Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Leaning against the wall beside Izzy’s bedroom Alec sighed as he picked at the tiny cuts on his knuckles. “Guys, let's go.” he calls out to the open door. He's been waiting for Isabelle and Gabriel to get ready for what felt like hours. He hears clicking against the floor and his sister coming around the door frame.  
She's wearing a white shiny leather crop top with a choker and a matching mini skirt, twirling a white wig in her hand. Alec looks at her as he fits his leather biker gloves onto his hands. 

Walking out behind her was his carbon copy, Gabriel, almost the same in every way except Gabriel was more top heavy with muscles compared to Alec's tall and slim frame. He was shorter by a definite inch; Alec argues that it’s two inches and three minutes younger. The best three minutes of Alec’s life.  

Alec and Gabriel were a special duo, identical twins yes but also Parabatai. They were a close as close can be without being physically fused at the hip much to the annoyance of Izzy and Jace.  

“Hey there, big bro.”  

Alec raises an eyebrow at her outfit, “Really?”  

They fall into each other's step and start walking through the hallway.  

“What can I say. Demons dig blondes, Gabe agrees.”  

Alec subtly smacked the back of Gabriel’s head, “Yea, of course they do.” He points to the wig, “But that's white.”  

Isabelle rolls her eyes, “Platinum.” She turned to Gabriel, “I thought you were going to teach him this stuff?”  

Gabriel huffed as he shrugged, “I’m not a miracle worker.” He gestures to Alec with a smirk, “He’s hopeless.”  

Alec swings his head to look at them both, “I have all the colours I need.”  

They walk around the corner and onto the balcony of the war room. “Black, grey and white are just variations of the same colour.” Isabelle smirks at him and Alec doesn’t respond, knowing a losing battle when he sees one.  

They spot Jace looking at one of the monitors at the side of the room and walk over. “Okay Jace, we're ready.”  

The blonde Shadowhunter turned and smiled at them, “Nice choice Izzy. Demons dig blondes.”  

“Told you.” Gabriel and Izzy say together.  

Alec points to her wig, “It's platinum.” He corrected Jace in a dead panned tone.  

They all look at the monitor, Jace slides his finger over the screen and a map pops up with several locations highlighted.  

“Okay, so for some reason, someone out there is killing mundanes and draining their blood. These are all the spots the mundies were found.”  

“Warlock?” Isabelle asks.   

Alec shakes his head, “The locations don't make up a pentagram.”  

They make their way to the weapons room.  

“I mean, blood? That's vampire territory.” Gabriel continues.   

Izzy sighs and strokes her wig. “There must be something special about the blood.”   

Alec snorts, “What could be special about mundane blood?” There isn't anything special about mundanes. Period.  

Isabelle gave Alec a dirty look, “Give me a sample and I'll tell you exactly what they're looking for.”  

Jace uses his stele to open a secret compartment in the wall that slides out, on shelves are seraph blades and other adamas infused weapons. Jace hands them their seraph blades. Alec grabs the handle of his personal blade. He closes his eyes as he feels his angelic power connect with the blade which comes out of the handle glowing pure white. Alec's own blade is longer than his siblings' blades which comes from his preference for ranged combat. His bow and quiver already glamoured on his back.  

“We'll have more answers when we find out exactly who the demons are working for.” They all tucked away their blades, “So you don't think they're working on their own?” Isabelle asks.  

Jace shakes his head, “No.”  

“Not exactly creative thinkers, shape shifters.” Alec says 'shape shifters' with a hint of disgust in his voice.  

They walk over to another screen and Jace pulls up a picture of an old Chinese man, “This is what our shape shifter looks like.”  

Isabelle moves her head to the side, “For now.”  

Alec looks at the picture and presses print on the screen, “Great. I'll get approval for the mission.” Alec walks over to the printer and lifts the page.  

Jace scoffs as he walks towards him, “Oh come on Alec. By the time you send that message, we'll have killed six demons.”  

Alec turns and glares, “Jace, we’ve been over this. I’m not allowed to authorise missions so we need the Clave to sign off on it.”  

“You should be allowed. You're acting Head of the Institute for Angels sake. The shape-shifter will have changed and we'll have lost our only lead.”  

“Besides it's more fun to break the rules than to follow them.” Isabelle adds, looking at a smirking Jace. “Pretty please big brother.” Isabelle pouts.  

Gabriel holds out his hand, “Hold up guys, Alec’s right and all of us could get in serious trouble from the Clave.”  

Alec gestures to Gabriel, thankful for his brother backing him up, “See?”  

Izzy pouts harder, “It’s just once Alec and we’re saving lives. The Clave would understand how time sensitive it is.”  

Alec groaned internally as he knew Izzy had a point. He glanced over to Gabriel who just shrugged as if to say, ‘ Your call brother.’ Great help. He sighed; he hated being ganged up on. “Fine. But just this once.”  

Isabelle cheers and links arms with Alec. “Okay so we know the demon will be going to Pandemonium tonight, we just need to keep a tail until it gets there.”  

“I'll cover the top as long as I can, Izzy you’re with me and you two can follow on the ground.” Alec orders and Isabelle pouts, “I'm not wearing this outfit not to be seen, you know.”  

Alec smirks, “Tough. Punishment for making me go along with this.”  

They glamour up as they leave the church, “Let's just make this quick and simple. I don't need the Clave looking into this.”  

Isabelle groans, “Alec, stop being such a sourpuss. Just have fun.”  

The four all bump fists with each other before splitting up, they’re own way of saying good luck to each other while on mission.  

They track the shape shifter to a side street in Brooklyn, Gabriel looks at a vegetable stall as he waits for the shape shifter to walk past him. He gives it 5 seconds before he turns his head and slowly begins to follow it. He knows the shifter feels it's being followed and stops at a different stall as it turns around to scan the crowd. Gabriel can see Jace hiding behind a wall of an alleyway.  

Alec and Izzy were looking down at the shifter barely even blinking as they ran, and in Izzy’s case strut, across rooftops, the shifter changed twice before settling on a woman in with long brown hair and a tight purple dress.  

Nothing gives Alec a greater rush than being on a hunt with his siblings.  

They all turned the corner and walked into the smoke that was emerging from the club.  As they're about to enter Alec turns, not seeing Jace he tells Isabelle and Gabriel to go ahead and keep an eye on the shifter before he turns back. He sees Jace talking to a mundane, he cups his hand around his mouth “Jace!”  

Jace turns to look at him and Alec waves his hand mouthing 'let's go'.  

He looks at Jace as he runs over to him, “What was all that?” Jace shakes is head, “I don't know. We'll discuss it later, c'mon.” He pats Alec's shoulder and the walk inside.  

They spot the demon walking through the club and don't have to speak to each other to know what way to split up.  

As Alec moved his way through, he thought about his serious disgust for clubs, the music made his ears hurt, the lights made his eyes hurt and the smell of sweat made his nose hurt. All in all, clubs hurt him. He's just glad that since he's glamoured he doesn't have mundanes looking at him.  

The group had moved their way to the back of the club, the shifter went into the back room behind the curtain and they followed, Alec instantly edged around the room and stands behind a pillar. “Izzy?” Isabelle smiled as she took off the coat she had been wearing and got up onto a table, she ripped off the wig and let her long hair float as she began dancing, the eyes of all the bouncers glowed blue, the same as the shifters and they were all entranced by Isabelle.  

Jace walked over to the shifter and stood behind it.  

“I hear you've been peddling mundane blood.”  

The shifter smirked, “Why? You looking to score?”  

Jace smirked this time, “I'm not.” He spun the shifter around so it faced him, “But you're gonna tell me who is.”  

The shifter narrowed its eyes, “You're outnumbered here.”  

Jace grinned, “Oh, I like our odds.”  

“Last chance.” He pulled out the seraph blades handle and it activated, the glowing white blade sprung out, ready to be used.  

“Watch out!” a ginger mundane girl screamed as she ran over and pushed the shifter out of Jace's way.   

What the h-  

The shifter turned to face them again, its mouth had changed, extra appendages appeared with teeth as it salivated and screeched.  

Jace turned to the girl and pushed her out of the way, “Careful!” he shouted as she skidded across the floor.  

Jace swung his blade in its chest and the shifter exploded into a million pieces of hot ash.  

Isabelle stopped dancing and her snake bracelet moved down her arm and through her hand until her silver whip was formed, she threw it, wrapping it around a demon's neck, electrocuting him.  

Alec spun around the pillar getting the jump on one of the demons, he took out his blade and stabbed it through his back, the ash flew through the air as they all vanquished the demons.  

“Alec!” He turned to Gabriel and with no hesitation threw him his blade, Gabriel caught it easily and stabbed the demon he was struggling with.  

Alec swapped to hand-to-hand combat as he snapped a demon's knee with his boot and punched another in the face. Jumping over a demon that was charging at him, Alec threw his blade and Jace caught it in mid-air and swung down as he vanquished two more demons. With one left Jace and Alec came from each side, swinging the seraph blades they vanquished the last demon.  

Alec quickly recovered and whipped around trying to find the girl, she had run off. He walked over to Jace and shoved his shoulder, “Who the hell was that?!”  

Jace just shrugged, “I don't know but... she could see me.” The siblings' eyes widened.  

“Excuse me?” Alec blinked slowly.  

“She had the sight?!” Isabelle hissed.  

Gabriel shook his head, “That's impossible.”  

Isabelle walked forward, “Whatever it is, we can discuss it back at the institute, we need to go, now.”  
They ran out the back of the room, burst through the emergency exit, and bolted down the street. 

Just as they slammed the door behind them, the curtains to the room were blown open by the owner of the club and High Warlock of Brooklyn, Magnus Bane. He looked around and knew a fight had occurred. It angered him that he didn't know who or why, and it happened right under his nose. Clicking his fingers, he set the room to rights again. With the same dramatics that he entered the room with, he stormed back out to get answers.  

When the group arrived back at the institute, Alec didn't speak to them as they put their weapons back. Alec wasn't just not in a good mood; he was downright pissed.  
“My room. Now.” 
They all went to Alec's room and he slammed the door behind him. He folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall. “Explain.” 

Jace shrugged, “I don't know, we were walking into the club and she turned around and spoke to me for bumping into her. She could see me.”  

Isabelle frowned, “What does that mean?”   

Alec sighed, “It means that this mission just got a lot more complicated.” This is what I get for going on unsanctioned missions.  

His phone beeped, he dug it out of his pocket and looked at it, a frown forming on his face.  

“What is it?” Gabriel walked over to Alec.   

“Ravener demon, Park Slope in Brooklyn. They want us to check it out.”  

“You get text alerts on demons?” Jace tried to lighten the mood and Alec glared at him pointing a finger to Jace, “This isn't over.”  

It was pouring rain by the time they get to Brooklyn. Jace and Gabriel had blades in hand, Isabelle's whip has turned into her staff and Alec has his bow and arrow poised to fire when needed, and all four of them drenched. They did a sweep of the street in formation and are about to split up when they hear a scream coming from an apartment two over. They all break into a sprint, Alec and Gabriel jump on the roof while Jace and Isabelle take the front.  

Gabriel finds a skylight and uses the unlocking rune to open it and the two silently slip inside. Alec puts his bow away and grips the handle of his blade, he feels the Angelic power rush through his arm and into the blade as it glows. They take one room at a time, clearing them out. Gabriel puts his hand up and they hear a scuffle downstairs so they quickly run down the stairs.  

Alec presses his back to the wall and looks around the door frame to see Jace carrying the ginger girl from the club earlier. Alec signals to Gabriel and they turn the corner and Jace has the audacity to just shrug at him. “She's been poisoned. We'll need to take her back to the institute.”  

Alec's eyes widened, “Have you lost your mind? We're already going to be in trouble from the unauthorised mission, and now you want to bring a mundane back to the institute?!”  

Jace shifted the girl in his arms and began to walk out, “She needs healing Alec. I don't think she's as pure a mundane as we thought, she has the sight. She's seen too much already and may have information on what's been happening.”  

Isabelle touches Alec's arm, “You know he's right, Alec. The only way we can heal her is at the Institute.”   

Alec shook his head; I can't believe I'm doing this. He can never say no to Jace. “If she doesn't have anything relevant to give us, she goes. I mean it.” They nod and they all activate their speed runes to run back to the institute.  

When they get back Jace and Isabelle take the girl to the infirmary and Alec breaks off from them with a stern, “Get me when she wakes.” and walks off to his room to cool down.  

Closing the door behind him, he sighed. They were already going to be in trouble and now Jace thought it was a good idea to bring a mundane back to the institute. A mundane! For crying out loud, he didn't think Jace could be so idiotic. If the Clave found out about this he can kiss being the permanent Head of the Institute goodbye.  

Sinking down to his desk, he took out his arrows. Far too pent up to sleep so he may as well re-rune his arrows and he quickly lost himself in his work, trying not to think about Jace's actions towards the girl and trying to block out the headache that was forming.  

Alec stops when he feels a presence behind him.   

“Are you alright?” Gabriel asks.  

Alec sighs, “Fine.”  

Gabriel stands up straighter, “Alec.”  

“Gabe she can’t be here. If we get caught the Clave will remove me as acting Head and mom and dad will think I’m an even bigger disappointment then I already am.”  

Gabriel walks over and crouches in front of his parabatai and puts a hand on his shoulder, “Hey, you know that’s not true. You’re a great Head, dare I say even better than mom and dad. And you’re the furthest thing from a disappointment.”  

“We went on an unsanctioned mission and brought a mundane back to the Institute. If they don’t de-rune me, I’ll be lucky.” He threw the arrow and stele on the desk in frustration, “I have no idea what I’m doing.”  

“Alec, shut up. You’re great at what you do, don’t doubt yourself because I certainly don’t.” He stood up and ruffled Alec’s hair, much to the annoyance, “You know I’d never let them de-rune you. We’ll get this girl out as quick as possible and everything will be fine. Be optimistic for once.” He gently punches Alec’s shoulder and smiles.  

“You be optimistic, I’ll be realistic.” Alec whined.  

“And that’s why we work well together.” He slapped Alec on the back. “Come on, let’s go see what’s happening.”  

Alec got up and pulled his jacket back on. Alec grinned as Gabriel shoved his shoulder as they walked trying to cheer him up. They walked in and saw Isabelle sitting on the bed and the mundane sitting up. Jace was standing at the door waiting for the twins.  

“Has she said anything?” Alec came up and folded his arms.  

“She's confused. I did a check on her, Clary Fray. Lives with her mother above an antique store. Has applied for Art college.”  

“Great. So, she's not special and we can get rid of her before the Clave find out.” They walk up the steps and Alec sees the girl sitting up talking with Isabelle. “She’s leaving here, now.” he says to Isabelle.  

The mundane looked around, “Where is here exactly?”  

Alec just ignored her and looked to Jace. “She's not a mundane, Alec.”  

Gabriel and Alec asked simultaneously, “What is she then?”  

Jace shivered, “Still freaks me out when you guys do that.” Jace pointed back to the girl, “The seraph blade lit up when she touched it at the club and when I drew an Iratze on her it stuck.”  

Shadowhunters don't just appear from nowhere, Jace.  

“A what?!” the girl cried out as she started rubbing different parts of her body.  

Jace sighed, “Isabelle can you...” Isabelle moved and Jace sat down beside the girl, “I'm Jace Wayland.”  

“I'm-”  

“Clary Fray.” Jace interrupted, “Yea we know who you are.”  

“Am I the only one who finds this unusual?” Alec stood with his arms folded.  

“You find everything unusual, Alec.” Jace snapped at him.  

“I have to report this to the Clave.” Alec glared to the side of Jace's head.  

“You know what? Dial it down a notch.” Jace snapped at Alec.  

Isabelle laughed, “He doesn't have a dial. I love you Alec, but you have a switch that's always on.”  

Alec’s expression never changed, “I love you too, but this is just-”  

Jace held up his hand, “You know what? Just give me a minute.” Alec stared him down and didn't move.  

“Here's a word you thought you'd never hear me say. Please?” he gestured to the door.  

Something in Alec snapped, “What is with you?” He turned to Gabriel, “No really, what is with him?” Isabelle got up and grabbed his arm, “Walk with me, big brother.”  

Isabelle led him out of the infirmary with Gabriel in tow, not wanting to be the third wheel, “I'll explain it to you.”  

Alec sighed in frustration, “We don't know this girl. There's no such thing as new Shadowhunters.”  

“Well, there is now.”  

Alec stopped and turned to her, “No, Izzy. That’s not how this works. Shadowhunters don’t just pop out of the ground like daisies. You seriously don't find that strange? At all?”  

“What I find strange, is that you're so upset. Maybe, you're just upset with the way Jace is looking at her.” Izzy accused him.  

“Izzy.” Gabriel warned, this was going to end up going a step too far and Gabriel will have to stop the cat fight that will ensue.  

Something flared up in Alec as he stood up straighter to tower over them both, “Maybe I'm pissed that she ruined the mission. We never found out who was buying the blood. Now we have no lead and a possible security risk in the Institute. As acting Head it's my job to figure this out, not to have Jace get distracted by some mundane girl.” He looked to the infirmary and shook his head before walking to his office.  

He practically fell into his chair at the desk and began looking through the patrol teams he had listed for the next week. He was halfway through when an alert came through on the tablet, he clicked on it and the security feed from outside the Institute came up. “What the-” Two mundane police were banging on the door. That's no problem for Alec, he knows the wards are strong enough to send them away soon enough. The question is, why are they knocking on the door? A bad feeling rushed over him and he got out of his chair and walked back into the war room, looking over he saw the backs of Gabriel, Jace, Isabelle, the mundane and... “Oh, you've got to be kidding.”  

He saw Gabriel point to the new comer, “Alec, is not gonna like this.”  

He stormed across the room to the group, “What is going on here?” he looked the new mundane up and down, the glasses just screamed nerd in his mind. “Why is there another mundane in the Institute.”  

The new mundane gasped and pointed between Gabriel and Alec, “Woah, are you guys twins?”  

“No.” they both replied back at the same time. One of their favourite jokes to pull on anyone who asks such a stupid question.  

“Circle member followed him to get to Clary.” Jace explained casually as if he was describing the weather.  

“Circle members? At the Institute?” Alec was trying to piece this all together without exploding. No one thought to let him know that Circle members were outside the Institute?  

The ginger mundane, sorry, Clary, turned to him, “He had a circle on his neck just like the guys who took my mother.”  

“What exactly is a circle member, and why are they trying to kill us?” the new mundane asked.  

“All we know is that a long time ago the Circle led a revolt, a lot of Shadowhunters got killed, including my father.”  

“And since the revolt, we've been forbidden to talk or hear about the Circle.” Alec added, giving Jace the 'shut up' look.  

“But how is that even possible? It's your history.” Alec rolled his eyes.  

“Coming from the girl who didn't know she was a Shadowhunter?” Jace retorted.  

Alec's headache was coming in full force so he tunes them out and rubs his temples as he moves over to a different screen and pulls up the cameras around the parameter of the Institute, looking around as the two mundanes left. “You want to tell me what’s going on?” He asked as Gabriel came to stand beside him, Alec continued to face the screen and Gabriel faced the group behind Alec, “I’m not sure, Jace left with the new girl and came back in with the new guy. Jace told me a circle member followed our new mundane friend here to the Institute and Jace thought it would be a good idea to bring them inside.”  

Alec huffed a laugh and shook his head, “It’s like he’s doing this on purpose.”  

Gabriel leaned back from his brother, “You’re scary when you laugh at unfunny things, stop that.”  

Alec scoffed and dropped his expression back to his usual frown.  

Gabriel smiled, “Hey, there he is.”  

“Please excuse my brothers lack of manners.” Izzy gestured towards them loudly, “This is Alec and that’s Gabriel.” She holds her hand out to the mundane, “I'm Isabelle.”  

A burst of heat flew past his face and on instinct grabs the paper out of the air, he scans over it quickly, it's a fire message from the Conclave. They want to speak with Alec. Immediately.  

Shit.  

“What is it?” Gabriel gestures to the note.  

“Responsibility.” Alec held up the note which flared and was reduced to ash. “Keep an eye on them.” Alec gestures to Jace and Clary before he makes his way to the meeting room, knocking the door.  

“Enter.”  

He opens the door and walks into the middle of the room.  

There are five members sitting at a large table, one stands and points to the empty chair, “Have a seat, Mr Lightwood.”  

They don't waste any time, looking down their noses at him, “It has come to our attention that you have been going on unauthorised missions? Would you care to explain your actions, Mr Lightwood?”  

“We had no time to get authorisation for the mission, by the time we would have the lead on the shape-shifting demon would've been lost.”  

“Yet you lost your lead anyway, Mr Lightwood.”  

Alec stayed calm and sat up a little straighter, “The mission was not a success due to the unexpected arrival of... a new Shadowhunter. Clary Fray. There had been... complications.”  

The group whispered among themselves.  

“The arrival of this Clary Fray is by no coincidence. The neighbourhood that we sent you to was the house of Jocelyn Fairchild, her mother. Who we believe has been taken by the Valentine and the Circle.”  

Alec nods.  

“We will have the Seelie's search for Valentine. In the meantime, Clary Fairchild does not leave the premises and there will be no more unsanctioned missions. You are only the acting Head of this Institute. If you ever make it to being the Head then you can sanction all the missions you want but right now you go through the proper channels. Do we make ourselves clear, Mr Lightwood?”  

Alec nodded, “Yes.”  

“We've given you an opportunity Mr Lightwood. We would advise you not to mess it up. Dismissed.”  

He leaves the room and makes his way back to the war room, rubbing his eyes in frustration. He sees Hodge in the training room but no sign of the others, he walks up and looks around. “Hey, Hodge, where's Jace?”   

Hodge smiles, “Ah, Alec. They're just gearing up for a mission.” Alec's face fell. “What?” Hodge points to the weapons room and he sees the group looking at the weapons cache.  

“Excuse me.” He storms out of the training room and quickly walks across the war room and up the steps.  

“Whatever it is. I don't care. I will not approve this mission.” he gets closer to the group, “I spoke with the Conclave, they're sending Seelie scouts to search for Valentine but they made it clear,” he points to Clary, “the little girl does not leave the premises.”  

“Hey! My name is not little girl, okay?” She glares at Alec who just raises an eyebrow.  

“I don't care what that Clave thing or you want. I'm going to find Dot.”  

Who the f-  

“Alec,” he completely turns away from the girl and looks at Jace, “This Warlock, Dot, may have the answers we need. She may have taken Clary's memories about the Shadow World.” Jace whispers, “And the Mortal Cup.”   

Alec's eyes widen, “Are you joking? Because that's not funny, Jace.”  

“This is why we need the warlock; Clary's mother may have told her where she hid the Cup and with Valentine's people looking for Clary, she's not safe outside alone.”  

“Exactly. Which is why she stays here and I'll tell the Clave she's a warlock of interest and we need to bring her in.”  

Alec placed his hands on his hips, “Do you not hear me when I speak?”  

“We don't have the time, Alec. Not with the Cup at stake.” Jace hissed.  

“Alec.” Isabelle says softly, “Jace has a point.”  

He turns his glare to her, “Et tu Izzy?” She couldn't even look him in the eye.  

“The girl is not leading us on a wild goose chase. Especially when the Clave is breathing down my neck. No. More. Unsanctioned. Missions. Do I make myself clear?”  

The ginger girl gasped and everyone turned to look at her. Her eyes had glazed over and she was touching her necklace.  

Jace shuffled forward, “What is it?”  

She exhaled as her eyes came back into focus, “Weirdly, I know where Dot is.”  

Jace looked up, “See, Alec. She knows where Dot is. No longer a wild goose chase. We'll be in and out in no time.”  

“Look what happened last time you said that.” Alec glared at Jace.  

“We’re going. With or without you.” Clary glared.  

Alec was furious and shook his head as he grabbed his bow and stormed out of the room. Continuously telling himself that it’s wrong to bitch-slap a girl.

They climbed into the mundane van and Alec sat with his bow in his hand, occasionally plucking the string. Between the mundanes non-stop blathering, the girl's constant worrying, Jace fawning over her and Isabelle... just being Isabelle. Gabriel and him sat quietly at the back.  

They arrive at the club and Clary immediately jumps out of the van and, with no regards to anyone's safety, runs out in front.  Alec and Isabelle take up the rear as they approach the entrance to Pandemonium.  

Alec looks up to the rooftops to ensure they're not being followed.  

As they walk into the empty club, which is suspicious in it's own right. Clary goes into hysterics, screaming for this Warlock and running ahead with the other mundane. The four Shadowhunters walk through the club, looking for any danger that may appear.  

Clary spins around seeing no sign of this Dot, “No, no, no, she was just trying to help me.” Her voice was breaking, “And now she's gone.”  

Alec's eyes do a sweep of the room, “It's not safe here. We're too exposed. We have to go back to the institute. Right now.”  

Clary turned to him, “So what? Valentine has my mum and Dot and we're just going to give up? What about my memories? They can't just be gone.”  

Jace shrugs, “There is another option.”  

Alec, Gabriel and Isabelle reply at the same time, following Jace's thoughts.  

“Absolutely not.”  
“Don't even.” 

“No way.”  

Jace shook his head, “I'm not afraid of the Silent Brothers.”  

Clary steps forward, “Who are the Silent Brothers?”  

“None of your concern. Let's go.” Alec snapped.  

Jace just seems to ignore him, “They're Shadowhunters with phenomenal powers.”  

“They have the ability to recover memories.” Isabelle adds.  

“Yeah. And the process can also kill you. So there's that.” Alec said nonchalantly.  

The mundane points to Alec, “You know, your bedside manner is abysmal.”  

Alec looks at the mundane blankly again, not even bothering to respond he turns to Jace.  

“We've broken at least 18 Clave rules. You told me, a quick in and out and now you want to go to the City of Bones? There's no way. I won't allow it. This stops here, Jace.”  

Jace stares at him, “This isn't our choice to make. This is Clary's decision.”  

Gabriel stepped up, “No. This is Alec’s decision, as Head of the Institute we listen to him.”  

Isabelle frowns, “You can't ask her to do this. She doesn't know what she's facing.” Her voice gets lower as she adds, “She's not prepared.”  

“If anyone has any other suggestions on how to regain my memories and still get the answers we need, I'm all ears.”  

No one responded.  

“That settles it.”  

Jace smiled, “See? I told you she was one of us.” He slapped Alec on the chest as he turned to walk out of the club. Clary's face is smug as she looks at Alec as she passes and if looks could kill Clary would be dead on the floor.  

They get back into the cramped van and Alec thinks he might explode this time. They've broken so many rules, the Clave told him to keep the girl on the premises, that didn't happen, they've gone on another mission with no authorisation, which the Clave told him not to do and now they're on their way to the City of Bones with another mundane that is going to drive Alec crazy if he opens his mouth one. More. Time.  

Alec just knows he can kiss being Head of the Institute goodbye, because after this, he'll be lucky to even be allowed to go on patrols. Best case scenario ichor duty for life, worst case scenario de-runed.  

The drive, thank Raziel, passes quickly and soon they are getting out in a clearing underneath a bridge, metal trash cans light the way with fire up the hill.  

He hears Isabelle and the mundane talking and internally sighs, “Lets check it out.” He says to his siblings and walks forward away from the other two.  

The three follow behind, he looks back at the two by the van and turns to Jace, “If something goes wrong, if anything happens to her, or him. That's on us , you know that don't you?” This is Alec's way of saying, 'You go down and you'll bring us all down with you.'  

“Yea and you know exactly what will happen if Valentine gets the Mortal Cup before we do. She's lost everything Alec. I know what that feels like.”  

Alec looks at her and cant help the burning rage that ignites in his stomach.  

“What's your problem with her anyway? Your family used to welcome strays.”  

Alec looks Jace in the eye, “You were never a stray.” he states, his voice serious.  

“Look, nothing has changed, we're still in this fight together. There's just... one more of us.”  

One person too many. Alec thinks.  

They call over the others and walk back up to the entrance of the City of Bones. Clary stops and needs some time to bring herself to do it.  

When the mundane takes a step forward Jace pushes him back. “Ahhhh, hold up.”  

“Oh surprise surprise, no mundanes allowed. Just like in the training room right? Wrong! I've seen every horror movie ever made and the funny best friend who gets left behind....dead man.”  

Alec is about to take one of his arrows and put it through his own skull just to end the misery.  

“The minute you enter, you will die.”  

“See, the problem is, now I don't trust you.” the mundane states.  

Alec walks forward, “He's not lying.”  

Isabelle smiles, “Now. He was before.”  

“The rune energy in the City of Bones will kill any mundane who dares to enter so..” Alec gestures his towards the entrance, “Please.” Practically begging the mundane to go in.  

Isabelle sighs, “The brothers creep me out.” She grins, “I'll stay out here with the mundane.”  

Jace moves forward at that, “Your sacrifice is noted, Izzy.”  

“Speaking of sacrifice, I'm missing a financial analysis class.” the mundane said.  

It was the straw that broke the camels back.  

Alec waved his hand in the mundane's direction, “Yea, I can't be here any more. So, I'm going to... mind the perimeter.” He walks away from the group and when he's out of sight he rubs at his temples. “By the angel, give me strength to deal with this. It's not okay to kill mundanes, it's not okay to kill mundanes, it's not okay to kill mundanes, it's not okay to kill mundanes.”  

“I’ll help you hide the bodies.”  

Alec turned and snorted as Gabriel stood behind him, “Don’t tempt me. I’m ready to put my arrow through my own head.”  

Gabriel tutted, “Don’t do that. I’ll have to pretend to be both of us and I can’t be broody for that long.”  

“I am not broody.”  

Gabriel laughed, “You might want to tell your face that.”  

“You could never pass off as me.” Alec smirked.  

Gabriel put his hands on his hips, frowned and mimicked Alec’s voice, “You could never pass off as me.”  

Alec shrugged, “Maybe on the phone.” he walked past Gabriel and patted his shoulder, “But you’re not tall enough to be me.”  

Gabriel sucked in a breath, “Don’t start me. You are not that much taller than me. One inch.” he held up a single finger, “Just one.”  

Alec grinned as he held up two fingers and mouthed, ‘Two’  

“I hate you.” Gabriel huffed and stomped away leaving a chuckling Alec to catch up.  

After fifteen minutes of checking the parameter they walk back to the entrance, “He big brothers.” Isabelle smiles. Alec leans against the gate at the entrance and folds his arms. He gets about 30 seconds of peace before the mundane speaks.  

“So is cracking someone's mind open supposed to take this long? Maybe we...or you should go check.” he stutters.  

Alec blinks at him, “Jace has it covered.”  

“Take my word for it,” Isabelle is twirling her hair, “The Silent Brothers are quite unpleasant.”  

The mundane looks away, “That's not helping. Not at all.”  

Another one second of precious silence, “What if Clary can't handle the brothers?” Alec inhales deeply and rolls his eyes.  

“It literally never stops talking.”  

The mundane turns to Isabelle, “Is he always this charming?”  

Isabelle shrugged, “First born. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”  

The mundane hums, “I feel his pain, only son. Mother wants me to become a CPA.”  

Alec closes his eyes and scoffs quietly. I'm going to cry. I don't cry. But he's pushing me.  

When he opens his eyes the mundane is on the move with Isabelle following, “Where is it going?”  

Isabelle smiles, “We'll be right back.” Alec raises both eyebrows, Seriously?  

“What? He passes the time.”  

They watch them walk away and Alec is quite glad of the peace it has brought. Waiting silently with the company of his brother. Thankful that someone knows he doesn’t want the conversation right now.   

Ten minutes later Gabriel walked around to the entrance and sees Clary and Jace walking out. He sees Clary is crying.  

“Alec.” Gabriel grabs his attention. Alec opens his eyes and stands off the wall.  

“What happened? What did you find out?” Gabriel asked.  

“Valentine is Clary's father.”  

It takes a minute for the information to process and Alec raises his eyebrows and his eyes widen in surprise, “Wait a minute. Are you telling me, that this girl shows up out of no where and she's Valentine's daughter ?” He gestures to Clary, “Did it even occur to you that she might be a spy? This might be part of her plan! Really, this just gets better and better.”  

Jace puts his hand on Alec's chest, “That's enough, Alec.”  

“You think I planned for my mum to get kidnapped or... or for Dot to be taken or to have a giant sword dangle over my head and find out that my father is one of the most dangerous people in the world? Really?”  

She takes a deep breath and looks around, “Where's Simon?”  

Alec is about to explain when Isabelle comes up behind him breathless... without the mundane. “I told him to stay in the van. I've searched everywhere.”  

“He's gone?!” Clary shouts.  

“I can't find him.” Isabelle sighs.  

“You were supposed to protect him!” She shoves past them, “Simon!”  

Gabriel sighed, “These mundanes are killing me.”  

Alec sighed and followed, you're telling me.  

“Simon!”  

“Is that the mundanes name?” a voice booms from above them.  

They all whip around to see a man in a suit and woman in a red dress and heels standing on the structure of the bridge, dangling the mundane upside down. “I'm afraid the mundane is coming with us.” the man shouts down.  

“It'd be my pleasure to kill you if you don't return him.” Jace growled and moved forward. Alec stuck his arm out stopping him. “Careful. We'd be violating the accords.”  

“I'm afraid your sidekick is quite right.” Hang on, sidekick?!  

“The Night Children have broken no laws. We're simply... negotiating.” He smiled and his fangs glinted.  

“The mundane, unharmed, in exchange for the Mortal Cup. Time is ticking.”  

With that they vanished leaving a screaming Clary in their wake.  

“Simon!”  

So much for a quick in and out.  

Again.  

Alec is so screwed.  

Chapter Text

“I still don't understand. How can Shadowhunters be better than... what you people call 'mundanes'.” Clary spoke as they walked into the Institute.  

The group stopped in the hallway, “Because we protect humans.” Gabriel explained.  

Clary spun around, fire in her eyes. “You're right. You do protect humans yet you left Simon all alone in the van and now he's been kidnapped by Vampires! Good job, guys. You rock.”  

Alec scratched at his eyebrow and looked at Clary, “There is some truth to the idea that human beings should have a modicum of common sense.” the bite was clear in his voice as he grits his teeth.  

“Alec! Not now.” Isabelle glared and him and he turned to stare back.  

“Look, they won't do anything to Simon. They're just using him to draw you out.” Jace explained to Clary. “They want the cup and they think you have it.”  

Alec watches with a bored expression as Clary goes off on another rant. Blah blah blah, I'm such a victim, blah blah blah, everything is about me. Blah. Blah. Blah.  

He tunes back in when Clary sighs, “What am I supposed to do now?”  

Alec starts to walk forward. “We report to the Clave.”  

Jace rolls his eyes, “Great.”  

“We're already in enough trouble. I'm not going to let them think I'm withholding matters relevant to the Clave. They have to know what we've learned about Valentine.”  

“What? That he's my father?”   

Alec stops walking and turns to her, “Yes, that’s exactly what I need to tell them.”  

“Great, fine, tell them. What good does that do Simon?”  

“Clary it's all connected, the Vamps want the cup.” Jace says.  

“Why? It makes new Shadowhunters.”  

Alec internally groaned, he really hated having to spell things out to this girl. “Nobody wants Valentine forming an army loyal to himself.”  

“Plus, it controls demons.” Isabelle adds.  

“They'll propose a trade, Simon for the Cup.” Gabriel put forward.  

“So, vampires will trade Simon for the Cup and Valentine will trade my mother for the Cup. Either way I lose someone I love.”  

Alec is getting really sick and tired of this all being about poor Clary. There's a bigger picture here and she's not seeing it!  

“I wish I could just toss it up in the air, let them fight it out amongst themselves.” Clary sighed.  

That sentence doesn't sit well with Alec.  

“So, this doesn't matter to you?” he sneered.  

“Yes, of course, it matters!” she snapped at Alec who continues to blink at her, unflinching. “Look, when you saved my life, I put my trust in you. Now, I need you to put your trust in me.” Alec scoffed.  

Alec sneered, “I don’t trust you as far as I could throw you.”  

Gabriel pushed on his parabatai rune to get him to calm down, Alec rolled his eyes but disengaged as he leaned back against the wall.  

“I can't turn into one of you overnight.”  

Isabelle nods, “It's true. She was raised as a mundane.”  

Alec turned his head to his sister, “What are you her spokesman now?”  

“I don't need a spokesman. I need a plan.” with that Clary walks off into the building.  

Alec tilts his head back and exhales then follows Clary into the war room.  

“I mean, look at all this stuff. All these screens. Can any of this help me find Simon?” They walk over to the table in the main room, Isabelle sits on the table, Gabriel sits on one of the chairs and puts his feet up while Alec and Jace lean on the back of the other chairs.   

“Where is he anyway? Some kind of crypt in Transylvania?”  

Jace shook his head, “That was Camille's outfit, wasn't it? They're locals.”  

Isabelle nods, “They're at the Hotel DuMort, down on Gansevoort Street.”  

“And we came back here?! Why? We have to go there. Let's  

 go, now, come on.” She begins to move when Alec stands in her way, “We need a Clave resolution for that.”  

“What’s that?”  

“A good reason.” Alec says with little to no expression.  

“And Simon isn't a good reason?!”  

Gabriel folded his arms, “The five of us can't declare war on the vamps all by ourselves.”  

“We can't react without considering our options. If you waltz in there, you’ll violate the accords and the entire system breaks down. A full-scale war would break out and I won’t put the lives of every Shadowhunter in this Institute at risk.”  

Gabriel nods, “And not just vampires. The wolves and seelies will see it as an act of war as well.”  

“Seelies?” Clary asks.  

“Faeries, The Fair Folk.” Jace clarified. “Add pixies, nixies, elves... anybody half-angel, half-demon. It's pretty much a catch all term.”  

Alec smirks, “Izzy can tell you all about them.” He turns to his sister grinning, “She's got a thing.” Isabelle smirks right back, “We've all got our things, don't we?” 

“Okay, I can't listen to this. Simon has been kidnapped by vampires. I guess I'll just take care of it myself, since you all just want to joke around.” Clary huffed and turned to walk out of the Institute.  

Jace stood up and shouted after her, “Clary you're going to get yourself killed!” she keeps walking away. “Simon too.” She stops walking then turns back to the group, “Then help me. While we 'consider other options', my best friend is suffering.” She leans across the table and brings her voice down lower, “Is that something Shadowhunters understand? Or am I just being a mundane.”  

Jace sobers and looks at the other two, “Clary's right.”  

“Of course, she is.” Alec sighs under his breath as he refrains from rolling his eyes, he thinks if he does it again today, they'll get stuck at the back of his head.  

They all move closer together, “They made the first move. We're gonna take care of this ourselves, right now.” Jace tells them.  

“Jace. This is completely ridiculous. We cannot deal with this ourselves. We could start a war within a blink of an eye.” Alec puts his hand down on the book he's leaning on, “This is a bad idea. I -”   

“What? Have you got a better one?” Jace interrupted.  

“Yes!” Alec hissed, “We go to the Clave, we get a resolution, then and only then do we do anything to the vampires.” 
“Look the vamps broke the accords. They kidnapped a mundie. That's a big no-no. The Clave will give us a lecture and a slap on the wrist, and then they'll be glad we did it. Come on.” 

“Jace, we've already broken so many rules. We can't go out again!” Alec insisted.  

“So, we've broken a ton of rules. What's a few more?” Jace smirks.  

Isabelle grinned, “Hard to argue with that.”  

Gabriel held up a finger, “Actually it’s very easy to argue with that.”  

“Even if... if we went ahead. I don't see how we get out of here without having to explain where we are going.” Alec tried to reason with them. “We'd need weapons and we can't let anyone see us get them.”  

Jace smirked, “I know where to get what we need.”  

-  

They pulled up outside of a church, as they got out Alec turned to Isabelle. “Whose grave is it?” he huffed.  

Isabelle sighed and read from her phone “Mary Milligan, born January 10 th 1802. Died January 10 th 1878.”  

Jace exhaled, “Alright. Let's go.”  

Clary frowned “Wait. What are we looking for?”  

“Cache of weapons.” Isabelle smiled. “Stashed here with Mrs Milligan.” Jace added.  

“Why are there Shadowhunter weapons in a churchyard?”  

Alec raised his eyes to the angels for what felt like the millionth time in the past 2 days.  

Before he told Clary to just stop talking Gabriel kept going instead, “Because all of the ancient religions recognise demons. Well... at least they used to.”  

“They've forgot about the threat because we're here to protect them. Typical mundane failure of imagination.” Alec stated.  

Isabelle stopped, “Are you saying we did too good a job? You just can't let up, can you?!”  

Alec spun around ready to bite back at his sister when Jace, who felt the anger come through their bond, moved in the middle of the two, “Alec. Hey,” Alec tore his eyes away from Isabelle and looked at Jace. “Go over and look by the angel.” and calm down was added mentally.  

Alec stalked over to the Angel statue and braced both arms against it. The rough cold stone rubbing against the cuts on his hands. The pain grounding him. Why can't they see what he sees?  

He hears Isabelle explain that she has to go as he is back in town. He figures now would be a good time to talk to Jace.  

“Jace... over here.”  

“Yeah. Coming.”  

He sees Jace walk over and makes sure the girl didn't follow. When he's sure she's far enough away he turns back to Jace.  

“We're crossing a line into vamp territory.”  

Jace smiles, “Yea, that's the point.”  

Alec looks at him blankly. “C'mon, Alec. Cheer up. It'll be fun.” he slaps Alec's arm.  

Alec puts his hand between them, “Dammit, Jace, just... think this through. You’re putting all of our lives at risk.” he can't help himself as his anger kicks in again, “What are you so desperate to get laid that you'll risk killing all of us?”  

Jace huffs, “Wow. There was so much in there that was wrong, I'm going to pretend I didn't hear it.” He turns away and Alec grabs his arm and spins him back. “That's the problem. You're not listening. Not to this, and not to anything else I've said tonight.” Alec shakes his head, “You don't even know this girl. Why do you trust her?”  

Jace narrows his eyes, “Is this about her being Valentine's daughter? Haven't we been through this?”   

“No actually we haven't.” Alec snapped.  

“Trust her or not. I don't care. That's not my business. But if you don't trust me- ”  

“Alec! Jace! I found it.”  

Alec doesn't look at Jace and walks over to the grave.  

Gabriel is crouched beside it looking at what's been inscribed.   

Clary shivered, “Beloved servant? Who wants that on a headstone?”  

Alec walks around to the other end of the tomb, “Someone who is in service to a greater cause than themselves.”  

Jace swipes the leaves from the top, “Well she is now.” He takes out his stele and smirked. “Abracadabra.”  

“Wait, you people actually say that?”  

Alec suppressed the urge to groan and just screamed internally instead.  

Jace frowned, “No, Clary. We don't.”  

At least the girl had the decency to look embarrassed.  

Jace activates the Angelic rune on the lid of the tomb. Alec grabbed one edge and Gabriel the other as they slid the lid around. Jace opened the coffin and inside was a full cache of weapons. Everything a Shadowhunter needs, from stele's and seraph blades to daggers and throwing knives.  

Clary reaches in and grabs a seraph blade, clearly not knowing how to connect the power properly to the blade she activates it, the angelic power surges into the blade and nearly decapitates Alec in the process but Gabriel grabbed the collar of Alec’s jacket and wrenched him out of the way before the blade tore through his neck. “Can you be careful with that?! It's not a toy and you don't know how to use it.” he snapped.  

She had the blade tilted towards Gabriel, which was an improper stance to have your blade.  

“What like at Pandemonium, when I killed that demon?”  

Alec takes a threatening step forward, “I would appreciate if you didn’t hold a blade to my brother.”  

“Alec. Don’t worry. I'll show her the right way to use it.” Jace nods to the coffin. “Do you see what you need in here?”  

Alec turns away from Clary and bends over into the coffin and shuffles the weapons about.  

“No. There's no bow here. I need one.” he straightens back up and looks at Jace. “I runed some arrows earlier, they're back at the Institute. I'll go now.” He turns to leave when Jace calls after him, “How do you plan getting back into the Institute?”  

Alec shrugged, “I'll go in the back. They won't bother me if I'm alone.”  

Jace looks away, “OK. Good. Go. Gabriel and I can finish up here.”  

Alec begins to walk away but can't ignore the feeling in his gut. He sighs and turns back to Jace, “Hey.” he whispers. Jace turns and Alec looks him directly in the eye. “I understand what we need to do. And I trust you, you’re my brother but don't ever doubt me .”  

Jace nods, “I won’t.” He holds out his and Alec grabs it, they squeeze tight. Jace clasps his other hand around theirs. “I'll see you at dawn.” Alec nods and now feeling a tad lighter in his chest he went to Gabriel, they gripped each other's shoulders, “Be safe, parabatai.” Gabriel grinned and Alec returned the request before turning and making his way out of the graveyard not sparing Clary even a thought.  

As he walks down the street, he goes through the game plan in his head. All he has to do his sneak in, get his bow and arrow and sneak out. Which sounds a lot less complicated in his head. He debates just going and telling the Clave what is going on, it's his duty, but he can't turn his back on Jace, they’re family. Blood or no blood. He'll bend the rules for Jace, but not for Clary.  

As he approaches the Institute, he activates his sneaking rune. He sees one of the windows open at the back so he climbs onto the window ledge and pulls himself through the window. He looks around before dropping down onto the ground without making a sound. He makes his way through the hallways before entering the weapons room. Taking out his stele he unlocks the vault and the panel slides out revealing a number of weapons but most importantly. His bow and quiver. He quietly takes them down and sets them onto the table then grabs a dozen arrows and shuts the panel. 
As he's packing them into his quiver a voice behind him makes him jump. 

“Alec?”  

He puts the quiver down and turns, “Hodge.”  

His personal trainer enters the room, “I didn't know you were here.”  

Alec stammers, “Yea. No. Well, I...” Hodge walks further into the room shaking his head. “Don't tell me. I don't want to have to report you.” Alec breathes a sigh of relief. “I'll leave you to it.” as he turns to leave Alec calls after him, “Thank you.”  

Hodge smiles at him before walking back over to him, “You know, you remind me of me, Alec. That loyal friend standing in the shadow of the chosen one.”   

Alec frowned, “I don't know what you're talking about.”  

“Hey.” Hodge brings his hand onto the back of Alec's neck, gently forcing him to look at him. Alec blinks at him, letting him continue. “Don't make the same mistakes I did. Look where it got me.” he gestures to the side of his neck. “I taught you to go with your own gut. Not follow someone else's.” Hodge smiles at him and walks back out, leaving Alec to stare at his back and wonder what the hell he is doing and where will it get him when the Clave find out. When. Not if.  

He is shaken out of his thoughts when his phone vibrates in his jeans, it's Izzy telling him to meet her at some address. He shoulders the quiver and bow and quietly sneaks out the back of the Institute.  

It doesn't take him long before he comes to an old building and uses his stele to unlock the door and get inside. Closing the door behind him he quickly scans the room for Izzy, or any threats. Not seeing Izzy, or any trouble, he makes his way up the stairs. As he climbs up, he sees her back pressed against the fence on the stairs and Gabriel was looking around him constantly for threats.  

“Izzy. I got your text.” he moves up beside his sister, “Where are we exactly?”  

Izzy smiles, “It's an old meat packers service entrance.” She pointed over to a gap in the wall, just big enough for a person but Alec and Gabriel will definitely have to bend down to get through. “If we go through there it brings us up into the basement of the Hotel DuMort.” She grins smugly, clearly proud of herself, “Perfect right?” She waves her hand gesturing between her and Alec, “We distract the vamps while Jace and Clary go find Simon.”  

Alec keeps walking with a nonchalant, “Okay.”  

“'Okay?” Isabelle stops and Alec turns to her. “It was hard work interrogating Meliorn for this intel.”  

Alec puts on a patronizing voice, “Great job, Izzy.” walking past her he leans down to whisper in her ear, “You have faerie dust on your dress.” and goes towards the gap, “And I hate being the distraction.” he raises his voice.   

“I don't. You know, you'd be a lot happier if you weren't so freaking repressed.” she calls over to him. Alec tunes her out as he bends through the gap, looking ahead. He knows she's still talking. “Hello?” He rolls his eyes and walks on.  

Izzy huffs and looks to Gabriel who just shrugs.  

He fiddles with his gloves as he hears Isabelle trotting up to his side. “You're really not going to talk to me, are you?” she smirks.   

