before anyone could even move and do anything, the demon had leapt onto Piers Wentworth, he went down screaming in pain. Everyone was screaming, some heading for Piers and trying to pull the demon from him.

Piers lay motionless near the water and the rim of the water was scarlet, and more scarlet was blooming into the lake. The demon was gone. The first thing Estelle did was make sure Christopher was beside her and safe. She saw him checking to see if her was there as well.

Then, she realised. "James!"

Matthew beside her was grabbing a seraph blade from his belt and handing Lucie another one. Cordelia had rushed away towards the lakeside to find her brother. "He's there." Matthew pointed to where his parabatai was approaching the lakeside.

They headed over there and Estelle's face paled when she saw the blood coming from Piers. "Where's Charles?" James as soon as he saw Matthew approaching.

"Went to put up wards to keep the mundanes away." The wind was increasing even more now. "Right now, someone needs to get Piers to the infirmary."

"Piers is alive?"

"Yes, but it doesn't look good." Matthew raised his voice. ���They're putting iratzes on him, but they're not working."

"I told you!" Barbara cried out. "The demon clawed at his throat – " Before she could continue, she looked towards where the trees bordered the lake.

Estelle looked in that direction and her mouth dropped open slightly. It was all grey and the wind was rushing. The lake was black and the boats sagging. Dark clouds were spread across a grey sky. It looked, frankly, apocalyptic. The trees were full of ragged and dark shapes.

Demons.

Then, they rushed at them.

Their skin was rough and the colour of onyx, eyes flaming black. There was a yell as seraph blades lit up everywhere, names of angels being shouted. It was daytime. But, but there were demons. Estelle shook her head to bring herself out of her stupor and lifted her blade.

Demons began spreading like ink on a white paper. They weaved through the crowd and almost everyone had a demon upon them. As soon as one came close to Estelle, she brought her sword up in a silvery arc and sliced its chest open. Ichor spilled out and it vanished.

She turned to see if anyone needed help. She saw Anna slash at the demon attacking Ariadne with her dagger and it vanished. She was joined by Thomas, Barbara and Lucie. She saw Cordelia sever a demons head that was lunging for Alastair. She saw James rush towards a demon that was advancing on a young girl and slice its neck with his seraph blade.

Before she could continue to watch her friends back, she was greeted by another demon, and she sliced its chest but before she could finish the job, someone's seraph blade sprouted from its chest and it vanished. Matthew stood behind it. "Need some help?"

"I wouldn't say no to it." Estelle breathed heavily and he smiled, standing with his back towards her back.

Suddenly, a scream echoed through the air. Estelle went white as she recognised the person being attacked. Barbara. Her cousin. It slammed Oliver to the ground and clamped its jaw around her leg. She collapsed. But seconds later, James was there, and he knocked the demon over to the side.

Matthew disappeared from her side, rushing towards her parabatai. Her panic at him disappearing only lasted a few minutes before Christopher took his place and she felt nothing but relief. She fought a demon, but watched as Matthew flipped and then kicked out, his boot knocking the demon free of James. James stood and quickly flung a dagger at the demon. It disappeared.

Then, silence.

Blood covered young Shadowhunters stood in the midst of a ruined day. Grass burnt in places with ichor. Blankets and hampers ripped and destroyed. The aftermath, Estelle thought, was worse than the battle.

She grabbed Christopher's hand as she watched Piers Wentworth on the ground, drenched in blood, with his sister sobbing over him. Her cousin, Barbara being lifted by Thomas. Oliver by her side and drawing iratze after iratze on her arm. Ariadne crumpled with her head in Anna's lap and Charles beside her. Her pink dress stained with blood and a trickle of scarlet dropping from the corner of her mouth.

They came. They fought. And they left devastation behind.

As soon as the demons disappeared, James took off on one of his father's horses to the Institute to prepare for the arrival of the wounded. Charles disappeared with Ariadne in the Consul's carriage. Christopher, after getting iratzes from Estelle and giving her some, went to drop Grace back at Chiswick house. She knew he was frightened, so it was best to let him have time away from the chaos.

