Disclaimer: SOME of the dialogue in this chapter, all characters (but Grace and Philip), the main story line and settings belong to the magnificent Cassie Clare. Grace, Philip and my own story plot belong to me. The Infernal Devices do not belong to me.

A/N: Hi guys! So, this prologue is set a few days after Cecily turns up at the Institute then chapter 1 will be set later on (basically when Clockwork Princess starts). Thank you so much for carrying on reading! Enjoy!

Oh, and the lyrics below are from of one of my favourite songs. Basically, I think it sums up the Infernal Devices perfectly. I saw a fan made trailer with this song as the backing track and it was amazing (but unfortunately it has been taken down.) So yeah, give it a listen if you want.

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'And I've lost who I am, and I can't understand
Why my heart is so broken, rejecting your love
Without, love gone wrong, lifeless words carry on
But I know, all I know, is that the end's beginning

Who I am from the start, take me home to my heart
Let me go and I will run, I will not be silent
All this time spent in vain, wasted years, wasted gain
All is lost, hope remains, and this war's not over
There's a light, there's the sun, taking all shattered ones
To the place we belong, and his love will conquer all.'

- Shattered, Trading Yesterday

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-*-*-*-*- Philip -*-*-*-*-

Philip lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling and trying not to move too much. After the Silent Brothers had stripped his marks, he had woken up here, cold and shivering and in a considerable amount of pain, having no idea how he got here or why.

Where here was, it took him a while to figure out. It was a small apartment, just a five minute walk away from the docks. It wasn't what he'd call luxurious, or anything like his bedroom at the Institute, but it was comfortable enough. But waking up on that first night in the cold and dark was terrifying. Not to mention that he had just had his Marks stripped off, so he couldn't move an inch without crying out in pain.

But how he got to this apartment, he had no idea. The only thing that gave him any clue was a small note in small, scrawled handwriting, left on an old, rickety, wooden table:

This was the best I could do for you. Find work, start over, keep your head down. It'll get easier soon. I'm sorry.

Philip was pretty sure it was Grace who made sure he had somewhere to go, and Grace who left the note. He was grateful to her. Most Shadowhunters who were exiled struggled to live. He was lucky, and he knew that.

But it sounded an awful lot like she was saying goodbye. Philip didn't think he could handle not seeing her, not after their hurried kiss in the Silent City. He needed her, more than he knew. The weeks after he betrayed her were torture. Knowing that he was the reason she almost died almost killed him. But at least she forgave him, not that he knew where that left them.

There was a soft knock on the door suddenly. He didn't want to get up from his position but he struggled up, his skin on fire and groaning at the effort. He hobbled over to the door, leaning on the wall. He opened the door and there stood Grace.

"Err-" Philip started before becoming extremely conscious that he was shirtless in front of her. He watched as her gaze briefly examined his damaged body before returning to his face, reaching his eyes. For a moment, Philip could think of nothing else but how beautiful she looked, even with the dark smudges under her eyes and her pale skin.

She hadn't been sleeping, that was obvious. It wasn't unusual for her not to sleep, but right now she looked more exhausted than he had ever seen her.

"Grace," he said, his voice cracking slightly. She bit her lip, pushing past him and into the apartment. Philip shut the door quietly and sat on the edge of the bed, wincing as he leant forward.

"I'm sorry for just barging in here," Grace said, still standing in the middle of the room, her arms around her.

"You're always welcome here," Philip said without hesitation. "After all, I'm pretty sure you brought this for me with your own money, so technically it's yours." Grace didn't answer but the way she avoided his gaze confirmed his suspicions.

"I wanted to give you some time first," she said. "That's why I didn't come straight away. I know how...traumatic it was." 

"I'm getting there," Philip said but silently all he wanted to do was wrap his arms around Grace and never let go. Protect her. It was all he ever wanted to do. But that somehow got twisted by Mortmain. But it didn't matter now, he was free from that. But in his mind, he was still doubting if Grace really had forgiven him.

"Is something wrong?" Philip asked her. Her dark gaze met his.

"I need your help," she said. "And Jem can't know. Neither can Will. In fact, I was rather hoping that you could just keep this between you and me." Philip nodded.

"Of course," he said. "What's the matter?"

"I think something is happening to me," Grace said, her hands closing into fists at her sides. She wasn't looking Philip directly in the eye. "Ever since I woke up from Yanluo's illusion, something's been different. And strange things are happening, things that I shouldn't be able to do."

"What kind of things?" Philip asked. He stood up painfully but made his way towards her, holding her in the loose circle of his arms. It felt awkward but right at the same time. The fact that Grace stood rigid didn't help, but she soon relaxed into him, sliding her arms around his waist, allowing him to keep her steady. Philip shivered at her touch, something that hurt but also gave him pleasure.

"Am I hurting you?" She murmured. Philip shook his head.

"No," he said. "What kind of things are you talking about?"

"Like melting through the solid metal arm of a thirty foot automaton with my bare hands," she whispered. "Like burning Nathaniel the moment he touched my skin. I shouldn't be able to do that. I- I'm scared, Philip. I'm scared that I'm turning into it , that after all these years it's finally going to fight free." Philip kissed the top of her head.

"Grace-"

"Please, don't tell me it's all in my head," she said. "Jem told me it was just Yanluo's final outburst. But I don't think it is. I know it is something else. I need you to help me." Philip looked into her eyes and saw how scared she was. Not for herself, of course. His Grace was far too brave and strong for that. She was scared for the people she would hurt if the beast ever got out.

"I'm going to help you," he said. "In anyway I can. I promise you." He still had some contacts in the Shadow world that knew of things that normal Downworlders didn't. Grace couldn't find out for herself because the Clave were watching her every move, waiting for her to make a mistake.

"Thank you, Philip," Grace said. Philip's heart was slamming hatd against his ribs. He wanted nothing more than to be with Grace right now. He pulled her more tightly against him and titled her head up. Just as he leaned in to kiss her, she backed away to the door, turning away so he could see her face.

"I should get back," she said, her voice hardening. "Will needs me right now."

"Grace-" I need you right now.

"Is there anything you need?" she asked sharply. He opened his mouth to say he needed her but then stopped himself. There was obviously something else going on with Grace that he didn't understand yet. But he would find out. For her sake, he hoped he would.

"No," he said. "I'm fine." She nodded and trudged out of the apartment, leaving Philip wondering what he said.

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And that is the start of Clockwork Princess for you!!! I hoped you liked it. It took me a long while to write this so I hope it was all okay and sheds some light on Philip's situation.

Vote and comment as always!

Love y'all, stay tuned!

CricketCat