Alec just keeps looking ahead, keeps his face and voice passive. “That's because you have no idea what you're talking about.”   

“Oh, I do. You can hide from yourself but not me. You have feelings whether you like 'em or not, Alec.”  

He reaches the ladder and turns back to Isabelle, “This is neither the time nor the place, Izzy.” He begins to climb the ladder.   

“I don't know, been pretty smooth so far.” she calls behind him.  

He reaches the top of the ladder and takes his bow from around his body and holds it tight in his left hand. They walk through what looks like a boiler room and come to a door.  

“This must be the way.” Gabriel states.  

Alec scoffs, “What the only other door in the room?”   

Gabriel smacks the back of Alec’s head, “Smartass.” he grins and opens the door, on the other stand six very angry looking vampires, they hiss at the three Shadowhunters and begin running for the door. Alec slams the door closed and he and Gabriel brace against it. “Okay... not that smooth.” Gabriel huffs out as he digs his feet into the floor.  

Alec starts fumbling in his pockets for his stele, he can't do it fast enough with the door banging into him.   

“Any day now.” Isabelle grits out. “Well, if Gabriel held the door still, it might be a lot easier.” he bickered back.   

“Gabriel, put your back into it.”  

Gabriel grits as he pushes the door back after it opened a crack, “Why don’t you come over here and put your back into it.”  

Alec grips his stele and tries to lock the door but the rune keeps disappearing. “It's not taking it.” He keeps trying and hears banging behind him as Isabelle puts a metal pipe through the handle of the door jamming it. She had Alec's blade in her hands. “Whoever said 'the pen is mightier than the sword' was an idiot.”  

The twins got off the door and got into a defensive stance, “When you're right, you're right, Iz.” Gabriel smiles as he lifts out his blade. They activate their stamina runes and wait, Isabelle has her seraph blade in her hand on Alec’s right, Gabriel was standing with his own blade on his left and Alec holds his bow tight in his hand, pulling two arrows out of his quiver and placing them onto the string and drawing back. The vampires keep pushing at the door, the pipe starts to give and the door opens a little more with every bang, vampire claws come around the frame and leave scratches in the metal. 
Isabelle giggles, “Do you think they know where we are?” 

Alec smirks, “Well, that's the idea, right?”  

The door pushes open a wider, “How long do you think we need to distract them for?” Gabriel asks.   

Isabelle smiles, “Ten more minutes.”   

Alec looks to her with his eyebrows raised, “Ten minutes? Are you kidding? We're liquid lunch in five.”  

Isabelle nods, “So let's distract them!”  

“So, let’s distract them.” Alec parrots.  

Isabelle's bracelet slithers down her other hand and forms her whip.  

The door bursts open and Isabelle quickly whips the first one around the leg, pulling the vampire to her she stabs it with the seraph blade. Alec quickly takes aim and lets one arrow fly; the first vampire dodges out of the way but it hits the second one. It shrieks as it explodes into a pile of ash. Aiming the second arrow at the other side of cabinets, he breathes then let's go, the arrow pierces the vampire as it comes around the corner. A vampire tries to come at Alec’s other side but Gabriel steps up and stabs it through the chest.  

“This is fun.” Alec pants out.  

Three other vampires enter his line of sight and he grabs three arrows this time.  

Isabelle smiles, “Keep coming boys!” They make quick work of them and proceed to clear through the building. As they turn one corner a vampire jumps on Alec, wrestling him to the ground and snaps at his neck. Alec holds it back with his forearm and reaches back, pulling out an arrow and stabbing it into the vampire's head. Gabriel clasps his hand and helps him up. “Nice save, parabatai.” He grins at Gabriel and they keep moving. They hear a commotion on the floor above and run upstairs, they follow the grunts and as Alec walks around the corner and poises his arrow but turns his arm the other way so the back of his hand is resting against his cheek. He sees one vampire in a blue hoodie holding Clary in front of him as a shield.   

Alec smiles, “Okay.” Challenge accepted.  

He aims behind the vampire and shoots the wall. The arrow breaks through the stone and the sunlight beams in, hitting the vampire and reducing it to ashes.  

Jace and Clary kill the two remaining vampires and then Jace and Isabelle are all over Clary telling her how great she was. Just saved your life. Again, by the way. No need to thank me.  

Gabriel slaps his shoulder, “Nice shot.”  

Alec smiles and nudges Gabriel’s shoulder, “You’re slacking.”  

Gabriel makes a noise of protest, “It’s not my fault you and Izzy have ranged weapons and I have to wait for them to come to me.”  

“Let's go find Simon.” Clary orders. They all move on into the next room and Alec walks behind them flexing his fingers. 
They walk down the hallway and turn the corner to find the male vampire that captured Simon. Alec moves around the corner faster than the others. His fingers brush against an arrow but he leaves it in his quiver, for now. 

Standing in the middle of the room was the man who kidnapped Simon, holding a knife to the mundane's throat.  

“Simon!”  

Jace grabs her, “Stop, Clary. That's not going to do any good.”  

The vampire held onto Simon tighter. “Ah, ah. Listen to him, Clary Fairchild.” He nods to the blade, “Put it away. I've had enough of your friend for one day. I'd love to cut his throat. Don't give me a reason.” he raises his voice, “Put them away!” Jace, Clary and Gabriel put away the blades and Alec shoulders his bow while keeping his eyes on the vampire.  

“Now, if you would all just follow me.”  

The vampire begins to walk backwards, dragging Simon out of the room, keeping his eyes on the Shadowhunters at all times. Clary goes to walk in front but Alec pushes her out of the way, waving his hand he motions her to stay back. As they follow the two down the hallways Alec raises one hand to show surrender as they walk into a small room. The vampire tells them to move down the opposite hall and open the door. Alec doesn't need to be told twice and opens the door which lets the sunlight hit his face. Turning he watches as the vampire shoves the mundane at Jace who catches him with a surprised grunt, “This wasn't my idea. It was hers, none of us wanted to breach the accords!” He shouts at them. “Take him and get out.” 
Isabelle comes out after him, then Clary, Jace pushes the mundane out in front of himself and Gabriel exits last slamming the door behind him. They all stand on the roof, the sun beating down. 

Alec hears the mundane start stuttering and talking again which immediately makes him regret the decision to join in on the rescue mission. The four siblings go up the steps to the second layer of the roof and leave Clary alone with the mundane. Alec watches as the pair embrace, he passes off his grimace as the sun being in his eyes. That's gross. Although he notices Jace is staring too.  

Isabelle humphs and fixes her lipstick, “Well... no accounting for taste.”  

Gabriel tries to nudge her arm that holds her lipstick, “Pot or kettle, little sister?”  

Isabelle laughs as she keeps spinning to avoid Gabriel’s nudge.   

Alec turns to Jace, “Look. Can I just say one thing?” he can feel the wind blowing through his hair while Jace's stays glued to his head.   

The blonde has his arms folded, “You’re going to anyway, so shoot.”  

“You think you know Clary, right? But you may not. Think about who her father is.”   

Jace's eyes narrowed, “You know what? Do not start this again with me, Alec.” 
“At least try to see my point, Jace. She just came out of nowhere, almost caused a war over her mundane friend and could’ve gotten one of us killed!” Alec hisses. 

Jace gestures to her, “She has no one.”  

“Jace, that isn’t an excuse to-"  

“Alec, Stop!” Jace yells at him.   

Gabriel and Izzy stopped teasing each other and watched the two argue.  

Jace sighs, “If you really feel that way about her... why did you even help us tonight?”   

“Maybe I didn’t want to see one of you dead.” he set his jaw, turned away from the blonde and stormed off.  

So much for family.  

Chapter Text

Alec has been too pent up to sleep for more than a few hours ever since she arrived, and with the most annoying mundane in history. His anxiety levels were through the Institute's roof. Shadowhunters could get high blood pressure, couldn’t they? 

Looking to his clock he sees that it's 7am already. Three hours sleep. He'd spent all night looking over reports from other Shadowhunters, demon sightings, new information on the warlocks of Brooklyn and how they’ve all went underground. He groaned and rolled over, shoving a pillow over his face, he concentrates on his breathing and can feel himself dozing when there's a knock on his door. He yells into his pillow and gets up, throwing open the door to see Gabriel. “What?” he growls. 

“Oooh, Alec's a grumpy cat this morning. Ginger thinks she has a lead.”  

Alec is too tired to try and hide his frown, “'Thinks' she has a lead? You woke me up because she thought something?” 

Gabriel doesn’t react to his brother's grumpiness, practically immune to it by now, “She may have a lead on who stole her memories, a warlock. Magnus Bane.” 

Alec stuttered as his eyes widened a little, “M-Magnus Bane? He's not exactly a regular warlock. He's the High Warlock of Brooklyn for crying out loud!”  

Gabriel held his hands up in surrender, “I’m just the messenger. But they want to meet in the war room ‘as soon as’.” he raised his fingers to do air quotes. 

Alec rubbed his eyes and nodded, “Fine, I’ll be there in a minute.” 

“You alright?” Gabriel frowned as he noticed the dark circles starting to form under Alec’s eyes and how pale his skin was. Paler than usual... which was a feat in itself since Alec was the colour of a ghost most of the time. 

A yawn tore from his mouth as Alec tried to respond, he scrubbed his face with his hand before nodding, “Fine, just a late-night doing reports.” 

Gabriel gave his brother a sympathetic look. With everything that’s happened they’ve all forgotten that Alec actually has his own work to do other than babysitting. “Maybe you should get some more sleep? I can cover for you for a bit.” 

Alec waved him off, “I think at this point it’ll just make me even more tired.” 

Gabriel nodded, “Okay, I’ll see you in a minute.” 

Alec yawned and nodded as he closed the door without a response. He would give anything to just lie down for another sixteen hours. He knows he couldn’t risk lying back down so he washes up in the bathroom before pulling on his jeans, black t-shirt and laces up his boots. With a sigh he opens his door and walks through the corridors to the war room and spots everyone at the table, with Hodge standing beside the screen.  

Jace smirks at him as Alec reaches the table, “Nice of you to join us.” Alec just glared back and sat down. Gabriel elbows him and hands him a cup of coffee and in that moment, Alec could’ve cried or just hugged his brother. 

Hodge doesn't waste any time and gets him up to speed. 

“Okay, Magnus Bane. High Warlock of Brooklyn. Over 300 years old.” Clicking the remote different images show up of the same man taken throughout different places in time. 

Magnus sits at the front in a top hat and tails with white gloves he holds a staff. There's a man and woman in the picture too, Alec recognises one as Camille and the other must be a Warlock with horns coming from his temples. 
Another was a renaissance style painting of Magnus who was scarcely covered in a white silk sheet, lying back on a bed leaning up on his elbows. 

One Alec could tell was more recent, the Warlock was sitting in a club wearing skinny jeans, a barely buttoned crimson shirt, what looked like 50 necklaces and a ton of glitter reflecting in his hair. 

Hot.  

Damn.  

“As you can see, he's not exactly shied away from the pleasures of every century. His tastes are both exquisite and quite excessive.” 

Clary snorts, “He looks like the Downworld's David Guetta.”  

Isabelle is quick to fire back, “Guetta's already a Downworlder. Vampire? Ever seen him in the daylight?” 

Alec tears his eyes away from the photos, his moment of infatuation shattered, “Can you two focus? This is not a joke.” He doesn’t care if he’s too sharp with Izzy, he is not in a good mood today. 

Isabelle sighs, “Someone needs to get slayed.” 

Hodge turns sharply, “Alec is right. Now, Magnus is one of the most powerful warlocks I've ever known. He has a deep mistrust of Shadowhunters.” 

“Well then why did he help my mum remove my memories? Isn't she a Shadowhunter?” Clary's voice is just cutting through Alec's head with every word. Taking a sip of coffee before leaning it on his thigh. 

“'Help', might not be the most accurate word. Now, did Magnus provide a service for Jocelyn? Maybe. But more than likely your mother paid Magnus handsomely for his magic.” Jace moved around the table and sat beside Alec. “Warlocks usually require payment before they help anyone with anything.” 

Alec bites his lip as he stares- looks, Alec looks at the photos, “Word from the Clave is that most of the warlocks have gone into hiding since Valentine began hunting them.”  

“Probably looking for Mr Bane, where did Jocelyn-” Hodge stopped as the circle rune on his neck began to burn. 

“Hodge! Your rune, are you okay?” Clary gasped. 

The anger flared back up inside Alec as he heard Clary talk to Hodge with such familiarity. What did she know about Hodge, about his rune about any of this. She's- 

He felt pressure on his hand and he looked down to see Gabriel’s hand covering his which was holding the mug in a death grip so hard that the handle was starting to crack. He relaxed his grip and held the mug at the lip instead. Glancing to Gabriel he nodded his head to confirm he was fine. 

Alec was pulled out of his head as Jace told the group that they don't find Magnus. Magnus finds them. “We'll set up a meeting, somewhere protected. Lure him out of hiding.” 

Isabelle grinned and rolled of the table, “And I know exactly where we do it.” She pulls up an invitation. Jace and Hodge chuckle, “A Downworld rave. Nice one Izzy.” 

Alec groans internally. More Nightclubs.   

“And where'd you get that?” Gabriel asked teasingly. 

“During my surveillance of the Downworlders. Magnus likes to party.” 

Alec stares at the invitation, “He'll never go for it. Not with Valentine trying to kill him.” 

Jace turns to him, “Of course he will. He'll blend in. Hide in plain sight.” 

Isabelle smiles, “Trust me, if there's one thing that will lure Magnus out of hiding it's to go to one of the biggest parties of the year.” 

Hodge hums, “Come with me.” They follow Hodge to the training room where he kneels down in front of one of the runes. He uses his stele to unlock it and takes out a silver necklace with a red gem in the middle. “A four-karat unheated Burmese ruby. This necklace has special meaning to Magnus Bane. It was a gift to his then lover, Camille Belcourt.” 

Lover?!  

Alec blinked in surprise. “Camille and Magnus were lovers?” Oh, for the love of Raziel.  

“Warlock gets around.” Jace smirked. 

“The jewel is special; it glows to alert the wearer to the presence of demons. Magnus has longed to get it back. Offer it to him.” 

“I'll send Magnus a fire message to arrange the meeting. We have to get to Magnus before Valentine does.” Jace walks out of the room. 

Alec really doesn't understand why he is stressing out, he's never cared about what he's worn before. Why start now? He sighs as he picks the only coloured thing he owns, a denim dark blue button-down shirt and puts it over his black jeans. He rolls up his sleeves and glances at the now healed cuts on his knuckles, now just pink patches of new skin. The itch to tear them back open was gone for now. 

He went to the weapons room in order to be prepared. Setting everything out neatly on the table. Re-runing his arrows, sharpening the points and blessing them. He looks up to see Isabelle walking in. She's in a white sparkly dress, a matching headpiece and her hair is down and straight, bright purple eyeshadow really stands out against the white. 

“Pick a weapon. I’d suggest your whip.” he speaks with a slight bite in his voice. Isabelle frowns and twirls one of his arrows in her hand,  

“What's wrong with you?”  

Alec exhales, “Nothing.” he snatches the arrow back from her hands. 

She scoffs, “We're going to a Downworlder rave. You should at least be a little excited.” 

“You’re getting me confused with Gabriel.” 

Isabelle sighs, “Yea. Whatever.” she swings her seraph blade around. “Before Clary got here, every day was the same.” Alec's teeth began to grind. “Go on a mission, kill demons. Go on a mission, kill demons. At least now things are more interesting.” 

“Interesting?”  

She heard the venom behind his voice. 

He looks at her, “Valentine is alive and actively seeking the Cup, he threatens our entire world. And we're helping his daughter.” Now that he started, he couldn't stop, “Who, by the way, we have no reason to trust. And who showed up out of nowhere.” He threw his arrow down on the table, “We've broken so many Clave rules that I'm surprised we haven't been benched yet and on top of all that, we're going to end up overpaying some warlock, who, may or may not have information we need. So no, Izzy I- I don't find it interesting.” 

“Woah.” she walked back over to Alec and placed her hand gently on his arm, “Feel better now?” 

“No, I don't.” his voice was softer.  

Isabelle gave him a knowing smile and he couldn’t help but return it, “Okay... maybe a little.” he must admit that ranting has been a great de-stressor for him.  

“You can't keep bottling things up, Alec. Eventually everything will just explode... and not the fun kind.” 

He looks at Isabelle with his usual blank stare, back to his normal self again. “Alright, let's go.” he walks around her, “And we're not going for the music.” 

When they are a block away from the club, Alec and Gabriel split off from the group to check the perimeter. “I'll take the roof and the surrounding ones too. Gabe, you take the ground. We'll meet back here then go back to Jace.” 
Alec walked around and found a water pipe running up the side of the club wall. He adjusted his bow over his head and gripped the pole, scaling up the building. He pulled himself up onto the ledge of the roof and, using his upper body he pulled himself over it landing on the stones. He could feel the music from the club vibrating through his feet. He dreaded to think what it will do to his ears once he was actually inside. 

He checked every side of the building. He jumped over to the closest building roof and looked all around. No one looked suspicious and he couldn't feel any demon presences. He jumped back over to the roof and slid down the pipe. Walking to the corner he waited a few minutes for Gabriel.  

“Good?” He asks as his brother walked up to him. 

Gabriel nods, “All good.” They start walking back to the club, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a button-down.” 

Alec shrugged, “It’s nothing special.” 

“You don’t have to do that.” 

Alec frowned, “Do what?” 

Gabriel sighed, “Pretend that you’re this unfeeling robot. Alec, we’re twins, we’re parabatai. There’s pretty much nothing that you can hide from me. You’re into this warlock guy.” 

Alec’s eyes widened and his head whipped around to make sure nobody heard, “Can you keep your voice down?” he hissed. 

Gabriel shrugged, “It was pretty obvious with the way you were practically drooling over the pictures back at the Institiute.” 

Alec grabbed Gabriel’s arm to stop them from walking any further. His eyes widened in panic as he looked at his brother, “That doesn’t... make you uncomfortable?” 

Gabriel frowned for a moment before smiling gently. He put his right hand on Alec’s shoulder and through force of habit Alec did the same to Gabriel, “Alec. You’re my other half, there’s nothing you could do that would make me uncomfortable around you.” He pulled on Alec’s shoulder and brought the older twin in for a hug, clapping his back before gesturing his head back to the club. Alec sniffed and wiped at his eyes before following. 

“If anything, you should feel sorry for me.” 

“Huh?” 

“I have to deal with women. Can you imagine dealing with someone like Clary?” Gabriel shoved his shoulder and Alec chuckled. 

“I'd rather stick my stele in my eye.” 

The two walked over to the line for the club, giggling like children before slipping in behind the others. “All clear.” Alec whispers to Jace. 

Isabelle had her arm locked through Clary’s and touches her neck. “Do you think red is my colour?” 

“Iz, with a body like yours, everything is your colour.” 

Alec looks down at her, well you're wearing white...with purple eyeshadow... the red doesn't match but okay. Okay... he picked up a few things that Gabriel told him about fashion. Sue him.  

“I make it look so good.” Isabelle pouts. 

“Will you take it off. I'm sure Magnus Bane doesn't want drool on his ruby when we make the exchange.” Alec huffs. 

Isabelle smirks, “You know I wouldn't be so sure. Most men like it when I admire their jewels.” 

Okay. First of all, ew. Second of all, ew.  

“Can you just take it off please.” Alec whined. 

Isabelle gets a twinkle in her eyes. “You're right.” She takes it off and puts it around a spluttering Alec's neck. “It looks so much better on you.” 

Gabriel almost burst out laughing from the look on Alec’s face, “Red is definitely one of your colours, hermano.” 

Alec's about to stutter out a reply but the sound of the music completely drowns him out. The music is honestly shocking. 

“Okay, split up, blend in. But keep your weapons ready.” Jace and Clary head for Magnus while Alec takes the stairs to the upper level, tucking the necklace inside of his shirt. He stands just at the top of the stairs and looks over the balcony. He spots the warlock almost instantly. Contrary to what Jace said, he doesn't blend in at all. The fancy embroidered jacket, multiple rings on his fingers, black nail polish and there's glitter in his perfectly styled hair. You could see this man from miles away. If Alec was drooling over his pictures , his entire jaw was on the floor just looking at him from a distance. A distance ! What would happen if he was in close proximity?! 

He watches from the balcony as Jace and Clary talk with Magnus, Jace then gestures in Alec's general direction. Alec guesses he's telling Magnus the necklace is here somewhere. He can tell that Magnus does not like this set up at all if the magic at his fingertips meant anything. 

He watches Jace give him the signal to come down but Alec gets distracted by movement behind Magnus. 

Someone in a red suit jacket is creeping closer to him. Alec narrows his eyes, taking out his stele he draws a rune for enhanced sight and focuses entirely on the man. Alec sees him zero in on Magnus, taking out a seraph blade and instinct takes over. He whips his bow around and grabs an arrow, taking aim he fires quickly and hits the man in the chest. Looking around the club he jumps over the balcony and brushes past the group, not realising the necklace is now visible from the jump. He quickly walks over to the dead man. He pulls the arrow out of his chest, grimaces as he cleans it on the man's jacket and puts it back in his quiver. He pats the man down, pulling down his collar he notices the red Circle rune on his neck.  

They’ve found them. 

He sighs and takes the seraph blade as he gets up again. He takes a quick look around the curtains and sees if any more are coming. Walking back over to the group he spins the blade in the air and catches it again. 

“Look! See Alec has the necklace.” Clary walked over to him and before he could push her away she pulled the necklace from around his neck, breaking the chain in the process. 

Magnus snatches it from her hand, “Thank you, my dear. Unfortunately, I can't stick around.” Clary hangs onto the front of Magnus' jacket. “No, wait!” The warlock breaks free and Alec watches him flee through his portal obviously spooked from the assassination attempt. 

And with the necklace in his hand.  

Great.  

Isabelle and Gabriel run over, “Perimeter is secure. Looks like he was the only assassin.” 

“He has a Circle rune on the base of his neck.” Alec gestured to the dead man on the floor. 

“They've found us. It's not safe here. Clary, we have to go.” Jace turns and walks away, he notices Clary not moving and turns back around. “Clary...” 
They practically have to drag her before she begins to walk out on her own and they got out a side door. 

“Jace!” Isabelle shouts. Alec turns to see Clary has stopped, again. Jace sighs, “Clary we need to go.”   

She gasps softly, “I'm just catching my breath.” 

Alec has just had enough, “You know what? This is just great. Not only did Magnus not get the girl her memories back, but he took the necklace. I mean, this is just fantastic!” 

Jace steps closer, “Alec, the girl... her name is Clary and I highly suggest you keep your voice down.” 

“Why?” Alec raises his voice. “What, are you afraid I'm going to upset her? We have risked our lives again and again for this girl, and where has it gotten us? Oh, that's right. Nowhere! We're no closer to getting the Mortal Cup and we've lost the Institute's necklace.” 

“Hey, I am right here!” Clary shouts to him. 

“That's exactly my point!” Alec screams. 

Clary breaks off from Isabelle's arm and stands toe to toe with Alec, Gabriel thought it was quite funny that she had to look up at him, “I don't care about your damn jewellery. I'm sorry if you're going to look bad in front of your bosses, okay? But my mother is still missing and my last chance at finding her just disappeared into thin air.” She snaps. 

“It's your fault he got the necklace in the first place! You took it from me and just handed it to him! And if you think all I'm going to do is look bad in the Clave , you're more idiotic than I thought. I'm going to look like a traitor because of this. And trust me sweetheart, you're definitely not worth being exiled for.” Alec snarled. 

Gabriel wanted to snap his fingers when Alec called Clary sweetheart. His brother was so sassy and he loves it. The two stayed toe to toe with each other and no one really wanted to separate them, until Gabriel bites the bullet and steps between them, “Come on, Alec. Step away.” 

“Clary, it's going to be fine.” Jace takes her arm and tries to calm her.  

The only way this will be fine is if she gets a smack around the head and it is a sacrifice that Alec is ready to make. Alec thought to himself. 

“No, it's not! People are dying because of me. And... and Magnus? He will never come out of hiding while Valentine is still after him. We're never gonna find him. And I will never get my memories back.” She spins and throws something at Jace. 

Alec spins around Gabriel absolutely fuming, “This is not all about you.” his voice is low and dangerous as he starts walking towards her. Gabriel rushes to get in front of him again and puts his hand on Alec's chest. “Alec. Alec! Stop it!” Alec tries to push forward to get to Clary. “Alec. Alexander, look at me. Look at me!” Alec’s eyes snapped to Gabriel, he practically never uses Alec’s full name. “You need to calm down.” Alec opens his mouth but Gabriel puts his hand on the back of his neck and shushes him. “Just breathe.” Alec takes a deep breath and nods. Alec can't remember the last time he lost his temper like that. In all honesty he was mortified that he sunk so low all because of her. 

“You give up way too easy.” Jace told Clary. 

Jace opens his palm and shows them what Clary threw at him. A button. Magnus' jacket button. He walks away from the group, taking out his stele he traces it over the button.  

“What is he doing?” questions Clary. 

“He's tracking Magnus. Now be quiet and keep your distance.” Alec feels a lot calmer now. He can feel Clary glaring at him from his side. 

“The button belonged to Magnus. Jace can pinpoint his location using that.” Isabelle explains. 

Jace turns around scowling. “No. The signal isn't strong enough. Magnus must be blocking the track.” 

Gabriel went up to Jace and held out his hand, “Give it to me.” 

Jace nodded and handed the button to Gabriel. 

Gabriel walked over to Alec and held out the hand with the button in it, “Shall we?” 

Alec nodded and grabbed his stele to draw a tracking rune into the button, putting it back in his pocket he raised his right hand to clasp over Gabriel’s. They held their hands up and raised their left hands to cover each other’s right hand. 

They looked into each other’s eyes and began trying to track Magnus. 

“What are they doing?” 

Isabelle turns to Clary, “Parabatai tracking. When they do it together their power grows stronger.” 

They breathed deeply as they tugged on their bond to draw out equal amounts of power, once they felt the balance they began looking for their target. 

Magnus.  

A red swirling aura surrounds their hands. Alec's face is passive as he concentrates, the Parabatai rune on his hip spreads warmth through his body. He concentrates on the Warlock, the clothes, the rings, the hair, the glitter, the- 

The image of a warehouse or maybe a factory shot into their minds, they only caught glimpses and one was the sign outside. 

Gabriel blinks and his grip falters a little, “Got him.” He wasn’t expecting them to track him so quickly. Alec must’ve been really trying to find him, even if it was unconsciously. Gabriel winked at him subtly before they all took off for the factory. 

Izzy uses an unlocking rune and they all  sneak in quietly and walk down the hallway, everyone has their weapons at the ready. Alec has his bow in one hand and his right is hovering at his midsection. Ready to grab an arrow when need be. They walk into the main warehouse and Gabriel points to a metal wire fence, “Magnus' lair is just behind that fence.” 

“Magnus lives in a warehouse?”  

Jace shakes his head, “Not exactly. Warlock glamour.” he tells Clary. 

Izzy puts her hand up. “Something's wrong. It's been way too easy to get this close.” 

“The protective wards must be down.” Jace grips his seraph blade tighter. 

“You...” Alec aims at Clary. She turns to look at him. “Don't get in the way.” She looks him up and down but Alec doesn't really care. He's tired of saving her life at this point. 

When they look up at the gate. It's open. Two men are struggling until one thrusts a sword into the other's back. The group broke out into a run to get up to the entrance of the lair, each of them taking different isles to get there faster, taking out any circle members they found on their way. 

“Oh God! Valentine found Magnus.” Alec heard Clary gasp. 

Thank you, for stating the obvious. We would never have guessed if you weren't here.  

When they reached the entrance Izzy looked around, one...two...three...four... “Where's Clary?” 

Alec scoffs as he looks round realising that the girl was nowhere to be seen, refusing to be apart of this he steps towards the lair, “I'm going ahead. You can go find her.” he tells the others before using his agility rune to jump up onto the next level. He feels a ripple of magic pass through him as the glamour changes and he's now standing in a well-furnished apartment. Hearing a crash, he puts an arrow in his bow. He quietly walks through the corridor towards two voices. He tilts his head around the corner and sees Magnus, he has his back to him. He can see balls of blue magic at his hands. He's standing in front of a circle member who's taunting him. 

“Your cat eyes... will be a nice addition to my collection.” 

Alec wasted no time and spun around the corner and let go of his arrow. It sailed past Magnus and into the Circle member's leg. He shouts in pain and falls to one knee, leaving Magnus the opening to push his magic into the Circle member that sent him flying back and killed him instantly. 

Alec pants and smiles, “Well done.” 

He sees Magnus' head tilt, “More like medium-rare.” clearly amused with his own joke. He turns and looks at Alec. “Oh. My necklace bearer.” he saunters over to Alec with a grace Alec didn’t know existed, “I don't think we've been formally introduced.” He holds out his hand, “Magnus Bane.” 

By the Angel. Oh wow. What do I do?  

Alec's heart stopped. He's going to just die... right here. 

Alec has a goofy grin on his face. “Alec.” Magnus just keeps staring into his eyes, clearly amused with Alec’s nervousness. 

“Uh...we should really... You know, probably get...” Alec stammers.  

Magnus nods, “Right, we should join the party.” Alec takes a quick glance at Magnus' lips and back up to his face, he's definitely starting to blush. He softly gasps out a “Right.” 

Embarrassing. Just go. Go. Move it!  

He turns on his heel and runs back out of the room again. Trying to quell the blush that was rising up his neck. Quickly walking into the other room and slows as he sees that the rest of them have finally caught up. Alec walks over and begins patting down one of the Circle members that was dead on the floor and glances up to see Clary talking to Magnus. The anger returns but... this time it's not just anger. There's something else there. He rips his eyes away and finishes patting the man down, finding nothing useful. 

When Magnus spotted that there were now two of the same person in the room he stopped and looked between the two, he was silent for a moment before thinking out loud, “It’s not my birthday but I’m definitely not complaining.” 

Izzy giggled as Clary stepped over to talk to Magnus. 

Unknown to Alec was that Gabriel watching Alec and smirking as he realised that his brother was ogling the warlock. His brother. Alexander, Alec, Lightwood. Was ogling . 

“Hold tight everyone. We're about to move.” They all turn to look at Magnus as his hands produce his blue magic again. Alec feels it washing over him, the warmth, the calming feeling it produced was...well... magical. Then it's pulling him tight as they move location. He stands up to make sure his bow moved with them, he picks it up and looks over it. 

“Ahhh, much better.” Magnus sighs. He turns and frowns, “Ugh, it's inevitable. After each move, I get the itch to redecorate.” Alec stops what he's doing and looks up at Magnus. 

He gestures towards Alec and locks eyes with him, “Normally. I love a dirty lair, but this is just sloppy.” He puts his foot on the overturned table and pushes down so it rights itself. Alec looks at him in slight confusion and walks across the room. He doesn't really like being the centre of attention. He goes to stand next to Gabriel who was biting his lip so he didn’t laugh. 
They both watch as Magnus walks over to Isabelle and whispers in his sister's ear and she chuckles. 

“Okay. So how do we summon the memory demon?” 

For the first time, and the only time, Alec is thankful that Clary spoke. 

Magnus looks up, “Are you certain? Summoning such a powerful demon could be lethal.” 

Clary nods, “I'll do anything to save my mother.” 

“Okay.” Magnus gestures out to the side, “Pretty boy, get your team ready.”  

Jace stepped forward, “You know what to do.”  

Magnus shoots out his arm and pushes him back. “I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to you.” He points to Alec. Alec's heart banged into his rib cage as his mouth twitched upwards into a smile. He quickly pushes it back down as he sees Jace looking at him and he shrugs. He puts his arm out in a 'Well he said it' gesture. 

Magnus leads Clary out into another room and Alec walks over to Isabelle, “Pretty boy, eh?” she elbows him and he glares at her. Magnus calls Jace in and leaves them together. 
Magnus can feel the tension between the siblings, “I'm going to go change.” and Magnus all but runs from the room. 

Alec and Isabelle sit down on the leather sofa while Gabriel leans against the arm of the sofa.  

“You know he was flirting, right?” 

Alec grits his teeth as he turned to Izzy, “Will you keep your voice down?”  

“Gabriel?” Izzy raises an eyebrow at the other brother. 

Gabriel nods, “I also saw flirting.” 

Isabelle pouts, “Alec, come on-”  

The elder boy just put his hand up, “No, Izzy.” he pauses, “Guys, please, not now.”  

“But-” 

Isabelle is interrupted by a door opening and Magnus walking in, his jacket was gone. He was now in a black silk shirt, bright blue jeans...with a sparkly belt and grey boots. He had 3 different necklaces on. He gracefully falls into one of the chairs, a skill Alec is sure only Magnus could have. Said warlock is also intently staring at Alec, who has promptly forgotten how to breathe. 

“So, what are you three lovelies gossiping about?” Magnus grins at them, he's almost like a cat who, hasn't caught the canary just yet, but has figured out a plan on how to get it. 

“We were just admiring your lovely home, Mr Bane.” Isabelle smiles at him. 

“Oh, come now, call me Magnus, I insist.” he snaps his fingers and a small tumbler glass appears in his hand. “Drink?” Isabelle and Gabriel politely decline and Alec's words get stuck in his throat so he just shakes his head and looks anywhere but at the warlock. 

“Clary's started on the pentagram. I gave her a speed rune; she should be done within the hour.” Jace closes the door behind him and walks in beside his parabatai. All four of them on this sofa was getting a little cramped. 

Magnus clapped his hands a long and almost painful hour later and turned to the others grinning, “Well, let's have a look then.” 

They all get up to follow and walk into the next room. The pentagram is huge, colourful and well detailed. Magnus whistled in appreciation, “Jocelyn was right, your artistry is beyond compare.” Magnus praised Clary who stood up to wipe chalk dust off of her jeans. “The only other person I've known who could draw that well was Michelangelo. Who was excellent in bed might I add.” As he says it, he deliberately looks at Alec. Alec tries desperately to stop the heat that begins to crawl up his neck as his cheeks also become red. Isabelle and Gabriel chuckle and Jace just looks confused again. Alec bows his head to hide the smile that was threatening to take over his face. 

Magnus walks around the pentagram, standing at the top point. He rolls up his sleeves as he speaks. “Okay, we're ready. Ah.” he stops as he recounts the room, “It seems we have one extra.”  

Gabriel shrugs, “I’m fine to stand back here.” he takes a step back and leans against the wall. 

Magnus smiles, “Well that sorts that, everyone take your rightful place on the pentagram.” Alec had been moving before he realised, to the point on Magnus' right-hand side. 
Jace had to guide Clary to her spot and he took his. 

“We must initiate a bond. Once the bond is sealed, it cannot be broken before the demon retreats. No matter what happens, we must not let go of each other's hands.” 

Magnus looks at Alec and puts out his hand, Alec looked at it, there was a sparkly bracelet around his wrist that curled around his middle finger. The diamonds sparkled in Alec's eyes. Alec put his arm out and clasped Magnus' hand. His grip was tight but gentle at the same time. When their hands were connected Alec jerked as he felt the magic flow through him, the bond formed. He locked eyes with Magnus and his heart raced. Alec looked to Jace and took his hand, the bond pulling him in as well, Alec couldn't look Jace in the eye. Jace took Clary's hand and they all looked to Isabelle. She sighed, “You people are pathetic.” She didn't jerk as much as the bond pulled her in. She clasped hands with Magnus and the bond was complete. 

“I will lead the ceremony, and you all must do exactly as I say. The demon's name is Valak. And at some point, he will ask for payment in exchange for Clary's memories.” 

“What do you mean? What kind of payment?” Jace demanded. 

Magnus only smiled, “We will see.” he swayed his hips, “Let us begin.” Magnus spoke in Chthonian to summon Valak. 

A thick black smoke came down from above them. It circled in the pentagram. 

Gabriel kept his seraph blade in his hand but didn’t activate it just making sure that he was ready for anything. 

“Valak is among us. Do not break the bond.” Magnus pauses as if he's listening, “It's time. The demon demands payment.” 

Alec squints his eyes as wind rushes into them, “What does it want?” he yells. 

“We must each relinquish a beloved memory of the one we love the most.” 

The demon takes from Isabelle first, they watch as a memory of Alec and Gabriel grinning as they both kiss Izzy on the cheek was pulled from her and vanished into the demon's smoke. Taking one from Clary, an older red-headed woman. Alec assumes it's one of her mother, giving Clary a hug after she got accepted into her art course. Then he feels the demon reach into him and pull on one of his memories. 

It was Gabriel, it was the day they became Parabatai. The two stood across from each other with beaming smiles as they recited the Parabatai Oath. 

Jace’s came next and was the image of when he was adopted into the Lightwood family. Izzy, Gabriel and Alec were hugging Jace tight while their parents stood a bit away, also both grinning. 

Magnus’s memory was last, he was laughing on a sofa in the middle of an equally giggly female warlock and an older warlock with horns on his head who was sitting and smiling. 

The demon spoke again and Magnus frowned. 

“What is it?!” Izzy yelled. 

“He says he wants a memory from everyone, including Gabriel.” Magnus translated for them before turning his head towards the other Shadowhunter, “It’s safe. Put your hand on mine.” 

Gabriel nodded and slowly approached the pentagram until he was standing between Magnus and Alec. He raised his hand and placed it over Alec and Magnus’s clasped ones, integrating himself into the pentagram. 

“Just keep still!” Magnus tells him. 

The demon reaches into Gabriel and pulls on a memory. Gabriel’s heart wrenches at it. 

The memory was one that stuck in both brothers minds forever. Gabriel was kneeling on the floor of a bathroom with a sobbing Alec in his arms. Alec was collapsed into his brother's chest clutching him like a lifeline; his knuckles were split open and there was blood all over his hand. Surrounding them was a sea of glass shards. Gabriel was rocking him as he hugged him tight, trying to comfort him. 

The moment that Gabriel wanted to show Alec that he was loved so much. 

Fear rises within Alec. No no no no no no! This can’t be happening.  

With his fight or flight response kicking in Alec pulls his hand away from Magnus and Gabriel, trying to get away from the memory in front of them. 

“Do not break the bond!” Magnus shouts as he tries to keep his grip on Alec’s hand. 

“Alec it's okay!” Isabelle yells over the wind. 

Get out. You need to get out. He knows. They all know how weak you are. Get out!  

“NO!” He rips his hands out of Magnus' and Jace's. 

“Alec!” 

“No!” They both shout to him. 

The demon pushes everyone back and they all fall. Alec is slammed into the wall behind him, banging his head against the concrete wall. Struggling to get up again he has to keep blinking to try and focus. He looks around dizzily, watching as Gabriel rushed forward to Izzy and Clary to push them away from the demon and Jace about to get his weapons out. Looking over to Magnus, the warlock is standing moving his arms with flourish as he uses his magic to keep the demon controlled. “I cannot contain it for much longer!” Alec knows he needs to help so, he blinks, still dazed and without his weapons in hand he stumbles towards the demon. 

“No!” Jace grabs him by the back of his jacket and shoves him out of the path of the demon. Alec is already unsteady so the shove sends him to the floor again as the demon grabs onto Jace instead, trying to pull him into its smoke. 

“Jace!” Isabelle screams and runs forward and grabs his hand. 

They see Magnus faltering, falling to one knee, “He's growing stronger.” 

Gabriel grabs onto Jace's other arm to try and pull him away from the demon.  

Isabelle turns to Clary, “Help us!” Alec can only assume she's grabbed a weapon because Magnus shouts, “Clary! If you kill the demon your memories will be lost forever.” 

Alec watches blearily as Clary stabs the demon with a seraph blade causing the demon to explode into ash and Jace crashes to the ground. 

“Jace!” 

“Oh my God. Jace!” 

Alec gets to his feet to see everyone crowded around Jace, trying to shake him awake. Jace almost got killed by a demon because of him. This was all his fault and what did he do to help? Nothing ! What use is he? 

“Is he going to be alright?” Clary looks up to Magnus. 

The warlock shrugs, “I don't know. Does he normally just lay like that without moving?” 

“Get up.” Gabriel slaps his cheek, “Jace!” 

Jace's body jerks as he takes a deep inhale and splutters. Alec fights his way back onto his feet and falls back against the wall. 

He almost died because of me.  

He stands in the door frame, watching as Gabriel gets Jace back up. As his adrenaline wears off, an intense pain shoots through his head. Gasping quietly, he runs his right hand through his hair on the back of his head. He winced as he brushed over something extremely painful and wet. Bringing his hand back around he stares at the blood dripping down his palm. Well that isn't good. The wave of dizziness hits him harder this time and he has to put his arm out against the wall so he wouldn't fall over, smearing blood against the wall in the process. A gentle hand touches his elbow and Alec tenses, “It's alright.” Magnus's voice is quiet and soothing to the dazed Shadowhunter. Magnus gently tugged on his arm, “Come with me.” Alec nodded and quietly they left the room without the others noticing. He led the injured man through the loft and gently pushed him down onto the sofa. “May I?” Magnus gestured to Alec's head, he nodded, instantly regretting the decision as he winced from the pain. Magnus stepped closer and looked to the back of Alec's head. 

There was blood matted in his hair and a gash in the middle of his crown. Magnus snapped his fingers and the blue magic came to his call, dancing around his fingertips. “I'm going to heal you now.” Alec didn't reply as he felt the magic caress his head and press into his skull. The magic seeps into the skin and gently sews it back together again. 
Alec sighs as the pain goes away, he's able to think properly now that he doesn't feel like he's about to pass out. “Thank you.” his own voice is quiet.  

“It is no bother to me.” Magnus smiles at him and Alec's heart stutters.  

“Uh... I'm- I'm sorry about the blood on your wall.” 

Magnus just shakes his head, “Never worry. Nothing I cannot fix.” 

Laughter filtered through from the other room and Alec felt the shame and the guilt crawl back into him. 

Magnus must have seen the look on his face, “There's nothing to be ashamed of, Alec.” he said gently. 

“I don't know what you're talking about.” His voice comes out small, cracking slightly. 

“You will.” Magnus whispers before leaning back slightly. “And... You should take this back, since my services were not up to standard.” Alec looked up and saw the necklace dangling in front of him.  

“Why would you give it back to us? You’ve looked for it for so long.” 

Magnus smiled as he admired the necklace before looking back to Alec, “I’m not giving it back to the Shadowhunters. I’m giving it to you.” Magnus leaned forward and clasped the necklace around the frozen Shadowhunter's neck. 

“Goodnight, Alexander.” Magnus whispered before walking back into the room with the others. 

Alec raised his hand to the necklace. Wow.  

Alec had avoided everyone for the rest of the night. Opting to stay in his office going over mission reports rather than face his siblings. 

He could barely concentrate, he was exhausted, he counted that he had five hours sleep in two days. Two days! His body ached from being slammed into the wall in Magnus’s lair. Guilt sat heavy on his chest because everything was ruined because of him. Jace almost died because of Alec’s stupid actions and now Clary won't get her memories back. And for the cherry on top everyone saw the memory of him falling to pieces. How can anyone take him seriously now? 

He raised his head and ended up staring past the wall and got sucked inside his own head. 

He remembers that day so well. His parents had come back to New York to oversee his work at the Institute. Alec thought that he had everything under control but they managed to pick and unravel every single thing that Alec had done ever since they gave him control, temporarily. Picking at Alec himself until he couldn’t take it anymore, he had gone to his room and locked himself in the bathroom. His parents had continuously compared him and Gabriel together, Alec was skinnier, not as much muscle, Alec couldn’t use an archangel to activate his seraph blade. That was always his favourite one. When Alec looked in the mirror, they were almost the exact same, same nose, mouth, eye colour, hair colour. And yet he was the inferior brother. He wasn’t capable of running the Institute. He wasn’t capable of being a good son. 

Without even knowing Alec had raised his fist and punched his bathroom mirror with everything that he had. The shards went everywhere, glass shredded and embedded into his knuckles. Gripping the sink as the tears began to fall, he sobbed quietly until his knees gave out and he dropped to the floor. 

He was so delirious that he never heard Gabriel shouting or banging on the other side of the door. He could feel Alec’s emotional pain through the bond, and then the pain changed to a more physical type. Gabriel had frowned as he left the war room and made his way to Alec’s room, knocking gently. He heard the smash and quickly opened the door, heading straight for the bathroom he tried to open it but it was locked. He had banged on the door, begging Alec to open up, tell him that he was alright. Then he heard something that made him stumble back from the door in shock. Crying. Alec, the strongest man that he knew, was crying. He took out his stele and drew the unlocking rune on the door before opening the door. 

Alec was on the floor, one hand was entangled in his hair, pulling tightly, the other was resting on his thigh and looked as if it was sliced open. His bathroom mirror was shattered and Alec was surrounded by glass. Gabriel sprang into action; he kicked any shards out of his way and knelt in front of his brother, no words. He gently tugged the hand out of his hair and shuffled closer. “Alexander.” Alec hadn’t talked, he just fell forward and broke down in his brother's arms. Gabriel wrapped him into his arms and whispered quietly as he rested his chin in Alec’s hair. He could feel the pain coming through the bond and tried to push back through with his own love for his brother. Gabriel had stayed like that until Alec passed out from exhaustion. The next thing Alec knew he was in his brothers bed and his hand had been healed, he refused to ever talk about it again.

Alec dropped the pen he was holding and rubbed his eyes with both hands, scrubbing at his now wet cheeks as he inhaled deeply. 

Everything was falling apart right in front of him and he had no idea how to stop it. 

Chapter Text

It was midday in the Institute. One of the busiest times as Shadowhunters were switching roles from the night shift to the day shift. Ones on patrol were leaving in weapons and going to bed.   

Alec usually was one of the ones who worked during the night, but recently due to a certain little girl he was up going on night missions and day missions back to back. Which he, as acting Head, didn’t allow. So now he was breaking Clave rules as well as his own. Not to mention he has to keep on top of patrol shifts, possible disciplines, ward strengths and demon activity.  

He was well past exhaustion at this point.  

He had finished everything at eight this morning, too exhausted to sleep, so he decided to take out any frustrations on the punching bag. When shift change came Alec stopped and decided to head back to his room, shower and get ready for another day.  

He was walking back from the training room, flexing his fingers to try and get some feeling back into his hands. As he came around the corner, he heard voices coming from Jace's room. He crept towards the doorway quietly as he heard Jace ask, “And he spoke to you?”   

“He said my name.”   

Alec peaked around and saw Clary standing behind Jace. He was holding Clary's necklace up to the light.   

“He said, 'Your mother for the Cup.'”   

Alec frowned and made his presence known in the doorway. “Who said that?”   

They both spun to him and spoke at the same time, “Valentine.”   

“He's with my mother.”   

Alec eyed the necklace as he walked further into the room, “And he can speak with you... through that necklace?” he pointed to it, “Here... in the Institute?”   

“It's like when I saw Dot.” Clary tried to explain.   

“It's a Portal shard.” Jace told them. “That's why your mother made sure you had it.” he told Clary.   

“All I know, is what I saw. My mother is alive. She's unconscious but alive!”  

Oh, thank the Angel, this girl was useful for something. Finally!  

“Okay. So, where are they?” Alec asked.   

“I don't know.” she shook her head.   

He spoke too soon.  

“You just said you saw them. Were there any identifying characteristics? Equipment? Weapons? Photographs?”   

Anything?! Literally, anything that could be useful?  

She shook her head, “I- I don't remember. It was awful.”   

“Alec. Lighten up.”   

Alec scowled, “Lighten up? This is our first real clue about Valentine's whereabouts and she conveniently doesn't know what she saw and you want me to 'lighten up'?” He turned back to Clary, “I need you to tell me exactly what you saw.”   

“Valentine has my mother. That's what I saw.” She glared back at him.   

Alec puts his hands on his hips. “Emotions are nothing but a distraction. You're ruled by them. We're taught to control them.”   

Clary turned her head to the side, “Oh yea? And how is that working out for ya?”  

Alec clasped his hands behind his back as he knows that Clary is referring to Gabriel’s memory. He’s not going to be made to look like a fool by her, “It is my job to protect the Institute. If Valentine can see in the that's a door I have to shut.” He stared her down, “Now. Let me take a look at that thing.” he stuck out his hand expectantly, Jace sighed and gave it to him. Alec held onto it and looked back up to them. “Now it's in the proper hands.” closing his hand tight around it he turned and left the room. Knowing the best place to put it.   

