#thetruthuntold

The black car rolled determinedly through the Manhattan traffic, making lethargic progress, in an endless sea of cabs.

Though it has been two years since Dru had joined the academy, she has been to the New York Institute only once before. She was excited about the mission obviously but not as much as for seeing her brother again.

She and her brother Ty had gotten closer since the unfortunate events at Idris. She would be meeting him after a long time; what with their breaks never aligning.

Beside her, Thais was immersed in her book, occasionally glancing up to notice their progress on road.

Louis, on the wheel, was trying his best not to hit the cab in front of him, despite its erratic manoeuvres. He must be regretting this new American experience, Dru thought.

Of course, this miserable journey of theirs could have been avoided, if they had come through a portal. Well, hard luck for them, since portals were being regulated and they stayed within the state, unlike the centurions.

It was fifteen more minutes before they reached the gothic cathedral, which was the New York Institute. She had loved it on her first visit. Now, she observed it admiringly, captivated by the building's mystic charm.

Thais joined her behind the car, to collect all their belongings. Louis offered to carry their weapons trunk. They didn't refuse as he could get pushy, in an awkwardly polite way. It's best to let him carry on his "gentlemanly duties".

Dru followed her friend through the entrance. Thais whistled, amazed, now that they were closer.

"This place seems right up our alley, doesn't it Dru bear ?"

Dru scoffed at the new nickname. She could count on Thais to be ridiculous, irrespective of the place.

She replied to the other girl, "Oh, we're definitely watching that slasher film here. There's no other perfect setting". Dru was glad at the moment that she had a friend, who appreciated her morbid interests.

As soon as they pushed the door open to the institute, they were greeted with the sight of four shadowhunters - all in gear and immersed in a serious discussion.

Isabelle noticed them first and greeted them with a smile. She placed her hand on Simon's arm to stop him from speaking further.

Of course, the adults didn't want to traumatize them, she thought sourly.

Meanwhile, Jace and Clary rushed towards them in a coordinated manner. Clary pulled her into a hug which she returned awkwardly.

Thais Pedroso, to her right, was comparing her biceps with Jace, who was equally indulgent.

This wasn't new for them both...well, Jace had been to the academy for guest lectures before, and Thais-for reasons unknown-had declared her intention to best him in muscle building, of all things.

Dru shook her head. She must give up analyzing her friend's actions, gradually.

Soon, Isabelle and Simon joined them. Simon inquired about Beatriz and Catarina, and sincerely empathized with their travails at the academy.

After a few minutes of these formalities, Dru and Thais were shown to their room. It was a huge room with two beds in opposite corners. The two girls settled in and wondered if Louis made it into the institute.

Louis Rayhorn was from the Brussels institute. He had an easygoing and helpful attitude which should have technically made him popular...but sadly, he was also nosy and emitted an uneasy aura.

He was an able shadowhunter but an okayish companion. They were one of the only ones, who didn't mind his company. Because, Louis, for all his eccentricities, was their well-intentioned friend.

Thais worried now, " What if he got into trouble or worse, lost?"

Dru frowned, " I don't think Clary and Jace would abandon him. They knew he was coming too."

The other girl continued as if Dru hadn't spoken, " Let's go explore the institute. Find the weapons room. Maybe we'll find him there"

Dru nodded. She was still in the process of figuring out her signature weapon. Maybe, a look at the extensive collections of the New York Institute would help.

They roamed two floors aimlessly before stumbling upon a metal door with seraph blades carved on it.

" Very subtle" observed Thais. She pulled the handle and let herself in. Dru followed.

At once she stepped in, she heard her friend exclaim " Oh there he is!! I'm glad you made it here intact!! "

Dru followed Thais' gaze to the back of the room.

In front of a huge wooden trunk stood two figures; Louis was facing them and beside him, she saw a blond head diving into the trunk.

Must be Jace, she thought, but then realized that there was something odd about his physique.

Louis interjected her thoughts with his " Oh hey girls!! I was about to ask Christopher here to show me to my room. If not for him, I would have been wandering cluelessly"

Dru was perplexed, Wait, Christopher!?

