Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices Book 3)

by Cassandra Clare

“Today,” he said in a low voice, and coughed. “Collapsing and coughing up blood all over Lightwood House—” “It only improved the look of the place,” said Tessa. “Now you sound like Will.” Jem gave a sleepy smile. “And you’re changing the subject, just like he would.” “Of course I am. As if I would ever think any less of you for being ill; you know that I don’t. And you were quite heroic today. Though Will was saying earlier,” she added, “that heroes all come to bad ends, and he could not imagine why anyone would want to be one anyway.” “Ah.” Jem’s hand squeezed hers briefly, and then let it go. “Well, Will is looking at it from the hero’s viewpoint, isn’t he? But as for the rest of us, it’s an easy answer.” “Is it?” “Of course. Heroes endure because we need them. Not for their own sakes.” “You speak of them as though you were not one.” She reached to brush the hair from his forehead. He leaned into her touch, his eyes closing.