“Hey! Alec!” Clary shouted after him but he just kept walking. He went back through the war room and down the steps to the raised platform on the other side. “Where are you going?” Clary ran after him.   

“To put this somewhere safe. Where no one could be tempted to use it.”   

He felt Jace's hand grip his arm, “We should use it.”   

Alec looked down at his hand and gave him a look. Oh, we should, should we?    

“Alec, we should use it to get to Valentine.”   

“If I were Valentine, I'd make you think you could rescue Jocelyn. And then I'd lure Clary to me and leverage her life for the Cup.” He kneeled down at the rune on the floor. Taking his stele out of his pocket he unlocked the rune and the square rose up and a box, about three foot tall came up from the floor.   

“I like Jace's idea.”   

Of course, you do. Alec rolled his eyes.   

“We saved Simon from the vampires that way.” She kept trying to change his mind.  

Alec used the stele again on the rune at the side on the box. “Yea...vampires.” the outside of the box went back down to the floor. Revealing two glass shelves, with other things that Alec had locked away. “Bored, decadent, self-involved vampires.” He put the necklace in the middle of his spare steles. “Valentine is a real threat.” he stood up and used his stele to lock the box and it sank back into the ground. He could see the annoyance in Clary's eyes and, honestly, he didn't care. Alec stepped closer to Clary and glared down at her, “He can't be handled by three-and-a-half Shadowhunters.”   

“Four.” she glared back.   

He put up his hand and pointed to her, “I'm not risking the lives of everyone in this Institute just so you can keep the necklace. It stays there and that's an order .” he looks between the two of them, “Do I make myself clear?” He brushed past her and felt Jace glaring at him as well. He felt a little guilty, doing this to his brother. But Alec had to draw the line somewhere, no matter how much it annoys someone else. Alec has a sworn duty that he will uphold.  

Walking back into his room, he went to the bathroom and stared at his hands. The knuckles were swollen, cut and almost black with bruising. He turned on the shower and stripped, gently placing the necklace on the shelf before he quickly washed himself, letting out a hiss as the water stung his hands but beat down on his tight muscles, a mixture of pain and pleasure. Alec didn’t mind, the pain in his hands covered up the thoughts in his head.  

When he got out he quickly placed the necklace around his neck again. He hadn’t taken it off since Magnus put it around his neck. He felt the blush creeping up at the memory of the Warlock flirting with him. Breathing deeply he got dressed and hid the necklace under his shirt. He has work to do. He grabbed bandages from his desk drawer and wrapped his knuckles before making his way into the Institute.  

Entering the training room, he saw that everyone was already there with the addition of... his mother.   

Oh...  

Taking a deep breath, he walked in. “Mother, welcome back. We didn't expect you.” He leaned down as she kissed his cheek. Giving her a quick hug as she squeezed his arms.   

“You should be prepared, whether you expect me or not.”   

He quickly stepped into a parade rest, “I am.” he looked at his siblings, “We are.”  

She waved him off, “We'll talk about the Institute later. Right now, we have a bigger problem.” she walked around the room and looked Clary up and down disapprovingly. “The Seelies have stopped communicating with the Clave and won't explain why.” Walked behind all five of them as she continued to talk, all of them could feel her judging stare piercing into their backs. “My guess is they're still upset we asked them to send scouts out to look for Valentine, but no one in their realm will talk.” She stood beside Alec and stared at him. He continued to look forward, refusing to break his stance, his fingers fidgeted with the edge of the bandages over his knuckles.  

“I have Seelie friends.” Isabelle interjects.   

“Yes, I know about your friends. Isabelle.” Maryse sighs, “We stay separate from the Downworld for good reasons.” She talks back to Isabelle sternly but gently. “The wrong move. The wrong word. Do you think there is such a thing as harmless rebellion? Who knows what offends these creatures?”   

It's a rhetorical question, that much they knew.   

“Maybe you told him...them... something they shouldn't know. Maybe you trod on one of their ridiculous customs and didn't know it.”   

Alec spoke up, “This isn't Izzy's fault, mother.”   

His mother moves to stand in front of Gabriel, “You all need to understand. When someone, anyone, upsets the natural order of our world, everything falls apart.”   

Clary steps forward, “Natural order? What are you saying?”   

“I can help.” Isabelle insists as she blinks back the tears in her eyes. “I know how to talk to Seelies.”  

Alec swallows, “She's right. She can visit with Meliorn and see what he knows. I will go with her if you want.”   

Maryse shakes her head and pats Jace on the shoulder, “I'd rather Jace goes along this time.”   

Okay. Ow.   

“Alec, you are to stay with the Fairchild girl.”   

WHAT?! Alec mouth twitched in an effort to retort but he decided against it and swallowed his protests.  

“I trust you to keep her under control. She's caused enough trouble already.”   

Clary scoffed, “Maybe that's because I wasn't a Shadowhunter until a few days ago!”   

Maryse tilts her head, “And what an exciting few days it has been.” At least everyone knows where Alec got his saltiness from. “Gabriel will take over the office for today while you keep an eye on Miss Fairchild.”  

All the wind left Alec’s stomach. His mother was handing over the office to Gabriel? Seriously? “You want Gabriel to take over?” At his mother’s nod he frowned, “Mother, with all due respect Gabriel doesn’t know how to run it. I do.”  

Maryse raises her hand to stop him, “Alec, the Clave counts on us Lightwoods to maintain order here. How can you maintain order when you will be keeping your attention on Miss Fairchild?”  

 “Mom, I’d really prefer it if Alec stayed in office. I can look after Clary.” Gabriel put forward.  

Maryse sighed in annoyance, “You're all so eager to do what you would prefer. It's time to face the truth.” She stares up at Alec, “Life is not about what you want to do, it is about what must be done.” She raises her voice, “I gave given you your assignments now carry them out.”  

“Alec, hand over to Gabriel and I will leave Miss Fairchild in your capable hands. You’ve been Acting Head for some time now, one girl shouldn’t be a problem.” He winced slightly as she cut Alec to the bone before pointing to Jace and Isabelle, “You and you with me, now.” 

Jace gives him a sympathetic glance as he walks past Alec and walk out after her. Leaving Alec, Gabriel and Clary alone.  

Clary frowned as she watched them leave, “Well that was a window into the weird. What did you do to piss of your mum?” she looks over to Alec.  

Alec swallowed the lump that was forming and stared down at her, “Well, if I had to guess...just to name a few. All the unsanctioned missions on your behalf and almost breaking the accords with the vampires and causing a war... I'd guess those didn't go over that big with the Clave.”   

Which is exactly what I said would happen and did anyone listen? No. And now he was paying for it by being put on babysitting duty.  

Clary doesn't even look sorry, Alec scoffs and storms away from her. He heads towards his office so that he can start signing things over to Gabriel, his head swirling with a million different thoughts. He can't get over the fact that his mother has put Jace in charge of going with Isabelle to the Seelie's and he's stuck here looking after the most annoying person in history.   

He knows that Gabriel and Clary are following so he doesn’t sulk too much.  

When Clary goes to follow into the office Alec holds up his hand, “This is sensitive information. Wait outside.”  

“I'm not just-"  

“Clary.” Gabriel stops her and mouths, ‘Stop.’  

Clary huffs and stands out in the corridor.  

Gabriel moves to stand beside Alec.  

Alec begins pointing at different stacks of paper, “These are the patrol teams for this week, don’t forget to post them up. These are mission reports, make sure they’re eligible and signed properly and these are reports from the Clave.”  

Gabriel nodded quickly trying to soak up all this information but his attention kept being grabbed by the bandages around Alec’s knuckles.  

Alec grabbed the tablet and put in the code to unlock it, the date they became Parabatai. That’s easy to remember at least. He started tapping through different things, “This is to access the cameras around the Institute, this will bring up a map New York. If there’s demon activity there will be a red circle that will pop up with it’s location. I checked the wards myself this morning so they should be fine.”  

Gabriel huffed out a laugh, “Alec, I’m only doing this today. I don’t need a weeks worth of work.”  

Alec raised an eyebrow, “This is today’s work.”  

Gabriel’s eyes widened, “What?! I can’t do all this today!”  

Alec scoffed, “Oh yes you will.” He handed the tablet to Gabriel. “Don’t mess anything up and stay out of my desk.” Alec used his stele to rune the side of the desk and it locked all the drawers.  

Gabriel nodded as he knew that the first thing he would do would be to try and get into this desk.  

“Alec.”  

Alec turned away from the door, “Yea?”  

“I’m sorry about this.”  

Alec shrugged, “Not your fault. Orders are orders.” When he reached for the door his brother called out to him again.  

“Yes, Gabriel?”  

Gabriel pointed to his hands, “What happened?”  

Alec instinctively put his hands behind his back, “Training. I forgot to tape my hands.”  

Gabriel’s brows furrowed, taping your hands is one of the first things that’s ingrained into your brain when training. There’s no way someone would forget that, especially Alec.  

“You... forgot?”  

Alec nodded, “Yes. I need to go, I’ll see you later.”  

Gabriel sighed Alec walked out of the room and closed the door behind him.  

He looked around and saw Clary wasn’t there but there was a note taped to the wall.  

Went to the training hall. – Clary  

He figured he’ll go watch her and walks over to the elevator, getting in and angrily punches the button for the main floor before leaning against the wall and closing his eyes. As he waits for the doors to shut his eyes snap open, “Alec! Hold up.” He doesn't attempt to hold the doors as Jace runs up and puts his hand in the door, “Thanks for holding it for me. ” he glares and pants. Alec notices he's already in his tactical vest and is ready to go. “I can't believe Maryse put me on this mission and not you.”   

Alec just closes his eyes and just hums. He feels Jace's eyes on him.  

“Hello?” the elevator dings and Alec walks out, “Alec, you're the acting head of this Institute.” Jace chases after him. “If there's a diplomatic mission, you should go. Let's switch assignments.” Alec shakes his head sharply, “Nope. This time I'm actually going to obey orders and babysit your girlfriend.”   

They walk up the steps, “Clary? She's more like my responsibility.” Alec inwardly scoffs. “Hey. You'll keep an eye on her right?” Jace pats his upper arm, Alec looks down at it in a panic and moves back gently shrugging it off. He doesn't look anywhere near Jace. “What is wrong with you?”  

Alec looks at him and looks away again, he inhales deeply and tries to make the words come out of his mouth. “I, uh...” he blinks and swallows deeply. Determined he looks at Jace again without looking away. “Y-You, you have every right to be mad at me.”   

There I said it.  

 Jace frowned, “Why? What did you do?” he smiled, “What did you throw my leather jacket in the washing machine again?”   

“This isn't a joke.” Alec says seriously. “At Magnus'. The demon...”   

“That?” Jace questions and then shrugs, “Alec, I’m fine, don’t worry about it.”   

“Come on, man. We're brothers. We've spent almost our whole lives together. How can I be mad at you?”   

Alec looks down to the ground and licks his lips. “Well, you know, breaking the bond... the demon hurt you.”   

“This is what's been bothering you? Seriously? Alec, it was an accident. That memory is between you and Gabe. I'm fine, so we're fine. Right?”   

“Uh yea. You're right.”   

Jace smirks, “I know. And listen, if you want to follow mum's orders tonight, that's great. But... please just do me one favour. Swear to me that you won't take your eyes off of Clary.”  

Alec licked his lips, looking down as he nods. Jace smiles, “Wow, I can't even believe I asked you that. You wouldn't let me down.” he chuckles as he pulls the back of Alec's neck and pulls him into an embrace. Alec pats his back. Jace then breaks away and walks away from Alec, leaving the older Shadowhunter to watch him as he leaves.  

“Sure.” he says to no one.   

After the talk he had with his mother and Jace, he needs to let out his emotions. He heads to the training room, wanting to just hold the staff in his hands and beat on the punching bag. As he gets closer to the training room, he sees Clary in there, waving a staff around. He walks up the steps and goes past her.   

“Looks like we're stuck with each other.”   

He ignores her and grabs his own staff. “For what it's worth, I think your mum was too tough on you out there.”   

He looks over and analyses her stance, “Mothers are like that.” He gets into his own position.   

“Mine's not.” He looks up to her. “Go ahead, knock me on my ass, you'll feel better.”   

Alec smirks, “Don't make me say you're right about something.” He waves at her feet, “Plant your feet wider.”   

She does, and she also keeps talking. “Why'd you let your mum say all those awful things about Izzy?”  

Alec moves his staff, aiming for her middle and she pushes it away grunting. He waves his hand between them, “Don't step into the strike, step through it.” He waits for Clary to move. “Izzy was out of bounds. It could've been a lot worse. The law is hard but it is the law. Even I forget that sometimes.”   

Clary shrugs, “So, what? You're going to let her send Jace out instead of you?”   

He moves to strike again making her block, he presses down on her staff with his own, “I have my orders. If I screw up, lives are at risk. If I'm not being the leader I've been trained to be I expect to be punished.” He pulls back and circles her.   

“You know what a leader does, Alec? They make decisions. You need to find Valentine and stop him. I need to find Valentine to save my mother.”   

She goes up high and he blocks her, leaning back she tries the other side. He swings his staff down and traps hers to the ground.   

“You’re also supposed to follow what your leader tells you. And you don't need to tell me how to do my job.” She grunts as she tries to lift it up. She kicks his staff out of his hands and swings for his head, he easily ducks and spins upwards. He grabs her staff, flipping it over his head he flips her down to the ground, pressing the staff into her stomach. He holds out his hand and helps her up. He may not like her but he was raised a gentleman.   

“What do you think? Do you think we haven't been trying to find your mother?”   

“Of course you have.” she pants to him as he goes over and picks up the other staff. “But I know you can colour outside the lines. You're just not letting yourself think that way.”   

He throws her staff back, “Oh yea? What's the big thought I'm not thinking?”   

“We can still find Valentine. I might know a way. My mother hid a lot from me but I did see one thing...” He looks up at her, raising his eyebrow telling her to keep going. “She didn't think I knew about it. But she opened the box once a year and cried”   

Alec shrugged, “Cause?”   

“It belonged to my father. It had his initials, J.C on top.” Alec stands up straight, “But your father is Valentine. Why J.C?”   

“Because for eighteen years she told me his name was Jonathan Clark. It was a lie. But... whatever is in that box meant a lot to her. Maybe there's something inside that would let us track him.” Alec blinked, surprised she actually said something helpful for once, “Where can we find the box?”   

Clary sighs, “I think it's still back at the loft. Let's go get it.”  

Oh no, there's the stupid back.    

His phone begins to ring, “Absolutely not. Clearly you didn't hear me. No more unsanctioned missions. I’m not even Acting Head. Gabriel is now.” he lifts it out of his pocket as she scoffs at him. He looks at his phone and doesn't recognise the number. “Just...” he holds up his index finger. “Stay. I mean it.” he walks to the other side of the room and answers. “Hello? Who is this?”  

“Alexander. Hi. It's Magnus. We met the other day, you know... with the demon.”   

Oh. By. The. ANGEL.   

“Uh, yea... Yea. Hey, what's up?” he stammers, his heart picked up a few paces and it wasn't because of the training.   

“Well I wanted to check in and see how you were feeling. You certainly did a number on your head.”   

Alec's heart stops, he wants to see how I am? “I uh, I'm fine now, yea, fine. Thank you by the way.”   

“Oh it was nothing. But I was just thinking it was really nice getting to know you. You seem... sympathetic.”  

Alec frowned a little, he seems what? “Would you like to go out for a drink sometime?”  

Cool, be cool, be cool. It's fine. Cool. Stay calm.    

“That sounds fun...uh.. When?”   

“Well, how about right now?”   

“Um..” He turns and his eyes widen as he can't see Clary in the training room. His eyes dart around the whole room. Crap. “You know... now's not really a good time for me. Another time? I really need to go.” He hangs up and puts the phone in his pocket as he runs out of the training room.   

I'm going to KILL her .   

Jumping down the steps he looks through the war room and his heart bangs into his ribs because he can't spot the red head and takes off through the halls to get to her room. He just barely opens the door before going into it. He checks all around and doesn't see her anywhere. Double crap. He exhales, grabbing a bracelet off her bedside table runs back through the halls to his own room to grab his jacket and weapons. He holds the bracelet in his hand and uses his stele to trace it. Ginger hair, talks ALL the time, annoying, rule breaking- he snaps onto her location, activating his invisibility rune, he runs out the door of the institute and down the street.   

Angel, please let me murder her . He begged.  

He sprints down 5 streets until he spots the hair. He slows and keeps her in sight as he rips off the bandages and pulls on his gloves and walks through the crowd and gets closer to her. He hears a phone ring and the people around her look around confused. He sees Clary searching into her bag and he sighs and comes up behind her. “Why did you run out? And what's the point in an invisibility rune if you don't silence your phone.” he scolds her. “That was childish sneaking out like that.”   

She ignores him and answers her phone, “Simon, Hey.” He rolls his eyes and walks in front of her, making sure she doesn't wander off again. “Can we talk later, things are kind of insane right now.”   

Alec looks away from her, Are you kidding me? She says how she killed the memory demon and has lost her memories forever.   

“I'm at the Brooklyn Academy. I'm on my way to-”   

And that's quite enough of that. “Hang up. That's it we have to go. Right now.”  

“No. I'm on my way to the loft.” He blanks her out a little, “I'll be fine. I'm with Alec.”   

Oh. She's fine. She's with me. She's lucky I don't knock her out and drag her back to the Institute.   

He snatches the phone out of her hand, hangs up and shoves it into his pocket. “Hey!” she puts her hands on her hips, “Why do you always look so miserable.”  

His jaw opens in surprise, “I don't.”  

“You do.” Alec rolls his eyes.   

“It must be hard being in love with Jace when he's straight and everything.”   

His eyebrows basically go into his hairline. “Excuse me? What?”   

She laughs at him.   

She's laughing at me.   

“What's the big deal?”   

Forget knocking her out. I'm just going to kill her, Angel forgive me.   

“We’re brothers .”   

“Oh come on, Alec. You're gay. So what?”   

Alec grabs her arm a tad too tight, “Keep your voice down.” He ordered dangerously.   

“What? It’s not like it’s a big deal.”  

Alec rolled his eyes, “Maybe not in your world. In my world I could be exiled for this. So don’t mention it. Ever. Again. Understand?”  

“But-"  

“ Ever .”  

“Fine, but we have a different problem to solve okay? One issue at a time.” She slaps his arm and walks away, “Come with me.”   

“No. Absolutely not.” Clary doesn't even turn around as she shouts.  

“Either you come with or I go on my own. I don't care either way.”   

Alec groans, he won’t need to worry about being exiled for being.. well, you know... because he’s probably going to be now because of Clary Fairchild. “This better be quick.” he shouts after her.   

“I could've been somewhere else right now.” he mumbles under his breath.   

They walk a couple of streets and turn down an alley and Alec wants to cry as he watched Clary run over to the mundane, Simon and hugs him.   

She pulls back and asks him if he's okay, “Just a cold. Not the end of the world.”  

“The world's been ending for a thousand years. You get used to it. Now, can we move.”   

Clary puts one hand on her hip, “My mums loft is just across the alley.”   

“All right but we need to be careful. There are eyes all over this place and everyone in the Shadow World is looking for you.”   

“I mean, I guarantee you. No one is going to find this shortcut. I used to take it back in middle school to see Clary.”   

Wow. Adorable . I’m overcome with emotion.    

“You might know the Shadow World. But I know Brooklyn.” he speeds away and jumps over the high wall.  

Wait...what? Alec walks over and jumps, pulling himself up and over, he turns around and puts his hand out to Clary. Grunting as he pulls her up and over the wall and then jumps down. They walk through a pile of bushes and come to a fire escape. The mundane climbs up first, then Clary. Alec takes a last look around and makes quick work climbing up the ladder. They start climbing the stairs.   

“You've gotten a lot better at this.” he hears the mundane say.   

“I was just going to say the same thing about you.”   

Alec frowns, “Climbing a fire escape excites mundanes. I'll never understand these people.”   

“Woah...I don't remember it like this.”  

Alec walks up and sees runes covering the building, “These are runes and wards of protection cast by a warlock.” He walks over examining them. “Some of these have been here for years.”  

“Yo... Clary. What are all these tags.” Alec’s head snaps to the mundane, “You can see the runes?”   

“Yeah... kind of hard to miss.”   

“For a Shadowhunter maybe. They should be invisible to most mundanes.” Suspicious he steps towards the mundane, “When did you get the Sight?”   

The mundane laughs nervously, “I don't know... but whoever drew these should take some lessons from Clary.”   

Alec keeps staring at the mundane. He couldn't see them before... why now? He can’t think straight with these two here so he makes a mental note to investigate it later.  

Clary put her hand on the wall beside a heart with S.L and C.F in the middle. “This is from when Simon and I were engaged to be married.” A nostalgic smile crosses her lips.  

Alec looks between Clary and the mundane. “You were engaged? Actually, I'm almost certain I do not want to hear this b-”   

“We were eight years old.”   

Alec waves his hands in the air, thought so.   

Clary goes over and tries to open the door. “There's only one flaw in your plan here, Simon.”   

“Here let me try.” the mundane walks over and pulls the door open with such a force Alec thought it was going to come off. When did he get that strong? Something isn't right here.   

“After you.” Clary walks in and Alec goes to follow. The mundane pushes him back, “Oh. After me.” Alec raises an eyebrow but doesn’t react as Simon grins and prances inside.   

They walk into Clary's room which has burnt to a crisp, barely anything was recognisable.   

“Holy crap Clary, who torched your loft?”   

 Alec frowns because he knows that there is a glamour over this house, a glamour that mundane's shouldn’t be able to see through.  

“Yea I can see this too.” he calls to Alec.  

“There's nothing left of me here.” Clary gestures to her room sadly.  

“Of course there isn't. Your mother was trying to erase any trace that you ever existed. So that you couldn't be tracked. She was protecting you.”   

“Well that worked out so well.” She huffed.  

Alec scowled, “You're alive aren't you?”  

“These floorboards.” both turn as the mundane speaks, “They sound different in these two spots.” Alec walks over and looks at the ground. “Can't you hear it?” the mundane asks them.  

 Alec looks at him blankly. “There's something under here.” he bends down and feels around until he lifts up a loose floorboard. “Another score for Brooklyn.” He goes to reach under there when Alec steps forward.   

“Hey!” Alec pulls the mundane up and pushes him back, “Out of the way.” Alec kneels down and puts his hand under the floor.   

If I lose a limb I swear!    

He moves his hand around and it brushes against something solid. “There's something down here.” he grabs onto it and pulls it out. It's a really dusty wooden box. He hands it over to Clary, “Is this the box you remember?”   

Clary nods and takes it. “Yea, she used to wait until I was asleep and then take it out.” She opens it and frowns, “I don't know what any of this is.”   

Alec looks and sees a lock of blonde hair, a rattle and a tiny white shoe. They all turn to the door as glass shatters downstairs in the house. Alec moves forward and pushes the mundane back. “There's someone here.” he turns back to them, “Get what you need and do not move until I get back. We've been here too long.” He de-glamorises his bow and quiver as he walks out of the room. Taking his bow in hand he goes back out the fire escape and jumps down. He hears rustling and a growl, he slowly takes out an arrow and aims at the bushes. As he slowly walks forward he sees a flash of something and he runs after it. Aiming his bow he looks around, he can hear the growling but he can't see anything. He stiffens and he concentrates, he spins when he hears rustling behind him he shoots but doesn't hit anything as a creature runs out of the alley. His eyes follow it and when a truck moves he sees Clary and the mundane being pushed into a black car.   

Oh shit.  

With his speed rune activated he sprints down the alley and runs after the car, it eventually gets away from him and he comes to a stop panting. He spins in a circle and rubs at the back of his neck.   

I am so dead.  

His hands shake as he takes out his phone and calls Gabriel.  

“I wasn’t trying to get in your desk!” Gabriel’s panicked voice came over the line.  

“Gabe, she’s gone! She snuck out, I followed her but she’s been taken. I- I-”  

“Alec! Alec! Slow down! What happened?”  

“Someone took her!”  

“Where are you?”  

“Uh... uh- Greenpoint." Alec stutters out.  

“Stay there! I’m on my way.”  

He goes back inside the loft to see if anyone had left any clues on where they took her. He sighed and took out his phone, firing a quick text to Jace. 'She snuck out of the Institute. I'm at Greenpoint.'   

He starts pacing her room as he waits for the others to arrive.  

Why did I leave them? I should have stayed here and covered them! This is all my fault. I promised Jace I'd look after her.   

He grabbed the nearest thing to him and threw it at the wall. It calmed him, sort of, to watch it break into pieces and fall to the ground. He turned as he heard familiar footsteps coming closer. Jace walks into the room, Isabelle following behind and Gabriel was a step behind her.   

Jace walks over to Alec and hissed, “Where is she? Where is Clary?”   

“She's gone.” He tried to keep the panic out of his voice.   

“What do you mean 'gone'?” Isabelle came forward.   

Alec swallowed, “She and Simon got arrested when I was clearing the fire escape.” he stuttered, “II-I got distracted.”  

Jace frowned, “The mundane was here?”  

“Simon?” Isabelle asked, it's not usual Alec called him by name. “He's gone too?”  

“It was an unmarked car. I don't know where they took her.”  

Jace stepped up into his personal space, “What did you do, Alec?” his voice was low.  

Alec exhaled through his nose and refused to look Jace in the eye. Jace turned and stormed out of the room, grabbing one of Clary's burnt drawings. Isabelle followed, grabbing Clary's bag. Alec pulled on the hair on the back of his neck, Gabriel patted him on the shoulder, “We’ll find them.”  

He stood with his hands in his pockets. Unsure of himself. He didn't really know what to do as he watched Jace try to track her.  

“She's not showing up.” Jace turns to him, “You need to parabatai track.” Alec slowly lifts his hands out of his pockets letting Gabriel draw the tracking rune in his palm. Jace puts the paper in his hands and the parabatai hold the paper together. They look into each other's eyes and the connection forms the red aura surrounds their hands.  

Alec tries to concentrate on Clary, he really does. Her red hair, annoying voice, kidnapped, my fault . Gabriel blinks, “Alec, concentrate.”  

Alec nods and exhales. He opens them and looks into Gabriel’s eyes and tries again. Clary, annoying, doesn't know how to fight, in love with Jace, knows I'm gay . Panic.  

“Alec.”  

“I'm doing it.” he says through clenched teeth, “She's not showing up.”  

 Isabelle's phone chimes, “Just as I thought. She wasn't arrested.”  

Jace huffs and storms up to Alec, shoving him, “It was your job to look after her!”  

“I did my best, Jace.” Alec argued.  

“Then maybe your mother was right, maybe your best just isn't good enough.” Jace chastised him.  

“Jace!” Gabriel yells.  

“Hey.” Alec brought his voice down lower as he shoved Jace's shoulder roughly, “Are you so blinded by your feelings for Clary, that you've lost sight of us?” He looked away from Jace and took a deep breath. His voice softer, “Clary snuck out. I went after her... to protect her.” the heat quickly rose back up though, “I didn't do anything you haven't done a thousand times before.”  

“Yes, you did.” Jace spat as he grabbed the front of Alec’s shirt, “ You lost her.”  

“Enough! Both of you.” Gabriel pushed them apart.  

Alec snorted and walked away, “Whatever.” he went back through the way Simon had brought them. Climbing over the wall and jumping down the other side he waited for the others to follow. He leaned against the van that was there. He rubbed his face before folding his arms and closed his eyes. He couldn’t believe that Jace said that to him.  

The other three walked over to him, “Look, whoever took Clary and Simon must be holding them over a body of water. That's why our tracking rune won't work.” Gabriel explained.  

They were silenced by a phone ringing. Isabelle turned, “Clary left her phone in her backpack.” Jace answered and put it on speaker, “Hello.”  

“Oh, I thought I'd never utter these words, but thank God it's you. It's me Simon.”  

“Where are you? Where's Clary?”  

They can hear him shuffling around on the other end, “I don't know. Some Chinese restaurant, I think. This cop, Alaric, he arrested us, but it was a total fake-out. Him and his buddy, they took us to their hang out and they told Clary that they'll kill her if she doesn't give them the Cup.”  

Alec could feel the thumping beginning in his brain.  

“Just calm down, tell us what you see.” Jace told him.  

“We're definitely on a pier, there's a ton of water, uh, I see lockers. There's... there's claw marks all over the wall.”  

“Werewolves.” Isabelle puts forward.  

“It's possible.” Alec agrees.  

“Hang on Hang on! I'm at the Jade Wolf Chinese Restaurant on the pier at Greene Street.”  

Jace nods, “Create a diversion. We're on our way.”  

It was dark when they finally got to the pier. They were walking through the lockers on the dock for cover. “Izzy, he's in some kind of basement so look for windows along the ground, take Gabriel and get Simon. Me and Alec will get Clary.” Isabelle and Gabriel nodded and walked away into the fog. As Alec and Jace walked through all the containers they turned the corner and saw a man carrying Clary over his shoulder.  

“Alec!”  

“Got her.”  

Jace spins around and kicks the man in the leg. “Put her down!” as the man falls he drops Clary and Alec holds out his arms and catches her, planting her on her feet behind him.  

“Are you okay?” Jace walks forward.  

“I will be once we find Simon.”  

They run between the lockers and see the Jade Wolf; Isabelle is walking along with Gabriel and-  

“Simon!”  

“Clary!”  

They run to each other and hug tightly.  

Jace rolled his eyes, “I hate to break up this little reunion but we have a bunch of werewolves trying to kill us so maybe we should get going.”  

Good idea, let's go.  

“Wait!” Clary grabs Alec's arm, “The box. In my backpack, I think I left it at the loft.”  

“We have it. I didn't screw up everything.” Alec tells her.  

“Great let's get out of here.” Simon turns and runs into a frozen Isabelle.  

“Wait. Simon, whatever you do... don't make any sudden moves.”  

Alec sees glowing green eyes in the fog and slowly moves forward. Putting his hand on Simon's shoulder he gently pushes him back.  

“Oh, this can't be good.”  

Jace closes in to protect Clary. Jace takes the left with his seraph blade, Isabelle takes the middle with her whip and Alec and Gabriel turn slowly. Taking out an arrow to protect Clary and Simon at their backs. He aims his arrow up as he hears growling.  

“We're surrounded.” Gabriel tells them.  

Alec looks back, “Everyone stay together.”  

Simon was shaking, “Oh, believe me, I’m not going anywhere.”  

He feels them push into his back, “Everyone get back! That's the alpha leader.” Jace used his other arm to push them back. Alec span around to aim at the alpha wolf.  

The alpha began to run at them and Alec poised his arrow ready to fire. They heard banging behind them and didn't know where to look. The alpha pounced for them when another wolf jumped at it and two began fighting out of sight, all the group could hear were the growls.  

Alec turns, “He's challenging the alpha.”  

“He's helping us.” Clary said in relief.  

“Or cutting in line to kill us.” Simon panicked.  

They saw boxes move and a flash and all slowly walked over.  

There was a man lying on the floor.  

“The alpha is dead.” Isabelle said.  

The wolf that won came around the corner and transformed back. It was the man that they had taken Clary off of earlier.  

“Luke!” Clary shouted.  

All the wolves behind them began howling and they all span around. All the wolves became human and kneeled.  

“What is it? What's happening?” Clary questioned. “When a werewolf kills the alpha leader, he becomes the new alpha. Your friend Luke is the leader of the pack now.” Jace explains.  

Alec watches as Clary goes over to see Luke. Luke falls creating a small distraction. Alec grabs Jace's arm, “Hey. We need to get Clary back to the Institute and stay out of Downworlder business.”  

“Why don't you stay out of it. I'm going to help Clary.” he goes to walk away and Alec grabs him.  

“We have to report back to our mother.”  

“You three can do that. I'll be fine on my own.” He shrugs off Alec's hand and goes over to Clary. He watches as Jace strokes Clary's hair, telling her they'll get the man, Luke, to Magnus to heal the alpha bite. He moves out of the way as the three carry Luke. Isabelle and Gabriel stand at his side, “Are you two, okay?” He watches Jace's back as he leaves him, his brother, alone. For a girl.  

“I don't know.”  

Chapter Text

Alec didn’t speak to his siblings as they made their way back to the Institute. Izzy kept trying to speak to him about Jace but right now he really didn't want to hear it. He couldn't believe that Jace would turn his back on him, on all of them, so easily.  

And now he had to walk back into the Institute a failure. Yet again. 

“Alec.” Gabriel called out to him but Alec kept walking, waving his arm as he went back to his bedroom and locked himself in. He ran his hands through his hair in frustration. Running down he felt the metal and in anger he yanked the chain off his head and hid it in his desk drawer. He can't risk his mother seeing it, she’d definitely have a kitten. He locked the drawer with his stele and turned to stand at the wide window. It always calmed him before. He watched the mundane’s just walking aimlessly around. They have no idea that an entirely different world is all around them. Alec inhales deeply when he thinks about Jace again. He's blinded by this girl. He's lost sight of Isabelle, Gabriel and of him. He's risking their name, their reputation and all of their lives.  

He picked at the scabbed over cuts on his knuckles. He did it to remind himself that he would never allow his feelings to cloud his judgement. To make sure he was always grounded and in control. He heard the chunky heels walking across the floorboards.  

“Have you spoken to Jace yet?” Izzy spoke as she walked in the door. 

Alec shook his head sharply. 

“Alec, you need to call Jace.”  

“As far as I'm concerned, Jace is now AWOL. If he doesn’t get back here soon, I will have to report him as rogue.” 

Izzy took a step back in shock, “Alec, if you do that the Clave will arrest him. You can’t do that!” 

“No, Izzy. I’ve had enough, I should’ve done it yesterday and I didn’t because he’s our brother but now he’s stepped too far over the line.” 

“They could exile him or worse!” Izzy cried. 

“This decision is final.” Alec told her sternly. 

A Shadowhunter going rogue is a serious offence. The Clave investigates the claim and brings the Shadowhunter in for questioning. Very rarely has there been a misunderstanding and the Shadowhunter is let go. If the Clave agree on the accusation and depending on the seriousness of their actions depends on if they get locked up, exiled or sentenced to death. 

“No ‘welcome home’ for the old man?” Their heads whipped to the door where their father, Robert Lightwood, and their youngest brother, Max were standing. 

“Max!” Alec exclaims, he crouches down, arms wide open as his brother runs over and gives him a hug. He wraps his arms around him and holds on tight. “What are you doing back so soon?” Alec questions as he pulls back.  

Max shrugs, “Got in trouble in Mumbai.”  

Alec grins, “Oh, yeah? What'd you do?”  

“Nothing.” the younger boy insists.  

“He started a fire with his stele during rune studies.”  

Isabelle laughs softly, “Oh, Max.” she crouches down and hugs him.  

“I told you I was hungry!” Max whines and spins back around to Alec, “I was trying to draw the Nourishment rune.”  

Alec raises one eyebrow, “Those two runes look nothing alike, Max.” he teases him.  

“Well, they do to me.” He huffs before grinning again, children’s moods can change so fast, “Where’s Gabe?” 

“Max,” they're father interrupts, “Go up to your room, open the Gray Book and look up the Extinguish rune.” the young boy sighs and walks out. He spins behind their fathers back and shrugs at Alec who grins at him.  

Robert walks over and Alec rises, losing the smile in the process as he falls into parade rest. 

“Where is Clary Fairchild? Your mother said she was missing.”  

Well... “She's not missing. She's with Jace.” Alec said his name with a hint of venom behind it.  

“We can't have that girl out of Institute control. The entire Shadow World is looking for her. Your mother said you were supposed to be looking after her?”  

Alec swallowed before nodding, “She snuck out.”  

Robert raised an eyebrow at him before he turned and walked out, “It's a security risk. Get them both back here. Now .” 

Once he was gone Alec fished his phone out of his pocket. He hits Jace's name and walks out of the room, not wanting Isabelle to try and get involved or make him change his mind. 

“Alec?” Jace's voice comes through the phone.  

“You need to get back to the Institute.”  

“You need to help me first.”   

Alec stops dead in the corridor, are you serious?! “No. I'm not messing around. Get back here right now.” he hissed.  

“Me either. I need your help.”   

“You, okay?” Alec frowns,  

“I’m fine. It's Magnus. ” Alec's heart stutters, “He needs your... powerful Shadowhunter energy, or something like that.”   

“Magnus?” the hand not holding the phone starts moving as he talks, “Why-why does Magnus need me?” Me?!   

“To help save Luke's life.”   

Alec shook his head even though he couldn’t see it, “No, I told you at the wolf den, no more Downworlder business. We can't be seen interfering with a pack alpha dispute.” Especially now. “How can you even ask me-”  

“I shouldn't have to ask, Alec. We’re brothers.”   

Oh, you remember now, do you? Alec blinks in frustration as he paces the hallway, “That's exactly my point.”  

“Alec, you're a man of honour, and the only person in the world I trust with something like this. I'm counting on you to do the right thing.”   

“Jace, I have to do what's right for the Institute. That's my duty.”  

He doesn't give Jace the chance to respond before he hangs up.  

I have to do what's best for the Institute. It's my duty. It's my duty. It's my duty.   

He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. He puts his phone in his pocket before walking through the hallways again. He finds himself in the head office and sees his mother standing with his back to him at the stained-glass window, no Gabriel in sight.  

“Mother?” He sees her reach up to her face, as if to wipe away tears. “What's wrong?”  

“Nothing.” his mother turns and blinks, he can see the glassy look in her eye. He watches as she walks around the sofa and takes a seat.  

He frowns as he makes his way over to her and crouched in front of her, he gently placed his hand over hers, “Did something happen in Idris?”  

Maryse gave him a sad smile, “Nothing we can do about it now.”  

“There's always something we can do. You taught me that.” He could see how upset his mother was. Maryse looked down and placed her hand over Alec’s bruised ones. Ghosting her finger tips gently over the cuts. 

“These look painful.” She looks down at him softly. 

Alec shrugged, “They’re fine.” 

Maryse raised her hand and cupped his cheek, “I thought you stopped this, Alexander.” 

Alec looked down in shame his voice breaking as he whispered, “I can’t. I can’t stop, mama.” 

She raises his right hand to her lips and gently kisses his knuckles. 

“Have I given you too much to handle?” 

Alec snatches his hand back like he’s been burnt, “Is this why you put Gabriel in my place?” 

Maryse nodded, “I thought you were spiralling.” 

“I know what has to be done. I can do my job, mother.” He stands up to look down on Maryse, “We're Lightwoods. We break noses and accept the consequences.” He looks down at her intensely, “Tell me what you need me to do and I’ll do it.”  

His mother stands and touches his shoulder. “I know you will, mijo. You always do.” She raises her hand to cup his cheek, “My eldest, you make me so proud.” 

Alec could feel his own tears building. He can’t remember the last time his mother said she was proud of him. 

“Now, I have to go find that twin of yours and tell him he’s been demoted.” she smiles and leaves the room, “We'll talk later.” 

He sighs as he’s left alone in the office, something bad must’ve happened in Idris. There was something bad headed their way, he just doesn’t know what it is yet. 

He thinks over what his mother had said, she removed him because she thought he couldn’t handle it. He can feel his agitation building again, he heads to his room and quickly changes into a tank top and sweats. He decides to do what he does best and heads to the training room. Picking up his kendo stick off the table he turns to the punching bag. He takes a deep breath, corrects his form and steps into his attacks. He doesn't know how long he beats the bag for until his siblings arrive. 

He sees Isabelle and Gabriel running up the steps and over to him. “Promise me you won't go through with it. Promise me you'll say no.” Izzy rushes out. 

He stands up straight, loosening his grip on the stick slightly. “What are you talking about? Say no to what?” He pants out.  

“They're gonna make you marry.” Gabriel rushes out quickly. 

Alec stops his next attack and side eyes his siblings, “Who's they ?” 

“Our parents are making plans for all of us.” She tells him.  

Alec frowned, if that’s true why didn’t his mother say anything? She would have told him when they were talking earlier. 

“No. You heard wrong.” He starts to hit the bag again but Isabelle grabs it.  

“It's true, Alec! They need a political alliance quickly to restore our family name and our influence with the Clave.”  

Unbelievable.   

And we all know who to blame for this. He scoffs and shakes his head, laughing in disbelief. “I knew Clary Fray would come back to bite me in the ass.”  

He looks between them, “So wait, if I'm getting married, what are you two doing?” 

“They want me to go to Idris with them, report directly to the Clave about Valentine and Clary.” Gabriel says first. 

“And they need me to convince the Clave to placate the Seelies somehow.” Isabelle adds on. 

Alec frowns, “Hang on.” Alec laughs in disbelief, “You’re both playing the diplomat and I’m the one getting married.” 

Isabelle looks down. 

“That's my job. That's what I'm supposed to be doing!” He's starting to lose his temper. His mother said she was putting him back into his Acting Head role. 

“I know that. But I'm the one with ties to the Seelies.”  

He scoffs again, walking over to the table and putting his kendo stick back, “Is that what you're calling it now?”  

“Alec, we’re on your side.” 

He pushes off the table and spins back to her, “Really?” He raises his voice, “I have followed every rule. I've given up everything!” 

I can't believe this.   

Isabelle puts her hand on his shoulder. “We'll find a way out of this.” He looks down at her hand. Bringing up his right arm he pushes her off.  

You know what? I've had it. They lied to him. Again.  

“Screw the rules. Screw them. Screw all of this.”  

Gabriel caught his bicep before he could leave but Alec wrenched his arm out of his grip. Practically runs down the steps and goes in the direction of his room. 

I have given up everything for them! And this is how they repay me?   

Alec is in a blind rage when he reaches his room. He runs both hands into his hair and pulls hard trying to stay grounded. Panting hard he looks up and angrily stalks over to his desk and swipes his hands across the top sending his books and papers everywhere. It did make him feel a little better. As he stands in the middle of his now trashed room he looks over to the locked drawer. It's like he was drawn to it, he takes his stele and unlocks the drawer and takes the necklace out.  

“I'm counting on you to do the right thing.”   

That's what Jace told him.  

He puts the chain over his head and inside his shirt, knowing exactly what he's going to do. He’s going to do the right thing for himself. 

He’s going to Magnus'. 

Alec quickly changes and grabs his jacket, activates his speed rune and runs out of the institute. He doesn’t stop running. Sprinting through the streets, his heart beats so fast in his chest. He runs into Magnus’ building and doesn't bother with the elevator, sprinting up the stairs to the top floor. He runs into the loft and can hear grunting from down the corridor. The floor and the walls were shaking. Without hesitation he sprinted down the hall and through the door frame.  

He sees Magnus leaning over Luke, the magic on his hands is stuttering and he began to fall backwards. Alec sprinted forward and slid to his knees beside Magnus to catch him. Wrapping his arms around him and Magnus looks to him. When they lock eyes it's breath-taking.  

“Help me.” Magnus is breathless as he reaches out a hand. “I need your strength.”

Alec looks at the outstretched hand for a moment then looks back to the warlock’s eyes.  

He nods, “Take what you need.” He brings up his own hand and wraps it around Magnus' who does the same. His grip his tight and Magnus smiles slightly at Alec.  

Wow.

Alec inhales and grips onto Magnus, pulling him up beside Luke again. Resting the arm that's gripping Magnus' on the sofa. Alec closes his eyes, he pushes his strength through his body, down his arm and out through his hand. He can feel Magnus' magic, the sensation isn't like how it would be with a Shadowhunter. When they share strength, you can feel them almost tearing it from you... Magnus' magic is more... coaxing it out. Gently taking it out of his body. 

He doesn’t know how long he stays there for but eventually the magic cuts off. 

Alec opens his eyes, Clary is in front of him on the other side of the sofa leaning down to Luke, who is now conscious. A firm weight is suddenly in Alec's lap and he looks down to realise Magnus has collapsed into him, the warlocks head resting on his shoulder. Their hands still joined together. Alec's left arm around Magnus' back. Magnus looks up at him panting.  

“You okay?” Alec asks quietly. 

Magnus nods “Yeah.” making no attempts to move he stays pressed against Alec. Alec felt a hand pat his shoulder and he looked up to see Jace smiling at him. Alec just nodded and turned back to Magnus. After a few moments Magnus pulls away again, 

“Alexander.” he breathed out, “Would you help me get to my bedroom.” Loud enough only Alec could hear. Alec's eyes widened slightly, his mouth opened and no words came out so he just nodded. He pushes Magnus up with his left arm and pulls the other hand, standing up as he does so, he gets the warlock to his feet. Magnus inhales deeply, “You three, get Luke to the spare room. Just through the hall to the left. He'll be more comfortable there.” he gestures behind Alec and the other three nod.  

When Magnus goes to step forward his knees give out. With Shadowhunter speed Alec moved and caught Magnus before he collapsed on the floor. 

Magnus’s back was against Alec’s chest, his arm was holding Magnus’s elbow and his other hand was resting on his waist, his mouth just above Magnus’s ear, whispering in his ear, “I've got you.” 

Magnus turns his head and looks up at Alec, giving him a tired smile, “My saviour.” 

Alec blushes deep and then starts to move Magnus gently in the direction of his bedroom.  

Not twigging on at all that Magnus was actually faking and was perfectly fine.  

Alec guides him to his bed and gently sits Magnus down. 

“What a gentleman.” Magnus gushed. 

“Well- I...” Alec stuttered, “I was raised right.” Alec walked backwards and hit his hip on Magnus’s bed post, he let out a nervous giggle and continues to walk backwards towards the door, “I’ll let you get... yeah.” He turned and walked quickly  

After leaving Magnus, Alec went back through to the main room and stopped when he saw Clary. He breathed in quietly and started walking past her and crouched down to grab a book off the floor.  

“Alec.” He turned his head to her and slowly stood up. 

“If you hadn't gotten here in time, I...” 

Alec kept staring at her, in his mind he was shouting at her, blaming her, cursing her. Yet his face remained passive.  

“I'm just... I'm glad you and Jace are okay now.” She walked over to him.  

“I didn't do this for Jace.” he told her. 

Speak of the devil, Jace came back from Magnus’s spare room and came to stand in front of him sighing in relief, “Thank you.” 

Alec didn’t even twitch, continuing to stare at Jace. 

“What?” 

“You know what.” Alec folds his arms, “You’ve continuously disobeyed every order I’ve given. To the point where our mother doesn’t think I can keep control of the Institute and removed me from the office.” 

“Alec-" Jace tried to interrupt. 

“No. You listen to me. It’s insubordination. Get back to the Institute. Now . And if I find out that you haven’t gone back to the Institute then I’m reporting you to the Clave as going rogue. Do I make myself clear?” 

“What?! Alec, you can’t do that!” Jace argued as he folded his arms but Alec refused to give in, not this time. He stood at his full height and looked down at Jace. 

“I asked you a question, soldier . Do I make myself clear?” 

Jace’s eyes widened slightly, in all the time that Alec had been Acting Head he never, ever, pulled rank on his siblings. Alec didn’t like it, he really didn’t but he can’t have one of his own thinking that they can do what they want. That creates an unpredictable Shadowhunter. A dangerous Shadowhunter. 

Jace huffed, “Crystal clear, sir .” 

“Good.” He gestures to the door with his head, “Go.” 

With a final glare Jace stormed away from Alec and went to get Clary. 

He fired off a quick text to Gabriel to tell him that they should be coming back and if they weren’t back within the hour, he is to call Alec immediately. 

Alec figured he should make himself useful and started to tidy things. It was also a good stress relief when he couldn't punch anything. He wandered around looking for a kitchen or bathroom, when he found the kitchen, he grabbed a cloth and ran it under the tap. Taking it back into the main room he took off his jacket, slinging it over a chair and went over to the sofa that Luke had been on.  

Moving the bloody sheet, he knelt down to start rubbing where the blood had seeped into the sofa.  

Magnus came through the room a few moments later and walked over to his drinks cart. He turned and looked at Alec with a confused expression, “You know I have magic for that right?” 

Alec looked up at him through his eyelashes, “I think you've exerted yourself enough for one day.”  

“Drink break?”  

He looked back up to see Magnus holding two glasses, one glass tumbler and one cocktail glass. He put the cloth down and laughed softly, getting up he walked over to Magnus taking the glass offered to him. When he did Magnus snapped his fingers and the drink went on fire. Alec stared at it intently, how do I drink it when it's on fire ...  

