Fighting the forces of darkness is a dangerous job, as clearly evidenced by the latest behind-the-scenes photos from Shadowhunters season 2.

Clary (Katherine McNamara), Jace (Dominic Sherwood), Simon (Alberto Rosende), Alec (Matthew Daddario) and co. will have their hands full thwarting Valentine's insidious plans this winter, and they'll need to activate quite a few healing runes in the process. By episode 3, events of Cassandra Clare's City of Ash will have Ms. Fray sporting a myriad of bumps and bruises.

The young nephilim won’t be the only one spilling a little of her life force, either. The unmistakable vicious pools of red peppered the concert during filming last week, leaving us to wonder if it flows from friend or foe.

Whatever the case, viewers should brace themselves for a pulse-pounding season. Episode 4, in particular, will have newbies and long-time fans alike gaping at the final credits. “204 starts filming Monday. A game changer episode. Your jaw will drop,” Showrunner Todd Slavkin tweeted late last week.

Luckily, viewers won’t have to wait until the new year to catch their first glimpse of season 2. Execs have something special planned for fans that turn up at this year’s New York Comic Con.

“We would be remiss if we didn't bring you all a little treat,” Slavkin teased.

Shadowhunters will return to Freeform in early 2017.

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Tags: shadowhunters television Freeform