Read Online Nothing But Shadows by Cassandra Clare - Free Book Online Page B

as usual: “You Shadowhunters never do.”
    Christopher and Thomas visited. Christopher brought a fruit basket, under the mistaken impression that James was in the infirmary because he was unwell. Thomas apologized for Christopher several times.
    James did not see Matthew, however, until his father arrived. Father did not come on a mission to charm the dean. His face was grim as he escorted James through the shining gray walls of the Academy, under the flaming colors of the stained-glass angel, for the last time. He stalked down stairs and through halls as if defying someone to insult James.
    James knew nobody ever would, not in front of Father. They would whisper behind his back, whisper in James’s ear, his whole life long.
    â€œYou should have told us, Jamie,” said Father. “But Jem explained to us why you did not.”
    â€œHow is Mother?” James whispered.
    â€œShe cried when Jem told her, and said you were her sweet boy,” said Father. “I believe she may be planning to strangle you and then bake you a cake afterward.”
    â€œI like cake,” James said at last.
    All that suffering, all that nobly trying to spare her, and for what? James thought, as he walked out the door of the Academy. He had saved her only a month or two of pain. He hoped that did not mean he was a failure: He hoped Uncle Jem would still think it was worthwhile.
    He saw Matthew standing in the courtyard, hands in his pockets, and brightened up. Matthew had come to say good-bye, after all. It did feel worthwhile to have stayed, after all, to have made a friend like this.
    â€œAre you expelled?” Matthew asked, which James thought was slightly obtuse.
    â€œYes?” he said, indicating his father and his trunk.
    â€œI thought you were,” said Matthew, nodding vigorously so his much-brushed hair went tumbling every which way. “So I had to act. But I wanted to make absolutely certain. You see, James, the thing is—”
    â€œIsn’t that Alastair Carstairs?” asked Father, perking up.
    Alastair did not meet James’s eyes as he slunk toward him. He definitely did not respond to Father’s beaming smile. He seemed very interested in the flagstones of the courtyard.
    â€œI just wanted to say . . . sorry for everything,” he mumbled. “Good luck.”
    â€œOh,” said James. “Thanks.”
    â€œNo hard feelings, old sport,” said Matthew. “As a bit of a jolly prank, I put all your belongings in the south wing. I don’t know why I did that! Boyish high spirits, I suppose.”
    â€œYou did what ?” Alastair gave Matthew a harried look, and departed at speed.
    Matthew turned to James’s father and dramatically clasped his hand.
    â€œOh, Mr. Herondale!” he said. “Please take me with you!”
    â€œIt’s Matthew, isn’t it?” Father asked. He tried to disengage his hand. Matthew clung to it with extreme determination.
    James smiled. He could have told Father about Matthew’s determination.
    â€œYou see,” Matthew proceeded, “I am also expelled from Shadowhunter Academy.”
    â€œYou got expelled?” James asked. “When? Why?”
    â€œIn about four minutes,” Matthew said. “Because I broke my solemn word, and exploded the south wing of the Academy.”
    James and his father both looked at the south wing. It stood, looking as if it would stand for another century.
    â€œI hoped it would not come to this, but it has. I gave Christopher certain materials that I knew he could turn into explosives. I measured them very carefully, I made sure they were slow acting, and I made Thomas swear to bring Christopher away. I have left a note explaining that it was all my fault, but I do not wish to explain this to Mother. Please take me with you to the London Institute, so I can be taught how to be a Shadowhunter with James!”
    â€œCharlotte will cut off my head,”