“To us.” Magnus said, offering his glass out. Alec moved his hand and lightly tapped his glass against Magnus'. Raising it to his lips the fire went out and he took a sip.  

What. The. DEVIL. IS THAT?! By the Angel, that is disgusting.   

His disgust was very clearly on his face and Magnus laughed. Alec looked at the drink that had just offended his taste buds.  

He set it down on the table, “Why did you ask for me...” He looked up to the warlock, “when Jace and Clary were both here?” 

Magnus hummed, “Jace didn't tell you?” 

Alec shook his head. Magnus sucked in a breath and turned away, “It doesn't matter. It was a lie anyway.” 

Alec watches his back, “Are warlocks always this cryptic?”  

Magnus chuckles, “I'm not being cryptic. I'm being coy.”  

Alec still had a blank look on his face and Magnus sighed. “Let me spell it out for you.” He walked back over in front of Alec, “I wanted to see you again.”  

Alec's brain short circuited. He realised he had stared at Magnus for a full 6 seconds without saying anything, “Why?” 

“Why'd you come?” Magnus retorted.  

Because I wanted to see you again.   

Alec shrugged, “I uh, I'm not sure.” 

“For almost a century... I've closed myself off to feeling anything for anyone. Woman...or man.” Alec looked down to Magnus’ lips and back up to the man's eyes.  

Oh Angels, why do you do this to me?  

“You've unlocked something in me.”  

Alec's mouth is slightly open as he tries to figure out what to say, “You've-”  

The shrill of Alec's phone ringing broke the spell they were in. He took it out of his pocket and looked at the caller ID. 

Crap.  

“Mother.”  

“Where on Earth are you? At a time like this we do not need you to go off on your own as well. Get back to the Institute immediately.” 

“Of course.” His mother hangs up before he can finish speaking. He sighed as he set the drink down, “Duty calls.” he tells Magnus who gasps dramatically. 

“What?” Alec panics.  

“The furrowed brow.” Magnus pointed to his face, “Maryse must be recruiting you for something... unseemly.”  

You don't know the half of it.   

“Listen... Magnus, I...” he started stuttering over his words again, “I wish I could... I just... I don't know what-”  

Magnus raises a finger in front Alec's lips and he stopped talking, staring at his hand instead.  

“I understand.” he moved his hand away and Alec grins. He holds up Alec's glass, “Stay for just one more drink? And then decide.”  

Alec nodded, “On one condition.”  

Magnus raised an eyebrow and Alec pointed at the glass. “I get a nicer one this time.”  

Magnus grins, “Now, that. I can do.” 

One more drink had turned into six and that's how Alec ended up slumped on Magnus' sofa, three hours later, drunker than he has ever been in his life swapping stories with a gorgeous warlock.  

“So, then Gabe runs in with Church screaming, 'Look at the gato. Fear the gato!'” Alec has to wipe the tears from his eyes, “We couldn't stop laughing for days.” 

Magnus grinned as the Shadowhunter dropped between English and Spanish in his drunken tale. 

The ringing from his pocket interrupted their laughter and Alec groaned as he moved to dig it out of his pocket. Groaning as he read the I.D. 

“Who is it?”  

“Madre.” Alec then holds the phone in his palm and leaves it to ring out and when the ringing eventually stops and he snorts, “Oops.” 

“Won’t your mother get angry?” 

Alec shrugs, “Probably. But I’m angry at her first so I don’t care.” His words slurring slightly. 

“Why is that, Alexander?” 

Alec doesn’t like his full name being used, but from Magnus’s lips it sounds heavenly. He grinned stupidly and tried to explain, twirling his hand in the air, “Where to start? She removed me as Acting Head because she thought I couldn’t handle it. She’s giving Izzy and Gabe diplomatic jobs that I would do.” Now he started he can’t stop, “She did charge me with looking after the little girl but she managed to sneak out and get kidnapped. So, I failed at that. Then Jace is going off and doing whatever he wants and I’m just...” he sighs heavily, “Done.” 

Magnus gives him a sympathetic smile; he knows exactly what Alec needs. Distraction. “Would you like to hear about the time I accidentally created the Leaning Tower of Pisa?” 

Alec grinned and nodded eagerly, talking, listening and drinking until he ended up passing out on the High Warlock of Brooklyn’s sofa. Blissfully ignoring all the trouble he will be in when he goes home.

Chapter Text

“Cream or sugar?”

Alec’s eyes snap open at the sudden loud noise. He lays still as he looks around him trying to assess the danger, leather underneath him, flowers on a table, Magnus Bane looking at him.

Magnus Bane?!

He shot up in a panic and is immediately blinded by the sun coming through the window. Squinting he raises his hand to block the sun, “Did I fall asleep?” his voice is deeper and raspy from sleep.
“We both did.” Magnus sits down next to him and offers him a mug of coffee which Alec accepts eagerly. Alec's head is pounding and he scratches his scalp to try and sooth his headache, “Should have never taken up your offer for drinks.”

Magnus stands up, “In hindsight, liquor might have been a terrible idea after being drained of all my magic to heal your friend, Luke.” 
Alec sips from his mug, “Not my friend. It's Clary Fairchild's. I've known her five days and she's already causing me more trouble than she's worth.”

Magnus smiles gently at his rant, “You're more than just a pretty face, aren't you.” 
Alec furrows his brow, “What is that supposed to mean?” his voice not taking the tone he wants as it's still heavy with sleep. 
Magnus talks with his hands, “You shared your strength with me to help your friend.”

Not my friend but sure.

“It's rare to find a Shadowhunter with such an... open heart.” Alec can hear the question; Magnus wants to know why. Alec looks into his eyes, “I trust you. I don't know why. But I do.”

Magnus is just staring at him. He's not blinking. Why is he not blinking?! Alec clears his throat and fiddles with his mug. “What-what time is it anyway? I have to get back to the Institute.” 
Mother is going to kill me.

“Stay for breakfast.” The warlock rushes out.
Alec’s head snapped around in surprise,.

“I conjure up a mean Belgian waffle.”

Yes. Yes I would love to.
Alec smiled sadly, “I would love to... But I really need to get back. If my parents find out that I slept here last night-”

Magnus holds up a hand, “Relax. My reputation is on the line just as much as yours. I'd lose all my credibility if my people find out that I let a Shadowhunter spend the night.”

Okay, I deserved that, “So, why did you let me sleep here?” he questions him.

Alec sees his eyes soften, “Trust, makes you do strange things.” he sniffs, “Must be something in the air.” Magnus gestures around the loft, “You’re already late, what’s a little longer?”

Alec let the thought bounce around for a moment before he smiled, “Will there be strawberries?”

Magnus grinned back and snapped magic to his fingers, “Anything you desire.”

“Um.. let me...just.” He holds up one finger and Magnus nods, so he takes out his phone and fires a text to Gabriel. 
‘Cover for me for an hour’ 
His phone buzzed as his brother typed back instantly, ‘I already am. Also... nice magazine’s.’

Alec sighed heavily at the message, ‘I told you to stay out of my desk!’

‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.’

He put his phone in his pocket and faced Magnus, “I have about an hour to spare.”

Magnus smiles, “Excellent.” he snaps his fingers and his magic comes alive, “Follow me into the kitchen.”

Alec definitely does not stare at the warlocks ass as he walks, no, struts into the kitchen. Magnus snaps his fingers and Alec’s eyebrows hit his hairline at the sight before him. In a split second the dining table is covered in two stacks of Belgian waffles, both topped with strawberries, raspberries ad blackberries and a drizzle of white chocolate. There were glasses of orange juice, steaming cups of coffee, a large bowl of fruit and, in the middle of the table, were a large bouquet of pink roses.

“Magnus, don't you think this is a bit... much? You shouldn’t be using up so much magic after last night.”

Magnus’s heart swelled at his words but waved him off, “Nonsense. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Come, come.”

Magnus was right, Alec thought as he ate the waffles, he can conjure up a mean waffle.
“You know, I was almost worried.” Magnus spoke cryptically.

“About?”

Magnus grinned and pointed to Alec’s neck where Magnus’s necklace was hanging over his shirt, “That it wouldn’t suit you. I’ve never been so glad to be wrong.”

Alec was speechless, he couldn’t even think of any words at all. Looking down he touched the necklace, “It is beautiful.”

“To match its wearer.” Magnus responded quickly before taking a drink.

Leaving Alec with his jaw on the floor from Magnus’s shameless flirting.

Wow.

When it came down to it Alec didn’t really want to leave. He could’ve stayed there all day and talked to Magnus about anything and everything.

But he definitely feels as though he has out stayed his welcome and reluctantly grabs his jacket and leaves.

“We should do this again sometime.” Magnus grinned as he leaned at his door frame.

Alec nodded and gave Magnus a small smile before he turned and walked down the stairs to go back to the Institute.

He inhaled deeply as he walked up the stairs to the front door. Quickly placing his necklace under his shirt again he yawned as walked into the war room.

Gabriel was standing at one of the monitors and tapping on different areas, bringing up other maps as he searched for demon activity. He turned his head when Alec came in and grinned cheekily.

“Well, good morning.”

Alec shook his hand, “Don’t start with me.” He went to walk past him but Gabriel quickly ran after him and walked shoulder to shoulder.

“How was your night?” he nudged and nudged Alec’s arm until Alec raised his arm and smacked him around the head but smiled.

“Good.”

Gabriel put his hand over his heart in shock, “Good?! In Alec Lightwood language that means amazing!”

Alec shoved his brother playfully, “Maybe.” With Gabriel’s grinning face he can’t resist, “Okay, Magnus made cocktails but nothing else happened.”

“You dirty dog.” Gabriel slapped him on the chest and Alec turned and glared at him.

Alec waves him off, “Where’s Jace?”

“Um...” Gabriel drew out his answer and rubbed the back of his neck.

Alec stopped walking, “Um?”

“Well, they came back... and then they went out again.”

Alec rubbed his hand over his face, “And... you let them?”

“Jace said he’d be away for an hour.” Gabriel tried to defend.

The older twin folded his arms, “Uh huh, and when was this?”

Gabriel sighed hard, “Three hours ago.”

“Great, I’m definitely going to be disowned when dad finds out Jace and Clary are still out doing God knows what.”

“I think dads used to that by now.” Izzy walked around the corner smiling, “This is Jace we’re talking about after all.”

Alec raised an eyebrow at his sister, she had her hair tied back and a dress that covered a lot, “Izzy. You look... different.”

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” she grinned cheekily.

Before the twins could reply Izzy’s phone chimed and she hummed, “Jace just texted. They need us at the NYPD.”

Alec frowned, “Why?”

Gabriel sighed heavily, “Did he get arrested? Again?”

“He didn't say.” She turned and walked out, poking her head back around the corner, “Let's go change.” she walked past Alec and grinned, “You smell like alcohol big brother.”

Alec groaned as he lifted his shirt to his nose, he scrunched up his nose and headed to his room to change.

When the three arrived at the NYPD they saw Jace and Clary coming out the front door bickering.

“Someone call for backup?” Isabelle asked.

“Yea. What took you guys so long?” Jace retorted.

Alec glared, “Funny, I was gonna ask you the same thing.” 

“It's complicated.” Jace whispered. 

“We found the Cup.” Clary explained. 

You found the what now? 

Isabelle turned to Clary. “The Cup?” 

Clary shrugged, “Yea, but then we lost it.” 

You lost the what now?! 

“We have to sneak back into the precinct to get it.” 

Alec stood dumbfounded at Clary, “You're kidding? Right? You had the most important item in the Shadow World...and you lost it?” He turned to face Gabriel who was about as shocked as he was, “This, is a disaster.”

“Hey, demon pox is a disaster.” Jace pointed to the precinct, “This is just an inconvenience. We just need a plan that's all.” 

“What about a glamour?” Gabriel puts forward to which Jace shook his head.

“We tried that. Besides, anyone working with Valentine would see right through it.” 

Clary shrugged, “Can't we ask Magnus Bane to portal us inside?” 

“No.” Alec immediately shoots her down. 
Gabriel nudges Alec’s shoulder before explaining to the others, “Magnus can only portal us to places he's been to before.”

“It couldn’t hurt to ask?” Izzy offered, “You have his number don’t you?” she winked.

Alec rolled his eyes and took out his phone. Taking a few steps away he dialled Magnus’s number.

“Alexander! What a lovely surprise! To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Uh, it’s not a social call.” He turned and saw all of them had leaned in to hear his conversation. He moved away from them completely, “I ne- We need your help.”

“Ah, I see. What can I do for the Shadowhunters?”

“We need to get into the vault of the NYPD and they wanted to ask if you would be able to portal us inside. If you can’t don’t worry about it, I don’t want to bother you with this.” He rushed out.

“No bother, Alexander. There should be an alley just to the left of the NYPD. I’ll be there momentarily.”

Alec looked around as the phone disconnected. A purple light flashed in the alleyway and Alec gestured for the rest of the group to follow. They rounded the corner and saw the warlock in all of his glitter glory waiting for them.

“I’m starting to think there are no more Shadowhunters apart from you bunch.” Magnus teased as they walked up to him. Alec couldn’t help it as he looked the warlock up and down appreciatively.

Izzy grinned, “There are none as fabulous.”

Magnus nodded, “You are absolutely right, my dear.” he clapped his hands, “Now, who’s ready to break into the NYPD?”

Alec’s eyes snapped back up, “Just Gabriel, Izzy and I.”

“What?!” Clary yelled, “You can’t just leave us out here!”

Alec thought for a moment, “I just did. You’ve both caused enough trouble already.”

“Alec.” Jace stepped up to him and grabbed his arm, “She’s the only one who knows what we’re looking for.”

“No, she’s not.” Everyone’s head span to turn to Gabriel who just shrugged, “I’m sure Magnus has seen her tarot deck many times.”

Turning to Magnus next he looked to Alec and nodded, “It’s true.”

Alec internally fist pumped as he broke Jace’s grip on his arm, “Well, that settles it. You and Clary can keep watch while we go get it.”

“I’m not some rookie, Alec.” Jace hissed.

Alec straightened up and glared at him, “You’ve done nothing but act like one. So you both stay here, call us if you have a problem.”

Without another word Alec left Jace and walked over to Magnus, muttering quietly, “Thanks for this.”

Magnus winked at him, “My pleasure.” He snapped his fingers and summoned his magic to create a portal.

Izzy and Gabriel both smirked as they saw Alec practically drooling over Magnus’s hands.

The four stepped into the portal, leaving two very pissed off Shadowhunters behind.

Alec sighs in relief as he feels Magnus’s magic swirl around him. It feels just like it did when they were healing Luke, so gentle, so coaxing, Alec loved it.

When they stepped out they were all cramped inside what must be an old access corridor. 

“Hmm, this isn’t right.” Magnus hummed as he looked around, “Ah! Here we are!” he turned and walked over to what looked like a large vent cover. He looked between the slits in the vent and pointed his finger at the cameras in the room, the feed should loop and continue to show an empty vault while the snoop around. “That should do it.”

Izzy walked over and smiled widely, “Thank you, Magnus.” She drew an unlocking rune on the vent and carefully moved it to the side.

“Not that I’m complaining but who puts a human sized hole in a room full of evidence?” Gabriel asks as they climb through and into the vault.

“Okay, Izzy and I will take this side, you two can look on that side.” Gabriel tells Alec before grabbing Izzy’s arm and leading them away from the two.

Magnus grinned as he and Alec headed in the opposite direction, looking at each box until they spot Luke’s name on it.

As they walked Magnus squealed in delight, “Are you alright?” Alec asked, amused at the grown mans giggle.

“I feel like Danny Ocean.” Magnus told him excitedly.

“Who?”

Magnus stopped and stared at Alec horrified.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’ve never seen Oceans 11?”

Alec shook his head, “Nope.”

“Twelve?”

Still shaking his head, “No.”

“Thirteen?”

Alec’s head tilted to the side, “Why is there thirteen of these things?”

Magnus didn’t respond and instead just laughed and laughed.

Alec fidgeted with his gloves, “What’s so funny?”

Magnus waved his hands in protest, “Nothing, nothing. I just thought everyone saw that movie. A big bank heist movie.”

Alec nodded, “Ah.”

“Maybe I can show it to you sometime.” Magnus offered with a wink.

Alec smiled shyly, feeling the blush creeping up on him, “Sure.”

“Guys!”

They both turned as Izzy waved them over in her direction, “We’ve got them.”

The quickly make their way over to the other two and see Gabriel holding Luke’s possessions box open.

“Magnus?” Izzy gestured to the box, asking him to look.

Magnus lifts out the deck of tarot cards and begins to sift through them. He stops and holds one up, “This has to be it.”

The others look at the card in hand, it’s a beautiful hand painted card of what must be the Mortal Cup. He puts the rest of the deck into the box and hands it to Alec who looks over it.

“Great. Now we just need Clary to reach in and take it out.” He puts it inside his jacket before they leave everything the way they found it. They quickly exit the vault and put the vent back over before Magnus made a portal back outside again.

Jace and Clary practically ran over to them, “Did you get it?!”

Alec reached into his jacket and brought out the card to show Clary.

“That’s it!” she nodded excitedly before snatching it out of his hand and holding it in front of her with her right hand poised over it. “Now, all I need to do is reach in and take it out.” She pressed her hand to the card and her nails tapped against it.

They all watched eagerly as she tried again.

“Well?” Izzy asked.

“It’s not working.” Clary frowned as she kept trying to reach into the card.

Alec couldn’t hide his annoyance as he folded his arms, “Why?”

Clary rolled her eyes at him, “It's not an exact science.”

“So you’re saying you can’t do it?” Gabriel asked.

“I can. I just don’t know how.”

Jace rolled his eyes, “We can discuss this back at the Institute, we should go.”

Alec turned back to Magnus who smiled brilliantly at him, “What do we owe you?”

Magnus waved his hands, “For you? Nothing.”

Alec frowned in disbelief, “Nothing? At all?”

“Nope.” Magnus popped the ‘p' and clicked his fingers summoning a portal, “Anything for my favourite Shadowhunter.”

Alec looked down as the blush began once more. Alec had never blushed so much until he met Magnus. Before he could respond he felt a pulsing at his chest, raising his hand he felt his necklace vibrating. He lifted it out of his shirt and the ruby in the middle was pulsing with a red glow.

“Demons.” He stated to the rest of the group before turning to Magnus, “You need to get out of here.”

Magnus shook his head, “I can help.”

“Magnus, no. You’ve helped us enough, you need to get to safety. Go.” He pushed Magnus gently towards the portal. “Please.” He whispered gently.

Magnus looked up at him and Alec felt weak at the knees.

Magnus lifted his head up to Alec’s ear, “I’ll call you later.”

In a shot of confidence Alec leaned back and smirked at him, “You better.”

With that Magnus walked through the portal and it closed behind him, leaving the alley in the dark once more.

The smile wiped from Alec’s face as he turned to the rest of the group, “Move.” He ordered them and they left the alley, they walked quickly to try and get as far as they could from the building.

Jace turned to see Clary crouched down in front of an old lady. Jace frowned, the more he looked the more he noticed that something wasn’t right with the old woman.

“Hold up.” he told the other three before turning back and quietly walked up behind the woman, “Hey. Grandma.” the woman turned and Jace wasn’t surprised to see the mouth of a shapeshifting demon. He activated his seraph blade and put it through the demon’s chest, it all happened so fast.
The other three walked back as they saw the demon explode into ash.

“How did they find us?” Gabriel asks as he looks around.

Isabelle looks around and gestures to a cop that was exiting one of the cop cars. They all looked and saw the eyes flash. Another demon.

“Great. She brought friends.” Jace grabbed Clary’s arm and they starting walking again.

“How can you tell?”

Isabelle covers Clary’s other side as she looks around, “It’s like seeing through glamours, you just have to look.”

“Behind us.” Gabriel gestures and Clary’s head whips around as she tries to see it, “I don’t see anything!”

Alec abruptly stops and raises his hand behind him so the others halt as well, another demon disguised as a cop was walking towards them, “We have to get out of here.”

Clary slaps Jace’s shoulder and starts running right, “This way.”

They all quickly run behind her down a set of steps and towards a door to some kind of electrical room. Clary holds up her stele and panics, “What’s the unlock rune again?”
Jace gently moves her out of the way before he kicks the door in, grinning at the others, “Open sesame.”

Gabriel and Alec roll their eyes at the same time before making their way inside. It seemed like some kind of large boiler room, pipes, voltage boxes and the like. At the back was a set of tunnels that lead God knows where. And it wouldn’t be good if they got lost in tunnels when a group of demons was chasing after them.

With that in mind Alec makes the decision to de-glamour his bow and quiver. He stands in the middle of the room and aims his arrow at the open door.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Jace stalks back over to him.

“Holding them off, you all get back to the Institute.”

Gabriel shakes his head as he comes to Alec’s side, “I don’t think so, Parabatai.”

“If demons get the Cup we’re all dead.”

Izzy comes up and grabs Jace’s shoulder but he still protests, “I’m not leaving you behind.”

“I’m staying.” Gabriel stands his own ground and lifts out the hilt of his seraph blade.

“I know you guys are having a brotherly moment here but we really have to go.” Clary gestured down the tunnel.

Alec rolled his eyes even though he did kind of agree, not that he’d tell her that to her face. Izzy grabbed Jace but Gabriel shook his head, standing by his twin's side. The three ran around the corner as Alec took aim again at the open door. They both smiled as there was nothing, they enjoyed more than fighting side by side.

Shadowhunter twins were a rarity in their world and in some cultures, twins can be seen as terrible curses and when they are born the mother is to give them up or all of them be exiled. Thankfully, Shadowhunter's consider twins a magnificent gift from Raziel himself. When Alec and Gabriel were born everyone knew that they would be destined for great things together. And they were, they were considered two of the best fighters of their generation. They accomplished things that were classed impossible for their age, their rune skills and their considerably high kill count are to name a few.

This was why it wasn’t exactly a surprise to anyone when they wanted to become parabatai, ever since they first heard about them, they were obsessed. And so, at age ten the two had their parabatai ceremony.
However, there are some things that the twins have agreed to keep to themselves.

Blessings.

Well, that’s what they call them. Blessings from Raziel himself that had been bestowed upon the two brothers at birth, unknown to anyone, even themselves.

It wasn’t until their eighteenth birthday that these blessings presented themselves.
Both of them had a dream that night.

Gabriel’s dream consisted of the archangel, and his namesake, Gabriel coming down to him to tell him that whenever Gabriel needed him, the angel would be there. He could call on the angel in battle, with Gabriel’s immense power and his guidance at the Shadowhunters aid. The Strength of God.
Shadowhunters aren’t usually able to receive power from archangels for risk of being overwhelmed by the angel’s power or simply angering the archangel who would kill you as a consequence. Gabriel had just thought that this was a silly dream until he told Alec about it the next day.

And Alec had a similar experience.

The angel Eistibus had visited him in his dream that night too. Eistibus is the angel of divination, prophecies and warfare and he told Alec that he was blessing him as Raziel had ordered. Eistibus was quite a friendly angel if Alec may say so himself. The angel worked closely with Gabriel also which made sense to Raziel, it was fate. 
He had blessed Alec with clairvoyance and Eistibus was proud to bless this Nephilim. Alec was able to read tarot very accurately, ask his Angel for guidance and Eistibus would respond. Not only that but the angel was a gifted marksman and blessed Alec with true aim, may his arrows, almost, never fault him in battle. Guided by an Angel’s hand.

When they spoke to each other about the dreams everything had become clear to them. It couldn’t be a coincidence that they both had dreams of Angel’s blessing them.
The next issue in hand is how to prove it.
Alec had slapped Gabriel up the side of the head when he had suggested calling upon the angel to activate his seraph blade.

“Can we try something that won’t potentially kill us?”

The smack seemed to jerk something in Gabriel’s head as he held up his finger to show he had an idea, “Izzy has a tarot deck.”
That was how the two of them ended up sitting on the floor of Gabriel’s room with the deck between them.

“So, I’ll just work with the Major Arcana first and see what happens.” Alec shrugged as he separated the twenty-two cards from the rest of the deck. He stopped and thought before patting the space beside him, “It’ll be easier if we’re both on the same side of the deck.”

Gabriel nodded and crawled across the floor.
He put the smaller deck in front of them and thought of a question to ask, open ended.

Quickly thinking of one he hovered the palm of his hand over the deck, “What did our dreams mean?” After asking the question he felt something tingle in his fingers before he lifted the deck and shuffled it.

He stopped shuffling and laid three cards out onto the floor face down.

He turned them over one by one, the first card, Justice. “Finding clarity.” Free from ambiguity? A clear answer? Turning over the second he looked over it, The Star. “Faith.” Having faith in the Angel’s? Having faith in their dream? And the final card, The Hermit, “Inner guidance.” The guidance of the angel? Feeling it within their soul? Every card had at least three different meanings and it is up to how the reader interprets them, however, Alec felt that these cards meant these specific meanings, he could feel it in his soul.

Gabriel looked at the cards and looked to Alec, “I think if there was a bigger sign it would come with flashing lights.”

Alec huffed out a laugh and nodded.

“Should we tell someone?”

Alec quickly shook his head at this, finding out someone was blessed could be extremely dangerous. Not many Shadowhunters have been blessed by Angel’s and the Clave fears what they can’t explain and what they don’t know. Whispers tell that the Clave has a fear of blessed Shadowhunters and their powers.

“No, we should keep this between us and only use them when necessary.”

Gabriel frowned, “But Alec, they’re gifts.” He was confused why Alec wouldn’t want to use these sacred gifts.

Alec nodded, “Yes and I’m sure Raziel would not be impressed with us abusing them, we should only use them when we have to.”

His brother opened his mouth to reply but figured that Alec may have a point, “Okay, yeah. I didn’t think about it like that.”

The two sat in silence for a moment, letting everything sink in.

“Angel’s Alec. We’ve been blessed!” Gabriel burst out in disbelief to which Alec could only laugh.

“Nice of you to join the conversation, Gabe.”

Gabriel stood at Alec’s right shoulder, he gripped the hilt of his seraph blade tight and pulled on the connection of the blessing. He felt Gabriel’s power shoot into his blade, the glow of the. The blade was glowing brighter than any usual weapon. He could almost feel the angels gentle hold on his blade.

They stood in silence, only each other’s light breathing could be heard in the room.
Without warning Alec released his arrow at the empty door frame. Just as the arrow crossed the threshold of the door one of the demons had come around the frame and received Alec’s arrow in the head, promptly exploding into ash.

As Alec holds them off at the door Gabriel turns as he hears scuttling noises behind them.

A creature with six legs scurried around the corner, “Shax demons.” Gabriel let Alec know before standing back to back with his brother. The two worked in tandem, Alec shooting every demon that came through the door while Gabriel swung his blade with such speed it was all a blur.

After a few minutes the demons numbers grew less and less until the two were left standing alone in the middle of the room panting from the exhaustion. Neither let their guard down though, a surprise attack could come at any moment.

“We need to find the others.” Gabriel took a deep breath to steady his breathing.
Alec nodded and the two cautiously made their way into the tunnels.

Chapter Text

Everyone had gone to sleep when they got back, it was still quite early, in Shadowhunter time, but they were all exhausted and decided to try and get a few hours at least. 

The eldest Lightwood stayed awake, it was only two in the morning and since his parents got back, they had taken to staying in the office and going through all of Alec’s work. He had to prove to them that he isn’t slacking, that he barely takes his eyes off the Institute. That also includes not going to bed during patrolling hours. 

He was standing with his arms folded, staring at the monitor in the war room. Thinking that if he moved even slightly or relaxed his muscles that he would collapse from exhaustion. If Alec hadn’t been blessed, he knows his runes would’ve burned out and he would’ve passed out hours ago. In the past week he's had around sixteen hours of sleep.
However, he wasn't going to stop, his eyes were scanning every security camera screen for any trace of movement. Now that they had the Mortal Cup inside the Institute, they were all in danger. Valentine could try to break in any moment. He couldn’t put his finger on it but he had a horrible feeling and he wasn’t entirely sure that it had anything to do with Valentine. Call it blessing intuition. Something just didn’t feel right. 

“Hey, what are you doing?” Gabriel came over and stood beside him. 

They had all woken and came over to stand with Alec.  

Jace shrugged, “You can stare at this monitor all you want, they need Angel blood to pass the wards. You know that.” Alec ignored him and stare at the layout of the wards around the Institute. “No Downworlder can come into the Institute.” 

“Not without an invite by a Shadowhunter.” Isabelle adds. 

Alec inhales and turns around, “Last I checked, Valentine is a Shadowhunter.” he was about to start talking with his hands again but, seeing the cuts on the inside of his fingers, he folded his arms over his chest. “The Cup is not safe here. We have to give it back to the Clave.”  

Clary’s jaw dropped as she looked at him as if he had 3 heads. “Give it back to the Clave? No. Not after everything we went through to get it.” 

Isabelle stood up straight, “My brother is right. The Cup is extremely important.” 

Alec's eyes widened slightly, he knew Gabriel would almost have his back but this was a surprise, “Are you agreeing with me?”  

 She shrugged slightly, “I'm full of surprises.” 

Clary holds up the card, “This Cup is the only chance I have at getting my mum back.” 

Alec exhaled noisily and tilted his head back slightly. 

“I agree with Clary.” Alec blinked and looked at Jace. 

Gabriel rolled his eyes, “Of course you do.” 

Jace frowned, “And what’s that supposed to mean?” 

Gabriel shrugged, “Nothing. Nothing at all.” 

Jace glared at Gabriel before turning back to Alec, “We can't give the Cup to the Clave, not now. We need it. It's our only bargaining chip.” 

“Look I know how powerful this Cup is.” 

Alec couldn't keep it in, “Oh you do, do you?” 

Clary glared at him, “Yes. It has the power to create new Shadowhunters, control demons and mundanes will die if they drink from it.” 

“So the possible destruction of the entire Downworld, means nothing to you because you're bargaining the Cup to save one life?” Alec hissed. Jace grabbed his arm which Alec immediately shrugged off.  

“I promise you, Alec. I will not let that monster get his hands on the Cup.” 

Jace gestured to Clary, “There you go. You have her word.” Alec stared at him, Jace just couldn’t see how blinded he truly is.   

Alec shook his head, “No offence but your word means nothing to me.” He looked down on Clary.

Gabriel looked around and realised that another fight may be about to break out so he caught Alec’s attention, “Why don’t we think on it? Just for a few hours, it’s not like anyone knows we have it.” This way everyone’s happy. 

Alec thought over it for a moment, coming to the decision that maybe, for once, Gabriel was right. “Follow me.” He didn’t wait and walked through the war room and up into the training room, motioning to a pair of Shadowhunters to leave the room. He took out his stele and unlocked the rune on the floor. Gabriel had motioned to Clary to follow Alec. Alec could hear her walking up behind him and he refused to look at her and set his jaw while his safe came up from the ground. 

“Alec, I realise I couldn't have done any of this without your help.” Alec says nothing and holds out his hand impatiently when he feels the card between his fingers, he grips it. “I want to thank you.”  

Alec puts the card on top of a box on the bottom glass shelf. “Don't misread this as friendship.” he still refused to look at her. “Since you arrived, our whole world has been turned upside down.” he said bitterly. He stood up and re-locked his safe, turning and glaring at Clary he brushed past her and down the stairs. 

He doesn’t think that he’s going to change his mind as this is not just sneaking out of the Institute anymore. This is withholding one of the Mortal Instruments. The gifts from Raziel himself! How can they withhold it? Use it as a bargaining chip? If that’s not an insult to the angels then Alec doesn’t know what is. 

He was interrupted out of his crisis by the monitor beeping. There was a red circle coming close to the Institute. “What the...” The red circle got too close and an alarm blared through the Institute. 

The other four walked over to him, “There's something outside the perimeter.” 

Alec shook his head, “I told yo-” 

“Don't say it.” Jace stopped him. 

“What's happening?” Clary asked. 

Isabelle narrowed her eyes at the monitor, “It looks like someone is trying to break in.” 

“Could be the Circle?” Jace offered. 

Alec led them down the corridor to the exit, turning his head to Jace, “Told you so.”  

Jace smirked, “Too soon.” 

As they opened the door they headed left and began to make their way around the grounds. Alec had his bow aimed ready to shoot at any moment. The other four had their seraph blades out, everyone ready to strike. 

In the dark they could see a shape moving slowly through the trees. 

“Don't move.” Jace shouted. 

Alec aimed his bow at the man, “Drop what you're holding. Put your hands up.” 

The figure turned; it was the vampire Raphael carrying an unconscious body. They all lowered their weapons and Clary stepped forward as she recognised the body.  

“Simon?!” 

“By the Angel.” Alec and Isabelle swore. 

Clary ran forward, “What did you do to him?! Simon!” 

“Explain yourself.” Alec demanded lowering his weapon and walking forward. 

Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is. I knew something bad was going to happen, I just knew it.  

“I'm here to bring Simon back to his friend, Clary Fairchild.” Raphael spoke calmly, as if he wasn’t carrying someone. 

“Wh-what's wrong with him?” Clary stuttered. 

Raphael sighed in response. 

“What did you do?” Jace hissed and stepped forward.  

Alec's inner diplomat stepped into play. “Jace stand down.” Alec shouldered his weapon. “Raphael. What's wrong with Simon?” 

Raphael looked down at the man he was carrying. “He's dead.” 

Alec’s eyes widened in surprise, last time they encountered Raphael he gave Simon back to them. Why would he kill him now? Why would he give the Shadowhunters reason for war? 

Isabelle gasped, her hand covering her mouth in total shock. Clary broke down and her knees gave out, Jace catching her before she hit the ground. “What do you mean he's DEAD?!” She screamed at the vampire. “You killed him!” She got her bearings and stood up with fire in her eyes, grabbing her seraph blade and lunging towards Raphael. 

Alec's reflexes kicked in and he caught her around the waist, bringing his arm in and he slammed her back against his chest, his other hand slapped her wrist so she dropped the blade. “Don't even think about it.” he hissed in her ear . “You'll start a war faster than you can even blink.” He practically threw Clary behind him for Jace to catch. 

Alec spoke to everyone, “We're too exposed out here. We need to deal with this inside the Institute.”  

Jace was about to argue when Gabriel stepped in, “Alec is right. We're in the open.” 

“You want to bring the person who killed Simon into the Institute?!” Clary roared as she tried to break Jace’s grip on her. 

“You'll do what I tell you. This is more than Simon right now.” Alec told her. 

Jace closed his arms tight around a now sobbing Clary, “Alec. You can't be serious! He broke the Accords!”  

Raphael intervened, “I wasn't the one who killed him. If I did, would I have brought him here, risking my own and my people's lives?” 

“Don't say another word vampire.” Jace spat. 

“Everybody calm down! We don't know anything yet.” Gabriel yelled. 

Alec agreed, “We don't know if he did it but if he did,” he looked to Raphael, “We can hand him over to the Clave.” He walked over to Raphael and Simon and put his hand on Raphael’s shoulder. “I, Alexander Lightwood, give the vampire, Raphael, permission to enter the New York Institute.”  

On my own head be it.  

They entered in through a side door and headed down into an old basement that no one goes into anymore.  

There they gently lay Simon on the wooden table. 

“People will be wondering what we found outside the perimeter.” Jace spoke to Alec. 

Alec nodded, “I'll go. I'll tell them we didn't find anything.” Even though Alec thought that Simon was highly, highly irritating, he didn’t deserve death. A life lost should always be prayed for, Shadowhunter or not. 

Gesturing his siblings forward he walked over to the table and the other three followed his lead. Raphael stood back and Jace stood to the side of Clary where she was leaning over the table and clutching Simons cold hand. Alec stood at the head of the table, Gabriel at the opposite end, Jace on Alec’s right and Izzy on Alec’s left. At the same time, they all bowed their heads and closed their eyes praying for Simon’s soul. Raphael followed with prayer of his own, blessing himself and kissing a holy medal that he had hidden in his pocket. 

Finishing their prayer Alec turned and went back up the stairs into the Institute. As he entered the war room, he walked up the steps to the raised platform gathering everyone’s attention to look at him. He cleared his throat and fell back into his parade rest, “We have just come back from our search of the perimeter and can confirm that whatever breached the wards was gone when we got there. I will keep looking into it but for now it is no longer a threat, go back to work.” 

He takes up a tablet and pretends to be working on the breach when Gabriel and Izzy came over to him.  

“Well?” he asks quietly. 

Isabelle sat across from him, tears in her eyes. “Raphael swears the vampires had nothing to do with this, that Camille acted on her own.” she whispered.  

Gabriel nodded, “The last thing Raphael wants is war with the Shadowhunters.” 

Before they could talk about it more another Shadowhunter came up to them. “Alec. Isabelle. Gabriel.” The trio turned, “Your parents wish to see you in their office, Jace too.” 

Gabriel grimaced as the guy walked away, “Well this can’t be good.” 

Alec’s head instantly went to the worst-case scenario. They know about the cup. They know about them breaking into the NYPD. They know about Magnus. They know he’s gay.  

Gabriel nudged Alec’s side and broke the older twin's internal crisis. He could feel the panic flowing through the bond. ‘It’s okay.’ he mouthed to a panicked Alec. 

Alec took a deep breath and the three made their way down the hallways and into the office. 

Robert is sitting in the chair at the desk and Maryse is at his right shoulder. 

“What's going on?” Alec questions when they walk in. 

“Sit.” their mother demands. 

They walk over and sit on the sofa, which is a bit too low for the boys who sat on either side of Izzy. 

“It's no surprise that Jace isn't here.” 

“He got held up.” Isabelle told them. It's not exactly a lie, “Said to start without him.” 

“I'm sure he has a good reason.” Maryse told Robert and Alec decided it was best to bite his tongue at that statement. Good reason. It took everything he had not to scoff. 

“I requested a meeting with the Clave, to inform them that the Seelies are siding with Valentine.” Robert leaned forward and rested his arms on the desk. 

“And the Clave denied it.” Maryse said. 

“What do you mean?” Alec frowned. “They don't want you coming to Idris?” 

Maryse inhaled deeply, “There are rumours that local Shadowhunters have been interfering with Downworld affairs.” 

Oh.   

Crap.  

She raised her eyebrow and looked at each of them individually, “But you three wouldn't know anything about that, right?” 

“Nada.” 

“No.” 

“Nope.” 

Oh, we are in so much trouble.  

Their mother looked at them like she knew exactly what they’re doing but decided not to address it, “Since all this happened here in New York under our command. They are concerned with our devotion to our job and the cause.” 

Alec's brow furrowed. This is all Alec’s fault, if he had just told Jace no, kept Clary in the Institute and actually acted like a leader the Clave wouldn’t doubt the Lightwood’s. This is all his fault. 

“But we're the Lightwoods.” Isabelle said. 

“Remember the honour isn't in the name. It's in the deed.” Robert told them. 

It took everything Alec had to not scratch at his knuckles in front of everyone. He’ll just have to do it later. 

“The Clave is sending an envoy.” their father continued. 

“Who will be coming to observe us.” Maryse finished. 

“And to gather information about Valentine to bring back to the Clave.” Their father tried to bring the conversation back but Maryse interrupted again. 

“But really to scrutinise our leadership. So, I beg the three of you, don't do anything that would cause the Clave to lose even more trust in us.” 

See... now... it's funny you said that. Because there's a vampire in the basement along with a dead mundane. 

She gestured to the door, “Dismissed.” 

Before they could move to leave the youngest Lightwood walked through the door, “Max!” Alec grinned and got off the sofa grabbing at his chance of escape. He turned Max around by his shoulders and pushed him gently from the office and through the hallways. At this moment in time not really minding that he left the other two behind. 

“What did you guys do now?” Max teased. 

Alec grinned and ruffled Max's hair, “I didn't do anything Max. I'm a perfect child.”  

Max scoffed and hit him in the chest which Alec feigned hurt to. 

“Alec?” His little brother looked up at him as they entered the war room. Alec hummed, letting him go on. “Do you think you could get me my stele back?” 

Alec sighed, “They took it away because you nearly burned down the Mumbai institute.” 

“How many times do I have to say it was an accident?” Max huffed.  

Alec stopped at the archway and bent down to Max's height. “Listen Max. Somebody very important is coming to visit. All right? You think you can stay out of trouble for just a couple of days? If you do, I promise I will get you your stele back.” Max nodded and grinned. “However.” he raised his finger to Max, “I do not want to hear that you’ve gone to Gabriel to try and get it back faster.” 

Max looked slightly guilty at this and Alec ruffled his hair, “Just this once?” 

The younger Lightwood sighed dramatically, “Fine.” 

Alec smiled but stopped as he felt the angel, a cold shiver ran down his spine and he turned to the door at the end of the corridor a split second before it opened and someone walked in. 

His heart stopped, eyes widening as he realised what he was looking at. Valentine was walking through the doors of the Institute! 

Max.  

Alec rushed to his feet, shoving Max behind him and as he de-glamoured his bow and quiver and quickly took aim and fired. Valentine moved his head to the side and caught it. Alec immediately grabbed another arrow and aimed to shoot when the arrow suddenly disappeared from his hand. Alec watched in horror as Valentine stood in their Institute and took out his stele. He activated a rune on his arm and... changed...into a blonde woman. 

“That reaction time was abysmal.” the woman sighed. Alec was frozen still as she came closer, bow still clutched in his hand and one arm out in front of Max. 

“Except for you.” the woman looked at Alec. “I'm Lydia Branwell, envoy from the Clave.” 

She walked past Alec and into the war room. He never took an eye off her for a moment, still not sure on what just happened. 

“Maryse.” Lydia addressed his mother as she and Isabelle walked into the war room, “The Clave has ordered me to take temporary control of this Institute.” 

His mother walked down the steps and she looked pissed . “Wait a minute. Nobody informed us.” 

Lydia gave her a sickeningly sweet smile, “The Clave doesn't need to.” she walked over to one of the monitors, “And, to repeat myself, it's temporary. Nothing has been decided yet.” She placed her stele against the monitor. “But I do need full clearance in order to assess how the Institute is running.” 

She turned to look at Alec who was looking over her head to Isabelle. “Where is Clary Fairchild?” there was a beat of silence and she looked around impatiently, “I hope someone here knows.” 

“She's in the field. Training.”  

Lying for Clary Fairchild. Again. Great.  

She turned to him, “You're telling me she's just... out and about on the streets of New York.” she walked towards him, trying to intimidate him. It wasn't working. “Valentine's d aughter .” 

“Isn't she also your cousin.” Gabriel sniped as he joined the group. 

“Distant cousin.” Lydia corrects Gabriel with a raised eyebrow. 

“She's with Jace.” Alec puts forward. 

“The same Jace Wayland who decided to lead an unsanctioned raid on the vampires? I've read reports.” She kept walking around, inspecting things.  

His mother stayed at Lydia’s side, “Jace might be unconventional but he's our best soldier. If he's with Clary then she's in good hands.” 

Gabriel and Alec’s eyes met, both trying their best not to roll their eyes as their mom gushed over Jace. 

“I sincerely hope so.” She turns to face the room, “For your sake, and all of New York. All of your jurisdiction better be well protected.” 

Alec glares at the woman before leading Max away and tells him to stay in his room. 

As he walks through the hall he runs into Izzy again, “Thanks for bailing.” Izzy nudged him with a smirk. 

“You would’ve done the same, don’t lie.” Alec chuckles as he looks down at her. 

As they walk back into the war room, they see Lydia and Maryse standing at the monitors, “I'm not a fan.” Isabelle glares at their new guest. 

Alec smirks, “Jealous?” 

“No.” Isabelle paused, “Maybe. How the hell did she catch that arrow.” As Isabelle straightens her dress Alec's phone buzzes in his pocket, he sees the first picture and his eyes widen as he looks at what Luke just sent him and he quickens his pace through the room and over to his mother. “I have something you need to see.” He taps on his phone and then the monitor and the pictures come up on the screen. “Something attacked the Jade Wolf.” 

“The werewolf's headquarters. Where did you-” his mother was interrupted by Lydia, “Where did you get these.” 

“Leader of the New York wolf pack.” He tells her. 

Her eyes narrow in suspicion, “You're friends with Lucien Graymark? An ex-Circle member?” Alec stares her down until Maryse interrupts. 

“Emphasis on ex. I feel it’s better to have a communication with Downworlder factions. In case of emergencies like this.” he gestures to the pictures, daring Lydia to argue with him. 

Maryse forces a polite smile, “How about we send Alec, Gabriel and Isabelle to investigate. I'm sure this has a link to-” 

“Valentine. I need to see for myself. Gabriel and Isabelle can stay here.” She spins on her heel and begins to walk out. When she realises no one is following she turns and stares up at Alec, “Are you coming or what?” 

Alec looks down to Izzy before walking after her. 

They don't speak all the way to the pier. It isn't until they are walking through the shipment lockers that Lydia finally talks to him. 

“I can see why all the girls in Idris are all clamouring to meet you.” 

Alec looks down at her in confusion, “What do you mean?” Why? Seriously, why?  

“Rumour has it you're looking to settle down, get married.” 

Alec sighed heavily, “Damn it.” He was hoping and praying that his parents had forgotten about that. 

“Let me guess, not your idea?”  

Alec scoffs, “Not even close.” Oh, if only you knew.  

“My parents tried to set me up too.” 

Alec looks down genuinely interested now, “And how did that work out?"

Lydia had a proud look on her face. “Not well for them. I made my own path. Married the love of my life... John Monteverde. Together we had planned to run the Lisbon Institute.” her voice got shaky, “And then... John was killed.” 

He looked down at her again as she spoke, “Everything was ripped away. My love. My dream job.” She took a deep breath and turned to him, “Piece of advice. In this line of work, the only thing worth falling in love with is the work itself.” 

As if Alec didn’t have enough on his plate already, this is really not helping. Being torn in about five thousand directions and he had no idea which direction to go in, “Lydia, I...I'm sorry.”  

She nodded at him and they both put their work faces back on as they entered the Jade Wolf. 

“I'll check out the body. You look around and figure out how they got in.” Lydia told Alec and he looked at her before nodding.  

Do as you're told and everything will be fine.  

While Lydia crouched in front of the... thing... with Luke, Alec looked around the restaurant. The place had been trashed, evidence of the fight that happened. His eyes followed the pattern of the battle, almost imagining someone being thrown into the table that was now broken, blood spots where the werewolves must’ve been injured, leading down to where the beings were now lying dead. He walked over to pick up a weapon. Examining it Alec could see it had been runed, which didn't make much sense, only Shadowhunters could use runes.  

“It’s got some characteristics of a forsaken, but it was human.” He saw Lydia stand up, “We'll take the body back to the Institute. Do a full autopsy.” He heard Luke's protests and looked over. 

“Look, I get that I called you. Actually, I called Alec.” 

Alec walked over to the two. “What I didn't want was for someone to come down here and just take over.” 

“Yeah.” Alec gave Luke an amused look, “That's kind of her thing.” 

“Look. I know I can come across... abrasive. But we're all on the same side here. Can we agree on that?” Lydia looked between Alec and Luke. Alec also looked to Luke, judging his reaction as Lydia kept talking. “The Institute has the resources to figure out what this thing is.” 

“We have an expert forensic pathologist, highly trained of all the creatures of the Shadow World.” Alec explained. 

“Do you have one here,” Lydia asked Luke sarcastically, Alec decided this was his out and crouched down to look at the body. “In this...Chinese restaurant?” 

Luke sighed but nodded to Alec, “Fine. Just let me know what you find.”

Alec lifted the arm of the creature, examining markings. “You think Valentine was behind this?” he looked up to Luke.

“No question. This is definitely his work.

Alec frowned, “What do you think he's after?”  

“Honestly? Me.” Alec looked back down; this creature strong enough that it took five wolves to bring it down. All for one man. Why?  

“So, you think Valentine is going after ex-Circle members.” Lydia stated. 

“I don't know. Might be kinda personal.” Alec stood back up, “We have a complicated past. It's possible he's hunting down the old crew. I'm sure Valentine has a grudge against anybody who turned against him.” 

Lydia nodded sharply, “We'll put extra wards on the Institute.” 

Alec nodded, “Right. They could be coming for Hodge.” he turned to walk outside. 

Lydia frowned and added, “And your parents.” 