Just then, the blond boy pulled himself upright and turned towards them.

Dru gasped...her mind was reeling.

The boy in front of her was taller, muscular, and held himself in an unmistakable Shadowhunter gait.

But his eyes; they gave it away...he was Kit...Kit Herondale was standing before her, older but still the same.

Kit Herondale looked equally unnerved as her, his blue eyes widening in surprise. 'Dru ' he mouthed.

Dru wasn't going to let him continue. She stormed towards him.

" What are you doing here?" she asked not too politely.

Kit's face was imperceptible. He seemed to be mulling over this question. He sighed before answering " I am here to be a part of the mission, same as you Dru "

He tried to avoid her eyes while talking.

Of course, he's lying! she noted with frustration; He hasn't changed at all since then.

Suddenly a warm hand pressed against her left arm. She turned around to see Thais looking concerned.

Dru inhaled sharply. She didn't want to do this here. Not now...

She turned around abruptly and left the room, hurrying down the hallway.

She had wanted to ask Kit: Why did you leave without a farewell? Why did you lie to me about my sister?

But they got lost in the thoughts that bombarded her now...

What if Ty sees him? He's going to get hurt again...Oh, what should I do? What should I do?

In the past, she had wanted to punch Kit if she met him again...for hiding the truth from her...and later on, for abandoning her brother.

Her brother, Ty... he might be here already!!

What if he's shocked by Kit's presence?  He wouldn't know, just like her, and he won't handle such surprises well.

Maybe she could get to him before he stumbled upon Kit.

She was walking fast and unaware of where she was going until she reached the end of a hallway. There was a massive wooden door.

She was about to turn back when she heard tense whispers from behind the door.

Dru inched towards the door warily.

She heard a female voice " I am quite sure of my source"

Then, a male voice commented, " 'Something precious' huh?...the last time that was used, it turned out to be Ash Morgenstern"

It was Jace.

Clary's solemn voice added, " It won't be him again, obviously... Emma and Julian saw him stay in Thule."

Ash Morgenstern...

Dru remembered Jules and Emma talking about the Seelie Queen and Sebastian's son-after they had returned from Thule.

What does he have to do with anything now?

She was startled from her thoughts by fast-approaching footsteps.

She looked up dubiously.

Sigh...It was only Thais. Dru pulled her away from the door and into a dimly-lit corridor.

Thais looked at her with indignation. " I came looking for you, Dru!!", she said.

And continued, " By the way, are you alright? I guess you've met Christopher before...I was worried there...I've never seen you act this way"

Dru took a deep breath and looked at her friend's dark brown eyes, filled with concern.

She answered " Don't worry, I'm quite alright, Thais... Yes, I know him. And his name is Kit by the way"

"Okayy...what's really up with you and mini-Jace there?" asked her friend.

Dru wasn't ready to talk about this. She had to look for Ty anyway.

She asked instead, " Thais, do you know when the centurions would be arriving?"

Thais nodded, " Oh, I'm pretty sure they're here already. In fact, I saw a glimpse of a portal in the entrance, on my way"

By the time she could finish, they heard a loud bang from the front of the institute. They jumped in surprise and moments later, both of them were hurrying towards the foyer.

Dru exited the hallway first, only to find a huge commotion.

There was a pileup of scattered weapons, interspersed with people on the floor.

She saw Louis in the dead centre, with a couple of centurions lying beside him. He seemed to be unhurt.

None of them looked injured, only bewildered.

She suddenly realized, her brother must be in this chaos.

Before she could scan the room for him, she caught a glimpse of a flash of light and a hiss of pain.

She turned impulsively towards her left to find Ty in the corner, standing behind a pillar.

She noticed him holding someone towards the wall, away from a metal shelf that had fallen to the floor. The heavy shelf had made a substantial dent on the floor. It could have severely injured the person.

She walked towards him, only to find that Ty had pushed none other than Kit- away from the shelf's path.

Besides, Ty looked visibly anxious... Dru then noticed with dread that Kit Herondale had slumped down against the wall.