Prologue Forgive me Seb, I never meant to hurt anyone, I didnt want to hurt you, I could never hurt you.

Please.. Clad all in black, the young man standing over her looked down. Against the night sky, he seemed to suffuse darkness even deeper than the shadows surrounding him. He was tense, his hands curled into fists. But he did not crouch down to help. His heavily muscled torso was half turned as if to walk away. They were a haunted pair. Her dying at his feet and him standing over her, guarding her until the last. His black hair was stuck to his forehead, the damp curls hanging down over his ears and forehead. In his eyes was a world of pain, mixed with something harder. Duty. It doesnt make a difference he whispered. The pungent smell of garbage was draped through the air, but they didnt notice. The darkened alley in which they hid was still with heavy silence. The busy sounds of New York City seemed far away, and the only sounds were her choked gasps and desperate pleading. Blood ran thickly between her fingers from where she clutched her side. Her face was pale, and in the darkness of the alley seemed to be covered in paint. Blood mixed with the dirt and grime. A gruesome picture, yetSeb please He hesitated, she was still beautiful. Her eyes shone, even in the dim moonlight that reached the shrouded alley. She was fighting fiercely as she always did. The life in her struggling not to fade and disappear, though like him, she must be exhausted. Her gear was ripped and worn, so unlike her usual elegantly controlled appearance. He could still see the girl he had known, the laughing girl he had grown up with. But now that image was mixed with the awful horror of what the Council had told him. What she had done. Releasing a sob, he kneeled down and gently cradled her head in his lap. Gazing down at her, he felt his eyes begin to overflow. The tears slid down his face and dripped into her matted hair, the dark strands having fanned out across his knees. He had brought her to this. She was lying in this alley because of his mistake. What has she done? he had asked, it is not a question of what she has done, but what she is they had replied. She has been cast out, and is welcome here no longer. Go. And he had left tried to forget about her. But now she was dying. The hypnotic rise and fall of her chest was slowing, and with each breath his pain seemed to grow. Suddenly she grew limp in his arms. Her hands dropped to the floor, revealing the wound that had killed her. It was no longer bleeding. She was dead. She was dead and it was as if her wound had been transferred to his heart, because he felt he would never stop bleeding. He would live like a shadow, without her warm touch to bring back the colours, the magic, the warmth. If someone could look into his soul they would see that on that warm peaceful night, a part of him had died. Died as the girl he held in his arms had stopped breathing. He would live forever, but he would never stop bleeding.

