There was no other way to call what he had done other than just straight up leaving. He took Madzie, packed his stuff, and left, stripping himself of his runes, even his parabatai mark. He ran on instinct for a long time.Ā
He finally chose the midwest, far from any Institute. The house was cheap and in a good area. Jace felt fine in it if he ignored the way the scars that were once his runes ached. Madzie just wanted a room she could paint pink and decorate with fairy lights.Ā
So they settled in, sleeping in the living room on their bedspreads until furniture arrived. Setting up the bed and painting Madzieās room and setting up everything was good, normal. And, since it was summer, they didnāt have to worry about school paperwork yet, just her daily summer camp while he worked on the house and his art.Ā
Jace carved runes into the doorways, kept a witchlight in his pocket and a knife hidden under his clothes at all times. He made sure Madzie knew what to do if something bad happened, like a demon or other Shadowhunters started sniffing around.Ā
Nothing prepared him for finding one in their new home.Ā
Jace bolted upright and fell out of bed, tangling in his blankets before running for Madzieās room.
Something made of fire was standing at the foot of her bed, vanishing as soon as Jace crossed the threshold.Ā
He stayed with her the rest of the night.
It happened every night, even following when she tried sleeping in his room. It was stressful for both of them.Ā
A knock sounded on the door one morning. Madzie clung to him as he answered, blinking at the pair on the doorstep.Ā
āCan I help you?ā He asked, blinking several times to get rid of the lingering tiredness.Ā
