A/N: Sorry about not updating. Life distracted me and I had very little inspiration to write. But nine chapters to go!

~Sebastian~

Sebastian was released after twenty-four hours. He'd only been sedated, no internal or external injuries. The police had questioned him about his disappearance, but he'd claimed to not remember anything.

And that's when he learned that Clary was missing. Obviously, Valentine had her. But why Clary and not him? It didn't make sense.

Her boyfriend was also in the hospital, only three doors down. He- Jace had three cracked ribs, a black eye, and various abrasions and lacerations to match.

Sebastian slipped into Jace's room; thankfully he was alone and awake. Their eyes immediately met.

"Have they found any trace of Clary?" Jace demanded, sitting up with a suppressed wince.

"No," Sebastian said. "And they won't. But I know where to find her."

"What?" Jace demanded angrily with a fierce glare. "Why didn't you tell the police? They-"

"-can't do anything," Sebastian interrupted. "The man who has her, our father, is too powerful. But I'm going to get her back."

"I'm coming with you," Jace immediately said.

Sebastian gave him a doubtful look- the man could barely even sit up. But Jace's eyes were resolved, and if Sebastian were honest with himself, he was glad for the back-up. Even from his baby sister's boyfriend.

~Clary~

The first day Clary was with Valentine, he called a meeting and introduced her to his more important subordinates- including Lucian, the neighbor her mom had been kissing. Valentine ignored her surprise and continued the introductions.

The second day, she began training in mixed martial arts.

The third day, more mixed martial arts.

Same on the fourth day.

And the fifth.

Clary felt bone-tired. She fell asleep the instant she touched the bed every night. When she had asked Valentine why, he merely said that she was weak, couldn't defend herself, a liability, and sent her back.

On the sixth day, she forced herself to continue. If she disobeyed Valentine, who knew what would happen to Jace or her family. She couldn't risk it. And, despite herself, she found mixed martial arts exhilarating. Her "instructors" didn't pull their punches (literally) and after a lifetime of being treated like a fragile, delicate flower, it was a... refreshing change of pace. Even if she was now a walking and talking bruise.

Sudden shouts drew her attention away from the form she was attempting towards the door.
Sebastian and Jace burst through the door.

And Clary's heart ceased beating.

They'd come for her! And at the same time, she despaired. Valentine would hurt them if they got in his way.

"Clary!" Jace exclaimed, his eyes alighting when he caught sight of her, and stepped forward, Sebastian a step behind and looking just as happy.

"Stop," she ordered. They both halted and stared at her uncertainly. "What are you doing here?"

Sebastian began, "Clary-"

"Stop," she cut him off. If she let either of them speak, she'd lose her control. "You're being bothersome."

Their eyes clouded with confusion.

"Clarissa, is there a problem?" Valentine's voice inquired from behind her.

"No," she answered coldly without turning. From her peripheral vision, she saw him approach on her right and stand beside her. "My brother and ex-boyfriend were just leaving."

Sebastian and Jace stood still, frozen.

"Leaving," she reiterated with a glare, stifling her panic. If they didn't leave soon...

But they left, each shooting a brief, hurt look at her over their shoulders.

"Very good, Clarissa," Valentine praised her once the boys had exited the building and pressed a light kiss on her forehead. "You did the right thing."

As he walked away, Clary allowed the tears to stream silently down her cheeks. Someday, she vowed, I will escape.

~Sebastian~

Sebastian stumbled down the street, away from his sister- his little sister, unable to process her cold words. Jace's footsteps sounded as weary as his behind him. Her rejection must have stunned him pretty bad.

Jace's footsteps ceased. Sebastian turned and saw Jace's face quickly becoming less and less despairing.

"You," Sebastian began, ready to destroy-

"She was afraid!" Jace exclaimed, meeting Sebastian's eyes. "Her eyes! She's not there willingly! Valentine is threatening her."

Sebastian took a moment to sift through his memories, focusing on Clary's eyes.

Jace was... right.

They spoke at the same time with the same conviction. "We've got to rescue her."