She was offered a ride back to the Institute with Lucie, Cordelia and Matthew and she accepted, seated beside Matthew opposite Cordelia and Lucie. One look at Matthew, with his messy hair and blood and ichor stained jacket, told her enough and she simply grabbed hold of his hand silently, squeezing it tightly.

"I still don't see how it's possible. Demons don't come out during the day. They simply don't." Lucie said.

"I've heard of them appearing under thick cloud cover before." Cordelia said. "If no sunlight could get through – "

Matthew laughed hoarsely. "That was no natural storm. Yet I have never heard of demons who could control the weather either." He pulled a silver flask out and Estelle didn't have the heart to scold him for drinking. He needed it.

"Did you see the wounds? I have never seen anything like it. Barbara's skin was turning black at the edges where she was bitten – "

"You have never seen anything like it because there never has been anything like it, sweetheart." Estelle said softly.

"Demons who bring their own night with them?" Matthew scoffed. "Who attack us when we are vulnerable because they believe we cannot be assailed?"

"Matthew. Stop frightening Lucie when we do not even know what we are dealing with yet." Cordelia narrowed her eyes.

"Lucie doesn't get frightened, do you, Luce?" He took a swig from the flask.

"I am frightened for Barbara and Ariadne and for Piers. Are you not concerned? Barbara is our family, and Ariadne is one of the kindest people I know."

"There is no special protection in this world for kind people." Matthew said. After Cordelia glared at him, he took another swig. "Yes, I'm being a beast. I know that perfectly well."

"You are no beast, Matthew." Estelle nudged her best friend and he simply leaned into her more.

"My father always said that to panic before you have all the facts was to fight the enemy's battle for him." Cordelia quoted.

"But who is the enemy?" Lucie asked.

"Demons, I suppose. But, demons usually attack without strategy or method. These demons avoided every mundane and went straight for us, Nephilim." Estelle mused.

"Demons aren't always random in their actions." Cordelia said. "Perhaps a warlock who has summoned a pack of demons is responsible, or even a Greater Demon amusing themselves. Ordinary demons are like animals, but if I understand it rightly, Greater Demons can be quite like people.���

Then, they arrived at the institute and Matthew helped them out. He looked at his flask, presumably empty now. "I think I'll take a walk. I shall return shortly."

"Matthew!" Lucie looked aghast. "But the infirmary – and Thomas needs us – "

"I don't like illness."

He walked away and Lucie looked furious. "Please, Lu, leave him. Trust me." Estelle softly pleaded with the younger girl. Then, a carriage came to a stop in front of them and Estelle's parents came out. Her mother was carrying her little brother.

"Estelle!" Her mother called and she rushed over, being enveloped in a hug. Then, they brought Lucie towards them. "I don't understand. I know what Anna's message said, but a demon attack in broad daylight? It makes no sense at all. Could it not have been something else."

"Perhaps, Mum. But, they left wounds similar to those demons leave, and the blood that spilled was ichor. It burned us." Estelle explained.

"Half the Enclave has been dispatched to the park to help those who was still there and determine what occurred." Her father said. "It is most likely a freak occurrence, darling. Horrible, but unlikely to ever happen again."

"And Jem – brother Zachariah will be here with the other Silent Brothers." Her mother looked up at the Institute. "They will heal Barbara and the others. I know they will.

"I hope they do, Mum. I really do." Estelle nodded. "I shall be inside in the infirmary with Thomas. I'm sure he would appreciate some company." She got nods in return before she went inside and headed to the infirmary.

The place was almost unrecognizable. It was crowded. Many Shadowhunters getting bandages or healing runes from her uncle Will and aunt Tessa for their ichor burns, or cuts and bruises. Piers, Ariadne and Barbara had beds at the end of the room, with a screen shielding them from rest of the room. Thomas was by Barbara's side.

She went to approach but James put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't. He said he wants to be alone."

She nodded and watched as Jem – or Brother Zachariah – was tending to Barbara. She was motionless. Simply breathing. Brother Shadrach leaned over Piers, trying to replace his lost blood. Brother Enoch beside Ariadne. Inquisitor Bridgestock and his wife watching over them with fearful looks.

James left her side, moving to speak with Jem. Having no reason to further stay, she left the room and went to stand outside. The level of chaos and amount of people inside was overwhelming her. She felt like she couldn't breathe. She sat on the steps of the Institute, not caring about further dirtying her dress. It was already unsalvageable.