Chapter One Vampires are real! Vampires are real! Sophie glanced across the street to the drunk yelling like the end of the world was coming. Rose saw her friends eyebrows rise and knew what was coming. With a sigh she turned to look just as Soph yelled go home asshole! Dont ruin everyone elses night! Rose glanced, impressed, at her friend. That was harsh no? He deserved it Soph replied. It was always like this. Flamboyant, imperious, beautiful Soph. Where everyone else seemed constricted by self-consciousness or rules or propriety, Soph shone apart. Unfortunately, this also meant she had no filter. She insulted everyone and everything. Sighing Rose looked across the street to apologise as she usually did, and stared. The young man across the street was beautiful. Rose could think of no other - well actually, striking, or perfect, or angelic, were all words that described him well. He was the embodiment of the dark protagonists she fell in love with in books. He had dark curling hair, large sexy eyes, and a mischievous smile that promised fun so forbidden Rose blushed without knowing why. Realising her mouth was probably hanging open, she quickly blinked and looked away. Way to go Rose, as if you didnt look like enough of a dork already. Unable to help herself, she glanced surreptitiously back up from where her fingers were fiddling nervously with her messenger bag. He was standing across from them outside a nightclub that looked disgustingly neon. He was clad all in black, sporting a leather jacket and black jeans that rode low on his hips. Noticing the two girls staring at him, he smirked and stretched, revealing a peek of the washboard abs he obviously thought were irresistible to girls. Gazing at him in shock, Rose suddenly snapped out of it. What the hell was she doing? And had she really thought the word sexy? Ugh, she could practically feel him smirking at her lack of control. He was delusional if he thought his trick with the abs would work. Hmm he may be insane, but he is so hot Sophie murmured. Or not. He may be hot, but she had read enough books to know that guys like him would only hurt girls like her. In fact, who was she kidding? Boys like that never went for girls like her anyway. They went for girls like Soph. Looking sideways at her friend, she felt a sudden irrational flash of jealousy. The feeling vanished just as quickly. Disgusted with herself, she hadnt even met the guy and she was jealous? she turned away and looked at her watch. She and Soph were meant to be meeting Will here. He was late, as usual. Standing on tiptoes she really hated being short she began searching impatiently for him in the crowd that was streaming past. It was dark, but in the middle of the city it hardly mattered. The neon flashes and strobe lights turning the street into a pulsing club made it impossible to see clearly through the footpaths crowded with people. She saw a guy dressed completely in rainbowcoloured clothes, and further down a girl in nothing but underwear. Definitely not Will. Giggling at the thought of Will in either a bra or dressed up like a human rainbow, she twisted and looked the opposite way. Unless Will was the slim guy in a sparkly headband and glitter-spiked hair - nada. Giving up, she started to dig in her purse for her phone. Seeing it she reached in but fumbled and dropped her bag. Crap. If there was a dirtier street in New York City, she had yet to find it. Bending down to pick it up, she realised it wasnt there anymore. SOPH! My ba Oh. Standing in front of her was the guy from across the street. You dropped your bag he grinned arrogantly. Raising an eyebrow at Soph in silent laughter she had attracted yet another male she turned back and accepted her bag back stiffly. Looking at him more closely, she noticed he seemed feverish and sweaty. He was definitely drunk. Somehow, it made him look even hotter. Stop Rose, she scolded herself. She was not one of those silly girls that fainted at the sight of guys like him. Confident in this new mantra, she replied sarcastically, Oh thanks so much for your help. I dont think I couldve bent all the way down to pick it up myself. With that she turned her back the sooner he and Soph finished flirting, the better - and began searching for Will again. Where was he? The guy in the sparkly headband turned around as her eyes passed over him. Catching a purple sparkle in the corner of

her eyes she looked back. Wait, were those fangs? Before she could look too closely she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned in surprise. He was looking at her appraisingly, in a way that made her straighten her shoulders and glare. The Mortal Instruments? Arent you a little old for that? he asked smirking. She gaped at him in surprise he was talking to her not Soph? - then flushed as she realised he had seen the teen fiction book in her bag. Thats ironic seeing as you were the one shouting vampires are real she returned scathingly. Infuriatingly, this seemed only to amuse him further. Vampires are real babe, just not in the way youd imagine, and trust me, youll know soon enough. Confused, she drew breath to reply, but then a scary expression crossed his face. The breath whooshed out of her as if hed winded her. Scowling at something over her shoulder he turned to go. Wait whats your name? she called - mentally berating herself when her mind caught up with the words. Turning, he smiled at her, Sebastian. But you can call me Seb. Yo! Suddenly she was being pulled into a one-armed hug, and by the time she freed herself she had lost sight of Seb. Shrugging she turned to her friends Will smiling innocently while Soph straightened her hair with a glare. What the hell Will! You messed up my hair, and scared away Roses hot admirer as well. Admirer? Will looked blankly at Rose, suddenly serious. You have an admirer?? he demanded. No! Though thanks for the vote of confidence she glared, he was just over there. Twisting to wave her hand in the general direction Seb had gone, she caught a flash of movement ahead and to her right. Seb was being supported by two policemen - while continuing to yell that vampires were real she noted in amusement. The men dragging him seemed blurry around the edges, and as they turned down a side alley one looked up at her, as if sensing her gaze. Frowning, he gestured his middle finger at her and dragged Seb out of sight. Rude for a police officer she thought frowning, and just for a moment she thought shed seen Rose? Rose. Sorry, what? she turned back to Will. Nothing, said Soph, Will was just declaring his love for you and his jealousy over not being as hot as the god you were speaking with. Rose rolled her eyes and smiled at Will. Surprisingly he was turning red and crossing his arms over his chest. Whatever, he probably dropped out of school and sells drugs for a living. Registering their looks of shock he seemed to shake out of it and grinned, I bet he cant make it past the first level of World of Warcraft either. The surprised look melted off the girls faces. Maybe because hes not a geek like you Soph murmured under her breath, Huh? Nothing! she smiled brightly, Lets go party! Linking her arms through their arms Rose laughing and Will grumbling that linking arms was not manly she began to drag them towards the club. I love when its my night to choose! Groaning they followed her into the club. BREAK Last night was so fun! Did you see the guy I was dancing with? How could we not grumbled Will, he was all over you like a vine. Are you sure he wasnt a psychopath trying to strangle you? Soph growled a response, but Rose wasnt really listening. They were in their usual hangout at their theatre. They had been going to this place since they were children for theatre group, and now John usually let them come whenever they wanted to. It was an old, ethereal building supposedly built so long ago no-one remembered who had first owned it. Whenever she walked up the wide, sweeping front steps, Rose couldnt help but feel that it was somehow more than it seemed - important even. The front faade rose into steeples like a grand church, and when you were inside smelling the musty air you could practically feel the years draped over you.