Alec's head whipped around and he stared at her. Excuse me?! “Excuse me?” 

“Did they conceal that from you?” Lydia turned to look at Luke in surprise. 

Alec stood there in shock for at least five seconds. Lydia and Luke were in shock as well, not knowing what to say to someone who just had their world flipped so drastically. S ort it out later. Later. Along with the potential marriage, Magnus, the dead mundane in the basement and the Clave ready to take the Institute from them.  “We need to get this thing back to the Institute. I'll take the weapon. You wait here for transport.” He told Lydia and walked out of the restaurant, ignoring Luke and Lydia's cries of his name. 

Alec hung up on the evac team and began to walk back to the Institute, his head ready to explode. Robert and Maryse don't have a Circle mark. Maybe Lydia was mistaken. Well with the way Luke looked at Alec he didn’t think she was.  

By the Angel... mum and dad were part of the Circle.  

He ducked into an alley close to the Institute, dropping the runed weapon he ran his hands into his hair and pulled hard. His entire life was falling to pieces, everything he’s ever known is a lie. His parents were hypocrites and he was going to have to give up his own life to rectify their mistakes. If he didn’t, everything would come out, Isabelle, Gabriel, Jace and Max would all be affected by the horrid truth. This was too much, far too much. He can’t handle this. He can’t take much more of this. 

Everything kept building and building within him, the betrayal, the anger, the heartbreak. All to the point of explosion. 

Alec made his right hand into a fist and punched it into the brick wall in front of him, then his left, right, left, right, left, until he could see the bricks starting to stain red. Until the pain became the only thing that he could think about. He gasped in pain when he stopped punching and the pain started to come through, he looked down and saw his knuckles split open, blood covering the back of his hands, darker patches where he continuously hit the rough bricks and the skin was ripped away. He grunted as he unclenched his hand and splayed out his fingers. Entranced by the red on the wall he raised his hand and touched it with his fingers, staring at the bright blood on his fingertips. 

The continuous vibrating of his phone broke his thoughts and he wiped the blood as best he could on the bricks before he looked at the name on his phone and answered. 

‘Alec, are you alright?’ Gabriel. 

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” Alec’s voice shook even as he tried to steady himself. 

‘Don’t lie to me, parabatai. I can feel that something isn't right.’   

“Gabe, I really can’t get into it right now.” Alec picked the forsaken’s weapon back up and left the alley, his moment of weakness forgotten as he put himself back together. “What’s happening back there?”  

Gabriel sighed over the line, ‘Jace and Clary went out, she doesn’t know what she’s going to do with Simon. I’ve been keeping track of them in the traffic cameras across town, Jace keeps winking at them, I don’t know if he’s teasing me or making sure I know they’re both okay.’ Gabriel snorted. 

“Probably both.” Alec huffed out a laugh, “I’m five minutes away, I’ll see you soon.” 

He walked in and walked over to where Gabriel was sitting at the surveillance desk, typing away on the keyboards hacking into all the security cameras across New York and angel knows what else.  

Alec sat on the edge of the desk with the weapon in his hands, gathering the attention of his brother who looked at him worriedly, “Care to explain what’s going on?” 

“Looks like a forsaken attack at the Jade Wolf. No Downworld casualties. Lydia is bringing the body back here to examine.” 

Gabriel smirked, “I’m sure Izzy can’t wait.” he looked down at the weapon in Alec’s hands and then actually looked at Alec’s hands, “What’s that?” 

“Forsaken weapon, it’s runed but it feels weird. I’m going to give it to Hodge to look over.” 

Gabriel shook his head, “No, not that.” he spoke softly and gently laid his hands over Alec’s raw cuts, “This.” 

Alec shrugged but didn’t meet Gabriel’s eyes. 

“Alec, I thought you stopped this.” He spoke gently. 

“I guess that’s just another thing I’ve failed at.” Alec muttered bitterly before getting up and heading towards the weapons room. 

“Alec!” Gabriel called out after him but he kept his back to his brother and kept moving. Gabriel slumped in his chair and sighed. Alec had been doing so well and now everything has just gone to Lillith. It brings back memories of that horrible night when Gabriel broke down Alec’s bathroom door to see his older brother in total despair, barely breathing as his sobs were forcing themselves out so much. They never talked about it. Gabriel cursed himself, he should have sat down with Alec and tried to help, instead, Alec pretended he was fine pushing everything down until now. And Gabriel let him. 

Not this time. He swore to the angels. He won’t let Alec feel so hopeless ever again. 

Alec kept his hands in his pockets as he looked over the forsaken’s body with Lydia. The skin was grey and mangled. It had runes which meant it was a mundane who was turned into a Forsaken. Something was off about it though. 

“We need to make sure no magic was used to make this.” Alec barely acknowledged her, “I'm calling the nearest High Warlock to come in and consult.” 

High Warlock?  

Alec looked up to her, “M-Magnus Bane? T-to come here? To the Institute?” Alec stuttered. 

Lydia frowned, “Yes. Is there a problem?” 

Alec looked back down and kept rambling, “Uh, no. Not at all. Magnus is...uh... quite magical.” He didn't notice the look that Lydia was giving him. “He's... uh... very good at magic.” 

“Do you know him well?” she asked. 

Alec shrugged, “A bit.”

Lydia let out a small laugh, “I actually can't wait to meet him.”  

I don't know if I can see him again... we haven't really talked since he helped out at the NYPD. I don’t know if I can cope with this right now.  

Alec snapped out of his thoughts as he noticed Lydia was still talking, “Did you know that my great ancestor, Henry Branwell, the last of the Branwell's to run an Institute, and Magnus Bane invented the Portal?” She smiled. 

Alec stood up straight, “No. Just add that to the list of things I didn't know.” Who cares if that was bitchy. Alec was totally not in the mood and he will gladly be bitchy to anyone and everyone.

“Alec.” he stopped as Lydia walked over to him. He shrugged with his hands still in his pockets.  

“Look, I'm sorry. You shouldn't have had to find out that your parents were ex-Circle members. Not like that.” 

“You mean from you?” Alec took a deep breath, “ You shouldn't have been the one I found out from. They should’ve told us themselves.” 

“Alec, the Clave banned all mentions of the Circle.” She tried to reason. 

Alec only scoffed, “Yes, how convenient for my parents.” 

Lydia sighed, “This doesn't change how I feel about the Lightwoods. Your family has always had a strong alliance with mine. They've been a powerful force in the Shadow World and praised for their devotion.” 

“ Devotion?! My parents were in league with Valentine.” he hissed. "They were trying to wipe out the Downworld, the people that Raziel himself had created us to protect. They committed high treason against the angels and I'm supposed to let that go?"

“People make mistakes.” she said softly. 

“Yeah, mistakes. This isn't a mistake and it's unforgivable.” he straightened up and walked away, the itch in his hands to use his bow, or hit something, or both. 

He stood in his bathroom and started cleaning his hands and taping them. Changing into his black zip up hoodie he made his way to the training room. He looked at the punching bag and could feel his anger rising from everything that happened today. 

The Clave's mistrust of them and sending Lydia. Who just came in and took over. 

Alec swung his first punch, the cuts stung like a bitch but it’s exactly what Alec was looking for. 

Having to hide the Mortal Cup from his mother and father and the Clave. 
Another punch. 

Clary's mundane friend dying at the hands of the vampires. 
Punch. 

Valentine wanting to destroy the Downworld. 
Punch. 

His parents trying to set him up to get married. 
Punch. 

Magnus Bane. 

He swings so hard the bag bounces off the ground and swings back up to Alec who has to catch it. He takes a deep breath and takes off his jacket. He continues to punch the bag, sweat dripping down his face and chest. The stinging of his damaged hands is keeping him from losing his mind. 

Alec sees movement in the corner of his eyes and stops, putting out his hand he stops the bag from moving and pants out, “Magnus.” 

Magnus is looking at Alec with a dazed expression on his face, he looks as the warlock's eyes look over his rune covered chest and arms. Magnus shakes his head and smiles, “Okay. I'm back.” 

Alec suddenly feels extremely exposed, the necklace that Magnus gave him was dangling on his bare chest. He grabbed his jacket from the floor and zipped it up. 

Magnus was going to come out with another flirtatious line when he noticed Alec’s wrapped knuckles were staining the white tape red. “I have the preliminary autopsy findings.” his voice is distracted as all of his attention is on Alec’s hands. 

Alec realised what Magnus is looking at and shoved them into his jacket pockets, “Why are you giving it to me? They should go to the Head of the Institute.” 

Magnus nods, “And it is.” 

Alec scoffs, “No. I'm not. And I never will be.” He takes a deep breath to try and steady his erratic heartbeat, “Magnus, it's like my whole life has been a lie. Everything I've ever known-” 

“Is not what you thought.” Magnus finishes. 

Alec nods, “I've done everything for my parents, for the Clave. I-I've done everything that they've asked.” 

Magnus looks up to him, “Maybe you’ve been doing too much for other people and nothing for yourself. Everyone needs a little help sometimes.” 

Alec could feel a lump forming in his throat, how can this man know exactly what Alec is feeling and know exactly what to say. 

“May I?” Magnus asks gently and holds out his hands, gesturing for Alec’s own. 

He hesitated for a moment but saw the sincerity in Magnus’ eyes and slowly lifted his right hand out of his pocket and held it out. 

Magnus sucked in a breath as he saw the blood seeping through the tape, “I’m just going to take the tape off.” He told Alec who only looked down, not being able to meet Magnus’ eyes. Magnus gently held Alec’s hand as he slowly unwound the tape, making the Shadowhunter wince as his skin had started to stick to the tape and ripped when Magnus took it off. “Sorry, darling.” Magnus apologised gently as he let the bloody tape disappear with a snap of his fingers. Magnus’ eyes widened. Every knuckle was split wide open with wide cuts and smaller cuts surrounded them, the tape had torn some of the scabs and blood started to trickle out. 

“Oh, Alexander.” He summoned his magic to his hands and lowered his hand over Alec’s knuckles. His magic felt joy at seeing Alec again, but it was quickly replaced as his magic got to work stitching Alec’s skin together. 

Alec risked looking up and watched as Magnus’ magic healed his skin. It really was quite remarkable. Magnus’ magic was fascinating to watch and was even better to feel. It was cooling down his burning skin and Alec wasn’t sure how, it was helping the heaviness in his chest, getting rid of the anxiety for now. 

Magnus quickly healed the other hand and held on for a moment longer, running his thumb over Alec’s healed knuckles. “Good as new.” 

“I-I- thank you.” Alec stuttered out, still not able to look up from his hands. 

Magnus raised his hand and gently lifted Alec’s chin, “It's a crime to hide such beauty from the world.” 

Alec scoffed deprecatingly at his words, not believing a single one.

“It’s true, darling.” he lifts Alec’s hand and places a gently kiss to the back of it, “You should start doing what you want to, Alexander. Follow what's in your heart.”

Alec gives him a small smile, “I think you’re right.” 

"I always am, darling." Magnus winked cheekily and hands Alec the report.

“Thank you, Magnus.” 

Magnus bowed his head, “My pleasure.” 

Alec made to leave but got an idea, he spun back around and walked over to Magnus. Leaning down he quickly kissed the warlock on the cheek before turning and leaving to hand in the report.

Leaving a shocked but delighted Magnus behind.

Alec had re-dressed in his black jeans and button down and was walking to the head office while reading through the report. 

As he came up to the door, he heard voices. 

“The Clave has spoken. They will be taking full control of the Institute.” he heard Lydia and then his mother. 

“I'm begging you. You can punish us but our children did nothing wrong, they've worked so hard to-” 

“I'm sorry.” Lydia interrupted. “There's nothing I can do. With everything that has happened here in New York... Plus your history with the Circle. Now Valentine's return. The Clave believes the Institute is at risk.” 

“We have been trying to stop Valentine.” Alec hears his father's voice around the door frame. “What has the Clave done? The answer is nothing. While he's growing in strength, the Clave are more concerned about removing us from the Institute.” 

“Robert.” his mother whispers. 

“The law is hard but it is the law.” Alec hears Lydia say the words that have been drilled into his head since he was a child. 

Maryse sighed sadly, “Then I think we should go ahead with the union.” 

Union?  

“Our families have been allies for generations and I couldn’t think of a better woman for my son to marry.” She continued.

Alec’s heart stuttered and he ended up dropping the report. Inside the office went silent and Alec cursed himself as he picked up the report and came around the corner.  

All three of their eyes widened as they knew Alec had clearly heard everything, “I have the preliminary results from Magnus. No magic was used in creating the forsaken.” 

Lydia was sitting behind the desk and nodded and held out her hand, “I'll take them.” 

Alec stared at her as he stretched out his arm and gave the booklet to his mother instead. He made eye contact with both of them and slightly nodded. Maryse accepted the report with tears in her eyes, blinking them away as she opened the report and read over it. 

He dismissed himself and went back to his room. He stood at the window, hands behind his back, jaw set and stared out his window. It’s not as good as it was in the office but it will do. 
Alec sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping from the exhaustion. He prayed to Eistibus and to Raziel that nohing else would go wrong. 

“Alec!” Izzy burst into his bedroom, “Somethings wrong!” 

You’ve got to be kidding me!  

Chapter Text

Izzy was rushing through her words, “The forsaken have been injected with Angel blood. They’re trying to get into the Institute.”  

Alec’s eyes widened; the wards wouldn’t be alerted to the intruders. They could be here right now!   
“Get Gabriel!” Alec shouted to Izzy before he ran past her out of his room and sprinted through the halls. He de-glamoured his bow and four arrows came to his hand. 
He let Eistibus guide him towards the danger. Sprinting into the war room he felt a pull to the weapons room that Hodge would be in, two shadows could be seen through the closed door. One was Hodge and the other was huge, the Forsaken. He ran up and slid the door open seeing Hodge was on the ground, the large Forsaken standing over him, his mace held high over his head ready to swing down.  

He quickly shot the first arrow into its back. The Forsaken turned and cast its yellow eyes on Alec, moving with quick jerky movements towards him to hit him. Creepy. He aimed straight for the heart the next time and it went through, the Forsaken stumbled back but kept moving towards him. Alec rolled across the floor out of the range of the mace quickly shooting another arrow at its heart. Striking true again but still the Forsaken didn’t fall.  

This can’t be good.  

He'll have to go for the brain.   

As it came towards him once more Alec spun right and got behind it. He leapt off the ground and wrapped his arms over the forsakens neck. He tightened all the muscles in his body to try and keep the grip as he raised his right hand with the arrow in it, ready to strike it through the head.  

The forsaken grabbed Alec’s right arm and bent down as he pulled, sending Alec over his head, spinning him and sending him crashing to the floor face down. His head now at the Fosakens feet.  

He cried out as his right knee smashed against the tiles. Turning onto his right side he clutched his knee. He looked up and saw the beast in front of him raise its mace.  

On reflex he lifted his left arm to protect himself and the mace ripped into Alec's bicep, the spikes tearing through his shirt and skin. He couldn’t help the cry that tore from his throat as the pain exploded in his arm, the force of the swing made him roll over, his smashed knee pushed into the ground and he cried louder as he rolled across the tiles. He landed face down once more and black spots clouded his vision. He looked up and saw the grey blob of the Forsaken standing over him and was about to strike. Alec blinked, trying to find the energy to move.  

A bright glow came through the grey blob and Alec didn’t need perfect vision to know what that was. The forsaken dropped dead and behind it stood Gabriel.  

Alec kept blinking, trying to restore his vision. “By the Angel, Alec.” Gabriel gasped.  

He felt Gabriel turning him onto his back and up against his chest. He groaned in pain as his knee jerked. Panting as he relaxed in his brothers' arms. Letting the back of his head rest against chest. He applied an iratze to Alec’s arm to stop the bleeding.  

Clicks on the floor made both look towards the door. Isabelle skidded around the corner as fast as her heels would carry her.  

“Oh, my Angel, Alec!”  

Isabelle dropped to her knees by their side, gripping onto Alec’s hand. “Are you okay?”  

Alec nodded and spoke through gritted teeth, “Never better.”  

Gabriel huffed out a laugh, “Just stay down, Parabatai.” He told him before subtly running his left hand into Alec’s hair, scratching his brothers scalp to sooth him, feeling him relax under his touch.  

“How did it get in?” Gabriel asked Izzy.  

“They had angel blood injected into them so that they could sneak past the wards.”  

“Is everyone alright?”  

They both turned to see Hodge getting to his feet.  

“Alec’s a bit banged up but he’ll live, won’t you?” Gabriel grinned down cheekily at his breathless brother.  

Alec kept his eyes closed and smirked, “Once I’m healed... I’m gonna slap you... so hard.”  

“We need to get you up, big brother.” Izzy looked down at the rest of his body. She grimaces at the sight of his knee that was facing the wrong direction, and at his cut which was so deep you could see the muscle. At least there was no longer a risk of him bleeding out.  

“I don’t know if I can heal this.” Izzy sighs defeated as she looks at Alec’s bicep and knee.  

Gabriel frowned, “Why not?”  

“The damage is too deep. We need to splint his leg.” She gestures to Alec’s leg.  

Gabriel nods and looks down at Alec, “You ready to move?”  

Alec nodded, “No.”  

“I’ve got you don’t worry.” Gabriel assured him, used to Alec’s sarcasm.  

“Yeah. That’s what I’m worried about.” Alec panted out.  

Izzy shook her head as she giggled. Alec always somehow always made her laugh no matter the situation.  

Gabriel started to shift, trying to get Alec ready to move, “This is gonna hurt.”  

“Oh yeah.” Alec agreed before Gabriel helped push Alec upright and off of his chest. Gabriel wrapped Alec’s right arm over his shoulder and he felt Alec start to put some weight on it.  

“One. Two. Three.” Gabriel slowly stood up as Alec put his weight down on Gabriel’s shoulders, bending his left knee and pushing off the ground. Grunting in pain as his shattered knee shifts as he stands up, keeping his right leg off the floor as he anchors himself onto Gabriel.  

Gabriel gets Alec standing, “Izzy, need your help to get him to the infirmary.” Izzy nodded and activated her strength rune. Alec may be tall and skinny but he was also solid muscle, at dead weight it was damn near impossible to move him.  Izzy ducked under his other arm, Alec gritted his teeth as his injured arm stretched and they helped him limp to the bed in the infirmary.  

Alec slowly lifted his legs onto the bed. Clenching his fists into the bed sheets from the pain. His knee was starting to swell and seize up.  

Izzy grabbed a knee brace and came to Alec holding a pair of scissors. “We'll have to cut your Jeans to-"  

“Don’t even think about it.” Alec glared at her, “Just put it over it.”

Izzy rolled her eyes before putting the brace under his knee, wrapping it over and strapping it shut tight.  

Alec sighed in a relief as the swelling was contained.  

“We'll need to get a warlock to fix it.”  

“It’s fine.” Alec protested.  

Izzy rolled her eyes, “You’re not being left like this.”  

The vibrating in his pocket made Alec shuffle until he slid his phone out only for Izzy to snatch it out of his hand, “Rest.” She held up a finger and got that scary look in her eye, “I mean it.” She turned and answered the phone.  

There were quick clicks on the floor outside, “Hijo?” Maryse sped walked into the infirmary, trying to keep her professional look even though the worry was clear in her eyes as she came to his beside.  

Alec tried to sit up quickly but Maryse gently pushed him back down. She turned to Gabriel and Izzy, “Will you give us a moment?”  

When the two left Alec tripped over his words to explain. “I don’t know how it got in, I’ll get someone to come check the wards and-"  

Maryse touched his cheek gently, “Shhh. All that can wait.” She gave him a gentle smile, the tears forming as she looked at his bandaged arm and knee brace. “Are you alright?”  

Alec looked up, “I’m fine.”  

Maryse raised an eyebrow and gave Alec a look. The look. The ‘Don’t You Dare Lie to Me' look.  

“Lo siento, mamá.” Alec looked down, “It shattered my knee. Gabriel had to save me.” Adding the last part bitterly.  

Maryse sat down on the bed beside him and gently moved his hair out of his eyes, “I think you held your own perfectly.” She reached over to another bed and grabbed a pillow, “Raise your leg, it’ll help with the swelling.”  

Alec did as he was told as his mother put the pillow under his leg, some of the pain went away and he sighed.  

“Now, you stay here. Rest.”  

Alec’s head shot up, “I don’t need to rest. I can help.”  

“No, Alexander.” She grabbed his hand and squeezed it, “We'll call the nearest warlock and then, after you’re healed, you can help.”  

While Maryse was inside with Alec, Gabriel and Izzy were standing in the war room, looking over the security footage to see where the forsaken came from. They watched as it burst through the wall, attacking Hodge before Alec ran in to help. They both winced as they watched the forsaken pull Alec off its back and saw the force of Alec hitting the floor.  

Gabriel leaned forward and paused it there. Alec’s fine. They don’t need to watch this.  

“Why was it here? What was its purpose?” Izzy asked as she stared at the frozen picture of the Forsaken standing over Alec. “If Valentine wanted to attack the Institute he would’ve sent more.”  

Gabriel shrugged, “We’ll figure it out, Iz.” He nudged her shoulder, “I need to contact Magnus.”  

Izzy grinned as she held up Alec’s phone. Gabriel quickly took it from her and he put the password in. Pressing down every urge to snoop through his brothers' phone he finds Magnus’s number and hits call.  

“Alexander! I’m surprised to hear from you so soon.”  

Gabriel awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck at the warlock's happy tone, “Magnus, it’s Gabriel.”  

“Gabriel? Where is Alexander?”  

“He’s alive.”  

“Alive?!-” Magnus yelled over the line.  

“There was a forsaken attack on the Institute, it banged Alec up pretty bad. Our runes can only heal so much and we need your help.”  

“I’m outside.”  

Gabriel told Magnus he was on his way and hung up, “He’s here.” He told Izzy and the two quickly walked to the main door to the Institute. Shoving open the doors they quickly found Magnus inspecting the building with his nose scrunched up.  

“Magnus.” Izzy called out in relief and he made his way over to them, “I’m so glad to see you. Alec’s been banged up really bad.” She put her hand on his arm, “I, Isabelle Lightwood, grant Magnus Bane entry into the New York Institute.”  

Magnus rolled his eyes, “Well that’s a mouthful.”  

Gabriel snorted, “Tell me about it. So unnecessary.”  

The three went made their way into the Institute and into the infirmary.  

Where Alec was standing, using the wall as a crutch to keep himself up, his right leg hovering as he tried to stay upright. His eyes were closed and he was gritting his teeth from the pain.  

“Alec!”  

Alec’s eyes snapped open as he saw Izzy rush over to him. Not noticing the newest arrival.  

“What are you doing? Get back into bed.” She tried to reach for his arm but he waved her off.  

“I have work to do, Izzy.” He bit in annoyance.  

Gabriel stood in front of him, blocking his path, “Alec, you can’t work like this.”  

“I’m fine.”  

Gabriel rolled his eyes, “Oh, come off it. You can’t walk like this and we’ve brought Magnus to heal you.” He gestured behind him to the man standing very uncomfortably at the door.  

Alec’s face paled as he realised Magnus just saw their entire exchange. This was mortifying. He doesn’t need healed, he’s strong enough to go back to work. He doesn’t need Magnus knowing how useless he is.  

“How many times? I’m fine.” He growled. “I don’t need healed. I need to get to work.” He tried to push Gabriel out of the way with his injured arm but Gabriel didn’t budge and toppled Alec in the process sending him crashing back into the wall to stabilise himself.  

“Uh huh. Really fine.” Gabriel crossed his arms. He pointed back to the bed, “Now lie there and let Magnus heal you.”  

He's right. How can you work in this mess.  

He sighed and wordlessly hobbled back onto the bed, sitting up against the back with his knee back on the pillow.  

Izzy tugged on Gabriel’s sleeve and gestured her head towards the door. Gabriel nodded and the two left the room, leaving Alec and Magnus alone.  

“I apologise, Magnus.” Alec spoke but kept his eyes down, “They shouldn’t have bothered you.”  

Magnus shook his head as he walked in closer, gently sitting on the edge of Alec’s bed, “Nonsense, I’m glad they called and of course since no other warlock around here is as good as me, I wouldn’t have someone inexperienced make you worse.” He smiled cheekily, “May I?” he gestured to Alec’s knee.  

“Oh, yeah, of course.” Alec bent forward and unwrapped the brace. His knee had swelled even more.  

Magnus brought his magic forward to his hands and moved gently over his knee, “Mmm, I see.” He said to no one in particular. He turned his head towards Alec, “Try not to move.”  

Alec swallowed hard and nodded. Distracting himself by staring at Magnus, the concentration on his face, the delicate movements of his hands. Breath-taking as always.   

Magnus’ magic easily found the shattered bone and the pieces that had broken off. Closing his eyes, he focused on the swelling first, letting his magic cool the inflammation and disperse the fluid. Alec sighed in relief as the coolness inside his knee took away some of the pain. Next, he focused on the bone fragments, using his magic to slot them back into place and sealing it with magic. Not even the smallest crack remained. Then Magnus pulled his magic back and tapped Alec’s knee as a test.  

Alec didn’t react. Instead, he slowly bent his knee, feeling absolutely no pain. He gave Magnus a genuine smile, “Thank you.”  

“No problem, darling.” Magnus grinned back.  

Alec slid off the other side of the bed and bent his knee a few times to test it. Good as new.  

“I can heal your arm, since I’m here and all that.”  

“No.” Alec replied sharply, shocking Magnus with his tone. “Sorry, I mean that you’ve already healed the worst. You shouldn’t waste your magic.”  

Magnus eyes softened, did Alec think he wasn’t worthy of healing? Magnus would not let that happen, “My magic would never be wasted on you, darling.”  

“I’ll be okay, Magnus. Really. But thank you. I’m in debt to you once more.”  

Magnus waves his hand, “Nonsense. I wouldn’t have it, free of charge.”  

Alec’s mouth hung open like a fish, “No, Magnus. I couldn’t, it’s- it’s insanely rude.”  

“I will be offended if you try to pay me.” Magnus countered playfully, crossing his arms and sticking his nose in the air.  

Alec’s shocked expression turns softer as he tries to hold in the giggle forming at the pouting warlock.  

“Alec!" A voice calls through the doorway before Robert walks through, “Ah. Mr Bane, you’re already here.”  

Magnus notably stiffened when his father walked in the room, addressing him bitterly, “Robert."  

Alec frowned, “What do you mean ‘already here’?”  

“Lydia has asked for the warlock to strengthen the wards.” Robert explains.  

Magnus sighed dramatically and stood, “If I must.” He looked over his shoulder to Alec, “Care to escort me."  

“I am here to escort you.” Robert pointed out.  

Magnus clicked his tongue, “Think of it as my payment for healing you.”  

Alec bit his cheek to stop himself from smiling, “Deal.” He walked forward and held his arm out for Magnus to go first before turning to his dad, “I’ll escort him.”  

Robert looked as if he was going to complain but sighed and let them go.  

Magnus walked over to one of the walls of the institute and used his magic to bring forward the spells he’d previously placed on them, “I can add the Forsaken properties to the Wards to defend against them but I can’t ban them entirely otherwise all Shadowhunter’s wouldn’t be able to pass. It will only slow them down.” Magnus explained as he waved his hands.  

“Extra time is priceless.” Alec adds as he watches Magnus, completely enamoured.  

Magnus hummed in agreement, “Say that after the Institute gets my bill.” He winks at Alec, “Not everyone gets my favouritism.”  

Alec looks down in a blush, “Is that your way-”  

“Alec!”  

His head whips up, the blush leaves immediately. He freezes as his mother is walking across the war room towards them.  

Magnus noticed Alec freeze up and decided that the way to help is to be out of sight, especially out of the sight from Maryse Lightwood, “As much as I love the ‘Meet the Parents’ episode, I should really go find this Lydia woman.”  

Alec nodded thankfully and gestured down the corridor as Magnus made his quick exit.  

“Alec, I’m glad you’re better as there is much to discuss.” His mother was short and straight to the point, “We should go somewhere more private.”  

Along the way Alec wonders if there’s a point where he’s ever going to get to sleep. Death seemed to be the most likely answer.  

They walked to the office that was now empty and Maryse closed the door for privacy.  

“Mother?”  

Maryse stood up straight and looked up at Alec, “The Clave have given orders to place the Seelie, Meliorn, under arrest.”  

Alec’s head swam, “Meliorn? Why? On what grounds?”  

“Soliciting state secrets from a Shadowhunter on the behalf of Valentine.”  

Alec shook his head, “Do they mean, Izzy? Mamá, she would never betray us like that!”  

Maryse shook her head and took Alec’s hand, “I know she wouldn’t do it intentionally. Seelies can be very tricky, Alec.”  

Alec knows that his mother wouldn’t drag him in here just for this, “What else?”  

“With this recent revelation we’ve lost even more standing with the Clave. Alec, we have made a deal with the Branwell’s of yours and Lydia’s union. This will bring our family’s reputation back to where it belongs.”  

Alec stands in shock. With the attack he had forgotten about this stupid union. A union that wouldn’t have been needed if his parents had just followed the Angels like they were supposed to. And now it falls onto Alec to get into a straight marriage. Now Alec has to pick between his own heart and his family. The anger builds up inside of him, this should’ve never been a choice that he had to make and he can’t help but exploding, “A reputation that you and dad destroyed.”  

Maryse flinches back as if she had been burned, “H-how?”  

“It doesn’t matter how.” In a split second he realises that if he doesn’t do this then not only is he and their parents in trouble, but it also falls on Gabriel on Izzy. Two innocent people who have done nothing but their duty. “I’ll marry Lydia and restore our family name but I’m doing it for Gabriel, Izzy and Jace. You and dad made your choice.”  

With that he turns and storms out of the office and makes his way back to his room.  

How could everything go so wrong so fast?  

At the last minute he turns, instead deciding to head to the training room. After this round with the punching bag he’ll be surprised if he has any skin left on his hands.

Chapter Text

Alec panted in the empty training room as he beat the bag. His right arm was burning as his injury strained from his constant movements, it hurt but he couldn’t stop. His head was ready to explode, his entire being felt numb from everything that he was feeling at the moment. He couldn’t even feel his Angel’s presence. The only slight comfort was that he could still feel his Parabatai, thank the Angel there was something there to keep him somewhat grounded. If he couldn’t feel Gabriel, Alec thought he would go insane. 

Everything from this week was bursting through his head. 

Their parents were in the Circle. They were involved in the Uprising that killed Downworlder’s and Shadowhunter’s alike. Punch. 

He was told by Izzy that Clary has made the decision to bury Simon and have him resurrected as a vampire. Punch.  

The Clave has ordered Meliorn's arrest because they’ve accused him of seducing Clave secrets from Izzy. Which is a lie. Punch.  

Due to Izzy’s relationship with Meliorn the Lightwood name has been dragged through even more mud and his mother has put him forward to fix it. Punch.  

Alec thought that it was their fault that the Clave didn’t trust them recently, with Jace and Clary running around unaccounted for and all of Alec’s unsanctioned missions, even getting involved in an alpha pack dispute with the werewolves. True... maybe these things didn’t help but they weren’t the cause of the Clave’s mistrust which is exactly what his parents had him believe when it was them all along. The Clave doesn’t trust them. And if the Clave can’t trust them, why should he? 

They drilled it into Alec that he must follow every rule, ever since he was old enough to walk. Yet, this whole time they were lying to his face! And now they have arranged a union between him and Lydia to try and fix everything. 

How much will it fix? 

So, he gets married, their families get tied together, his family gets back into favour with the Clave once more, and Alec spends the rest of his life miserable, deep in the closet and trapped in a loveless marriage. Coming out was never really an option though, was it? If he wants to run this Institute, he needs be a ‘normal Shadowhunter’ because the Clave aren’t exactly forward thinkers. Coming out was nothing more than a fool’s delusion. 

“Can you believe this?!” Izzy’s heels click quickly on the steps as she storms in like a raging bull, “She requests Meliorn here for an interview and then just arrests him as soon as he walks in the door. Then she acts like everything’s out of her hands.” she scoffs. 

Alec ignores her, just punching the bag harder and harder, faster and faster. 

Izzy stops her pacing and looks at Alec worriedly, “You’re going to hurt yourself.”  

Alec angrily hits the bag one more time and spins away from the bag, holding his bandage tight to calm the pain, “I’m fine, Izzy . ” He flexes his fingers and looks at his sister, “It was the Clave that gave the order not Lydia.” 

Izzy scoffs, “And you can you be sure about that?” 

“Hey!” They both turned to see Jace jogging up the stairs towards them, having only arrived ten minutes ago, he gestures to Alec’s arm, “Are you alright.” 

Alec is getting really sick and tired of people asking him that, “I’m fine.” he growls. 

“Where’s Gabriel?” Jace looks around. 

“I’m here!” Gabriel runs up the stairs to the training room and joins the other three, “Saw you coming in on the monitor. Can’t sneak past me, loser.” 

Jace rolled his eyes and elbowed Gabriel gently, “Listen, I spoke to Robert and Maryse just now. They’re being sent back to Idris.” 

“What?!” Gabriel exclaims. 

Izzy scoffs and places her hands on her hips, “Another order from Lydia.” 

Jace frowns confused and looks between the three of them, “Who’s Lydia?” 

Oh yes, Jace hasn’t been here for any of this. 

Izzy sighed, irritated, “She’s in charge of the Institute.” 

Jace blinks in disbelief, looking to Alec for an explanation, “She’s what?!” 

“Temporarily.” Alec sighed. 

“And now she’s convinced the Clave that mom and dad aren’t doing their job?!” She scoffs. 

Alec folded his arms, still highly strung from earlier, “Well maybe they aren’t. The forsaken attack happened when they had control of the Institute.” 

“Are you serious right now?” Jace exclaimed. 

Now or never, “Mom and Dad were members of the Circle.” 

All of their jaws dropped at the same time. 

Jace shook his head, “That’s impossible.” 

“They don’t have circle runes.” Izzy tried to argue. 

Alec nodded, “They made a deal with the Clave that they would turn against Valentine and in return they would be pardoned and the rune removed.” 

Gabriel was totally speechless. 

Izzy’s eyes widened in shock, “And you’re questioning their loyalty ?” 

Alec rubbed his tired eyes, “Valentine is back. The Circle is rising. They’re under suspicion.” 

Jace looked at Alec like he had sprouted three heads that just head-butted Clary in the face, “No. No way. Maryse and Robert? I know what kind of people they are; they took me in when no one else did. They’re good people.” 

Alec frowned and stepped forward, “You think I don’t know what kind of people they are?” Alec replied hotly. Does Jace seriously think he doesn’t know his own parents? The real side of his parents. The side that always told him he wasn’t good enough. The side forcing him into a marriage. The side that conditioned him to be their successor to the Institute. The side that expects him to rebuild the family name after they were the ones who destroyed it by siding with a complete lunatic. 

“Ah, Alec there you are.” 

It took every ounce of Alec’s being to not openly roll his eyes as Lydia came up into the room. His.... fiancé . He could feel the bile rising in his throat just from the thought. 

She came over to stand next to him and Alec fell into parade rest. She was his superior after all. 

“You must be Jace Wayland. It’s a pleasure to meet you, you’re quite the celebrity back in Idris.” She smiled and stuck out her hand to shake. Jace didn’t move so she slowly lowered it back to her side. She turned to Alec, “Did you tell them?” 

“Tell us what?” Izzy’s voice dripped in ice. 

Alec knew they were definitely going to kill him for this, “Lydia and I are engaged.” 

“You can’t be serious.” Jace exclaimed. 

Gabriel said nothing, instead trying to meet Alec’s eyes, beg him to explain. 

Izzy took a step towards Alec, “You were supposed to tell them no .” 

Alec refused to look at any of them, choosing to look at the back of the room instead and say nothing. They wouldn’t understand why he has to do this. Gabriel maybe but the others won’t. It’s all for them, so maybe they could be a little less ungrateful about it. 

Gabriel pointed between the two, “You’re getting married?” 

Izzy shakes her head, “Whatever, it’s your life to ruin.” She turned on her heel and stormed out, quickly followed by an equally irritated Jace. 

Gabriel was so confused. His head was spinning. His parents were on Valentine’s side during the revolt. They were traitors to the Angel’s and the Clave. And now he finds out his very much so gay closeted brother is engaged to a woman! And he didn’t even tell him about it first! 

“Lydia, do you mind if I speak to Alec alone.” 

Lydia smiled awkwardly, “Of course. I have an interrogation to start.” With that she exited the training room. 

Waiting until she was out of ear shot Gabriel turned to Alec and folded his arms, his face turned into a scowl that matched Alec’s own. The two looking like a mirror of the other. 

“Care to explain?” 

“This is what’s best fo-" 

Gabriel held up his hand to stop him, “Don’t give me that bull, Alec. What the hell is going on?” 

Alec glared at him, “I'm doing what’s best for this family.” 

Gabriel scoffed, “We don’t need protected Alec, we can handle ourselves. I thought you were going to stop letting our parents rule your life. What about Magnus?” 

Alec looked around in a panic, settling down when he saw no one listening in, “There’s nothing going on with Magnus.” 

Gabriel ran his hand over his face in frustration, “What are you even talking about?! Do you hear yourself? Alec he is clearly very into you and you are very into him. You’re wearing his necklace for crying out loud.” 

“Enough, Gabriel!" He hissed, “This is the only option. None of it matters, we have to stop Valentine.” With that he left Gabriel standing there and went back to his room to change. 

Gabriel sighed and headed back to his desk only to see the other two sitting at his desk. He sighed and sat down, “He’s such a self-sacrificing idiot.” muttering to himself as he brings up the live camera feed from Alec’s- Lydia’s office. Waiting for the interrogation to start. 

They watched as the guards forced Meliorn to sit on the sofa in the middle of the office and Lydia stood in front of him. 

“This is insane. We have to stop this.” Izzy points to the screen. 

“Then enjoy portaling to Idris with mom and dad.” Alec interrupts as he sits on the desk beside Gabriel. 

“Meliorn is here because of me .” 

Gabriel gave her a sympathetic smile, “He’s right, Iz, there’s nothing we can do to stop this." 

She turns her head sharply to him, glaring, “You’re taking his side?” 

“We’re twins and sworn to protect each other, of course he’s on my side.” Alec responds without looking away from the screen. 

Izzy turns and gives a pointed look to Jace who holds his hands up, “I’m not picking sides, Jace is Switzerland.” he points to the monitor, “But we should see how this goes, he might have information on Valentine that we don’t.” 

They watch as Meliorn makes himself comfortable on the sofa. 

‘Forensics don’t lie.’ Lydia folded her arms, ‘Tell me what you know about the blood in the Forsaken.’  

‘Has it crossed your mind that the blood in the Forsaken came from our dead Seelie scouts. The same scouts we sent out to help you look for Valentine. Why would we side with a murderer?’  

Lydia shrugged, ‘Seelie’s always play both sides, to see who wins.’  

Meliorn scoffed, ‘You should talk to your own people about playing sides.’  

Playing sides? Who’s playing sides? Alec frowned. 

‘Excuse me?’  

Meliorn smirked, ‘You truly do not know what I’m talking about, do you? If only Shadowhunter’s had kept a better relationship with us.’ He sat up straight, ‘You’d know that Valentine’s daughter already has the Cup.’  

The four stared at the monitor in shock. 

“Still think we should let this play out?” 

Well, this isn’t good.  

“Oh. Great.” Alec huffed and practically jumped off the desk and making his way to the middle of the room, grabbing Raj and four other Shadowhunter’s, “I want a search of Clary Fairchild’s bedroom immediately. Leave no stone unturned. Go.” He watched their backs as they left, knowing that they won’t find anything; he knows exactly where the Cup is and his stele is the only one to open the safe. He just needs to keep up appearances for everyone else until he figures out what to do. Now they know she has the Cup they will tear every inch of this Institute apart looking for it. 

The Cup will be safer where it belongs, if Valentine got his hands on it then all of this will be for nothing. Clary just wants to use the Cup to bargain for her mother which isn’t a risk they can take. What if Valentine keeps Jocelyn and gets the Cup? All in all. The Clave having the Cup is less of a risk than using it to bargain with Valentine. 

Izzy and Jace storm past Alec, “What the hell are you doing?” Jace hisses as they follow the group to Clary’s room.  

Did they suddenly forget that he was the one with the Cup? He shook his head and made his way to Clary’s room.  

When Jace sees him, he storms over, “Alec, call this off. Now.” 

Alec stands tall above him, “Let me guess, Clary’s bedroom is also Switzerland?” 

“We can’t call it off, we have to find the Mortal Cup.” Lydia protests before sighing, “It isn’t here, we have to keep looking.” She waves for the group to follow her and leaves Jace and Alec alone in the room. 

“What is going on with you?” Jace asks. 

Alec blinks, “There’s nothing ‘going on’ with me Jace, I’m doing my job. We have to turn over the Cup. It’s safer that way.” 

“Alec, she risked everything to get it.” 

“And we’ve risked everything for her!” He hissed back. “Either she gives the Cup to Lydia or I do it myself.” 

Jace sighs, “ Fine. But let Clary be the one to do it, we owe her that much. I’ll call her back.” 

Finally! Doing what Alec says for once! 

Alec let’s out a sigh of relief, “Thank you. It’s the right thing to do.” He claps Jace on the shoulder and leaves happy that finally he’s being listened to.  

Things can finally start getting back on track. 

Lydia told him that the Clave have now given the order to take Meliorn to the Silent City to be questioned by the Silent Brothers. 
It’s rare for Downworlder’s to be questioned in the Silent City, only in dire situations. Too long of an exposure to the City’s runes can drive them insane and even kill them. Alec knew that. He wasn’t exactly happy about this but the Clave has given their orders and Alec is to be the one to take Meliorn to the City. 

It’s a test and it’s a test he needs to pass for the sake of all of them. Proving to the Clave once more that he is capable of this job. 

He and Lydia lead a guarded Meliorn through the Institute and head to the elevators to go to the cells. 

“Where are you taking him?!” Izzy demands as her and Jace follow. 

“To a holding cell. A guard unit will transport him to the Silent City later.” 

“The City of Bones?” Izzy cries. 

Jace’s face contorts in a rage, “That’s practically a death sentence!” 

“You can’t do that!” Izzy tells them angrily. 

Alec looks down to her, “It isn’t our decision, Isabelle. The Clave made the order.” 

“Are you trying to start a war?” Izzy growls at Lyia, “Meliorn’s told you everything he knows.” 

Lydia folds her arms, “And you know that how?” When Izzy cannot answer Lydia nods, “We need to make sure he hasn’t hidden anything else from us.” 

Izzy took a deep breath and looked to Alec, “Let me speak with him.” 

Lydia shook her head, “In case you forgot that’s how we’ve ended up here.” 

“But he might not know anything!” Jace protested. 

Lydia sighed, “Which is why he’s to be questioned by the Silent Brother’s. If he tells us everything he knows then he is free to go.” 

Jace growled, “If he hasn’t been driven mad by then.” He turns to his brother, “Alec. This has gone too far.” 

“It’s out of my hands.” Alec tells him and enters the elevator with Lydia. 

Jace looks to Izzy, “Family meeting in the training room. Find Magnus and bring him too, he’s still doing the wards.” 

The two split up and Jace gets Gabriel from his security desk. 

“Family meeting. Now.” 

Gabriel sighs and gets up and follows him into the training room, “What about?” 

“We’ll wait for Izzy.” 

Gabriel frowned, “And... Alec?” 

Jace didn’t respond and kept looking to the steps to see if he could see Izzy or the Warlock anywhere. 

What the hell is going on?  

His frown only deepens when he sees Izzy walking into the training room with Magnus Bane behind her. Last time he checked a family meeting included the family . 

Magnus hummed as he walked in, “Ah, my second, third and fourth favourite Shadowhunter’s. What can I do for you three today? I am very, very busy.” 

“It’s Alec.” Jace explains. 

Magnus inhaled deeply, “I’m all ears.” 

“They’re taking Meliorn to the City of Bone’s to be questioned by the Silent Brother’s.” Izzy told them. 

“And Alec decided that?” Gabriel stood stunned; Alec wouldn’t just put a Downworlder in danger like that. 

“An order from the Clave.” Jace corrected. 

Gabriel still wasn’t getting it, “I’m confused. So, what’s wrong with Alec?” 

“He’s planning on handing the Cup over to the Clave. We need Magnus to get his stele, get into his safe and get the Cup before he does that.” 

Gabriel folded his arms and shook his head, “Nope. Still not getting it.” 

Magnus nodded and gestured to Gabriel, “You want me to steal his stele so that you can steal the Mortal Cup?” 

“We prefer the term borrow but yes.” Jace nods. 

Magnus looks between Jace and Isabelle, “No. Not happening.” He spins on his heel and turns to leave. 

“Why are we stealing from our brother?” Gabriel asks. 

Jace stops Magnus from leaving with a hand on his shoulder which Magnus looks down his nose at. “Ever since he found out our parents were in the Circle he’s been messed up. He can’t see the big picture.” 

Izzy nodded and continued, “If the Clave is willing to subject Meliorn to the Silent Brothers. If they’re willing to risk his life and step over that line. What do you think will happen if they get the Cup?” 

Gabriel shook his head, “What are you two talking about?" Jace and Izzy’s head snap to look at him, “Our parents brought him up to be like them, diplomats, Institute Heads, telling him how to act, to follow the Clave no matter what. Now he’s found out that these same people betrayed the Clave. I’m sure he’s confused enough as it is without you two also trying to make him go against the Clave. The Clave wants the Cup back so that Valentine doesn’t get it.” 

“He’s turned his back on us.” Jace growls. 

Gabriel scoffs in disbelief, “You can do what you want, Magnus. But whatever you’re planning, I don’t want any part in it.” 

“What if one Seelie isn’t enough. What if they interrogate the entire Downworld by bringing them to the City of Bones. This will turn into genocide without your help.” Izzy begs Magnus. 

Magnus sighs heavily, “You two are going to owe me. Big time. I’m talking gold, rubies and definitely diamonds. Most of all, Alexander can never know.” 

Jace smirked, “That’s kind of a given.” 

Gabriel wanted to punch the smirk right off his face. 

“If we do this then there is no turning back. That means you too Gabriel.” Magnus stated. 

Gabriel folded his arms as Jace went over the plan, Izzy would gather weapons, Jace would wait at Alec’s safe for the stele and Magnus would be the one to steal- borrow it. Before they meet with Clary and rescue Meliorn. 

“I’m waiting by the safe too. Make sure you don’t steal anything else you’re not supposed to.” Gabriel glared at Jace and folded his arms. He’ll go along with this plan for now, but if the moment comes. Gabriel will be standing by Alec’s side. 

Always. 

Alec was sitting on his bed, half his shirt hanging off as he redressed the wound on his bicep. As much as he hates to admit it, the wound has helped to keep him grounded. He can’t help but feel uneasy, feeling that something bad is still going to happen. It feels close to home. Something is going to happen with someone close to him. Which could be anything. 

He hopes that Izzy and Jace will come around and Clary should be back soon to hand the Clave the Cup. Finally, she’s doing something except ruining everything he’s built. 

He can’t help the yawn that breaks from his mouth, he’s still running on his stamina rune, hopefully after this mission he can get some sleep. 

He rebandaged his arm and buttoned his shirt back up. 

Stele.  

Came a thought from the pit of his stomach. 

He stood up quickly and grabbed his jacket, searching for his stele in his pocket. His fingers touching the familiar metal and breathed a sigh of relief. 

Pulling on his jacket he exits his bedroom. 

“All done for the day!” 

Alec jumps and his head whips to the side as he sees Magnus standing just outside his room. 

“Not bad for a day's work.” Magnus winks at him and walks by his side, “I thought I’d see how you’re doing.” 

Even though Magnus is the hundredth person to ask, he doesn’t get annoyed when Magnus asks how he is. “I’m good. Thank you.” he clasps his hands behind his back to hide his fidgeting, “How are you? You’ve been doing the Wards for hours; it didn’t all need to be done in one day.” 

“Oh, nonsense. I’m a very powerful Warlock after all.” 

Alec can feel the corners of his mouth rise, “That you are.” How was he supposed to tell Magnus that he was marrying Lydia, “Magnus, I wanted to say thank you for the advice you gave me, about following my heart.” 

Magnus smiled, “Freud always did say I had an amazing understanding of the human psyche.” 