She greeted her brother with a hug when he showed up after going to Chiswick. He looked more relaxed now than he had before. He went inside and moments later, Matthew showed up. Drunk. Estelle didn't comment on his state, but merely hugged him.

He slumped against her, only half-supporting his own weight. They stayed that way until Christopher came outside and called them to the ballroom. As soon as they were in, Estelle made Matthew sit in chair. "We must bar the doors. They don't lock and we can't be interrupted." James said. "Matthew, can you stand?"

Matthew waved his hand. "I am quite alright. Please continue with your plan." He squinted. "What was your plan?"

"I'll tell you in a moment. Thomas?"

Thomas took a heavy sideboard and shoved it in front of the doors.

"Perhaps some water?" Christopher looked at Matthew worriedly.

"I'm quite all right." The golden haired boy repeated.

"Yes, of course you are Matthew. Perfectly fine. Just a little drunk." Estelle sat on the arm of the chair he was in, folding her hands on her lap. "Christopher, how was the carriage ride?"

"Yes, was everything all right, dropping off Miss Blackthorn?" Estelle noticed the note of concern in James' voice.

"Oh, perfectly. I told her all about culturing bacteria, and she was so fascinated that she never spoke a word!"

"She must have been taken aback by the level of knowledge you possess, Kit." Estelle smiled at her brother and he flushed.

James went to pile chairs in front of the doors to another adjoining room. "Did you have to tell Mrs. Blackthorn what had happened at the park? She can't have been pleased."

"I confess I didn't see her." Christopher shook her head. "Miss Blackthorn asked that I drop her at the gates, not the front door."

"She probably doesn't want anyone to see the state of the place." Matthew yawned. "The gates alone are festooned in rust."

"Estelle, maybe a healing rune?" James asked the brunette. She nodded and took her stele out.

"Matthew, darling, push you sleeve up for me, yes? We've got to sober you up so James can tell us his mad genius plan." She placed the tip of the stele on his arm and began to draw an iratze.

James dusted his hands off. "We'd better check the locks on all the windows. Just to be sure."

"It seems somehow blasphemous to use Marks to ride oneself of the effects of alcohol." Matthew said. He already looked more awake and clear-eyed.

"I've seen you use your stele to part your hair." James said as he checked the window locks.

"The Angel gave me this hair." Matthew raised an eyebrow. "It's one of the Shadowhunters' gifts. Like the Mortal Sword."

"Now that is blasphemy." Thomas said. Estelle removed her hair stick and gathered her messy hair once more and tied it up, sticking the accessory back in. Christopher was helping James check the windows.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever, Thomas." Matthew said. "James, why are we locking all the windows? Are we afraid of overcurious pigeons?"

"I have spent the past four years of my life trying to train myself not to do what I am about to do. I don't wish to even consider the possibility of being interrupted."

"By a pigeon?" Matthew's words were lightly mocking.

"Jamie, what are we doing?" Estelle bit her lip anxiously.

"I am going to deliberately send myself into the shadow realm."

There was an explosion of protest and Matthew stood, eyes wide and gleaming. "Certainly not. The danger – "

"I do not think there will be danger. I have been in and out of the shadow realm many times in life. It has been ages since I fell accidentally into the world. Yet in the past week, I have seen it three times, once just before the attack today. I cannot think that is a coincidence. If I can use this ability to help Barbara, Ariadne, all of us – you must let me do it."

"If we don't help you here, you'll just do it when we're gone, won't you?" Estelle groaned lightly.

"Clearly." Then he gestured to the daggers he had. "I'm armed, at least."

"Very well, James. As you wish." Matthew said, twisting the signet ring on his finger.

"All right. Let's get on with it."

"Well?" Thomas said after a pause. "Go on into the shadow realm, then."

James closed his eyes and Matthew moved forward, right in front of his face. When James opened his eyes, he yelled in shock. "Matthew!"

"I really don't think staring at him is going to help, Matthew." Thomas raised an eyebrow and the Fairchild boy stepped back.

"Jamie, is there anything that might help? We've all seen it. You get shadowy, and a bit blurry." Estelle cocked her head to the side.