They were inside now, in the gorgeous red velvet seats just before the stage. Will was taking up about three or four as usual, his arms stretched across the backs like he owned everything. He probably thought he did too. Did you hear about Molly? Apparently shes trying out for my lead role Soph was saying scathingly, Ill slap her if she even comes near my dressing room. At least her head can get through the door! Shes just as good an actor as you, Soph, but unlike you she doesnt have the ugliest attitude Ive ever seen As if you could ever tell whether an actor truly perfects their art! Youre dont even get on the stage, youre just crew. She said the word like a malediction. Now if youll excuse me, Im going to go practice my lines! She flounced off, letting her seat slam back into its folded position. Will looked thunderous, Rose sighed and was about to comfort him when she felt someone behind her. Always with a flair for the dramatic said John dryly, I suppose I cant blame her, seeing as Im her drama teacher. John was a man in his twenties, but he acted older than he looked. His students had often asked him why he bothered teaching drama with grumpy kids, seeing as he was handsome, young and talented. He had always laughed and said he appreciated the challenge. Now he was standing just in front of the rows of chairs, partly in shadow due to the stage rising to just above his head. As they came towards them, Rose felt a quick flutter in her chest. He wasnt alone, treading quietly behind their teacher was Leo. He was dressed as he usually was, in black leather jacket and black jeans. Not - Rose couldnt help noticing - unlike how Seb had been dressed. But Leo had lighter brown hair that fell casually across his deep grey eyes, and he always seemed so contained and gentle. He had small dimples and angular cheekbones, an unlikely combination, but it worked. A smile always seemed to be tugging at the corner of his mouth, and she loved it when she was the one to pull it out. At the moment he was looking with barely masked distaste at Will. Glancing away from Will, he caught her eye and his mouth curved into a smile. Damn. She flushed and looked at John. I like youre jacket! Will was telling their teacher, making John tug it self-consciously around himself. It was a brown leather bomber jacket Soph would probably say it looked like a dead animal was draped across his shoulders. Rose liked it. Peering closer something seemed to shimmer just before her eyes. Was that a pattern of symbols etched into the jacket? John abruptly took a step back and ran his fingers through his hair. His gold ring flashed in the dim lighting and an image of shimmering ball gowns and gold spyglasses flashed through her mind. Weird. Meanwhile John was talking hurriedly. -just wanted to make sure you knew that practice auditions are this Saturday, Will. I cant thank you enough for agreeing to help with the backstage work, you know we need the extra actors but its such a struggle having to organise the auditions. Hey no problem man, Id do anything to help this theatre you know how special it is to me. Rose looked at him curiously, was Will being sincere? That was an abnormality in itself. John and Leo turned to go, Leo flashing a shy smile in Roses direction. She smiled back, then turned to Will. Right, has enough time passed for us to go after Soph yet? Finished glaring after Leos retreating back Rose still didnt know why they didnt like each other Will turned to her and sighed theatrically. If we must he declared, flouncing off in a perfect imitation of Soph. Laughing - he had included the chair slam as well - Rose followed him to the dressing rooms. BREAK Dad! Dad Im home! Rose called into the house. An answering shout came from somewhere round the back of the house.

