Love didnt make you weak it made you stronger.

His hands lay flat on either side of him his arms at his sides. He seemed barely to be breathing she wasnt sure she was breathing herself. She slid her own hand across the bedsheet just far enough that their fingers touched-so lightly that she would have probably hardly been aware of it had she been touching anyone but Jace as it was the nerve endings in her fingertips pricked softly as if she were holding them over a low flame. She felt him tense beside her and then relax. He had shut his eyes and his lashes cast fine shadows against the curve of his cheekbones. His mouth curled into a smile as if he sensed her watching him and she wondered how he would look in the morning with his hair messed and sleep circles under his eyes. Despite everything the thought gave her a jolt of happiness.She laced her fingers through his. Good night she whispered. With their hands clasped like children in a fairy tale she fell asleep beside him in the dark.

Looking at him now-even if she hadnt been in love with him that part of her that was her mothers daugher that loved every beautiful thing for its beauty alone would still have wanted him.

Now very much against her will she thought of the way Jace had looked at her then the blaze of faith in his eyes his belief in her. He had always thought she was strong. He had showed it in everything he did in every look and every touch. Simon had faith in her too yet when hed held her it had been as if she were something fragile something made of delicate glass. But Jace had held her with all the strength he had never wondering if she could take it--hed known she was as strong has he was.

There is no pretendingJace said with absolute clarity.I love youand I will love you until I dieand if theres a life after thatIll love you then.She caught her breath.He had said it-the words there was no going back from.

You could have had anything else in the world and you asked for me.She smiled up at him. Filthy as he was covered in blood and dirt he was the most beautiful thing shed ever seen.But I dont want anything else in the world.

And now Im looking at you he said and youre asking me if I still want you as if I could stop loving you. As if I would want to give up the thing that makes me stronger than anything else ever has. I never dared give much of myself to anyone before bits of myself to the Lightwoods to Isabelle and Alec but it took years to do it but Clary since the first time I saw you I have belonged to you completely. I still do. If you want me.