"When I go into the shadow realm, the realness of presence here begins to fade." James explained. "But it is not what drives me into the shadow realm. More of a side effect of being there."

"Often it happens when you are upset or shocked." Christopher began.

"I suppose then, that we should try upsetting or shocking you, shouldn't we?" Estelle suggested.

"Given everything that's happened, that shouldn't be too hard." James said.

"Nonsense." Matthew sat on a table. A frail looking one. "The last time I saw you shocked was when that Iblis demon was sending Christopher love letters."

"Tragic times." Estelle shook her head.

"I have a dark charm." The younger boy said sadly.

"Please recall that I am the pale neurasthenic one and you are the stern heroic one." Matthew said to his parabatai. "It is very tedious when you mix up our roles. We will have to think of something quite impressive to startle you."

"So, what is my role?" Christopher asked.

"Mad genius, my dear brother."

"Elle is the loving mother." Estelle rolled her eyes with a smile at Matthew's statement. "And Thomas is the one with a good heart."

"Lord, I sound dull." Thomas said. "Look, James, come here for a second."

James moved towards Thomas but then the next thing Estelle knew, Thomas had punched James in his solar plexus and the boy went flying back with a gasp. Matthew dropped down beside him and Estelle clapped a hand to her mouth in shock.

"Thomas!" She scolded.

"What were you trying to – ?" Matthew yelled.

"I was trying to surprise him." Thomas yelled back. "This is important, Matthew! You don't mind, do you, Jamie?"

"It's all right. Only, it didn't work. If I turned into a shadow every time something hit me, I couldn't patrol." He lay there for a while, but just as Matthew stood to help him up, an arrow shot past his head, shattering one of the windows. Matthew knocked them both to the ground.

Estelle looked around to find her brother holding one of the bows that was hanging on the wall. "In case anyone was wondering if those were purely ornamental. They are not." James stood.

"In the name of a million bloody angels, Christopher, what the hell did you just do?" Matthew stood as well. "Did you try to kill James?"

Estelle quickly took the bow from her brother and placed it on a table. She could hear running feet. People must have heard the window shattering. "I was not trying to kill James. I was hoping the shock of the arrow flying past would startle him into the shadow realm. Pity it didn't work. We must think of a new plan to grievously alarm James at once."

"Christopher! I cannot believe you would say that! I also cannot believe you would shoot at me." James exclaimed and Estelle rubbed her eyes, exhausted.

"It had a seventy two percent chance of working, in perfect laboratory conditions – "

"We are not in perfect laboratory conditions!" James was shouting. "We are in the ballroom of my house!"

"Oi! Lay off him! It is good enough that we are here helping you in this dangerous endeavor because we care about you, James! Don't take your anger out on Kit!" Estelle narrowed her eyes threateningly, glaring at the golden eyed boy.

The doors of the ballroom rattled. "What's going on?" It was her uncle Will. "James, are you in there?"

"Bloody hell. My father." James looked around. "Look, all of you – get out through the windows. Well, the broken one anyway. I'll take the blame. I'll say I shot the window out."

"In the ballroom?" Thomas looked incredulous. "Why would you do such a rattle-headed thing?"

"I'm capable of anything!" James made a grab for the bow on the table but Estelle was quick to grab it from him and step back. "Come on, Estelle, give it over – "

"He's going to say, because I'm a Herondale, isn't he?" Thomas rolled his eyes.

"I am a Herondale." James glared at them. "And I am telling you to get out of my Institute so the only one who gets punished is me."

"You bloody idiot, James. We're not leaving." Estelle shook her head.

"Answer me, James!" Will shouted. "Why have you blocked this door? I demand to know what's going on!"

"James isn't here!" Matthew called back. "Go away!"

"I heard breaking glass!"

"I was practicing fighting moves!"

"In the ballroom?"

"We're trying to distract Thomas! It's been a very emotional day!"

"What?"

"Don't you blame this on me!" Thomas whispered.

Matthew placed his hands on James' shoulders and spoke to him. And then he said something that made James jerk back and he started to blur. Matthew went white, and said a few more words, but James was too far gone.

As in, literally gone. He was no longer in the room.