She forgets her bag. Sees side door open weird? See Seb, drawing runes on wooden handrails thinks hes grafitying, but then the words call to her.

Details: Or maybe magic different sorts, go to different guilds(?) and she has a lot of them?? The city is in the sky, but most of faith (faeries) live in the human world. The Council resides here, takes many forms, but mostly they are God. The big secret is that God doesnt exist (or does he?) the Council is God, the Dei Consentes. From the beginning of Western Civilisation the Council have presided over humanity and those who are not humans. The city is corporeal, and uses the strength of dimortales an extremely powerful race that once ruled as angels and which humans thought of as God, to power their city and their magic because they have no magic of their own, this power has been lost to them. There are several races: Dwarfs throw he wildest parties (Hartufidulagina just Hart at high school where Alex goes). Very short short jokes piss them off. Hart helps them maybe by throwing a party? Pixie-like creatures very mischevious. Morph into human shapes, but are spindly, black, small wings, pointed ears, forked tail, little horns (I guess if theyre the angels, then were whats supposed to be the devils.) Swarm of black reaching up up.. then coming crashing down on the city, the sky ringing with terrifying bloodthirsty shrieks of glee. Tom is one such creature and befriends Ally, apparently theyre actually slaves to the higher ups the humans. Their home dimension was destroyed, and they are treated cruelly. Will rise up against the goodies. The Council those in power. Live for a very long time. The fellowship - defenders, no girls (no law but..), train to fight from a very young age and hunt out miscreants those who are cursed as they do not abide by the law. Dress all in black, weapons are made themselves. They are the guardians of the city, they defend the future. The convetiss these use words, runes, scribes. They heal and work magic. Rose is main character. She is the key because she has the blood of dimortales in her. She loves books, but doesnt have a way with words the way her favourite characters do. But is also kickass at kung fu. (Ally when reading, Alex when kung fu). Rose is the apologising sort (like to man across street). Not just the Sky (god) mother Earth, the monsters come from mother earth. It was as if the earth had torn open and hell was pouring through. Motorbikes Will used motorbikes to fly around. ordins are at least useful for something he yelled gleefully, soaring through the fireworks as they lit up the sky around them. Ally felt anger grow, grow. Her hair began to flame. She is of the earth, but is also of the heavens (fire, earth, water magic, runes, flying, fighting). Too much power. She wasnt designed to hold this, thats why she was hidden away. (Maybe when freeing dead race she gets blood mixed with hers, and she grows stronger.) Has asthma? Garden everything is edible. ? Lol Alexs normal life she lives by herself? Goes to high school. Has a girl best friend, and a guy best friend. Has to get a job. Has an awful ex boyfriend (villain). Falls in love with Will hes actually the head fighter? (find a way for their romance to be complicated.) Little Boy (nigel ie nige) always getting in trouble, pick pocketing Wills little brother? Turns into (vampire?) and becomes beautiful, strong (best friend- wow, hun, you look different. Different good or different bad? Different good she replied grinning.) When she turns 17 (magic number except not magic) which is why Seb says shell know soon enough.

Character swap? Simonish person awkward, not too handsome, swap with jaceish character. Doors? (creating doors?) Definitely love triangle maybe Seb is a dark character, drawn to her but maybe she hurts him (maybe he has bad blood, curse?, anything that can be made better). Maybe Earth Mother blood in his veins. Animals (a sort of talking animal maybe she allows him to talk using magic). Best friends Soph (tall beautiful), and gawky friend (Will) they hate each other. They all go to a theatre group, Will maybe works more on crew though (maybe hes good with lights/inventing things?) Maybe theatre is safe because the wooden handrails are old and made of ash(?), and when asked will morph into a weapon for (the warriors?). Maybe Rose loves the theatre, but Soph is always chosen for the lead roles. His grin like an unsheathed knife. You make a bet against mother nature, you lose. Have a little faith. Fairy bodyguard (detachable wings, shrinking isnt a myth, and they use it to get answers to the test at school. Rose a bit horrified.) Reason shes being involved? Seb passed something onto her without her knowing it (magic? Object?). She doesnt realise and theres a scene where she gets really angry with Seb when she finds out. He ends up kissing her.)