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Chain of Thorns

Book by Cassandra Clare · 2 quotes · Shadowhunters, Alastair Carstairs, Cordelia Carstairs

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Chain of Thorns Quotes

“I was thinking about my mother. A party like that, with so many of you collected in one place—it might attract her. Draw her here.” Will regarded Jesse thoughtfully. “And then she would do what?” Jesse shook his head. “I don’t know. She is unpredictable, but she certainly hates you all, and she has a special loathing for these Christmas parties—she often spoke to me of having been humiliated at one once, and the Enclave not caring.” Will sighed. “That was me. I read her diary out loud at a Christmas party, long ago. I was twelve. And I was severely punished, so in fact, the Enclave was on her side.” “Ah,” said Jesse. “When I was a child, I thought it was terrible that she had been so often wronged. Later I came to understand that my mother saw everything as a wrong undertaken against her. She collected grievances, as if they were china figures. She liked to take them out and speak about them, examining them over and over for new facets of evil and betrayal. She held them closer to her than she ever held her children.”

“The Herondales had continued the tradition of a ball in late December; in fact, James knew that it was at one of the Institute Christmas parties that his parents had become engaged to be married. “It is odd,” Tessa said. “But the invitations were all sent out at the beginning of the month, before any of the troubles we’ve been having. We thought perhaps guests would cancel, but they haven’t.” “It’s important to the Enclave,” Will said. “And the Angel knows, it’s not a bad thing to keep up morale.” Lucie moved her doubtful look to her father. “Yes, a completely selfless act, holding the party you love more than all other parties.” “My dear daughter, I am offended by your insinuation,” Will said. “Everyone will be looking to the Institute to set the tone and demonstrate that as the chosen warriors of the Angel, the Shadowhunters will carry on, a united front against the forces of Hell. ‘Half a league, half a league, half a league’—” “Will!” Tessa said reproachfully. “What have I said?” Will looked chastened. “No ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ at the table.” Tessa patted his wrist. “That’s right.”