Just come out with it, just spit it out Alec, “My parents have arranged for me to marry Lydia.” 

Magnus’ eyes widened, “Oh... that’s... interesting. Almost completely opposite to the advice I gave you.” 

“Magnus, please, you must understand that family means everything to me. Sometimes following your heart just isn’t an option.” 

Magnus shrugs, “There’s always an option, Alexander.” 

Alec shook his head, “Not this time. The more I thought about it, the more it makes sense. It’s a solid partnership that benefits everyone.” 

Magnus raised an eyebrow, chuckling slightly, “Solid partnership. How... hot.” 

Alec looked down, refusing to meet the other’s eyes or he fears that he’d do something stupid like grab him by his lapels, push him against the wall and kiss the hell out of him. Pun unintended. 

“How does it help you?” 

Alec’s head whipped up, “What?” 

“You said it benefits everyone, how does it benefit you ?” Magnus asked. 

Alec stuttered for a moment. “I-uh-” 

Magnus gives him a sad smile, “I see. I understand Alexander. You’re just too kind for your own good.” he inhales sharply and bows his head, putting his walls back up, “Congratulations. I’ll see you around, Alexander.” 

With that he turns and leaves Alec standing in the middle of the corridor alone and Alec doesn’t think he’s ever felt more alone in his life. 

Chapter Text

Alec fiddled with the chain of his necklace before making sure that it was hidden under his button up shirt. He zipped up his jacket and had his weapons glamoured on his back, seraph blades and daggers hidden all over his body. 

His team consisted of Raj and six others. Raj and another male Shadowhunter were going to walk on either side of Meliorn, the other four would be spread out behind and around them with Alec leading the team. 

They needed to head to the Downworlder entrance to the city, it gave direct access to the cells and to the council room which is where Meliorn’s questioning will take place. 

Alec had never been into the council room. In all honesty he was afraid that his blessing would mix with the clairvoyance rune on the floor and the Silent Brothers would figure out he’s been blessed and would study him. It’s why he’s always avoided the Brothers when he could, up until now. Alec just hoped that they were too distracted by Meliorn to be interested in him. 

The closer the group got to the City of Bones the stronger Alec’s blessing became. His steps faltered and he banged into one of the metal containers that surrounded them. He panted as visions began to swim through his mind, green eyes, fur, fast moving blurs, a flash of ginger hair and his own face staring at him. To the other Shadowhunter’s Alec was leaning against the container, eyes wide as he blindly looked around for something that they couldn’t see. 

“Alec?” Raj questioned. 

Alec blinked rapidly and sucked in a deep breath, “You four, check the perimeter.” He pushed himself off the container and pushed forward. 

There was an ambush coming. 

When they got to the entrance to the warehouse Alec told the other three to guard the door. He gently held the collar of Meliorn’s coat as the two went to the door. Hearing grunts behind him he turned and saw that no one was behind him. 

His vision was right. This was an ambush. 

“It’s not too late to turn back.” Meliorn sang in his ear. 

Alec didn’t even bother to answer, pulling open the door and ushering Meliorn inside. They entered the large abandoned warehouse and walked up a few steps to a raised area, Alec took out his stele and drew the protection rune on one of the pillars. The wall opposite them crumbled away and left an archway, a large skeletal statue of a Silent Brother stood at the entrance with its cloaked head down, holding a sword. 

This was it. 

He pushed Meliorn forward and the two walked towards the entrance. 

“Alec.” 

The female voice sent a shrill through his head and he turned to see Clary. The red hair from his vision. Typical. 

A shiver ran over his spine and his head whipped in front of him once more, he almost sighed in relief to see that it was Jace and not Gabriel like in his vision. 

“I should’ve known.” Alec glares at him, “Of course you were going to lie to me. Again .” 

Jace shook his head, “I did what needed to be done.” 

“Alec, the Clave have gone too far.” Clary rushes past him and stands next to Jace, “You have to see that, just let Meliorn go.” 

“I have my orders.” Alec stares down at her. 

Clary scoffs, “You and your damn orders. Who cares about orders?!” 

Who cares about orders? Is she for real?! 

“And that’s how little you know about this world.” He hissed, “You’ll never understand how-” 

“No, Alec! It’s you who doesn’t understand, not this time.” Jace glares back at him. 

Alec frowns at him, his mouth open because he can’t comprehend the fact that Jace is siding with her. He shakes his head and pushes Meliorn forward, continuing his path to the entrance. 

“Sorry, Alec.” Jace runs for him and spears into Alec. They both crashed to the ground, Jace grabbed Alec’s left arm and pulled it over Alec’s neck, holding his elbow and trapping it on the other side, restricting Alec from moving, “Clary take Meliorn and go!” 

Alec panted, his vision getting spots in it from bashing his head against the concrete, “You always broke the rules but you never broke the law. Not until she showed up.” he hissed. 

Jace pressed down, keeping him pinned on the floor, “You’ve had it out for Clary since the start. And now you’re getting married? Alec we both know what this is about!” 

Alec had a fire in his eyes as he panted out, “Oh, do we? Okay. Well, why doesn’t the legend Jace Wayland tell us what it’s about.” 

“You’re jealous of her. Our relationship. Jealous because you’re too scared to come out to-” 

Alec saw red. He raised his injured arm before he even knew what he was doing, punching Jace in the side of the face and rolling his body, throwing Jace off of him. Both getting to their feet and Alec went in again like he was possessed. He punched Jace in the nose before grabbing his head and pulled it down at the same time he raised his knee, feeling and hearing the crunch of his nose against his knee. 
Jace didn’t stop, he punched Alec’s injured bicep and the older brother cried out. Before pushing Jace away from him, grabbing Jace’s right elbow he kicked out Jace’s legs and the blonde crashed to the floor. He managed to dodge some of Alec’s punches before he raised his leg and kicked Alec off of him, sending him flying half way across the warehouse. They both quickly rose to their feet and Alec immediately parried one of Jace’s kicks before stepping in and elbowing Jace in the ribs. Jace punched him in the mouth and he felt his lip burst but he blocked Jace’s next punch with his left arm, wrapping his arm around Jace’s elbow before grabbing him around the waist, lifting him and slamming him onto the floor, kneeling on him and he effortlessly pulled out a dagger and held it to Jace’s neck. 

“Don’t you dare .” Alec spat at him. “You have no idea what I’m feeling.” 

“Alec! Stop!” 

He barely had time to look up before someone had grabbed him around the waist and flung him off of Jace. When he looked up, he saw Gabriel standing over him. 

His vision was true, Gabriel was in on this as well. 

“You too, Gabe?” Alec addressed him sadly. 

“No.” Gabriel knelt down in front of him, and looked at Alec’s split lip. “They told me about their plan and I said I wouldn’t be a part of it but I wanted to keep an eye on them.” 

Alec scoffed, “So, you knew about this and didn’t tell me? That basically makes you a part of it.” 

Gabriel bit his lip in response which was all the response that Alec needed. One brother attacked him and ambushed him. The other brother knew about it, didn’t take part, but also didn’t think to give him a heads up. “I’m guessing Izzy is also around here somewhere.” 

“Because she agrees that this is wrong.” Jace stood up and wiped the blood running from his nose. “Alec, please, this isn’t right. Both of you come with me and we can fight Valentine the right way, together.” 

Alec felt numb, his eyes found a drop of blood on the concrete and he wouldn’t lift his eyes from it. “If we do that, we’ll be considered traitors like mom and dad.” He looks up at Jace and shakes his head, “ No .” looking down to the blood spot he begins to shut down, “Now get out before I have to take you in.” 

Jace looks torn, he wants to stay and convince them to come with. Gabriel gestures his head to the door and Jace sighs dejectedly before leaving the two alone. 

“Alec, I-” 

“You too.” 

Gabriel looks down in shock, “What?” 

“Go. You’re an accessory and I’m getting very, very angry. So, I suggest you leave before someone comes in or I snap and take you in myself.” 

Gabriel looks down and sees that Alec’s hands are clasped together so tight that his knuckles are white. He’s holding himself back so that he doesn’t have to turn them in to the Clave. 

“Gabriel, I swear on the Angel if you-” Alec spoke through gritted teeth. 

Gabriel held up his hands in surrender, “I’m going.” and he slowly made his way towards the entrance to the City of Bones, having entered through the opposite entrance under the bridge where they lost Simon. 

How things have changed since then. 

He took one last look at Alec who was now sitting with his hands gripped tightly in his hair and his elbows leaning on his knees. 

Alec felt betrayed by everyone and Gabriel knows he’s just made it even worse. Idiot.  

He’s made a serious mistake and has no idea how to fix it. 

It was morning by the time Alec had calmed down enough to go back to the Institute. So much for that sleep he was going to get. He got his head back on and now had to save all of their asses.  

Yet again.  

He’s walking through the war room when he sees Izzy enter from the other side and quickly makes a beeline towards her. Making sure to avoid being too close to Lydia and Raj who were going over last night's events. 

“Where the hell have you been?” keeping his voice low he hisses. 

Izzy doesn’t react and stares blankly at him, “Where I needed to be. Away from you and your fiancé.” 

Bitch! What?!  

“Jace and Clary are on the run. All right, I can’t protect you if you don’t tell me the truth.” 

Izzy scoffed, “I don’t need protecting. Meliorn’s alive and that’s all that matters.” 

Oh, is it now? Forget the fact that there’s two Shadowhunter’s on the run. Three that disobeyed direct orders. One who knew about the ambush and didn’t say anything. And one left looking like an idiot because he couldn’t bring one Seelie to the Silent City under a seven man guard. 

Izzy went to walk away and Alec’s hand shot out to grab her arm, “Okay... just.” he held out his hands in a calmly manner, “Is there any way that Raj saw anything incriminating.” That was his main worry, that Raj saw one of them and then he couldn’t help them at all. He looked over at Raj and Lydia only to see Lydia staring back at him. 

He didn’t need the angel to tell him that something seriously wrong was coming their way. 

Again. 

He hasn’t even had a second to think about how his blessings were stronger when he was closer to the Silent City. He was going to mention it to Gabriel so they could research it together but... well... yeah. They’re not exactly speaking at the moment. 

He decided that it was time to bite the bullet. It was seven in the morning and he was dead on his feet. He would’ve told someone not to wake him up for anything but well... he didn’t have anyone to speak to. So, he slowly trudged through the halls and walked into his bedroom. He kicked off his boots but stayed fully clothed, taking his phone out of his pocket and firing it on the table beside his bed before he collapsed into his pillows. Feeling all his runes deactivate before he closed his eyes and let sleep take him. 

Dreaming about wisps of blue magic, black eyeliner and glitter. 

He woke with a start. Blinking madly to try and get used to being awake again, he reached over and grabbed his phone. 

18:00 
No new messages. 

He’s been asleep for twelve hours. He stretched out and breathed deeply, Angel he felt so much better. 

Until he remembered everything that was happening at the moment and the numbness returned. 

The one thing that ruins a good sleep? Waking up. 

He got up and washed up, changing his shirt before pulling his boots back on and making his way back to the war room. He needs to speak with Lydia and see what’s going on. 

He saw Izzy and Gabriel talking together at the side of the room, when Izzy noticed him, she stopped talking and refused to look in his direction. When Gabriel turned and realised it was Alec, she had spotted he got a wounded look on his face. He really badly wanted to speak to his brother but he doubts that Alec would want to. When he looked to Alec the older Lightwood quickly looked away. 

His attention dragged to Lydia coming through the door with Raj, she paused beside Alec and sighed, “I’m sorry.” 

Alec frowned, highly confused, “For what?” 

Instead of responding the two walked over to Izzy and Gabriel, Raj standing at Izzy’s elbow. 

“Isabelle Lightwood.” Lydia addressed, “By the order of the Clave, you are under arrest for high treason.” 

“What?!” The twins exclaimed at the same time. 

“On what grounds?” Alec continued. 

Lydia stood straight, “Only a handful of people knew about the Meliorn op.” 

“And everyone knows she’s sleeping with him.” Raj adds. 

Alec and Gabriel both glare at Raj like they want to punch him. 

Izzy looked up at Raj and chuckled before facing Lydia, “You know what Lydia, you’re no better than Valentine. But at least he had the guts to tell Downworlder’s to their faces that he wanted them dead. You hide behind the law.” 

Lydia rolled her eyes, “I don’t hide behind it, Isabelle, I simply follow it. The law protects all Shadowhunter’s and is there to stop some from thinking they are a law onto themselves. It stops us getting into conflict with other Shadowhunter’s.” 

Alec looked down to Lydia, “If she’s convicted, she’ll be stripped of her runes and banished. I can’t let that-” 

“Don’t.” Izzy interrupts him as she hands Raj her stele and he takes her arm, leading her to the cells, “It’s not your fight.” 

Alec sighs as he watches her get led away. He really shouldn’t have woken up. 

“What are we going to do?” Gabriel came to stand at Alec’s side. 

Alec didn’t want to hash this out now either, it’s easier to be civil. Ever the diplomat, “I have no idea.” 

“Tarot?” Gabriel asked. 

Alec nodded, “Tarot.” 

As they made their way to Alec’s room Gabriel tried to speak, “Alec about-” 

“Let’s solve one problem at a time. I’m still mad at you. Focus on saving, Izzy then we can discuss this.” Alec kept looking forward as he spoke. 

When they got to his room they sat opposite one another, “We’ll do yours first.” Alec gestured. 

He laid the deck face down in his palm, using the full deck, and laid his right palm over it, “Guide us, please.” he asked Eistibus in his head before shuffling the deck and laying out three cards face down in front of Gabriel, then re-asked the angel before re-shuffling and setting three face down in front of himself. He thought about it for a moment before he lifted out an extra card and setting it away from their three cards, dealing with it later. 

Alec always reads facing himself, so if the cards are the right way up to Gabriel, it means they’re actually reversed and vice versa. 

He takes a deep breath and flips over the first card for Gabriel, Alec does the reading but Gabriel is well enough versed in it now, he hardly ever needs Alec to tell him the cards. 

“Reversed Five of Swords.” Alec states. 

Gabriel smiles gently at the card, “Forgiveness or desire to reconcile. Doesn’t need much of an explanation.” Hoping that maybe if it’s in the cards then maybe there’s a higher chance that Alec will forgive him sooner rather than later. 

Alec raised an eyebrow at him before turning the next card, “Reversed Three of Pentacles. Group conflict.” a chuckle almost comes out because of how on the nose these cards were being. 

The last card Alec flipped, “Eight of Wands.” 

“Action, quick decisions. There must be a fight coming up.” Gabriel stated before he picked up his cards and looked over them, always fascinated by the intricate detailing of the cards. 

Now for Alec first card, “Reversed Hermit.” Loneliness. Off to a terrific start, even if Alec had been feeling very lonely as of late. He didn’t need the cards to tell him that. 

Next was the Reversed High Priestess. Repressed feelings . Amazing, the cards seemed to be assassinating him today. He rubbed his face before turning over his third card. 

Reversed Lovers. A loss of balance. Is it any wonder? His soul hasn’t felt right since the Silent City. Since he felt Gabriel’s betrayal like a knife in his chest. 

Three reversed cards. 

It’s not a bad thing, it just means that most of the problems lie within Alec and that any changes or actions must come from him. 

Thankfully. Thankfully. Gabriel stayed quiet after Alec’s cards were revealed. Instead, he pointed to the last card that Alec left out, “What’s this for?” 

Alec shrugged, “I got a feeling to leave it out.” he reached out and turned it over. 

The Ace of Cups. 

Alec’s eyes widened, “That’s it! We’ll use the Cup to bargain for Izzy’s freedom. The Clave will jump at the chance to have the Cup back and they’d free Izzy no problem.” Alec grinned. Closing his eyes and thanking the Angel for guiding them to the answer. 

He opened his eyes to grin at Gabriel only to be met with his twin’s panicked expression. 

Alec’s smile fell off his face and he didn’t think he really wanted to ask, “What?” 

Gabriel scrubbed his face with his hands, exhaling sharply before looking Alec in the eye, “Jace has the Cup.” 

“Jace has the what ?” 

Chapter Text

Alec was crouched in front of his safe, glaring daggers at the empty places in his safe where he had placed Clary’s portal necklace and the Mortal Cup card.  

Now both were missing. 

The Mortal Cup was missing. 

“I’m going to kill him.” Alec growled. He rubbed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm himself down. He stands, relocks the safe and glares at Gabriel before storming out, “Family meeting. Now.” 

Thankfully Lydia hadn’t placed Izzy in one of the holding cells, instead she locked her in one of the offices with Raj standing guard outside the door. 

He let them pass and Alec stormed into the room. Waiting for Gabriel to close the door before folding his arms and staring at Izzy. 

“The Cup is missing.” 

Izzy didn’t say anything, instead lowering her eyes to the ground guiltily. 

Alec threw his hands in the air in exasperation, “You too?! Of course.” He put his hands on his hips, inhaling sharply, “The Cup is the only thing that can get you out of this.” 

“Jace is doing what he thinks is right.” 

“What’s right ?! Izzy, he’s put the entire Shadowworld in danger by taking the Cup out of the Institute. He’s put you in danger with his carelessness.” 

“We need to get him and the Cup back so we can barter it for your freedom.” Gabriel put his hand on Izzy’s shoulder, “Where are they?” 

Izzy sighed, “They took Meliorn to the Seelie realm. You won’t be able to track him there.” 

“Not by any normal ways.” Alec told her before storming back out of the room. “Gabriel.” He called gruffly over his shoulder for him to follow. 

Izzy frowned in confusion, “What’s that supposed to mean?!” she shouted after him but only got a shrug from Gabriel before he patted her shoulder and ran after Alec. Glad that at least he was calling him to his side again.  

Baby steps. 

They walked briskly through the halls all the way to Alec’s bedroom. Gesturing for Gabriel to go in first before he followed and closed the door behind him, drawing a Silencing rune on the door. To ensure this stayed private. 

“What’s going on?” 

“I have an idea on how to track Jace.” 

“Parabatai tracking?” he asked. 

Alec shook his head, “No.” 

“Well, I’m all ears.” 

Alec stood still for a moment, biting at his lip before replying, “You came through the Silent City to get to the Downworlder entrance?” 

Gabriel nodded, “I did...” Unsure of where this was going. 

“When you were there, did you... feel anything?” 

Gabriel’s head shot up, “You too?” 

Alec nodded, “What did you feel?” 

Gabriel shook his head, “ Hear . I could hear Gabriel in my head. He was talking to me in Enochian but I couldn’t translate what he was saying. Why? What happened to you?” 

“Visions. Flashing images. Warning me on the ambush. They were barely a second long.” Alec told him. 

“Woah. What was that like?” Gabriel stepped forward intrigued. 

Alec leaned his back against the door, “Dizzying at first. I couldn’t focus, it was like I was looking to close at a picture.” 

“I felt like Gabriel was shouting inside my brain.” Gabriel added softly. Remembering the Archangel’s booming words in a language he couldn’t speak, “But when I reached you and Jace the voice went quiet.” 

“Why? What does the Silent City have to do with our blessings?” 

Gabriel moved to sit at Alec’s desk, gently tapping his fingers on the desk as he tried to think. “Well, Gabriel is the angel of communication, right? And Eistibus is the angel of clairvoyance. And both of those runes are etched into the walls in the chamber of the Speaking Stars. Maybe the runes counteract with our blessings and amplify them somehow?” 

Alec nodded slowly. The chamber also held the Mortal Sword, a gift from Raziel to the first Shadowhunter. 

“Or the Mortal Sword could amplify them?” Alec put forward. 

Gabriel tossed the idea around in his mind, “Our blessings did come from the angels. The same angels also blessed Jonathon with the sword.” Gabriel squinted as he tried to think of something to tie the two together but couldn’t come up with anything. “I have no idea.” 

Alec ran his hands through his hair, “My visions weren’t clear but Gabriel’s voice was loud to you. Whichever it is it means that the closer we are to the city depends on the clarity of Angel’s messages, how close do we get before the Angel’s message is too loud and possibly drives us insane?” 

Gabriel chuckled, “You really are a glass half empty kind of guy aren’t ya.” 

“I was bringing Meliorn into the chamber to be questioned. If our blessings are stronger in the Silent City, then I possibly could’ve been overwhelmed with visions. Angel’s messages are not to be taken lightly, they can and they have driven other blessed Shadowhunter’s insane. I’m not willing to risk it.” I’m not willing to risk you.  

“So, let’s go to the Silent City, just outside to where you got your visions, then slowly make our way towards the entrance to see how strong they get before we have to pull out. We also might get a clue where Jace has ran off to.” 

“Why not the Shadowhunter entrance?” 

Gabriel grinned and stood to walk over where Alec was leaning against the door, “Because brother Parabatai,” he booped Alec on the nose with his finger, “The Downworlder entrance is closer to the chamber.” 

Alec slapped his hand away gently, refusing to give in. He’s still mad at Gabriel for not telling him about the ambush and the Cup but by the Angel he’s just so hard to stay mad at!  

“Fine.” He grumbled. 

As they walked side by side Gabriel’s brain was going crazy, he needed to apologise. Sooner rather than later. The longer they leave this the more it will weaken. 

“Alec.” 

Alec kept walking through the building site, “Hmm?” 

“I know you said to wait until we’ve cleared Izzy but-" Alec rolled his eyes and went to interrupt, “Please, hear me out.” 

Alec licked his lips before stopping he turned to his brother and folded his arms before nodding, “Okay. Go." 

With Alec’s permission the words started flowing out of his mouth, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I should’ve had your back and I didn’t. I let Jace do what he wanted and I should’ve come to you straight away. I broke my oath to you as Parabatai and as brothers. I’m sorry, Alec. Truly. I am so sorry. I will never, ever, ever do it again. I’m by your side for life.” Gabriel held out his arm, bending his elbow and holding his hand up. 

Alec stared down at it before blankly looking back up to Gabriel. Breathing deeply. 

Gabriel started to panic at Alec’s silence. Was Alec going to reject him? 

He gasped as Alec slapped his hand into his own. 

“You better be, Parabatai .” Alec gripped Gabriel’s hand tightly. 

Gabriel let out a breath that he hadn’t even known he was holding as Alec grinned at him. Gabriel tugged on his hand hard and brought Alec crashing into his chest, the two wrapped their arms around each other tightly and they both felt a weight lift off their shoulders as their souls balanced out once again. 

“Forever.” Gabriel whispered in his ear. 

Alec pressed his face into Gabriel’s shoulder, shutting his eyes tight to keep the tears at bay, “Forever.” He whispered back. 

Gabriel slapped his back before they both pulled away. Gabriel held his hand to his Parabatai rune on the right side of his chest. Everything had clicked back into place. 

They both took a moment to put themselves back into the task at hand. Making their way to the container where Alec got his vision. 

“It was here.” Alec gestured to where he had fallen the night before. 

Gabriel looked ahead of them; they were about ten metres away from the door to the warehouse, “We’re pretty far from the entrance.” 

Alec narrows his eyes, “Yeah. That’s what worries me.” 

The closer they got the more they could feel... something from within. 

They entered the warehouse and Gabriel drew the protection rune on the pillar. Watching as the wall crumbled away that left the archway into the Silent City. 

Neither of them got anything. 

Alec stood still, waiting for the onslaught of visions but nothing came. Gabriel looked around, as if looking for a sign or something, also not hearing anything in his head. 

Alec’s heart was beating out of his chest as he slowly walked towards the arch. He stepped cautiously over the threshold to the city, walking past the statue of the Silent Brother. He stiffened as he took another step, his visions hit him and hit hard. His breath cut off and he was knocked off his feet, pressing his hand against the wall to steady himself. 

The images started up close then flashed to show more. Branches and twisted vines of a tree flashed into two trees that held a portal. Pointed ears that flashed into Meliorn’s face. The familiar flash of ginger hair that changed into Clary stepping into the portal with Jace’s blurred figure behind her. 

Alec gasped. 

“What do you see?” 

Alec stumbled, “I can see them but I can’t see where. I need to get closer.” 

“Alec, wait!” Gabriel cried as Alec stumbled through the passages bringing him closer and closer to the chamber. 

The visions became even clearer but when objects moved, they became blurry. He saw a swarm of demons running for the portal. Jace and Meliorn were holding them off. White petals were dancing all around them. A demon managed to parry Jace’s attack and ran into the portal. Jace quickly ran after it and dived in after it. Where did the portal go? He wanted to go into the portal after him! 

“Alec!” 

He feels arms go around his chest and he was pulled backwards. 

Gabriel had caught his falling brother and dragged him back through the passage, getting as much distance as he could between them and the chamber. 

When they got back into the warehouse Alec blinked and sucked in a deep breath. Coming back to himself he looked down to see Gabriel’s hands clasped under his arms, his own legs out in front of him. Gabriel had dragged him out. 

Gabriel gently set him down on the concrete floor. Seeing that Alec stayed sitting up he knelt beside him. 

“You alright?” 

Alec panted and nodded, “What happened?” 

“Dude, you stumbled through the corridors like you were possessed. Then your eyes just rolled back and I had to catch you. You kept muttering about a portal.” 

Alec continued to breathe deeply until it was back under control again, “They were in the Seelie realm, I don’t know where. But there was an open portal, a demon ran in and then Jace dived in after it. I don’t know where it went.” 

“Magicae saltus.” 

Alec frowned, “Huh?” 

“Gabriel said that to me. Magicae saltus.” 

Thinking over the words Alec realised something, “That’s Latin, not Enochian.” 

Gabriel shrugged, “Maybe the angel realised I don’t speak it and chose Latin instead?” 

“What does it mean?” 

Gabriel thought for a moment, “I think it means, magic wood? Magic forest? That could be anywhere in the Seelie realm.” he whined. 

“Well, we’ll go back to the Institute and figure it out.” They both quickly got to their feet. 

Alec froze. 

Gabriel felt a lurch in their bond and turned to see Alec just standing there, his eyes unfocused. “You okay?” His eyebrows hit his hairline as he saw a trickle of blood fall from Alec’s nose. Gabriel’s blood turned to ice as he watched the older twins' eyes roll into the back of his head before collapsing. 

“Alec!” Gabriel lunged forward and caught Alec so the taller man face planted into his chest instead of the ground. Gabriel gently lowered Alec’s body down to the ground once more, Alec’s head lulled to the side and blood was trickling down one nostril. He placed his ear to Alec’s chest; hearing a slow heartbeat. He lifted his stele out of his pocket and lifted Alec’s stomach and drew an iratze on his abdomen. 

He watched as the rune didn’t take and vanished, “Angels!” Gabriel gasped before trying to draw the rune again and within seconds it vanished. This isn’t good. If runes weren’t taking then it meant that something serious was in play. 

He needed help. 

He took his phone out of his pocket, his thumb froze over the screen, not sure who to call. A voice spoke a series of numbers into his head, without doubting it he put the numbers into his phone and hit call. Having no idea who was going to pick up on the other side. 

“High Warlock of Brooklyn Magnus Bane.”  

“Magnus! Thank the Angel! It’s Gabriel Lightwood.” tripping over his words as he placed his fingers to Alec’s neck to keep check of his pulse. 

“Ah, the Lightwood twin. What can I-”  

“Alec’s collapsed! He won’t wake up; he’s still breathing but runes aren’t working.” he panicked down the phone. 

“Where are you?” Magnus’ tone had changed to short and serious. 

“D-Downworlder entrance to the Silent City.” 

Within a second the line went dead and a purple portal formed a few feet away from them in the warehouse, the glittering warlock stepped out of it a split second after. His eyes widened as he noticed the passed out Shadowhunter on the ground. 

“What happened?” Magnus ordered as he snapped his magic to his hands and started to run his magic up and down Alec’s body to try and find a cause. He leaned over and looked at Alec’s expressionless face, his eyes closed and the blood having dried around his nose. 

“Uh...” Gabriel’s mind went blank. They had agreed to never tell anyone about their blessings for fear of what would happen to them and their family. 

Magnus raised a questioning eyebrow at him, “Gabriel, I need to know what happened or I can’t help him.” 

Gabriel’s mind stuttered, should he tell Magnus? Alec would kill him. However, Alec needed to be awake to do that which may only happen with Magnus’ help. Would Magnus do anything to them? He thinks himself stupid for thinking such things. Alec trusts Magnus therefore Gabriel trusts Magnus too. 

“Gabriel!” Magnus shouted impatiently. 

“He’s blessed!” 

Magnus’ eyes widened, “He’s-” he looked down at the unconscious Shadowhunter, this Nephilim, Alexander Lightwood, was blessed ? This boy had a gift from an angel bestowed upon him? Magnus hasn’t heard of anyone being blessed for centuries . “We need to get him to my loft.” He snapped his fingers to conjure a portal. “Now.” 

Gabriel didn’t hesitate and put his arms under Alec’s neck and knees. Standing up and holding his brother in a bridal carry, Alec’s head had fallen back, his arm dangling at his side and his hair falling off his face and this image of his brother unsettled Gabriel to his very core. 

As they walked through the portal Gabriel sent a prayer to the Angels to please make Alec okay again.

Chapter Text

“Set him here.” Magnus called out as he placed a cushion at the end of the leather sofa.  

Gabriel stumbled through the portal and gently placed Alec onto the couch. Straightening out his long legs until they were hanging off the end and placing his head to the side so he didn’t choke on anything.  

Magnus snapped his fingers and summoned many different books all around him all of them opening and fluttering pages.  

Gabriel wordlessly watched the scene in front of him, unconsciously rubbing at his burning parabatai rune. “What’s wrong with him, it feels like something is burning?”  

Magnus runs his magic up and down Alec’s body, snapping away the dried blood under the shadowhunter’s nose, “Angelic poisoning? Blessings Exhaustion?”  

Gabriel frowned.  What the hell is that? “What?”  

Magnus kept flowing his magic into Alec while using the other hand to flick through pages of a book. Magnus stopped flicking and found the page he was looking for, “Angelic poisoning. I’ve seen a case once , centuries ago.”  

Gabriel didn’t tear his eyes away from his brother, “Is it fatal?”  

Magnus shook his head, “Possible, like I said. I’ve only seen it once.”  

“But- but you can help him, right?” Gabriel rushed to his side in a panic.  

Magnus couldn’t work with a panicked Shadowhunter by his side. He moved his fingers towards Gabriel and a piece of paper flew through the air and hit his chest.  

“Go to my apothecary and make this. Quickly.” Which actually meant, ‘Give me peace from your incessant panicking.’  

Gabriel nodded and gripped the page and practically ran to the warlock’s apothecary.  

With Gabriel out of the way Magnus was able to focus on Alec. His own worry was running through him as he scanned the Shadowhunter’s body with his magic. The last time he saw something like this was in the seventeenth century. He knows he had it written down somewhere, a small paragraph, barely half a page about what he knows about it. His eyes scanned over the page and sighed.  

Magnus from four hundred years ago needed to take better notes!  

Blood in Nephilim is a half and half split between mundane and angel. (Must research on self for same result in Warlocks.) 
Blessed Nephilim have a higher angel blood percentage and the more they have used their blessings the more angelic blood takes over? The angelic blood begins to poison the mundane half. (Must research point of poison percentage.) 
Experiment cure – Inject pure mundane blood into the Nephilim to rebalance. 
Blessing Exhaustion? Similar to magical exhaustion? More research needed. 

Gabriel ran back in with two vials and a syringe. “I have them.”  

Magnus took the darker vial and syringe from his hand, filling the syringe with the dark red liquid.  

“Why do you need mundie blood?”  

Magnus, “It should rebalance his mundane blood with his angelic blood.” He silenced the brother and snapped his fingers to rid Alec of his jacket, faltering at the sight of the muscles on Alec’s arm, the proof of his training, proof of his hard work, proof that he was built by God’s never mind the angels. He blinked and got back to the task at hand, sliding the needle into Alec’s arm and plunged the blood into Alec’s bloodstream.  

“So, he’s going to wake up now, right?”  

“Eh...” Magnus shook his head and gestured with his right hand, “This isn’t an area I know much about, so let’s just take it one step at a time.”  

Gabriel smiled as he felt his chest, “The burning is going down.”  

Magnus nodded and they both leaned forward and looked at Alec’s unconscious face. What they didn’t expect was for his eyes to pop open and sit up with a gasp, almost knocking both of them out in the process.  

Gabriel watched as Alec’s breaths came out in short pants and his eyes scanned the room.  

“Alec, you’re okay. We’re in Magnus’ loft."  

Alec took a deep breath and looked up to see the warlock’s gorgeous eyes looking back at him. Alec’s mouth dropped open as he openly stared at Magnus. He tried to speak but nothing was coming out, ‘thank you’, ‘why?’, ‘what happened?’, ‘you’re gorgeous’, anything! Alec! Say something! “What gorgeous?” his eyes widened as he realised what he just said, “Happened! What happened ?”  

Magnus raised an amused eyebrow, “You feeling okay, Alexander?”  

Gabriel laid his hand on Alec’s shoulder, “You okay, man?”  

He snapped his eyes away from Magnus’ to Gabriel, “Y-Yeah. What happened?”  

“I- You- I don’t actually know.” Gabriel answered honestly before gesturing to Magnus.  

Magnus sat down on the table in front of the sofa, conjuring a cocktail to his hand and sipping on it, “Angelic poisoning. Quite rare.”  

Alec looked between the two, “Which is?”  

Magnus looked between Gabriel and Alec, “Overuse of angel blessings.”  

Alec’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped, he span and slapped Gabriel’s shoulder, “You told him?!”  

“Ow!” Gabriel yelped and slapped Alec’s shoulder back, “Well I had to or you know... death .” He sassed back, now that his brother was awake and back up, everything felt right again.  

Alec rolled his eyes and lifted his legs and turned so he was sitting properly on the sofa, “So, poison?” he posed the question to Magnus.  

Magnus breathed deeply, “Short version? Shadowhunter’s have equal parts mundane and angel blood. The more you use your blessings the more your blood turns angelic and the mundane half rejects it. As I told your brother, I’ve only seen it once.”  

Alec frowned and fiddled with his hands, “My body was poisoning itself?”  

Magnus nodded, “Yes, but I cured you. So, you’ll be fine to go back to Shadowhunting and wedding planning and whatnot.” he sasses before sipping his martini, standing up from the table and walking away.  

Alec cast his eyes down to the floor. He deserves Magnus’ coldness, he knows that. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt when it happens. The awkward silence was broken by his phone buzzing. He swallowed the lump in his throat before taking out his phone. Sighing heavily at the name before answering.  

“Yeah, Alec.”  

“We have a problem.” Lydia’s panicked voice came over the line.  

“Another one?” Oh great. You know, Alec thought that there were enough problems at the moment, but maybe that was just him. What’s one more?  

“Inquisitor Herondale just arrived and she’s beginning Isabelle’s trial this evening.”  

Alec ran his hand through his hair. You’ve got to be kidding! “I- Why would- She- What ?”  

“She’s starting the trial this evening, Alec. You need to get back.”  

“Yeah.” Alec agreed before hanging up the phone. “The Inquisitor arrived at the Institute; she wants to go ahead with the trial this evening.”  

Gabriel’s eyebrows hit his hairline, “So soon?!”  

Alec nodded and stood, grabbing his jacket that was draped over the arm of the couch, “I need to get to Izzy.” He quickly put on his jacket and looked down at Magnus who was stirring his martini, pretending to be unbothered by the situation. “Thank you for saving me. Again.”  

Magnus sighed dramatically, “You seem to be making a habit out of it.” As much as he tried to keep it down a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.  

Alec blushed and looked away, “I’ll try not to.”  

Magnus shrugged nonchalantly trying to seem coy, “If you say so. I’ll keep my schedule open just in case.”  

Gabriel snorted before coming up behind his brother and pushed his shoulders, pushing him forward and out of the room, Gabriel looked over his shoulder and grinned, calling over his shoulder, “Thank you, Magnus!”  

Gabriel closed the door behind them as the two entered the hallway. Looking at Alec’s surprised face he snorts, “You’ve got it so bad.” slapping Alec on the shoulder before walking on.  

Chapter Text

Neither Twin felt the pull of the angel when they entered the Institute.

Alec celebrated their small win. One problem down and another million to go.

“We need to tell Izzy.”

Alec spluttered, “What?”  

Gabriel shook his head, “About the trial . Not us.”  

The older nodded, “You should try to call Jace.”  

“Why me?” Gabriel frowned.  

“Because the last time I saw Jace he stabbed me in the back and it ended with us punching the angel out of each other.”  

Gabriel nodded as he took his phone out and dialled Jace’s number, “Fair point.”  

They made their way to where Izzy was being held and walked in.  

“No answer.” Gabriel shook his head.  

“From who?” Izzy frowned.  

“Jace.” Gabriel answered as he pocketed his phone.  

Izzy scoffed, “The Cup is lost.”  

Alec folded his arms, “Izzy, we’re trying to help.”  

“I don’t care. I’d rather be stripped of my runes than be part of this world. A world that seems to choose justice over law.”  

“That’s very noble, Isabelle. But the high road won’t be so great when you’re defenceless and running for your life from demons.”  

Isabelle stood her ground, “Jocelyn lived as a mundane.”  

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, “You know that Jocelyn had her runes, weapons and a warlock on her side.”  

Screw this. Time for tough love.  

Alec stepped closer to Izzy, “Do you think the demons won’t find you? That, that they won’t track you down? The Lightwood’s aren’t exactly low profile and their first priority will be to hunt you down.”  

Izzy turned and nodded, tears in her eyes.  

Alec opened his arms and she practically ran into them, “What are we going to do?”  

Alec tightened his hold and kissed the top of her head, “I’m going to fix it.”  

“How?” she asked pitifully.  

‘I’ll keep my schedule open just in case.’  

The Warlock’s words filtered through his brain. He pulled away from Izzy and gave a small smile, “I’ll sort it out.”  

“Where are you going?” Gabriel frowned.  

“To get Izzy an advocate.” he pointed from Gabriel to Izzy, “You stay here with her. They are not allowed to start the trial without an advocate for her. Do you understand me?”  

Gabriel nodded before he sat on the sofa and wrapped his arm around Izzy.

He found himself standing outside the loft in Brooklyn for what felt like the fifth time. No matter what he seemed to do it always ended with him at Magnus Bane’s door.  

Would the magical man even help?  

He’s done so much for the Shadowhunter's already.  

He raised his hand to knock for the third time before second guessing himself and pulling it back again.  

He gasped as the door slowly opened but no one was standing there.  

Alec slowly walked in and shut the door behind him, he slowly walked into the loft, rounding the corner to see Magnus sitting casually in his chair sipping on a colourful drink.  

“Ah, you decided to enter.” Magnus gave him a sly smile over the rim of his glass, “Tired of bickering over the guest list for your wedding?”  

Alec nodded and stood in front of Magnus in parade rest, “I need to ask you something.”  

“Well, I did keep my schedule open. Ask away.” Magnus gestured for him to continue.  

“It’s about my sister.”  

Magnus nodded, “Ah. I see.” threw his glass behind him, snapping it away before it smashed on the floor, “This is about how your adorable fiancée has Isabelle on trial for treason.”  

Alec nodded once.  

“And what do you expect me to do?”  

Alec swallowed deeply, “I wanted to request your services to be her advocate.”  

“Why?” Magnus was quick to ask, “You’re a Shadowhunter, you know the rules. No Downworlder can defend a Shadowhunter in court.”  

Alec’s shoulder deflated in defeat. He did know that, of course he did. “You’re the only one I can ask for help.”  

Magnus hummed, looking over the angelic boy, “I suppose... I could since a Shadowhunter can choose any advocate which, strangely enough, doesn’t exclude Downworlders.”  

Alec’s head shot up, “So you could, do it?”  

The Warlock hummed, “For the right price.”  

“Name it.” Alec didn’t take anytime offering a price, he’d pay it.  

“You.” Magnus stared over the rim of his glass, “Well, your blood.”  

Alec frowned, “Excuse me?”  

Magnus shook his head, “I’ve seen a blessed Nephilim but once, I’d like to know more.”  

Alec nodded slowly, “So you want to dissect me?”  

“Of course not.” the older man snorted, “Study would be the more operative word. No harm would come to you, I give you my word on that."  

Alec hesitated for a moment.  

“Well, Shadowhunter?”  

“Deal.”

They had all been gathered into the hall which has been turned into a makeshift courtroom.  

The Inquisitor was sat on a throne at the head of the room, Isabelle was at a table on her own and so was Lydia. The Soul Sword sat vertical in front of the Inquisitor and a Silent Brother was beside it having Magnus come and stand to it to swear upon it.  

Magnus worriedly pointed at it, “Will I survive if I touch it?”  

The Inquisitor rolled her eyes slightly, “If you tell the truth.”  

Magnus nodded and clasped the handle of the sword with both hands.  

“By the power of this sword do you promise to defend your client with integrity and honesty?”  

Magnus nodded, “No argument from me on that.”  

Alec and Gabriel were standing at the back of the room, both of them had their arms folded as they leaned against the wall.  

“Make your case, warlock.” the Inquisitor demanded.  

Magnus nodded, “My case is very simple, Inquisitor .” Magnus spoke with just enough sarcasm to not get pulled on it, “Yes, it may be true that my client acted against the orders of the Clave in trying to save the Seelie, Meliorn. However, she did not act against the interests of the Clave. Preventing the forced questioning and possible death has saved the Clave against breaches in the Accords.”  

The Inquisitor rolled her eyes, “We’re not here to speculate what might have happened if the defendant didn’t interfere . So, I wait on a valid point, Warlock . If you have one.”  

Alec’s hand tightened on his elbow at the way the Inquisitor called him a Warlock with such disdain, refusing to use his name.  

Magnus shook his head, “This trial doesn’t have a point. What you really want is the Mortal Cup.” He pointed to Isabelle, “My client doesn’t have it and since this trial isn’t about what it’s really about, I move for a dismissal.”  

Alec watched as the Inquisitor narrowed her eyes but she didn’t move a muscle other than that.  

“You are out of line.” The Inquisitor snarls before turning to Lydia, “Miss Branwell, call your witness.”  

Lydia nods and stands, “We call Alexander Lightwood.”  

Gabriel stiffened as Alec’s eyes widened as all eyes turned to him.

“Lydia will try to call me as a witness and that can’t happen.” Alec had told Magnus, “Not only would I put Gabriel in danger I could also activate the Soul Sword in front of the entire Institute.”  

“Mmm, that would cause quite the scene wouldn’t it.”  

“You can’t let me be called, Magnus.”  

Magnus had sighed, “Do not worry, Nephilim. I have a certain way with words.”

Magnus scoffed, “Absolutely out of the question.”  

The Inquisitor’s eyes shifted to him, “And why is that, warlock?”  

“You want my client’s brother and the prosecutor’s... fiancée ... to take the stand?” Magnus raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow, “I do believe that is a very large conflict of interest. Alexander Lightwood’s statement cannot be trusted for either side.”  

The Inquisitor thought over it for a moment, “Mm, indeed. Mr Lightwood’s testimony is compromised, call the next witness.”  

Lydia sighed, “We call Isabelle Lightwood.”  

The Inquisitor nodded and Izzy rose with poise, slowly walking up to the Soul Sword and swearing to tell the truth before walking to the chair beside the Inquisitor and gracefully sitting down.  

Lydia stood and stepped in front of her table, leaning against it casually, “You have led us to believe that you carried out this operation alone. Yet, Clary Fairchild was seen near the City of Bones that night. As well as your other brother, Gabriel Lightwood, whose whereabouts are unknown for that night.”  

Isabelle stared back emotionless, “Maybe they were out for a walk.”  

Lydia folded her arms, “And you expect us to believe that you distracted the guards, got past Alec and escaped with the prisoner.”  

“Slick, right?”  

The Inquisitor leaned towards her, “I suggest you think about how slick it would be when Valentine decided to use the cup to create an entire army of rogue Shadowhunter’s.”  

Isabelle narrowed her eyes in annoyance, “I don’t want Valentine to succeed.”  

The Inquisitor gestured towards her, “Well, that’s the first sane thing I’ve heard from you.”  

“You know what’s insane? Thinking that we have the right to treat a Downworlder’s life as worthless.”  

“Isabelle,” Lydia interrupted, “Need I remind you that everything you say here will be considered in the verdict?”  

Isabelle stood, “Good.” She stood up and addressed the entire room, “Then consider this. Valentine didn’t just appear out of the ground. We use our angel blood to justify our actions, just like he does. We seem to forget that not only are we part angel but we are part mundane. We feel emotions just like mundane’s. Some call it a flaw, I call it a gift. Yet we treat this gift with fear and we have turned that fear against the Downworlder’s just as Valentine has. Eventually, we will turn on each other.”  

The Inquisitor frowned, “And you think this is what we’ve done to you?”  

Isabelle breathed deeply, “You will have to answer that yourself, Madam Inquisitor.”  

“Sit down, Miss Lightwood.” The Inquisitor ordered sternly. “Bane.”  

As Izzy walked back to her seat Magnus stood and buttoned his jacket, “I would like to call Lydia Branwell.”  

The Inquisitor frowned, “I don’t see the relevance”  

Magnus sniffed, “Well that makes two of us. I don’t see the relevance in this trial. So,” he gestured to the seat, “Miss Branwell.”  

Lydia got up and straightened her skirt before taking her place beside the Inquisitor.  

“I just have one question. Why are you prosecuting this case?”  

Lydia froze.  

The Inquisitor turned sharply to look at her, “Answer the question.”  

Lydia swallowed, “Because, the Law is hard but it is the Law.”  

Magnus rolled his eyes but Lydia kept talking.  

“But that doesn’t make it right."  

Alec almost gasped.  

“We’re trying someone for being compassionate. For fighting for a life that would have been sacrificed for nothing.”  

“This is enough , Branwell.”  

Lydia shook her head, “No, madam. It isn’t. We are punishing the qualities that the Angel Raziel gave us. We were made part mundane for this reason, for love, loyalty, morality. Now we are trying to crush those very principles.”  

“Enough of this nonsense!” The Inquisitor hissed.  

“I agree.” Lydia rose to her feet, “This case is nonsense. I withdraw all charges against Isabelle Lightwood.”  

Gabriel’s hand shot out and grabbed Alec’s arm in shock.  

Izzy and Magnus shot up and Isabelle hugged him tightly, “Thank you!”  

Alec and Gabriel made their way down and Izzy jumped into both of them, “Thank you! I love you both!” The two boys squeezed back tightly.  

“Silence this instant!”  

Their celebration was cut short as they turned to the Inquisitor who was standing and had a face of thunder. “If you think that by dropping the charges lets Miss Lightwood go, you are incredibly mistaken. She is guilty. ”  

Gabriel fumed, “On what grounds?!” he yelled back.  

The Inquisitor ignored him, “The defence was correct. The Clave wants the Mortal Cup. If it is brought to us within twenty-four hours my ruling will be overturned. If not, Isabelle Lightwood is to be stripped of her runes and sent into exile from the Shadowhunter society.” She banged the gavel that sealed Isabelle’s fate.  

“Take her away.” she ordered and two Shadowhunter’s grabbed Isabelle and escorted her back to the room she was being held in. Magnus quickly followed behind them to make sure Isabelle was alright.  

Gabriel sighed as he watched them escort Isabelle away, “We need to find that Cup.”  

“We’ll consult the deck.” Alec told him quietly before turning on his heel and making his way towards his room, leaving Gabriel to run after him.  

“Woah, wait. Alec, you just collapsed not that long ago from angelic overload. Is this a good idea?”  

Alec nodded stiffly, “It’s all we’ve got.”  

When the two got to Alec’s room they sat beside each other, “I’m only going to draw one card.”  

Gabriel nodded, holding out his hand and resting it on top of Alec’s. This made a one card draw more accurate and would hopefully tell them where to find Jace and the Cup.  

Alec hovered both of their hands over the deck, asking the deck where the Cup is. Where is the Cup? Where is the Cup? Where is the Cup?  

The pull of both of their blessings made the deck glow a bright golden colour under their hands.  

When the glowing went down Gabriel removed his hand and watched as Alec turned over the top card.  

The Four of Wands, it means celebration, community or home. Even the card itself looks like a castle bearing similar resemblance to the Institute.  

Home.  

The realisation dawned over both their faces as they looked at each other.  

Gabriel lifted the card, “The Cup is here .”  

Alec nodded, “It’s in the Institute.” If the Cup was in the Institute, then that could only mean one thing.  

