Downworlders lives are at stake as Valentine plans to activate the Soul Sword. Who will survive the mid-season finale and what truths will be revealed? Here are the highlights from tonight’s episode titled, “By the Light of Day.”

Valentine’s Declaration of War 

Valentine takes over the Institute with Simon in tow as bait to lure Clary to him. The less than fatherly figure finds himself growing impatient for his daughter (Clary) to save her vampire boyfriend, and decides she needs some incentive. Valentine does a little facetime with Clary where he than slits Simon’s throat and, let’s face it, Valentine is not winning “father of the year awards” here. But it proves to be the perfect trick to getting Clary to him with Simon’s life on the line.

Clary and Jace know that, through the vision from the Angel, one will be able to destroy the Soul Sword. However, by destroying the Soul Sword they too will perish once activating the sword. Magnus reveals that one that has demon blood is able to destroy the sword,  and that “one” being Jace.

The two decide to go take on Valentine, but not without a plan. Jace uses a glamour to fool Valentine into believing that Clary came to him in order to save Simon. He feeds Simon angelic blood until the vampire has to be pried from “Clary” to stop Simon from draining her dry. That is when Jace de-glamorizes and with the help from Simon they take on Valentine and his men.

They leave an unconscious Valentine to make their way to the Soul Sword, and await word for Luke and the downworlder army to storm the Institute. Jace and Simon halt the plan when they spot Clary being dragged towards the Soul Sword by Valentine. Simon vamps over to stop Clary’s hand from reaching the Soul Sword and injures Valentine in the process. This allows Jace time to grab the Soul Sword in order to destroy the weapon.  However, the sword is activated, and it is revealed that Valentine has lied to Jace all along about having demon blood in him.

Once the Soul Sword is activated, Valentine unleashes its power on the army of downworlders looking to kill him. They are killed by the light and power of the sword. Only Shadowhunters remain and Simon after the attack. The confused vampire realizes the effects of drink Jace’s blood. Not only did it save his life but for the time being, he is immune to the sun.

Lastly, the episode ends with a bit of a cliff hanger leaving a few questions after Valentine is subdued. What was the rune that Clary placed onto the Soul Sword and was that you Sebastian carrying the stolen Soul Sword? Looks like we will have to wait for 2b to find out!

Truths Revealed

During their fist fight for the Soul Sword, Valentine reveals many truths to Jace. One that he was never injected with demon blood. Two that he was never his son.  Jocelyn wasn’t his mother and Clary is not his sister. This truth is a secret that Jace will hold onto in confidence with Alec. I wonder how long Jace will keep the truth from Clary?

Alec, after fearing he had lost Magnus, searches out the Institute for his warlock boyfriend. Finally spotting him just outside he quickly embraces him. You can see the relief in their embrace to find one another. This leads to Alec and Magnus saying those three special words, “I love you.”