Chapter Text

Prologue

James Herondale was tormented by shadows. He wished for the golden light that had once led him from the darkness to return.

Cordelia Carstairs was determined to hold her head high until the last. She wished happiness was not the price of following her heart.

Lucie Herondale was alight with righteous anger, for where there was evil there was always good to fight it. She wished that this guaranteed the heroes a happy ending.

Matthew Fairchild was wretched and worthless and ruined. He wished he had his own portrait, for then he would not have to stare down his sins in the mirror.

Grace Cartwright was lost, but she wondered if she might find her way back again. She wished for her freedom, away from those who whispered in her ear.

Christopher Lightwood was reassured by the fact that so far nothing had exploded. He wished that things would continue like this, so he could finally prove himself useful to the fight.

Thomas Lightwood was not afraid, surrounded by friends who he believed in with all his heart. He wished he had the same belief in himself.

Alastair Carstairs was tired of trying. He wished things would stop getting in his way, himself most of all.

Anna Lightwood was proud of the path she had blazed for herself, yet she could not help feeling empty. She wished she were not looking to the horizon alone.

Ariadne Bridgestock was certain of what she wanted at last. She wished only for a little more time.

Every one of them wished that things had not come to this.