Jace is back.  

Chapter Text

The tarot deck was scattered across the floor as the two boys jumped up and sped through the halls of the Institute. 

As they ran into the war room Gabriel seen a flash of red hair entering the infirmary so he hit Alec’s chest, “There.” 

They both walked in to see Clary standing over a woman who was floating horizontally and was surrounded by a green aura. 

Standing a bit away was Jace. 

Taking in the scene in front of him the younger twins eyes widened, “What the-?” 

“What is going on?” Alec ordered. 

Jace kept his arms folded, giving the two a sideways glance, “We found Jocelyn.” He waved to Clary, “and Clary gave Lydia the Cup.” 

Alec snorted softly. Of course, she hands over the Cup now that she’s gotten what she wants, “Okay.” 

Jace frowned, “’Okay’? That’s it, Alec?” 

Gabriel left Alec’s side and walked over to Clary and Jocelyn to find out what happened.  

Alec nodded sharply before turning to leave, “I’m not getting into it right now.” 

“Stop!” 

Alec stopped and glared at Jace. 

Jace walked down the stairs to stand toe to toe him, “I do want to get into it.” 

Alec’s face was like thunder, “You want to get into it? Huh? How you attacked me? Betrayed me? Stole from me? Turned my Parabatai against me? You’re lucky I didn’t report you as Rogue and have you brought to the Gard. Both of you.” 

“I didn’t betray you, Alec. I saved you from yourself!” Jace argued. 

Clary and Gabriel had stopped talking and were now looking at the two boys. 

Alec couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “You broke into my safe, stole the Cup and the necklace and you nearly handed the Cup over to Valentine .” 

Jace shook his head, “That wasn’t our intention, you know that.” 

Alec frowned as he picked up on the words, “’Our intention?’ Was it your intention to risk Izzy’s life for hers? Was it your intention to turn your back on all of us? Because that’s what you did.” Alec stepped in close and towered over Jace, “Now, I’m going to go and tell my sister that she still has a future.” The hurt look that crossed Jace’s face did make him feel a little better as he walked out of the Infirmary to go see Izzy. 

Gabriel watched Alec walk away before Jace came back up the steps. 

“You have some serious apologising to do.” Gabriel told Jace. 

“Me?!” 

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, “Yes, you. You’ve got no idea what this has done to him. I’m not even done apologising and I didn’t even punch him in the face. Sort it out, before you lose him for good.”

Alec rubbed his eyes as he made his way to where Izzy and Magnus were. He needs sleep, real sleep. Maybe after the wedding tomorrow he can sleep? The wedding. Angel’s above. Can’t the world just give him a break? 

He saw Raj standing guard outside the door, “Excuse me.” 

Raj glared lightly at him before moving out of the way and letting Alec enter. 

He walked into the room seeing Izzy and Magnus were engaged in a somber conversation. 

The two span around to look at him as he walked in. 

Alec sighed heavily, trying his best to contain a smile, “Jace and Clary are back and they have handed the Cup over to Lydia.” 

Izzy’s face froze in shock. 

“Izzy, you’re free to go.” Alec smiled at her. 

She gasped before going over to Alec and hugging him tight around the middle. “They came back like you said. You knew.” 

Alec shook his head, “Oh, I didn’t.” 

Izzy giggled as she pressed tighter into Alec’s side. Alec’s arms quickly wrapped around her and squeezed her tight. 

“Well, I believe my work here is done." Magnus draped his jacket over his arm, before walking past Alec and lowering his voice, “Walk me out, will you? We have some business to settle.” 

Izzy looked up quizzingly and Alec shook his head, “Don’t worry about it.” He unwrapped himself from her to walk out the door. 

“Alec?” 

“Hmm?” he turned his head back. 

Izzy smiled and gave him another hug, “Thank you.” 

Alec’s heart swelled as he hugged her tight, kissing her forehead, telling her, “Anytime.” before he walked out after Magnus. 

The Warlock was waiting for him in the corridor. 

“We’ll need somewhere private to do this.” Magnus told him as they walked through the corridors. 

Alec nodded before stopping and turning on his heel, “We’ll need to go this way then.” 

Magnus gestured for him to lead the way and Alec led them both to his bedroom. 

Magnus raised his eyebrow as he looked around the bare room. A desk in one corner, a bed made with military precision, a wardrobe and a door that was open and seemingly went into a bathroom. 

A quiet curse interrupted his look around as he saw Alec get to his knees and lift things off the floor. 

Tarot Cards. 

“You use Tarot?” 

Alec nodded as he wiped off the cards, ensuring that there’s no dirt or dust or anything on them before he put them in a silk bag, lifted up the corner of his mattress by his pillows and placed the bag underneath the mattress, “I do.” 

Magnus noticed that Alec was following certain superstitions that came with Tarot cards. Keeping them in silk bags or cloths, as synthetic fibres tend to take the natural power out of the cards. As well as this, Alec also placed the cards underneath where his head would be. This follows another superstition that you should sleep with the cards as it recharges their power and also establishes a strong connection to the owner. 

“You get accurate readings?” 

Alec stood awkwardly as he faced Magnus again, “Yes. Well...” He could feel his palms starting to sweat so he placed his hands behind his back. Angels this was strange. Alec’s never had to talk about these things to anyone except for Gabriel. “It depends. Eistibus chooses the cards.” 

Magnus frowns as he sits on Alec’s bed, “Eistibus?” 

“My angel. Divination and Clairvoyance. He shows me what I should know.” 

Magnus nods, committing the name to memory to research it later, “Do you use the whole deck?” 

Alec nods as he walks over to his desk and swings the seat to face Magnus, “Mostly. If I want a quicker answer, I just use the Major Arcana but the cards can get confused and a simple answer isn’t always possible.” 

“Do you enjoy it?” 

Alec shrugged, “It’s been helpful.” 

Magnus shook his head, “That’s not what I asked. Do you enjoy it?” 

Alec shrugged, “I guess so. It’s... comforting, to know that there is an angel always with me. Helping me.” 

Magnus stared at the spot where Alec just hid the cards, “Would you do a reading on me?” 

Alec’s eyes widened, “Huh?” 

Magnus crossed his legs, “I’ve always read for others but I haven’t had my own read in a century or two.” 

“Uh, yeah, sure, definitely. If you want.” Alec got up and walked around the bed, lifting the mattress and taking the deck out and he sat on the bed beside Magnus. “What do you want to know?” 

“Do I need to ask you or can I ask the deck?” Magnus looked between Alec who has the deck in his hand. 

“Either works.” 

Magnus nodded, “I’d like to ask the deck if you don’t mind?” 

“It’s your reading.” Alec held out his right-hand palm up and placed the deck face down on his palm, “Press your hand on top and ask away.” 

Magnus closed his eyes and asked the deck a silent question before pulling his hand away. 

Alec took a deep breath and tried to keep the shake out of his hand as he pressed his own hand on top of the cards and pressed the cards tightly. Asking the angels to give him the answers to Magnus’ question. 

Magnus’ eyes widened as he saw the golden glow come from the deck as Alec closed his hands over it. He’s never seen such raw angelic power up close. 

When Alec took his hands away, he took a deep breath, “Ready?” 

He turned over the first card and studied it for a moment, “Two of Wands. Making decisions. You’re thinking of or you are going to make an important decision in the next day or so, possibly to do with a partnership.” 
He flips over the next card, “Five of Cups.” Alec bit his lip, “There will be a loss of some kind in your life.” Alec cleared his throat as he continued to look at the cards and never up at the man in front of him on his bed. “You’re going to struggle a great deal with it.” 
Last but not least. Alec turned over the last card and his breath caught in his throat as he looked at the card showing Adam and Eve in the Garden. “The L-Lovers.” Alec scratches the back of his neck, “New relationships, possible lifestyle sacrifices, temptations of the heart.” 

Alec looks over all three cards, “The next few days will bring new love or the loss of someone great, possibly both or just one.” 

Magnus looked at the man who refused to look up from the cards, “Intense.” 

Alec nodded as he grabbed the deck and put them in the silk bag and placed them back under his pillow. “Did you want my blood too?” Alec asked desperate to change the subject. 

“Yes, but only a little.” 

Alec nodded and shrugged off his jacket, and held out his runed arm to Magnus. The warlock summoned a syringe to his hand and gently took Alec’s arm, “It’ll just be a small prick.” 

Alec snorted involuntarily which made him blush and made Magnus chuckle at him before sliding the needle into his arm and drawing out some of his blood. He put the blood into a vial and snapped it into his apothecary for later. Placing a hand over Alec’s arm he healed the small pinprick and leaned back. 

“Thank you.” he nodded his head to the Shadowhunter. 

“All part of the deal, right?” 

Magnus smacked his lips before standing and lifting his jacket, “Yes, well, I should be leaving then. I’ll contact you the next time I have more questions.” Alec stood to walk him out when Magnus turned back to him, “Good luck with the wedding tomorrow.” 

The Shadowhunter froze in place as Magnus gave a small smile and exited the room. 

The wedding was tomorrow? 

How could he have forgotten the wedding was tomorrow ! 

Lillith!  

He fell back on his bed with a huff and ran his hands through his hair. 

“Raziel, help me.” 

Chapter Text

Izzy and Gabriel were walking through the halls while many people were rushing around with flowers, drapes, candles and other things to get ready for the wedding tonight.

“Has Alec asked you to be his suggenes yet?” Izzy asked as she directed two girls with vases of flowers towards the ceremony room.  

A Shadowhunter's suggenes was someone that walks the bride or groom down the aisle at Shadowhunter weddings. Standing by their side as the main witnesses to the marriage. A suggenes is usually a family member or Parabatai, someone with a deep connection to the person getting married, which is why Izzy is so confused that Alec hasn’t asked Gabriel yet.

Gabriel shrugged, “He hasn’t mentioned the wedding at all.” He would never tell her how conflicted he feels about being Alec's suggenes, if he even asks him. On one hand he would be so honoured to stand by Alec's side as his suggenes, on the other hand Gabriel didn't feel comfortable being in the front row seat watching Alec's life go down the drain.

Izzy gave him a sympathetic smile, “He probably just forgot.”

Gabriel snorted, “I think he just didn’t want to think about it. Refusing to do anything that would make it real.”

They heard a frustrated sigh from behind them as Jace walked past them, “How is anyone meant to get any work done with all of this going on.”  

Gabriel and Izzy rolled their eyes at each other before following him, “There hasn’t been a wedding here in years. People are allowed to get a little excited.” Izzy scolded him.

“Especially when it’s your brother who’s doing it to save all of our asses.” Gabriel sassed as they walked over to one of the monitors.  

Jace gave him a death glare before pointing to the monitor, happy to change the subject, “Have you tracked down the warlock’s more powerful than Magnus Bane?”  

Izzy tapped on the screen bringing up a list, “We’ve narrowed it down to twenty but it will be hard trying to figure out which one cast the spell.”  

Jace folded his arms, “I don’t care how hard it is. We’re going to find them, wake Jocelyn up and see if she heard anything about Valentine’s plans.”  

“Have you spoken to Alec?” Gabriel side-eyed him.

Jace winced, “He’s probably busy, wedding plans and all. Besides, I don’t need to talk to anyone. Let’s just stick to the mission, got it?” Jace told both of them before walking away.  

Izzy rolled her eyes dramatically, “Men.”  

Gabriel folded his arms, “Like brother like sister I suppose.”  

Izzy elbowed him sharply in the side, “You better not mean me.”  

“Ow!” he complained as he rubbed his side, “I meant the other sister.”  

"You better have." Izzy said as she watched Jace walk away, “Still super weird.”

Gabriel snorted, “Tell me about it. No faster way to kill a boner than when you find out she’s your sister.”  

“Gross.” Izzy cringed before slapping his arm and walking away, “You’re unbelievable.”  

Gabriel lifted his arms in surrender, “What? What I say?”    

An hour later Gabriel had been called to the war room to meet with Magnus, Hodge, Jace and Clary. So, he was now situated opposite Magnus at the two ends of the table as they wait for the other two.  

“Don't you people ever sleep?” Magnus picked at his nails.

Gabriel frowned, “How’d you mean?”  

“You all work nights and yet you are all awake at dawn and during the day.”

Gabriel chuckled, “It depends on the shift you’re on, you just learn to get on with it.”  

Magnus hummed, “So, what I’m hearing is all Shadowhunter’s would be less grumpy if you all got a decent night sleep.”  

“Morning.” A gruff voice came from behind them and Jace took a seat.  

“I rest my case.” Magnus teased as Jace sat in the middle of the table.  

Gabriel snickered as Clary eventually arrived and sat down.  

“You uh, you just come from training?” Jace asked awkwardly.  

Gabriel grimaced as he watched the awkward encounter.  

“Yeah. I’ve been working on my right hook.” Clary smiled gently.  

Jace nodded, refusing to look up, “Good. That’s a good punch.”  

Magnus looked at Gabriel before rolling his eyes, “While this is the most riveting conversation I’ve ever heard, can you explain why I am here and we’re not at my loft? At least there we’d have cocktails.”  

Clary frowned, “It’s nine in the morning.”  

“Well, it’s happy hour somewhere my dear.” he shrugged back in reply.  

Gabriel adjusted himself in his seat, “We invited you here because Hodge has some information for us and he can’t leave the institute.”  

Magnus tapped on top of the table, “Well then where is our tardy little tutor. There’s a lot of people I’d like to avoid right now so I’d love to make this snappy.”  

As if he heard him Hodge came walking into the room, “Pardon the delay, Magnus.” He walked close by and leaned down to talk in his ear, “I was following up on a lead.” Magnus would never admit it but it took a lot to not flinch away from the ex-Circle member. He’d had his fair share of run ins with Hodge back in the dark days. The Shadowhunter moving behind him rose his hackles. 

“We have narrowed down three possible warlock’s who could have made the potion for Jocelyn.” Hodge told them before throwing up three pictures.  

“Oh, no, no, no. Why is Ragnor Fell up there? He is not more powerful than I am.” Magnus complained.  

Hodge shrugged, “Some would disagree. He is older than you.”  

“And in no way wiser.” Magnus quipped back.  

“Wait. Who is Ragnor Fell?” Clary asked.  

“Former High Warlock of London." Gabriel told her.  

Magnus nodded, “And one of my oldest friends. Very prickly. Tends to keep to himself.”  

“Would he have had any contact with Jocelyn in order to give her the potion?" Gabriel crosses his legs again.  

Magnus nodded and pressed his index finger on the table as he made his point, “In the early 90’s he was a professor at the Shadowhunter Acadamy at Idris.”  

Clary nodded, “Wasn’t my mother living there at that time? Could he be the one to have given her the potion?”  

“That little bugger. That would explain why he hasn’t been responding to my messages.”  

Gabriel cocked his head to the side, “Because he’s in hiding?”  

“Precisely. When Valentine began hunting down warlocks, I didn’t hear from him again. He probably thought my messages were a trap for him to be lured out by Valentine.” Magnus snapped his fingers, “We’ll have to see him in person.”  

“We?” Jace frowned.  

Hodge folded his arms, “You’re going on this mission?”  

Magnus looked at them like they were stupid, “Of course. I’m one of the few that Ragnor trusts, he won’t just let a group of random Shadowhunters waltz right through his wards.”  

Gabriel clicked his tongue before standing, “Perfect, we’ll leave in ten.” He went to walk away when Alec and Lydia walked in and made their way towards them, standing right behind Magnus who almost ran into them as he spun around.  

“Magnus!” Lydia greeted him with a smile, “What a surprise, I didn’t know you were here.”  

Magnus smiled back painfully, “Well, that was my intention. Guilty as charged.” Carefully avoiding Alec’s eyes as he laughed nervously, swirling his hands around as he spoke.  

Alec tore his own eyes away from the warlock and looked to Gabriel, “What’s going on? Nobody told me about a meeting?”  

Gabriel gestured his head towards the screen, “Hodge got a lead on the warlock’s that would be powerful enough to make the potion for Jocelyn.”  

“It’s Ragnor Fell, we’re going to go and get him now, bring him back to the Institute.”  

Alec nodded, “How can I help?”  

Jace folded his arms, “We're just recovering a warlock. We’ll be fine without you.”  

"I have it handled." Gabriel reassured Alec who nodded in response.

“Besides, you have emissaries from the Clave to meet and lots to do before night falls.” Magnus almost glares at Alec.  

Gabriel watches intently, no one else notices the slight fall in Alec’s shoulders at Magnus’ words except him. Clearly something happened between the two.

Lydia smiles awkwardly, “Well... it was lovely to see you Magnus.” She glanced around before clearing her throat and walking away.

Alec spares a glance at Gabriel before following behind her. A sensation came through the bond which seemed to order, 'You'll tell me all about this later.'

The younger twin sighed. This mission was going to be a headache, he knew it.

Gabriel entered the portal right behind Magnus and came out the other side in a large open field, to his right side there was a small river flowing and many trees scattered around like little forests. The twittering of birds and the sound of water flowing was actually very relaxing and peaceful.  

Until Jace and Clary came out of the portal.  

Magnus looked around a pointed down the field, “Ragnor’s cottage is just past those trees.”  

Jace scowled, “Let’s make this quick, grab Ragnor and bring him back to the Institute before anyone knows we’re gone.”  

Gabriel matched his strides, catching up easily as he had longer legs, “Maybe less grabbing and more talking? I don’t think the ‘Jace Wayland Act First Ask Questions Later’ will go down well with an esteemed Warlock.”  

Jace rolled his eyes, “Whatever.”  

The four stomped across the fields in silence before Magnus spoke up from the back, “So... brother and sister, huh?”  

Jace sighed and kept his head forward, “I don’t want to talk about it.”  

“What?” Clary sped up to match Jace’s strides, “We’re just gonna be work buddies now?” Flicking her hair out of her face, “Be all about the mission and completely ignore the huge bomb that was dropped on us?"  

Gabriel felt so awkward in front of them so he slowly inched to the left so that Clary and Jace walked past him and Magnus and himself fell into step behind them.  

Jace nodded, “That’s the plan.”  

Clary huffed, “We can’t just-”  

“What do you want me to say, Clary? That I was attracted to my sister?”  

Gabriel and Magnus glanced to each other before Magnus grinned, “Point of fact. Brothers and sisters are often attracted to each other.” He turned to Gabriel who was biting his lip to stop from laughing, “I once knew this one couple in ancient Egypt-”  

“Magnus. Not helping.” Clary snapped.  

Magnus wasn’t affected by it and continued, “This will all probably, maybe, make sense when we wake up Jocelyn. Since she’s Jace’s mother she can-”  

Jace spun around and grabbed Magnus by the collar, “Don’t say that again. Maryse is my mother.”  

Gabriel quickly stepped in and grabbed Jace’s wrist, “Let. Go.”

Jace glared at Gabriel before releasing Magnus’ collar and shaking of Gabriel’s hand, “Whatever, okay. At best Jocelyn is the woman who abandoned me.”  

Magnus raised an eyebrow as he brushed down his jacket, sparing a glance to Gabriel and giving him a nod in thanks.  

Clary’s mouth dropped, “Hey! That is not true okay. My mother doesn’t just abandon people. She thought you were dead.”  

“Or maybe she never wanted me.”  

Clary shook her head, “You don’t know her Jace.”  

While the rest were bickering, Gabriel felt a small rumble underneath his feet, “Guys?”  

Jace scoffed, “You’re right. I don’t. Do you? You never knew she was a Shadowhunter. You never knew you had a brother. What else has she been keeping from you, huh?”  

“Guys...”  

“I’m sorry I asked!” Magnus yelled to get everyone’s attention, “I came with you lot to get away from my relationship drama, not to get a front row seat to yours. Kay?”  

“Guys!” Gabriel shouts as the three turn to him, “Something’s not right.”  

They stop bickering and look around, the ground was starting to rumble, the wind was starting to pick up.  

Magnus felt magic starting to come alive around them and green flames began to rise from the grass, “Everyone get back. Back!”  

“What is that?” Clary panicked.  

“Ragnor’s wards. The wall of fire is there to make sure only the purest hearts and good intentions can pass through.”  

“And if they’re not?” Gabriel looks between Magnus and the growing wall of flames.

Magnus raises an eyebrow, “It’ll burn you to a crisp.”  

Gabriel's face scrunched up, “Nice.”  

“Ready?” Magnus asked, getting a quick nod from everyone before they all took a deep breath and were engulfed by fire.  

Gabriel felt the flames on his face but they didn’t burn, they tickled.  

He let out a breath of relief as he passed through the other side without a hitch.

However, looking around he saw that he was the only one standing in the field.  

“Uh... guys?” He spun around in circles looking all around him but couldn’t see signs of them anywhere, “Jace? Magnus? Clary?” When no one responded Gabriel looked up to the sky and whined, “Why isn’t anything ever easy?” he asked the angel before looking through the trees and seeing the roof of a cottage. “Alright then. Have it your way.” Gabriel took off in a run across the rest of the field and made his way up to Ragnor’s door.

Gabriel stopped when he saw that the door was open. He gently pushed it open and walked into the house, keeping his back to the wall at all times he took the hilt of his blade out, “ Gabriel .” the seraph blade came to life, singing with the power of God’s messenger.  

He slowly walked up the steps, looking behind him to ensure he wasn’t being followed, frowning at the large portrait of what he assumed to be Ragnor Fell on the wall.

“Who hangs a portrait of themselves in their house?” He asks himself quietly as he walks through the doorway on his left, clearing the room before leaving and checking the kitchen on the other side. A quiet rattling came from behind him and Gabriel span and readied his blade.  

The portrait. A voice filtered into his mind and Gabriel narrowed his eyes at the painting. Quickly catching the slight movement of the portrait's eyes. 

Gotcha.

Now... how to get him out.  

The seraph blade began to change colour and Gabriel’s eyes widened as the sword glowed red. In an old nursery rhyme red is the colour to ‘call enchantment down’ , red is also the colour associated most with the angel Gabriel.  

He could feel the archangel awakening inside of him.  

Gabriel lifted his hand and touched the forehead of portrait Ragnor with two fingers. The canvas rippled and he stumbled backwards just in time as the warlock fell out of the painting and onto the floor with a grunt.  

Gabriel kept the blade trained on the warlock as he stood and brushed himself down, “Ragnor Fell?” He asked as he took him in. Ragnor was a tall man, with dark curly hair with a white stripe at the front, at his temples were two horns that curled towards his hair.  

“Indeed.” the man huffed before glaring at Gabriel, “Who are you? How did you do that? ”  

Gabriel decided to just answer the first question, “Gabriel Lightwood.”  

Ragnor took a step back as green wisps of magic came to his fingertips and he kept his eyes on the blade, “Lightwood?”

Gabriel followed Ragnor's eyes to his blade, “Oh. No, I-” Gabriel stuttered as he retracted the seraph blade and reattached the hilt to his belt, “I come in peace.” he told him as he raised his hands.

Ragnor snorted, “A Lightwood? Coming in peace.” he eyed him suspiciously before snapping his head to face an empty chair in the living room, “Let me handle this!"  

Gabriel frowned at the empty chair before walking into the room behind the warlock. “I got past your wards so clearly I passed your test.”

Ragnor rolled his eyes, “You passed through because I let you. Iwas curious as to why a Lightwood would be coming to me. If not to kill me.”

Gabriel took a step back to try and build trust, “I came here with three others. Two Shadowhunter's, Jace Wayland and Clary Fairchild and a warlock, an old friend of yours, Magnus Bane. They vanished in the fire.”  

Ragnor rolled his eyes and looked to a separate empty chair, “I will get to you after I’ve dealt with the boy.”  

Ragnor looked him up and down, “I’ve heard a great deal about you and your brother you know. Shadowhunter twins are a rarity.”  

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, “I’m aware. I thought you became a recluse.”  

“News about Shadowhunter twins will reach every corner of the world.”  

“I didn’t come to talk about my brother or me.”

Ragnor snapped his head to the side, “Shush!”  

“Who are you talking to?!”

“Why are you here?” Ragnor quickly changed the subject.  

Gabriel inhaled deeply, “We need to know if you made a potion for Jocelyn Fairchild and if you did, we need the antidote to wake her up.”  

Ragnor grinned wickedly, “And what would you do for this information?”  

Gabriel smirked, “Oh, I don’t think so. You will be paid for the services you provide, no more, no less.”

The warlock snarled before something caught his attention, “Better.” He snapped his fingers and in a green puff of magic the three missing members appeared on the seats.  

Magnus stood and huffed, “Honestly Ragnor, was that nonsense necessary?”  

Ragnor nodded, bantering back, “Of course. The boy offered me nothing, the girl offered me anything I want. You only offered me a timeshare of your flat in Paris. Yawn.”  

“Alright. Enough of the warlock games. Can you really wake my mother?” Clary ordered.  

Gabriel coughed hard and glared at her to stop being rude.

“I can but not without the Book of the White.”  

Jace huffed annoyed, “What is the Book of the White?”  

Magnus walked around the room and began snooping through the older warlock’s things, “It’s an ancient book of warlock magic. It contains spells more powerful than any warlock could ever imagine.”  

Ragnor nodded, “However, unfortunately I no longer possess the book. I gave it to Jocelyn to hide from Valentine so he could never find it.”  

“Is there any way that we can find it?" Gabriel asked.  

Ragnor thought for a moment before holding up a finger, “There might be something I can use. Wait here, I won’t be a moment." With that the Warlock sped out of the room and up the stairs.  

Gabriel turned to Clary with his eyebrows raised, “You offered him anything ? Have you learnt nothing?”  

“I’ll do whatever it takes to get my mom back.”  

Gabriel laughed as he shook his head, “Alec is going to be so-.” Gabriel snapped his head up and looked up to a balcony that led to one of Ragnor’s rooms. He can feel another presense.

“What is it?” Jace asked.  

Gabriel didn’t respond and jumped, using his runes he was able to grab the railing and scale over it. He saw a shax demon crawling through a window and ready to jump at Ragnor. “Watch out!” he yelled before grabbing the dagger attached to his thigh and threw it skillfully at the demon.  

Ragnor turned with magic filtering to his hands and he blasted the shax demon with his magic to vanquish it.  

The three others ran in through the door, blades and magic to the ready.

“You saved me.” Ragnor gaped at Gabriel.  

Gabriel ignored the warlock and went to the window, picking up his dagger from the floor and putting it back in his thigh holster, “Shax demon. Must’ve followed us and got through when the wards reset.”  

Ragnor continued to stare at the boy in disbelief.  

Jace nodded, “More will be on their way. It isn’t safe here.” He turned to Clary, “We need to get you back to the Institute.”  

Clary gaped at Jace, “I am one step closer to getting my mom back. I can’t stop now.”  

“Jace is right, it isn’t safe.” Gabriel spoke as he scanned his eyes over every inch of the fields.  

Ragnor hummed, “Magnus and I will stay and look for the... object.”  

Magnus raised an eyebrow, “You don’t know what it is?"  

The older warlock shrugged and picked his nails, “I glamoured it, hid it and then removed my memory of it.”  

“You don’t know where it is?!” Clary shrieked.  

Ragnor rolled his eyes, “I’m not a complete imbecile, it’s somewhere in this cottage. I just don’t know where or what it looks like.”  

“And we need to find it before this cottage overrun by shax demons.” Magnus pointed out.  

Gabriel sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose which Magnus had to double look at as it made him look so much like Alexander at that moment.  

“Jace, take Clary back to the Institute. I’ll stay here and protect Magnus and Ragnor while they search for... the thing.” Gabriel ordered.  

Clary scoffed, “No way, I’m staying here.”  

Gabriel rolled his eyes, “No. You’re not.”  

“You’re not the boss of me.” Clary folded her arms like a child who thinks they just won a fight.  

Gabriel walked over to her, he might not be as tall as Alec but he still towers over her, “Right here, right now? I’m your boss. You follow my orders and my orders are for you to go back to the Institute with Jace and find out how a shax demon would have known that we were here.”  

Jace nodded, “Got it.”  

Magnus swirled his hands and created a portal to the Institute for Jace and Clary to walk through.  

Gabriel nodded to the two warlock's before he took out his seraph blade and took a protective stance at the window, “I’ll watch your backs.”

Ragnor snorted, “Never thought I’d see the day where a Lightwood would protect me.”  

Gabriel grinned, “Never thought a great warlock such as yourself would need my protection.”  

“How cheeky.” Came the amused voice behind him.

Chapter Text

Alec was scattered across his bathroom floor using the toilet to hold himself up after emptying his stomach. He’d lay in bed all night staring at the ceiling until his clock read 4:00am. A knot forming in his stomach that kept getting larger and larger the more he thought about the wedding that was to come. This had led him to running to his bathroom where he spent the next hour heaving and puking up anything that had been left in his stomach.  

When the nausea went away, he climbed off the floor and washed and brushed his teeth before deciding that he wanted to get out of the Institute for a while.  

He had wandered the streets aimlessly until he looked up and saw that he had walked to Brooklyn without even realising it. Looking up he saw the block where Magnus’ loft resided and decided to go up.  

He did his best to keep his mind blank so that he didn’t lose any confidence in his actions and try talk himself out of it.  

Walking up to the door he gently knocked three times before standing back and waiting.  

For all he knew Magnus wasn’t even in. He could be out and this would’ve been a complete waste of time. Or Magnus knows he’s here and pointedly refuses to open the door. Or he’s sleeping and Alec has interrupted him. What if he has company? The Lovers card... what if Magnus had a significant other with him.  

Alec’s panic was ceased as the door slowly opened and Alec’s heart thudded as Magnus leaned against the doorframe.  

Alec’s mouth fell open as he took Magnus in. He was in a black silk dressing gown that was loosely tied in the middle and came just at the man's thighs, the top was slightly open to reveal a very toned chest that was covered by half a dozen necklaces.  

The warlock’s expression softened when he realised who was at the door, “Ah, Alexander. What brings you to my home at this hour?”   

Alec bit his lip as he realised what time it was, the man was probably sleeping.  

“I apologise for the early hour.”  

Magnus shook his head, “Nonsense.” he moved to the side and let the Shadowhunter enter before closing the door and graciously moving towards his drinks cart. “Drink? You know how I hate to drink alone.”  

Alec swallowed as he thought it over, quickly coming to the conclusion of ‘screw it’. Even if it is 6am, “Sure.”  

Magnus smiled to himself before snapping his fingers and a cocktail appeared in Alec’s hand.  

Alec panicked slightly at the weight change in his hand, fearing he was going to drop it before he held it a little tighter and took a sip, “Have you... found any more information on-”  

“The warlock who spelled Jocelyn? I’m looking into it.” He regarded the younger boy for a moment, “But that’s not why you came all this way is it?”  

Alec averted his eyes and sipped nervously at his drink again, “No.”  

Magnus hummed as he sashayed over to his armchair, sitting graciously as he crossed his legs, “So, why did you decide to visit little ol’ me at the break of dawn?”  

“I don’t know.”  

“I don’t like liars, Alexander.” came Magnus’ sharp reply.  

Alec sighed heavily, “I wanted to explain.”  

Magnus took another sip, “Explain?”  

“Why I’m doing what I’m doing.”  

Magnus waved his hand towards Alec gesturing for him to continue. “And what are you doing?” This should be interesting.  

“I'm getting married to help my family. My mother and father destroyed our family name and it now falls on me to fix it. I’ve worked too hard to let them screw it up for me now. I have to bring back honour to the Lightwood name.”  

“Honour?” Magnus frowned, “Where is the honour in living a lie?” When Alec looked down, he continued, “What about marrying for love? Even Shadowhunter’s fall in love.” Magnus shifted in his seat, “Tell me that you’re in love with Lydia and I’ll stop.”  

Alec dragged his eyes up over the warlock’s legs before he downed the rest of the cocktail, “Of course I’m not. How could I be? But I don’t have the luxury to act like you. You can flirt and laugh like it’s nothing. I could lose my family, my career, I could lose everything .” getting agitated he stood and paced the room, Magnus staring at him intently, “You- It- Even if I do feel something for you, I would be exiled and probably killed as soon as I stepped foot out of the Institute. People like me are not accepted.”  

“The Clave’s archaic views do not surprise me. However, sometimes Alexander, love is worth the risk.”  

“Love.” Alec scoffed bitterly, “I don’t even know what love is.”  

Magnus uncrossed his legs and stood up, “That’s the beauty of it.” He snapped the glass from Alec’s hand and held out both of his own, gesturing for the Shadowhunter to take them.  

Alec stared at the hands outstretched to him before shaking his head and gently taking them. The feeling of Magnus’ warm hands yet cold rings against his own hands made a shiver go up his spine.  

The warlock smiled and pulled the taller man to his feet, “Alexander, you still have a chance at finding love, feeling love for the first time ever . You don’t know how lucky you are.”  

Alec raised an eyebrow at Magnus, as if to say ‘really?’ Moving to turn away from him.  

Magnus darts forward and speaks to stop him, “Your heart beating faster when they walk into the room.” Magnus walked in circles around him and stands at his back, “You get shivers when they stand close to you.”  

A shiver ran down Alec’s spine as he felt the man's breath on his neck. He shut his eyes tight.  

“The butterflies you feel. The feeling of being in love for the first time would terrify even the strongest of men.”  

And you could definitely count Alec as terrified.  

Magnus walked back to face Alec, reaching out he gently took the Shadowhunter’s hands and squeezed them, “You have a choice to make Alexander. I will not ask again.”   

Alec opened his eyes and looked down at the warlock.  

Magnus let go of his hands before taking a step back, “Think of the Institute.”  

Alec blinked, “What?”

Magnus waved his hands, “The Institute, think of it.” Waiting a split second before pushing Alec through the portal that he had conjured behind him, leaving the Shadowhunter to flow through the portal and land on his ass on the stone steps outside the Institute.  

Alec grunted and slowly got up, brushing off his trousers as he cursed the warlock even as a smile broke across his face as he found the warlock’s dramatics very endearing indeed.  

He walked back into the Institute feeling a little lighter than when he had left, a small smile gracing his lips as he felt calmer after visiting Magnus.  

The clicking of heels made him look up and he saw Izzy walking towards him, “Hey, hermano. I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” She turned and wrapped her arm through his, “Good news. Since the Clave is now in control of the Cup, thanks to your lovely bride to be, mom and dad can come home. They’ll be back at dusk.”  

"I heard. Max will be staying put with his tutors, it’ll be safer there.”  

The two walked to the left and passed the ceremony room where many people were bustling in and out with flowers, drapes, chairs and other weddingy things.  

Izzy nodded as she checked over a table which held gold plates and shiny wine glasses and goblets, while Alec looked at them disdainfully, “This wedding is becoming more and more of a headache than I had planned.”  

Izzy stopped and looked up at him, “Alec, you don’t have to go through with this if you don’t want to.”  

Alec swallowed, “I know.”  

Izzy rolled her eyes, “Well, whatever you do I will be standing by you.”  

“What?" Alec’s heart warmed slightly at Izzy’s words, “No big speech about me throwing my life away?”  

She looked at him gently, “You did all you could for me during my trial, this is the least I can do for you.”  

Alec gave her a small smile, “Thanks, Iz.”   

Finally, they were starting to have his back in the decisions he made.  

“Have you asked Gabe to be your suggenes yet?”  

Alec’s heart sank as he fiddled with the ends of his jacket sleeves, “Uh, no. Not yet.”  

Izzy stared at him, ‘ really ?’, she touched his shoulder, “Alec. He’s close to locking you in a room and asking you himself.”  

“I know. I know. I will.” Alec didn’t look at her. He’s tried putting it off as long as possible because once he asks Gabriel, there was no chance of it being anyone else, that means that tonight is really happening. There’s no going back and Alec isn’t ready to accept that.  

“You better do it soon because I can’t watch him sulk around the Institute any longer. He looks like someone sneezed all over his computer station.”  

Alec scrunched his face up in disgust.  

Izzy pointed to him, “Yes! Exactly like that!”  

“Okay, Izzy, okay.” he turned to walk away but Izzy giggled and grabbed his arm, “Wait! I’m not done... I’m throwing you a bachelor party.”  

His eyes widened in horror at the word ‘party’, “A what ?”  

Izzy giggled and nudged his shoulder as they kept walking, “A bachelor party. Clary told me about them. It’s for the groom’s last night out as a single man... I think.”  

Alec rolled his eyes, “Iz, I don’t need a bachelor party and in case you didn’t notice, the wedding is tonight.”  

“Well... Clary only told me about them today and really it was meant to be Gabriel throwing it, but Gabriel doesn’t know what it is either and then with everything going on at the minute with Jace and Clary, I don’t want Jace doing much you know what I mean?”  

Alec chuckled as he patted Izzy’s head not wanting to be a part of this conversation, so he walked away, “Yeah, I do. Sisters can really drive you nuts sometimes.”  

Izzy put her hands on her hips and sighed, “ Brothers .”  

Izzy was helping arrange some of the flowers when she saw Jace and Clary walk past the door.  

“Oop.” She shoved the bouquet she was holding into the hands of someone else before marching out the door and after them. “Jace! Wait up!”  

Jace turned and let her catch up before the three walked together, “Where’s Gabe?”  

“He stayed behind to guard Magnus and Ragnor while they look for something to help find the Book of the White.” Clary told her.  

Izzy frowned, “Sorry, rewind. What?”  

Jace grabbed the two and dragged them into an empty training room, “A shax demon attacked us at Ragnor’s cottage.”  

“How would it-”  

“There’s a mole in the Institute.” Jace kept his eyes on all the bustling Shadowhunter’s in the middle of the room.  

Izzy’s mouth dropped open, “You think someone told Valentine where you were going?”  

Jace nodded his head, “It couldn’t have been a coincidence.”  

“There’s no other explanation.” Clary added.  

“No one here would betray us like that.” Izzy insisted, “This is our family.”  

Jace took a step forward as he saw Lydia walk into the war room, “Not everyone is family yet.” he growled, “I swear if Lydia is the leak I will-”  

“Calm down.” Clary folded her arms, “We don’t know if she did anything yet.”  

Izzy pressed her hand to Jace’s chest, “And you’re not just going to waltz over there and accuse her of a crime that you have no evidence to back up.”  

“Lydia was right there when we were discussing Ragnor Fell.” Jace hissed, “And if she doesn’t admit it then I’m going to make her.” He turned to storm out but Izzy and Clary stood together in his way.  

“No way. You are far too worked up to talk to anyone right now.” Clary protested.  

“Especially an important envoy from the Clave.” Izzy added.  

Jace rolled his eyes and went to move around them but Izzy stopped him once more, “If you waltz over there and accuse Alec’s fiancé of high treason you will destroy whatever relationship you have left with him.”  

Clary nodded, “Let me talk to her.”  

“She might let her guard down with Clary, not be so defensive.”  

Jace breathed deeply, “Fine. But I want to know every word she says.” he orders before storming out of the room. Clary quickly following to go and talk to Lydia.  

Gabriel had his blade in one hand and a dagger in the other, backed up against the wall outside of Ragnor’s cottage. He was dripping in ichor and swung his right arm to stab the sword into another shax demon.  

“Anytime now would be nice!” He yelled at the top of his voice to the two warlock’s upstairs in the cottage.  

A flash of white hair poked out of the window, startling Gabriel as Ragnor’s other warlock mark, green skin, was showing, not that Gabriel cared or thought it was a bad thing. It was just surprising to see such blatant display of his warlock mark. Most warlocks are very private about that kind of thing.  

“Patience is a virtue dear Shadowhunter.” He drawled, teasing the boy.  

He kicked the next demon away and stabbed it before looking up to see five more scuttling towards him, “Not right now it isn’t!”  

“What about this?! Ragnor!” Magnus’ voice shouted from the other side of the cottage.  

Gabriel gritted his teeth as the demons forced him out from the wall and surrounded him. He spun in a circle taking out any demon that was within arm's reach. Grunting when one demon launched onto his back, “Ah, shi-” he felt the fangs dig into his shoulder and he brought his arm back and stabbed the dagger into its head.  

A jet of green magic came and blasted the rest of the shax demons, sending them back to Edom where they belong.  

Gabriel sighed in relief as he stood up straight and put his blades away. He turned and saw Ragnor, still with his warlock mark unglamoured, staring at him.  

“Thank you.”  

Ragnor shrugged, “I thought I’d return the favour, being in debt to a Shadowhunter is something I tend to avoid.”  

Gabriel chuckled but winced as the pain in his neck increased, he raised his hand to his neck his fingers ran through something wet and warm. Pulling his hand back he saw it was covered in blood. “Well, that’s not good.” he slurred as nausea began to hit him.  

Ragnor frowned as he saw the Shadowhunter’s hand covered in blood, the side of his neck streaked in red. He took two long strides and was beside him as the boy’s knees buckled, he caught him under the arms and gently lowered him to the ground, elevating his head with his right hand and pressed his left to the wound, summoning his magic to stitch the wound together. “Don’t worry, Shadowhunter. I have you.” He soothed.  

Gabriel nodded letting the man heal him for a few minutes before whispering, “I have a question.”  

Ragnor raised an eyebrow, “Mmhm?”  

Gabriel closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of magic pouring into him, “When you hold your breath what colour do you turn?”  

Ragnor scoffed and dropped the Shadowhunter’s head onto the ground with a thump, “Bloody Shadowhunters.”  

Gabriel snickered as he got up off the ground and brushed himself down.  

“This now puts you in my debt, Shadowhunter.” Ragnor folded his arms.  

The younger man grinned, “I didn’t know we keeping score.”  

Ragnor huffed, “I have a feeling you’re going to be a lot of trouble.”  

Gabriel gasped and raised his hand to his chest in mock horror, “How did you know my middle name?”  

Ragnor groaned and turned on his heel to go inside, ranting and cursing with the grinning boy in tow.  

The walked into the kitchen to see Magnus staring at the dining table, on said table sat a pile of different objects, books, musical instruments, varying kinds of jewellery, a photo album and a hand-held mirror.  

Gabriel whistled, “That’s... a lot of junk.”  

Ragnor walked up behind the boy and slapped him upside the head.  

“Hey!”  

“This is not junk, thank you very much.”  

Magnus rolled his eyes at the two and gestured to the pile, “We should take these to my loft, at least there you will be protected.”  

Gabriel nodded, “Agreed.”  

Ragnor huffed, “Fine.” He looked at the walls of his cottage and patted the wall closest to him, “I’ll miss you, old girl.” He smiled sadly before turning back to the others, “Shall we?”  

A buzz from Gabriel’s phone distracted him.  

It was from Izzy.  

‘Need you here ASAP xx’   

Gabriel frowned, “I need to go.”  

“Leaving us so soon?” Ragnor raised an eyebrow.  

Gabriel shoved his phone into his pocket, “I think I’ve graced you with my presence long enough.”  

Magnus snapped his fingers and created a portal to the Institute.  

“Don’t get into any more trouble now.” Gabriel gave a two fingered salute at before walking through the shimmering doorway.  

Magnus closed the portal and turned to Ragnor with an eyebrow raised.  

“What?”  

Magnus pointed at him, “You know what.”  

Ragnor stuck his nose in the air, “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

Gabriel got into the Institute and left his weapons in to be cleaned. As he walked around the halls looking for Izzy, he thought of everything that happened today and it’s only four in the afternoon.  

He liked Magnus’ friend. He was a lot more intriguing than Gabriel thought he was going to be as he was expecting some old coot with an attitude problem. Well... the old coot thing was correct but he was actually kind of interesting.  

Huh.  

He chuckled to himself before he walked into the ceremony room and saw Izzy in the corner directing other members where to go.  

“Izzy.”  

Izzy grinned and made her way over to him, “Great, you’re here.” The grin left her face as she saw the dried blood on his shirt, “What happened? Are you alright?”  

Gabriel batted away her hand that was reaching for his shoulder, “I’m fine. Now what was so important?”  

“You couldn’t miss Alec’s bachelor party.” Izzy grinned.  

Gabriel was in shock, “Alec? Our brother? Is having a party ?”  

Izzy tilted her head from side to side, “Well... I’m throwing him one and you’re going.”  

Gabriel huffed out a laugh, knowing it’s easier for everyone to just agree, “Okay. When is this party?”  

Izzy put her hands on his shoulders and twisted him around, leading him out of the room, “Right now.”  

“Do I at least have time to change?”  

Izzy giggled and continued to push him through the halls, “Nope. We’re on a very tight schedule.”  

Izzy led him down to a room that is held for functions, parties etc. On one of the tables sat a bottle of whiskey and three glasses.  

“Just the one?” Gabriel nodded to the bottle.  

Izzy rolled her eyes, “The wedding is in four hours and I don’t want you all drunk.”  

Gabriel nodded and took a seat.  

Izzy quickly walked away, “I’ll be right back, don’t go anywhere."

Alec stumbled slightly as he was led down a set of stairs blindfolded with Izzy guiding him at his shoulders.  

“Almost there.”  

Alec could tell she had a giddy smile on her face without even having to see her.  

“Izzy... really?” he groaned.  

“You trust me, don’t you?”  

Alec laughed lightly, “Right now? No.”  

Unknown to Alec was Izzy making a shushing gesture towards Gabriel who was sitting at one of the tables with his hands up in surrender.  

“Okay.” Izzy stopped him from walking, “Stay here, count to five, then take off your blindfold.”  

Alec huffed, “Really, Izzy?” he heard her heels practically running away from him.  

Doing as she said he counted to five then untied the silk from around his eyes, blinking to adjust to the lights he turns to see Gabriel grinning as he lounged in one of the seats with his feet up.  

Alec smiled a little at seeing him but footsteps on the stairs made them look up.  

Jace came around the corner and the smile immediately slipped off Alec’s face.  

Gabriel’s grin turned to a stony expression as he glanced between the two.  

Jace sniffed, “Izzy said you wanted to talk.”  

Alec folded his arms, “I don’t know what she thought I wanted to say.”  

“Great.” Jace shrugged, “Guess I’ll go. I’ve got work to do anyways.”  

“Ah, ah, ah! Don’t take another step blondie.” Gabriel yelled at him, “Get back here. The two of you need to talk.” he gestured around them at the empty room, “And when else is better than right here, right now.” He opened the bottle and poured out the whiskey into three tumblers, sliding them across the table in front of the two empty chairs.  

Alec sighed as he sat down, “Well, it’s my bachelor party so you go first.”  

Jace made his way over and sat down opposite the other two, “Look, I don’t know how things got so messed up between us. But I do know that life’s been very difficult without having you two there to talk to.”  

Gabriel gave a pointed look to Alec who sighed as he sipped at the drink, scrunching his face up at the burning. “Mine too.”  

“I know that it seems like I’ve been making a lot of crazy choices lately.”  

Alec scoffed and Gabriel kicked him from under the table.  

Jace didn’t react and kept going, “I know you thought I’ve been doing this for myself and Clary, not thinking of the consequences that I put on other people and you’re right. But I’ve just been going through a lot.” He picked up the tumbler and downed the whole drink, “I never meant to hurt you, or make you believe that I betrayed you. Either of you. I should’ve done a lot of things differently, I didn’t and I’m sorry.”  

Alec downed his own drink, “Fine.”  

Gabriel raised an eyebrow as he poured more drinks, “Fine?”  

The older one nodded, “Yeah. I’m tired of being angry.”  

“You’re just tired in general.” the younger twin snorted.  

Alec pointed at him accusingly, “No, I’m tired of the drama.”  

“What like the fact that you’re getting married in a few hours?” Jace poked.  

“Like you have room to talk. Clary’s your sister. What’s up with that?” Alec nipped back.  

Jace groaned loudly, Gabriel chuckled and a sense of peace came over Alec. Something is finally right again in his life.  

“I kissed her.” Jace scrunched up his face, “What’s worse, I wanted her.”  

Gabriel and Alec both shivered at the thought.  

Another round of drinks.  

“I must be sick or something.” Jace lowered his head.  

“Oh, come on. You’re not sick.” Gabriel protested as he shuffled further down into his seat, “The situation is just a bit... complicated.”  

“And I know all about that.” Alec added bitterly, drinking another glass. Gabriel filled them up again. Alec shuffled down in his own seat before crossing his legs, he wasn’t drunk but his tongue was a lot looser than usual, “It’s like, you have a plan for your life. You know what you need to do, what your responsibilities are. You think to yourself, follow the rules, you know? Everything will be fine. Then someone comes along and just...” he inhales sharply, “pushes you off that path.”  

Jace leaned over and slapped his shoulder, “I get it. I do.”  

Alec sighed, “The point is, we can’t let emotions get in the way. When we get knocked off the path we need to focus and find the way back.”  

“You also need to be true to yourself.” Jace added on.  

Gabriel sat up, “Jace, could you give us a minute?”  

Jace looked between the two, Alec was looking down at his glass and Gabriel was stiffer so he nodded and got up, “I’ll see yous both later.” he tapped the table before walking away.  

Alec waited for Jace to be gone before he looked up, “What?”  

“One last time. That’s it. I’m going to ask you one last time if this is what you really want.” Gabriel held up his index finger.  

The older twin sighed, “You promised me you would stand by my decision.”  

Gabriel nodded his agreement, “And I made a promise to myself too. I swore on the Angels themselves that I would never let you feel as hopeless as you did. Never let you feel so alone. I swore I would step in before that happens and I’m stepping in now because I know if you go through with this. If you hide this part of yourself then it will end with you back in that bathroom.” He swallows down the lump that starts to form in his throat. The thought of seeing his brother like that ever again breaks him like nothing else ever could.  

Alec’s heart swelled at his confession, it did, but Alec has to follow this path, he has to, “I’m marrying Lydia. I’m following my duty. And I’ll be fine.” How could he not be fine? Jace apologised and their family was back to normal. Alec is sure he can sacrifice one thing in return for his whole family. If that means he’ll never be in love then fine.  

Gabriel nodded, “Alright then.”  

“Look.” Alec sat up straight in his chair, “I know it’s late but will you be my suggeness and give me away?”  

Gabriel grinned, “I thought you were never going to ask!” He stood up and gestured for Alec to do the same, “If this is what you want then it’d be my honour and a blessing .” he winked.  

Alec smiled before raising his arm. Gabriel matched the grin and slapped their hands together, pulling him in for a hug.  

“I love you, brother.” Gabriel whispered.  

Alec smiled, “I love you too.” he pulled back and gently slapped Gabriel’s face, “But, Izzy is going to be pissed if you’re drunk.”  

Gabriel laughed, “Oh no, no, no, my dear parabatai. She’s going to be pissed because we’re all drunk.”  

Alec raised an eyebrow at him and pointed to his shoulder, “I’m not drunk. Also, care to tell me why you’re covered in blood?”  

“Mmmm... not really. Now come on! Let’s get you married.”  

Chapter Text

Alec was standing in front of his full-length mirror fidgeting with his bowtie when the door opened and Gabriel slipped into his room.  

Alec smiled in the reflection, “Sobered up yet?”  

Gabriel raised an eyebrow and smoothed down his forest green suit jacket, quipping back, “Found your sense of humour yet?”  

Alec’s smile fell from his face when he noticed the cushion that was in Gabriel’s hands. Instead, he glared daggers at the necklace that was nestled on the pillow. Alec and Lydia had agreed that since this was a marriage of convenience, they would not use rings and instead they would choose a different piece of jewellery for each other.  

He cleared his throat and looked away from the cushion, “How did it go with Ragnor Fell?”  

Gabriel rolled his eyes as he took Alec’s stele from the bed and placed it on the cushion beside the necklace, “Alec, can you go without thinking of work for five minutes?”  

Alec looked at him with the same raised eyebrow that Gabriel had just given him. Moving over to his bedside table he opened his drawer, not thinking twice about taking out Magnus’ necklace. He kept his back to Gabriel as he slipped it over his neck and tucked it under his shirt.   

Even though Gabriel saw everything he chose not to say anything.  

To answer Alec’s question, he clicked his heels together, stood at attention and saluted, “Sorry, sir. Nothing to report, sir. Clary and Jace did nothing but argue, sir .”  

Alec rolled his eyes at his brothers' antics, “Sounds about right.” he sighed, “Anything else worth mentioning?”  

Gabriel went over to the wardrobe and lifted Alec’s white suit jacket off the hanger, “A shax demon tracked us, we got swarmed at the cottage. I ordered Clary back to the Institute with Jace and stayed with Magnus and Ragnor to protect them. Magnus then took Ragnor to his loft to go through a pile of glamoured things to track down some ancient book that’ll help wake Clary’s mom.” Gabriel decided to skip his injury and the healing he got from the cranky warlock.  

“Oh, is that all?” Alec glared at him, “How’d the demons know you were there?”  

Gabriel held the jacket up for Alec who slipped his arms into it, “Not sure yet, I’m still looking into it. And it can wait until tomorrow.” Gabriel circled around Alec until they were face to face and he straightened Alec’s lapels, “Ready?”  

“No.” This was the reason why Alec wanted to talk about work. It was to distract him and keep the rising panic at bay.  

Time to face the music now.  

Gabriel grabbed the cushion and the two left Alec’s room and began the journey to the ceremony room where everyone was already seated and waiting for them. As they got closer, they saw Maryse and Robert waiting outside the room.  

Their mom grinned as she walked over to him, her dress sparkling in the light.  

“My boys. Oh, look at you, you both look so handsome.” she touched both of their cheeks simultaneously and gave a watery smile. She raised her hand and pushed back a strand of hair from Alec’s face, “You’ve made me so proud.”  

Alec’s heart stopped.  

His mother was proud of him . Everything he’s ever wanted to hear from his mother was right in the palm of his hand. Feeling the tears welling in his eyes, he sniffed and quickly blinked them away.  

“This is a good thing that you’re doing, for all of us.” Robert told him before shaking his hand and walking into the ceremony room beside Maryse.  

Gabriel frowned as he noticed they were not walking in arm-in-arm but decided to store that information for later.  

Alec was lost in a daze as he stared at the doors. His heart was beating faster and faster.   

This was it.  

For the first time Alec was lost on what to do.  

Run away? Be with someone he knows nothing about but feels everything for.  
Stay? Be trapped in this life with Lydia, have his mother's respect and the job he’s trained his whole life for. 

Gabriel watched Alec’s eyes wander from the door to the floor to the corridor and back again. He stepped in front of Alec, “I’m here with you every step of the way. Whatever you do, I’m there with you.” He knows Alec has doubts but he’s done all he can for his brother. At this point it’s up to Alec to decide what’s best for himself and Gabriel really hopes that he makes up his mind in time.  

Alec swallowed, “Thank you.”  

They lined up shoulder to shoulder before entering the room and walking up the aisle. Alec kept his eyes on the back of the room where a Silent Brother was waiting for him. He could feel everyone’s eyes on him but he refused to look anywhere but from the spot he found at the back of the room.  

His parents were sitting in the front row on one side beside Jace who was sitting beside a very bored Max.  

As they reached the Silent Brother Gabriel patted Alec on the shoulder before standing behind him.  

Music filled the hall not long after and Isabelle gracefully entered and made her way down the aisle. Even if it was a solemn occasion, Alec thought his sister looked as beautiful as ever.  

Behind Izzy, Lydia turned the corner and Alec swallowed. She looked... nice. Just nice. White gown, red rose bouquet, her hair twisted into a braid over her shoulder. She was smiling widely and the closer she got the more and more Alec started to realise that maybe... just maybe, this once, not that he will admit it, but Gabriel was right.  

This isn’t what he wants.  

He blinks and Lydia has made it down the aisle and is standing at the raised platform, Alec stepped forward and held out his hand to assist Lydia to step up and stand in front of him.  

“Hi.” She whispered and Alec could only respond with a slight nod of his head.  

The Silent Brother stepped forward, wasting no time, “For this union between Alec Lightwood and Lydia Branwell to start may both present your physical bonds to each other.”  

Izzy stepped forward and presented Lydia her cushion, she gave Lydia a tight-lipped smile as she turned back to Alec with a gold bracelet in hand. Alec slowly raised his left arm and pulled up his jacket and shirt sleeve to let Lydia wrap the bracelet around his wrist.  

He couldn’t tear his eyes away from his wrist, the bracelet was cold and it felt like Lydia had just placed a shackle on him. He shook his sleeve down and turned to Gabriel, not making eye contact with him as he lifted the necklace off the cushion. Looking down also meant he missed the concerned look that Izzy and Gabriel shared.  

Lydia turned from him and he raised his arms to drape the necklace around her neck and clasp it at the back.  

‘Stop.’  

Gabriel jumped at the soft tone that filtered into his mind. Thinking that the Silent Brother was speaking but Silent Brother voices are deep and rough added onto the fact that no one else had reacted to the voice.  

This was a message just for him.  

This was Gabriel.  

“Alec Lightwood. Lydia Branwell. It is time for you to mark each other with the Wedded Union rune. A rune on the hand. A rune on the heart.” The Silent Brother waved his staff in the air and the shape of the Wedded Union rune glittered in front of their eyes for them to copy. “ A union is born. ”  

‘Stop them.’  

Lydia gracefully took her stele from the cushion Izzy was holding and raised her arm up to the glittering rune that the Silent Brother had drawn. The end of the stele burst into light as it touched the rune.   

Alec lifted the same arm again to bare his wrist for Lydia to draw the rune.  

Gabriel swallowed as he watched Lydia’s stele get closer and closer to his brother's arm. The angel’s words were urgent and even though he didn’t understand why he was given this order; he has never disobeyed or lost faith in his angel before and he isn’t going to start now.   

Raising his elbow to his face he faked a large and loud coughing fit. Drawing the attention of everyone in the room, including Alec and Lydia.  

Alec, ever the carer in the family, frowned and waited to see if his brother will stop the coughing on his own. When he didn’t, he took a step towards him and turned him away from the crowd so both of their backs were to the room.  

“You okay?” Alec whispered as low as he could as he rubbed Gabriel’s back.  

In between coughs Gabriel kept his own voice low, “Blessed. Telling. To stop. Wedding.”  

Alec’s eyes widened, “What?”   

Why would the angels be telling Gabriel to stop the wedding? Is Gabriel just lying to him?  

“I swear.”  

The Angels were trying to get the message through to Alec to stop this wedding. Now how was he supposed to explain that? And why does this matter so much to the angels?  

Alec didn’t know what to say so he thumped on Gabriel’s back to signal the end of their conversation.   

When Alec’s hand made contact with Gabriel’s back for the final time a vision flashed into Alec’s head.  

Magnus was standing at the end of the aisle. 
Magnus was standing there with pleading eyes and was waiting for him. 

Alec felt a ghostly touch on his lips and he ripped his hand away from Gabriel’s back.  

Gabriel patted his own chest and turned back to the crowd with a nod, “Sorry everyone.”  

“Let us continue.” The Silent Brother nodded.  

Lydia tried to give him a reassuring smile, “Alec?”  

Alec ignored her and looked towards the end of the aisle.  

A slam from around the corner made everyone jump and turn their heads to the spot where Alec was already looking.  

He had to blink multiple times as his vision came to life right in front of him. Magnus was standing on the other side of the room and he looked even better than he did in his vision which shouldn’t even be possible.  

“What’s that Warlock doing here?” Maryse had hissed to Jace before turning to look back at Alec whose face had softened upon seeing the warlock.  

Gabriel blinked in surprise before looking to Izzy who was grinning knowingly, “Izzy!” He hissed, “What did you do?”  

Izzy smiled at him, “I invited Magnus but I didn’t think he’d actually show.”  

The entire room was now looking between the two men, no one moving, no one speaking.   

Alec’s world was frozen.  

Magnus was here. His vision had come true and the angels were pushing him to follow through. To ignore this would go against every single cell in his body.  

When no one made a move to do anything Maryse got up and quickly marched down to the end of the aisle to sort this out, “Magnus, leave this wedding now .”  

Magnus barely spared her a second glance as he raised two fingers to hush her, “Maryse, this is between me and your son. I’ll leave if he asks me to.”  

This is when everyone turned to Alec to see his reaction.  

Which was still frozen in pure panic.  

Gabriel watched as Alec’s shoulders began rapidly moving up and down due to his breathing getting heavier and faster.  

Oh no. Alec was about to tip over the edge and go into a full-blown panic attack.  

Lydia turned back to Alec and leaned in, “Alec?”  

Hearing Lydia’s voice broke his train of thought and he looked back to his bride.  

“Hey.” she smiled reassuringly.  

Alec tried to speak to her but all of his words were stuck in his throat, they were choking him, everyone’s stares were suffocating. He gasped softly, “I can’t breathe.”  

The smile on Lydia’s face dropped and Gabriel stepped forward in case Alec needed his help.  

“Lydia, I can’t do this.” Alec rushed out; his breathing still harsh, “I thought we were doing the right thing but this isn’t it."  

Lydia nodded in acceptance, “You don’t have to explain.”  

“Lydia, I’m sorry.”  

She stepped forward and raised a hand to his cheek, the contact comforting him, “Alec. You deserve to be happy. I’ll be fine.”  

Alec raised his own hand to gently pull hers away from his cheek, raising it to his mouth he pressed a chaste kiss on back of her hand, “Thank you.” he whispered against her skin.  

She gave his hand a comforting squeeze before stepping back beside Izzy who nudged her shoulder.  

Now Alec was standing alone in the middle of the platform and everything else began to fade away. The panic in his chest started to lift when he looked back to Magnus. Lydia was fine. The angels were behind him.  

Alec knew what he wanted and he finally had the courage to get it. He stepped down and began walking down the aisle with a purpose no one had never seen before.  

Maryse realised what he was doing and rushed down the aisle to meet him, “Alec-”  

“ Enough .” Alec ordered without even looking at her and continued walking until he was close enough to grab the front of Magnus’ jacket and pulled him into his chest, leaning down and crashing their lips together.  

Gabriel bit his lip and subtly fist-bumped the air as he watched his brother kiss the life out of the warlock.  

Izzy giggled at Gabriel and got a little misty eyed at the scene.  

Jace had looked down to hide his smile while Maryse and Robert were standing shell-shocked.  

Magnus’ hands came to rest on Alec’s hips as the kiss got deeper both of them fighting for control. Alec poured everything he had into the kiss, every frustration, every flirtatious thing they’ve said between each other, every feeling he has in his heart right now escaped into Magnus and made his chest lighter.  

Alec pulled back from the kiss, teasing Magnus by moving back when he chased after him. Both of them panting as Alec dived back in for more.  

Angels Magnus was so addictive.  

Eventually the kisses slowed, the heat devolved into their lips moving lazily before they pulled away from each other.  

Magnus was trying his best to stay on his feet after that mind blowing kiss, “You never cease to amaze me, Alec.”  

“Yeah,” Alec breathed out as the reality slapped him in the face, “What did I just do?”  

He forced himself to look back down the aisle. First noticing his mother who gave him a look of thunder before turning on her heel and stormed out of the room with Robert and Hodge following quickly behind her.  

Other guests had followed their lead and some began to filter out and others stood off in little groups to talk about what just happened.  

Izzy watched them leave and lifted her dress and quickly made her way down the aisle, a grin splitting ear to ear, “Aleccccc, oh, I am so proud of you.”  

The fear in Alec’s heart lifted slightly as he smiled back at Izzy.  

That’s when Clary’s vampire friend ran up to them and the smile quickly slipped back off Alec’s face.  

“Guys, that was incredible.” Simon gasped, “It was like watching the live version of The Graduate. You know, the Dustin Hoffman movie? The amazing one.” He pointed excitedly to Magnus, “You were Ben!” He pumped both hands in the air as he shouted, “Elaine!” before pointing to Alec, “And you were Elaine!”  

Alec’s jaw was open as he watched the boy go into a fit which convinced him that the vamp is crazy and he’s probably going to kill everyone in the room.  

Simon didn’t register anyone's reactions and just on kept rambling, “Well, you’re a taller, more masculine, more handsome version of her but still, at the altar you were like...” he turned to the side and put on a wistful face as he re-enacted the movie, “Ben!”  

Alec expression was one of total confusion as he tried to follow along with what he was talking about.  

Magnus however was enjoying Simon’s little freak out and was trying his best not to laugh.  

Izzy had bit her lip as she watched Alec’s face get more and more confused and raised her hand to hide her giggles.  

“And now, now, it’s the scene where you’re both sitting on the back of the bus, totally stoked but thinking to yourselves, ‘what are we going to do now?’” Simon smiled, “You know?”  

Alec blinked before looking to his sister, “Who invited the vampire?”  

Simon’s smile faltered, “Seriously?”  

Izzy also gave Alec a very unimpressed look for teasing him.  

On the other side of the room, Jace stepped over to Lydia and Gabriel who were standing side by side on the platform.  

Jace gave her a comforting smile, “Lydia, what you just did for him is amazing.”   

Lydia nodded as she glanced at Alec and Magnus, “It was the right thing to do.”  

“What are you going to do now?” Gabriel asked but he could barely concentrate on their words as everything that just happened sank in.  

“I’m going back to Idris and dive into my work.” She gave them both a sad smile, “There’s no place for me here.”  

Jace’s face softened, “There will always be a place for you here.”  

Gabriel frowned at Jace, clearly, he must have changed his views on Lydia being a spy.  

“Give Alec and Magnus my best.” Lydia smiled before lifting her dress but before she could walk away Gabriel quickly stepped off the platform and raised his hand to help her down. She whispered her thanks before using the same exit that Maryse used minutes before.  

When he turned back to Jace he saw that Clary was standing beside him. He pointed at the two before spinning on his heel and promptly walking the other way, he was not dealing with them two again. So, he left them standing and made his way over to the others.  

Alec visibly lit up when Gabriel stood by his side and clapped his shoulder, “Alec. I am seriously so unbelievably proud of you right now.”   

He really was over the moon that Alec finally made his own decision.  

At this point Magnus raised a finger, “I hate to ruin this moment but I really need to speak with you two, Clary and Jace in private.”  

Izzy rolled her eyes and Simon loudly protested at being left out, “Come on, Simon. I’ll look after you while they’re away.”  

Magnus quickly led the four of them out of the ceremony room and into one of the empty training rooms where Gabriel was pleased to see the cranky Ragnor Fell who was leaning against a desk with his arms folded.  

Ragnor looked up when he heard them enter and took one look at the Lightwood twins before sighing, “Oh, bollocks. As if one of them wasn’t bad enough.”  

Alec frowned while Gabriel grinned, “Aw Ragnor, you can just admit that you missed me.”   

Alec’s head whipped around to him so fast he almost got whiplash. What is happening right now?!  

Ragnor rolled his eyes and sent a spark of magic to slap the back of Gabriel’s head.  

“Ow!”  

He smirked and ignored Gabriel’s cry as he rubbed his hands together and showered the table in green smoke as it filled with trinkets.  

“Magnus and I have narrowed it down to these items.” He gestured to the different trinkets on the table.   

Alec didn’t understand, “You don’t know which one it is?”  

Gabriel chuckled, “Oh, nope. Ragnor had this really good idea of glamouring it then removing it from his memory.”  

Ragnor looked up from the table to glare at him while Alec merely hummed in response, thinking that the idea was quite smart.  

“Wait.” Clary stared at one of the items before picking it up, “I’ve seen this one before. In the alternate dimension you had a book and this was in it.” She had lifted a thin strip of material that resembled an old bookmark.  

Ragnor huffed as he snatched it out of Clary’s hand, “Now why would you possibly have my book?” He glared at Magnus, fiddling with the bookmark that he cannot remember.  

Magnus grinned, “In an alternate dimension? Maybe I’m more powerful than you.”  

Ragnor raised an eyebrow, “Ridiculous.” he muttered before closing his eyes to track the book or even the book owner.  

“Aaand I’ll just take this.” Gabriel smirked as he leant across the table and plucked the cloth out of Ragnor’s hands.  

When Ragnor opened his mouth to protest Gabriel raised a finger, “Ah! Our tracking will be better.”  

Magnus frowned, “Warlock tracking is stronger.”  

Gabriel gestured between himself and Alec, “ We’ll be even stronger.”  

Ragnor hummed quietly, intrigued as to how this will work and Magnus could also add this to his research so neither of them interfered and allowed the twins to continue.  

Gabriel turned to Alec while grabbing the stele out of his inner pocket, quickly drawing the tracking rune on the palm of his hand before grabbing Alec’s hand and doing the same.  

They placed the cloth between their hands and pressed their free hand on their clasped hands.  

At first Alec didn’t think he was going to be able to concentrate enough to track but it was actually quite easy to forget everything else and focus on the bond.  

As they lost themselves into the bond, angry images started to flash through their minds;  
Red apartment block.  
Library.  
White book cover. 
Fists punching a roof of some sort. 
Long black hair. 
Red lips. 
Sharp teeth.  
Coffin.  
Hotel DuMort basement. 

All of the flashes came together and an image of a very angry, screaming, Camille slamming on the lid of a locked coffin caused both men gasp and let go of each other's hands to break the connection.  

“What is it?” 
“What did you see?” 

Clary and Jace asked at the same time.  

Alec didn’t answer and just rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands.  

“Slight problem.” Gabriel bit his lip as he set the bookmark back down on the table. “Well, we all know who the owner is but, uh, it’s Camille.”  

“ Camille?! ” Clary groaned.  

Magnus pinched the bridge of his nose and Ragnor remained emotionless.  

“After I punched her in the face there’s no way she’ll help me.” Clary whined.  

Jace shook his head, “She may not have a choice.”  

Clary frowned and Jace just looked at her, “Just trust me, okay. Meet back here in half an hour.” He ordered before walking out of the room.  

“Okay. I’ll go get changed then.” Clary announced awkwardly before walking out of the room after him.  

Leaving the twins and the two warlocks in the room.  

"Oh, yeah. Don’t worry about us! We’ll figure it out!” Gabriel yelled after him and looked to Alec, “Why does he have to be so vague?”  

Alec wasn’t even looking at Gabriel. Instead, he was unapologetically staring at Magnus, his lips twitching to try and say something to Magnus. “Uh, Ragnor. Can I speak to you... over here?” Gabriel gestured to the corner of the room with his head.  

“If we must.” Ragnor sighed and moved to leave the other two at the table before following Gabriel into the corner of the room.  

When they were out of earshot a lightbulb went off in Gabriel’s head to lightly change the subject, “So, when you’re unglamoured and you blush does your face turn brown?”  

Ragnor closed his eyes and groaned, “I’m really regretting saving you the second time.”  

Gabriel grinned, “No you don’t.”  

Over on the other side of the room Alec had stood up straight and walked around the table, glad to finally talk to Magnus alone, “I’m... Magnus, I’m glad you turned up today.”  

Magnus shook his head and smiled, “You’re the one who made quite the statement.”  

“Well, I-”  

Alec didn’t get to finish his sentence as the clicking of heels stopped him, turning around he the angry faces of his mother and father marching up the stairs towards him.  

Here we go.  

He stood up straight and put his hands behind his back.  

Maryse stopped in front of him, “What have you done, Alexander? To us , this family .”  

Maryse never uses his full name so this she was most definitely angry, “This isn’t about you.”  

“Of course, it is. You’re either being selfish or naive.” Maryse scolded him, “This wedding was your plan from the start and now you have humiliated us in front of the most respected members of the Clave.”  

Alec shook his head, “This was not my plan and you know it. This ‘union’ between me and Lydia was your idea.”  

Maryse’ eyes widened, he has never, ever , talked back to her, “I don’t even recognise you anymore.”  

So much for being proud of him, “I’m the same person I’ve always been. Now everything is just out in the open.”  

Maryse looked from her son to the one who caused this, “And all of this for a Downworlder.”  

Alec’s eyes widened in anger, a dam of things he wanted to say was ready to burst as his mother stormed away from him. He made to go after her but Robert stepped forward and pressed a hand to his chest. “Just give her time.”  

Alec huffed as his stance relaxed, “And you?”  

“I don’t really understand this.” Robert looked between his son and the Warlock, “But, I suppose our world is changing.” He gestured between the two men, “How long as this been going on? Are you two in love?”  

Alec laughed out of shock, “ Love ? What? I- Well- We-”  

Magnus placed a comforting hand on Alec’s arm, “It’s all very new.”  

Robert nodded, leaning forward and placing his hand on Alec’s bicep, giving a comforting squeeze, “I’m going to check on your mom.”  

Okay, that had actually gone better than he thought it would. Nothing exploded. No one yelled. And he was still breathing.  

Magnus nudged Alec to get him out of his thoughts, “You know what I’ve just realised?”  

Alec shook his head.  

“We still haven’t gone on our first date.” Magnus smiled.  

Alec huffed a laugh, “Oh, yeah. Well, would you want to... I don’t know, get a drink sometime?”  

“I would love that.”  

“Great.” Alec grinned.  

Chapter Text

Alec had abandoned his jacket and bow tie as he walked around the Institute trying to find Lydia. 

He had so much he wanted to talk to her about and he couldn’t find her anywhere. He was getting worried that she had left without saying goodbye. 

Gabriel admitted that the last time he saw her was when she left the ceremony room. 

Alec knew he was going to have to bite the bullet and ask his mother if she seen her. 

“You don’t have to.” Magnus tried to reason, “We can look around together.” 

Alec looked at him seriously, “You want to search the entire Institute with me? Top to bottom?” 

Magnus chuckled. “Well, it’s not my idea of a good first date but I can make it work.” 

Alec rolled his eyes but never lost his smile, “I think I’ll just ask my parents and then we can go somewhere else on that date.” 

Magnus snorted, “Good luck with that.” 

“I’m going to need it.” Alec sighed before walking away from Magnus and making his way down the hall and back into the war room where he quickly spotted his mother standing alone at one of the monitors. 

He took a deep breath and walked up to her, “Have you spoken with Lydia? No one’s seen her since the wedding.” Maryse’s eyes stayed firmly upon the monitor. “Mom.” He readjusted his stance and placed his hands behind his back and prepared himself for the argument to come. “Mother, I understand you’re upset but-” 

Maryse raised her hand to stop him, “Calling off the wedding would’ve been one thing... but kissing that warlock in front of the entire Institute? You’ve embarrassed all of us.” 

Neither of them paid much attention as Robert came to stand beside them. 

“Why? Because he’s a guy?” 

Maryse raised an eyebrow, “The fact that he is a guy does not bother me, Alec. I hope you would think better of me than that.” 

“Then what’s the problem?” Alec shrugged. If it’s not because of him being gay, then what is it? 

Maryse raised her hands to the Angels in frustration, “Instead of calling off the wedding discretely you decided to cause a scene and I have definitely taught you better than that. Image is everything .” 

“Anything else?” 

Maryse licked her teeth, “Magnus Bane?” 

He nodded kept his head high, “What about him?” 

“His reputation proceeds him. Even for a warlock, he’s a bit of a lothario.” Robert added, “Alec, there’s so much that you don’t know about him.” 

Maryse moved her hands as though she wanted to touch Alec, “Alec, I just don’t want you to make a mistake that could ruin your career.” 

“Well, then I plan to get to know him and whether it’s a mistake or not is something I should be allowed to figure out on my own. And if you have a problem with that then I suggest you deal with it.” Irritated he shook his head, “I’m going to go find Lydia.” 

“What she did-” 

“ Saved my life.” Alec insisted, “So, I should go thank her.” 

“Last I saw she was in her room packing for Idris.” Maryse told him tightly. 

He nodded in response before walking away from them.  

He’d already checked Lydia’s room and she wasn’t there so where is she now? 

He blinked and several images passed by him, forcing his steps to falter and he grabbed the chair next to him, so he didn’t fall. Thankful that no one seemed to have noticed his stumble. 

It was the office, the safe was open and an unmoving hand was lying on the ground, everything else was blurred but Alec could make out a certain pear drop necklace. 

Lydia.  

Taking off in a run down the corridor he rounded the corner and almost sent Magnus to the floor in the process. 

Magnus grabbed Alec’s arms to slow him down, “Alec? Alec! What is it?” 

“I saw Lydia, she’s in trouble.” Alec gasped out before they both sprinted down the hallway. 

Reaching the door to the office, Alec shouldered it open and found Lydia lying unconscious on the floor. 

“Angels.” he breathed before rushing over and kneeling next to her, Magnus quickly knelt on the other side and checked her pulse.  

Alec was relieved when Magnus nodded that Lydia still had a pulse. He took his stele out of his trouser pocket and pulled up Lydia’s sleeve, quickly tracing over her Iratze rune. 

“Lydia?” Alec shook her shoulder gently to try and stir her awake. 

She moaned and moved her head and Alec sighed, “Angels, Lydia what happened?” 

Lydia opened her eyes and looked around until her eyes settled on Alec, her eyebrows creasing as she tried to get up. 

“No, no, don’t move.” Magnus ordered her gently and pushed her back down, “You need to stay down.” 

Lydia nodded and swallowed, moaning weakly as she tried to tell them something. 

Alec had to practically lie beside her to hear her, “What?” 

“ H- Hodge .” 

“Where is he?” Alec jerked back like he had been burnt, quickly looking around to see if there was any sign of their mentor, “Lydia, where is Hodge?” 

Magnus shook his head and intervened when he saw Lydia’s eyes fluttering, “Alec, we need to take her to the infirmary.” 

Magnus snapped his fingers and surrounded Lydia in a blue shimmer as he raised her from the floor and rushed out into the hall to get to the infirmary. 

When Magnus finished doing all he could for Lydia he stepped back over beside a very tense Alec. 

Alec was standing in the corner of the room with his arms folded and a firm scowl on his face, and when Magnus came to his side he spoke quietly, “You should get Ragnor and get out of here.”  

Magnus’ shock was hard to keep off his face, “What?” 

Alec stepped closer as if he was trying to shield Magnus from everyone else, “Magnus. One of our own was just attacked, the Mortal Cup is missing, and everyone is on high alert. Two Warlocks in the middle of some high strung Shadowhunter's is not a good place for you to be right now.”  

Magnus laughed nervously, his eyes unconsciously looking around for any kind of threat, “Can’t argue with that.” 

“I’ll walk you out.” Alec reassured him before gesturing for Magnus to follow him. 

Alec escorted Magnus to the exit of the Institute, ignoring the intense side-eye he was receiving from everyone around them. The chill wind cut through his shirt as they stood outside, “I’ll send Ragnor out after you, okay? Wait right here and be careful.” 

“You better call me after this.” Magnus replied cheekily. 

Alec raised his phone and dangled it between his fingers, “Number two speed dial.” 

Magnus raised an eyebrow, “I’m not number one?” 

“You’ve got to work up to that.” Alec grinned before making his way back inside the Institute and over to where Gabriel was talking to Ragnor. He slipped back into his Shadowhunter role very easily, “Hey. Magnus is waiting outside; I need you to escort Ragnor out and then get me security footage from my- from dad's office from the past twenty minutes. I’m going to get Jace and Izzy and we’ll meet you at your desk.” 

Gabriel frowned at Alec’s tone, “Alec, what’s happened?” 

“Just go, please.” He ordered Gabriel before turning to Ragnor, “I do apologise but we are dealing with a serious incident, and it would be better for you to leave the Institute.” 

Ragnor’s eyes widened at the politeness coming from the Shadowhunter.   

Who would’ve thought he’d have a Lightwood apologising to him? 

What is it with these next generation Lightwoods and being polite?  

Strange indeed. 

Alec was telling Izzy, Jace and Clary the broad details of their situation as he led them over to Gabriel’s security desk in the war room.  

“How is Lydia?” Clary asked as they waited for Gabriel. 

“Better. Magnus did what he could and now she’s resting. Our main problem now is that the Cup is definitely missing.” 

Jace folded his arms, “No one has seen Hodge either.” 

“Sorry, sorry. I’m here.” Gabriel rushed out as he jogged up to his desk and sat down, “Want to tell me what this is about?” he asked while putting in his passwords and started accessing the security footage files that Alec asked for. 

“Lydia was attacked. The Mortal Cup is missing, and the last thing Lydia said to me was Hodge’s name.” 

Gabriel’s eyebrows hit his hairline, “What? You think Hodge has something to do with this?” 

“Hodge could be Lydia’s attacker?” Clary guessed. 

Izzy scoffed, “No way. Hodge is family, he wouldn’t do that to us. Maybe whoever attacked Lydia got to him too.” 

Gabriel hoped that was true as he skipped the video forward until the door opened and Lydia walked in, they watched as she opened the safe and took the Cup out. 

A man entered through the door with his back to the camera, they all watched as the two scuffled, Lydia’s body was hiding the man's face up until he grabbed her and punched her to the floor. 

All their jaws fell open as Hodge’s face came into view as he walked around Lydia’s body and grabbed the Cup from her unconscious hand. 

“I led him right to the Cup.” Jace gritted out. 

Alec was shaking with rage, “We treated him like family. How could he do this to us?” 

Gabriel clicked on his keyboard as Hodge left the room and Gabriel followed him on the cameras until he ended up in the room where Jocelyn was. Telling Luke to go so he was alone with her. 

“What’s that?” Clary pointed to the screen when Hodge’s hands brushed over one another. Gabriel bit his lip in concentration as he zoomed in so they could see Hodge slipping a ring onto his finger and then began conversing to thin air. 

“It’s like a connection to someone. He’s talking to whoever is wearing the other ring.” Izzy pointed out. 

“Yeah, and I can bet who it is.” Jace hissed. 

“Valentine.” 

They watched as Hodge bared his neck and the circle rune disappeared from his skin. 

Alec sighed, “Well, that explains how he got past the punishment rune.” 

Gabriel clicked on the keyboard as he followed Hodge through the halls until they watched him go out of a hidden back entrance to the Institute. 

“And that explains how he got out without anyone noticing.” Gabriel pointed at the screen. “Doesn’t explain how he got the ring though.” he huffed, “This kind of connection should set off the wards.” 

Clary folded her arms, “You think someone smuggled it past them?” 

“It wouldn’t be easy, but it is possible.” Izzy confirmed. 

“Yeah.” Jace unfolded his arms, his frame stiff from rage as he gave Alec the side-eye, “and Hodge wasn’t the only ex-circle member around here.” 

Gabriel spun around in his chair to glare at him, “Are you serious right now?” 

Did Jace really want to start this argument? 

Izzy narrowed her eyes at Jace, “I know that we don’t always see eye to eye with them, but they are our parents, Jace. They wouldn’t betray us.” 

Jace scoffed, “Really? Isn’t that what you just said about Hodge?” 

“ Enough . Pointing fingers isn’t going to help.” Alec glared at all of them, now was not the time to be squabbling with each other. They must focus on finding the Cup. “Something made its way past the wards undetected which should be impossible. So, how would you get something like that in?” 

Izzy folded her arms, “Cause a distraction?” 

Clary thought for a moment before the bulb went off in her head, “What about the Forsaken attack?” 

“We killed it.” Alec answered. 

“And there was no ring when I did the autopsy.” 

Gabriel quickly typed into the computer the date of the attack and brought up the footage, “Unless someone took it before you got it.” grimacing as they watched Alec being thrown around by the creature. Gabriel switched camera frames when he saw the creature go down. 

Hodge was instantly by its side sliding something off its finger and into his pocket. Confirming their worst fears. 

“He was just a delivery boy.” Jace spat. 

“If he gives the Cup to Valentine, he’ll create an army of Shadowhunters. He’ll kill thousands.” 

“We can’t let that happen.” 

Gabriel logged off the computer, “We’re not going to.” 

“I’m gonna make sure of it.” Jace vowed before storming away from the group. 

Alec pointed to Izzy, “You and Clary go to the Hotel DuMort and track down the book.” 

When Alec stepped away Izzy grabbed his arm, “What are you going to do?” 

Alec gestured to himself and Gabriel, “We’re going to track down Hodge. Hopefully before he hands the Cup over to Valentine.” 

In a mirror image of what happened mere hours ago, Gabriel slipped into Alec’s room after changing out of the suit and into his hunting gear. 

 Alec watched him through the mirror as Gabriel leant against the door. 

“Well, this is a lot different from the last time we were both in here.” Gabriel folded his arms. 

Alec ran his fingers through his hair and turned around, “You can say that again.” 

“How are you feeling?” 

Alec took a deep breath and answered honestly, “Better.” He felt a lot more confident in his hunting gear than the suit. 

“Good.” Gabriel jerked his head towards the door, “Ready?” 

“No.” Alec walked around the bed until he was standing toe to toe with his brother, “I need to apologise.” 

Gabriel sighed, “No, you don’t-” 

“I do. You told me over and over to stop this wedding and I didn’t listen to you.” 

“You came to your senses eventually. I mean, aren’t you psychic? How did you not see this coming?” Gabriel jabbed playfully before giving him a reassuring smile, “You did what you needed to do in the end and that’s all that matters. Saying ‘I told you so’ really doesn’t matter to me.” 

Alec raised an eyebrow, “I never said anything about you telling me ‘I told you so’.” 

“You didn’t?” Gabriel smirked, “Huh, interesting.” 

Alec chuckled and slapped the back of Gabriel’s head, “Get out of my room.” 

The two walked down the corridor in silence.  

The silence let Gabriel think. All of the events that have happened filled his mind. 

Alec huffed as a jumbled mess of emotions filtered through the bond, “I can feel how hard you’re thinking. What’s up?” 

Gabriel exhaled, “How did we get here?” 

“Where?” Alec hummed. 

“Here.” Gabriel gestured around them, “I mean; Izzy was almost exiled. Jace and Clary are siblings even though they got it on . You were almost married, to a woman. Hodge betrayed us. Mom and dad were involved with the Circle. Clary’s nerdy friend got turned into a vampire. Valentine is alive and almost has his hands on the Mortal Cup. We almost turned away from each other and our blessings are getting stronger. All in the space of what? Two weeks?” 

“Gabe.” Alec turned and placed a hand on Gabriel’s chest, “Stop. Okay.” Alec had been so wrapped in his own storm of emotions he didn’t even realise how much this was affecting his other half. He moved his hand up so he could place a comforting grip on his shoulder, “Izzy is fine. I’m not married. We’re going to find Hodge and Valentine. What mom and dad did doesn’t affect what we do. The vampire is adjusting in the Hotel DuMort with the rest of the Night Children.” He gestured  them, “ We are fine, we can work on our blessings later and... and... Jace and Clary I have no idea about.” 

Gabriel took a deep breath, clearing the fog of panic in his brain, “Okay.” 

“Okay?” Alec kept the eye contact to ask for reassurance. 

He nodded, “Okay.” 

Alec nodded back and clapped Gabriel’s shoulder and moved so they could start walking again, “Good. I already have to keep an eye on everyone else. You’re the only one who’s not sending me crazy right now.” 

Gabriel grinned, “I can if you want me to.” 

Alec kept on his straight face and kept looking forward, even though a smile was pulling at the corner of his lips, “I’m ignoring you now.” 

“You know that’s impossible. Literally. We, my dear parabatai twin, are connected for life maybe even after that.” 

Alec smiled and nodded, “A decision I’m starting to regret.” 

“I’m going to place your hurtful comments under the guise that you are emotionally compromised right now.” Gabriel jabbed back. 

“The only thing compromised is your face with my fist in about two seconds.” 

Gabriel chuckled and pointed to his face, “This face is also your face. You wouldn’t punch yourself in the face, would you?” 

Alec couldn’t help the intrusive thoughts that entered his head, “I’ve done worse to myself.” 

Gabriel glared at him, “That’s not funny.” 

Alec shrugged nonchalantly, “Eh.” 

Gabriel shook his head; this day was just getting weirder and weirder. Alec was being even more cynical than usual and joking about it. Which was impressive yet so very terrifying. 

He’ll just add this to the long list of things that they needed to talk about ‘later’, whenever that will be. 

The two walked into the weapons room and were met with Jace slamming down all their different weapons down on the table. 

The three of them silently crowded around the table and began holstering their weapons and Alec pulled on his gloves. 

They heard heels clicking towards them as Clary walked into the room, still in her wedding attire. 

“Jace, what are you doing?” 

Gabriel slapped Alec’s arm and put his arms out in a gesture to say, ‘What are we? Invisible?’ but Alec was quite happy to not be involved in the conversation. 

“Every second we waste here; Hodge gets closer to Valentine.” 

Clary stuttered, “But we’re a team, okay? And Hodge could be dangerous.” 

Jace gestured to the twins, “Three of us, one of him. Check the math, the odds are in our favour.” he snapped at her. 

Clary angrily placed her hands on the table, “What is with you? Would you just stop and talk to me?!” 

Alec was getting his headache again. 

“Lydia, Hodge, all of this is happening because I didn’t stop Valentine.” 

Alec frowned, because that wasn’t exactly true. What is it with these two and thinking the world revolves around them? 

“Jace, you cannot let emotions cloud your judgement. Your words remember?” 

Alec shouldered his bow and raised an eyebrow to his twin. 

“When I first wanted to find my mom, I didn’t care about anyone else. But you were the one that taught me that the world is bigger than us.” 

Gabriel snorted, gaining the attention of everyone in the room “Uh, I think you’ll find that Alec actually said all that.” 

A glare from Clary made him raise his hands in surrender and the twins left the weapons room to wait for Jace. 

“Something is seriously wrong with them two.” Gabriel huffed. 

Alec hummed in agreement as he watched the two hiss at each other, “Yeah, but it’s Jace I’m more worried about. Don’t let him out of your sight.” 

Gabriel glanced between Alec and Jace and Clary, “Why? You think he’s going to snap?” 

Alec saw Jace storm away from Clary and make his way towards them, “I think he just might.” 

Even though he was beginning to lose the head a little, Jace had an idea that actually worked. 

He contacted Luke about Hodge and now the entire New York wolf pack was sniffing the streets, specifically near docks, to track down the traitor. 

Nearing a large car park  and skate park Jace slowed down. 

“We should split up. You and Gabe go through the lot and I’ll take the skate park.” 

Jace had barely finished before Alec responded with a hard, “No.” 

Jace's neck almost snapped to look at him, “Alec, we can cover more ground that way.” 

Alec didn’t stop looking around, “I don’t care. Hodge is extremely dangerous.” 

“Which is why we need to find him as soon as possible.” 

Alec knew that splitting up would be the best idea. Of course that was the better idea. 

However. 

Jace is a ticking time bomb and Alec really did not want to leave him alone. 

Then again. 

The Mortal Cup is at stake. 

“Fine. But if you find him you get us. You do not engage by yourself. Am I clear?” Alec ordered sternly. 

“Yeah.” Jace answered as he split off from the twins and made his way to the skate park. 

“Don’t let him out of our sight, eh?” Gabriel jabbed. 

Alec huffed, “Let’s just hope we get to Hodge before he does.” 

Unfortunately, this was not the case.  

Gabriel and Alec had taken the parking lot one level at a time until they were standing at the top. Taking separate sides of the building to scan the ground below. Looking for any signs of Hodge, Circle members or even Valentine. 

“Alec!” Gabriel yelled as he got eyes on Hodge who was creeping across the skate park. 

Alec jogged over to him and laid eyes on their old friend. 

“Let’s bring him in.” He took out his stele and traced his runes before they both stepped onto the ledge and jumped off. 

The wind whistled in their ears; their hair flew straight up as gravity pulled them down. 

They bent their knees routinely and braced for the impact of the ground. Their runes protecting their bodies as they landed heavily on the ground, softening the blow so that they didn’t break every bone in their body. 

“Watch my six.” Alec told Gabriel who nodded and stood behind Alec to protect his back. 

They began to move through the skate park to spot either Jace or Hodge and they weren’t looking for long. 

The sound of weapons clashing had both of their heads turning and they bolted in that direction. 

They could hear metal clashing along the ground and then the sounds of skin-on-skin contact. 

Alec willed his feet to move faster but he felt like he was moving in slow motion. 

Jace’s angry yell echoed throughout the park as Hodge’s screams also filled the air. 

Gabriel cursed, Alec was right and Jace is losing it. 

Their boots pounded on the ground as Jace and Hodge came into their sights. 

Jace was standing over Hodge with his seraph blade ready to strike. 

Jace was so preoccupied with Hodge that he didn’t notice the twins until Alec was barrelling into him and sending them both crashing to the ground. 

Gabriel held on to Hodge’s shoulder to ensure he didn’t move, his face scrunching up when he saw the severed hand lying a few feet away from them. 

Alec quickly flipped them so that he was leaning all his weight on top of the struggling Jace to keep him pinned to the ground, “It’s over!” he yelled at him. 

“It’s not over!” Jace yelled back at him, “He’s a traitor, he deserves to pay.” 

Alec glanced over to where Gabriel was now drawing an Iratze on Hodge to try and stop the bleeding, then looked in horror at the hand lying on the concrete, “You nearly killed him.” he couldn’t keep the shock out of his voice. 

“Maybe I should’ve killed him!” Jace continued to struggle against Alec, “He sided with Valentine, Alec. The Clave let him go once before and look where that got us.” 

Alec couldn’t have this vigilante stuff going on right now, “And what are you gonna do? Huh? Kill every ex-Circle member, even our parents?” 

Jace grabbed tightly onto Alec’s arm, “Robert and Maryse are not my parents.” Jace spat back. 

Alec frowned, “You said it yourself. They raised you; they are your parents.” 

Jace took a breath and his head fell back onto the concrete. 

Alec patted his chest and got off him, “Just calm down.” He left Jace to catch his breath and walked over to where Gabriel was trying to draw more runes on Hodge who was grunting in pain. 

“We need to get back to the Institute, now.” 

Gabriel nodded and they waited for Luke to arrive to help them get Hodge back to the Institute. 

Luke arrived and had given a heavy sigh at the sight of Hodge, the two having been friends long ago. 

Gabriel tapped Alec’s arm and the two stepped away, leaving Jace and Luke looking over Hodge. 

“He’ll live.” Gabriel gestured to Hodge. 

“Good. He can stand before the Covanent and face what he’s done.” Alec nodded. 

Gabriel turned his back on the three, “What about Jace? He almost killed him.” 

“Valentine really messed with his head. I thought he got through it, but something is eating him up inside.” 

“Clary being his sister probably doesn’t help. He’s found out his entire life and bloodline is a lie and Hodge’s betrayal has put the icing on the cake.” 

“Let’s just get back to the Institute and we can go from there.” 

The twins nodded to each other and turned around to find no one there. 

“Uh.” Gabriel pointed at the empty spot where the men were. 

“Luke?” Alec’s voice echoed across the park. 

Luke walked from around one of the pillars, “I just got off the phone with my pack, they’re on their way for- Where's Hodge?” 

“I’m going to kill him.” Alec hissed through his teeth before lifting out his phone, “Gabriel you go that way, Luke there, I’ll take this side. I want them found, now !” Alec ordered before running in one direction and the other two men split up and went other directions to cover more ground. 

It took ages for Jace to finally pick up Alec’s call. 

As soon as the call connected Alec lost his mind, “Where the hell are you?!” 

“I’m going after Valentine.”  

Alec looked up to the sky in frustration, “On your own? Are you crazy? Jace, it took an entire alliance of Downworlder’s and Shadowhunter’s to defeat him the first time and you think you can do this by yourself?” 

“He’s my father, Alec.”  

Gabriel heard Alec talking and ran back to see Alec pacing up and down while yelling into his phone, “Jace, this isn’t just about you! The entire Shadow World is at stake. Going off on your own could get yourself killed, do not let him control you like this. This isn’t you.” 

“This is me. It’s always been me. He raised me to be a killer.”  

“And our parents raised you to be a protector!” Jace’s mind is so warped right now that the logic wasn’t sinking in. 

“Go help Clary. She needs you more.”  

“No, no, no, no, no. Don’t even think about it, Jace. I’m serious! Tell me where you are!” The click that came over the line made Alec want to smash his phone, “Jace?!” the line was dead and Alec smacked his hand against the concrete wall in frustration. 

“Where is he?” 

Alec shoved his phone back into his pocket, “He’s going after Valentine alone.” 

Gabriel placed his hands on his hips, “He’s going to get himself killed!” 

Alec huffed, “If not I’ll kill him myself.” Luke came back from his search and Alec began going over a plan to hunt for both. 

Gabriel’s phone then rang and he stepped away from the two men to talk to Izzy, “Hey, Iz.” 

“Gabe, where are you guys? I can’t get through to Alec, is everything okay?”  

Gabriel made a high-pitched noise, “Eh, not really. Jace took Hodge and is going to face Valentine alone.” 

“What?!”  

Gabriel took his phone away from his ear to stop his sister from bursting his ear drum, “Yeah. I really can’t explain it, Alec was the one talking to him. Him and Luke are talking to Luke’s pack to try and figure out how to track him. How are you guys doing with the Book of the White?” 

“That’s why I’m calling.” Izzy sighed, “We’ve gone to Magnus’ loft, Camille wants Simon to give her a Writ of Transmutation in exchange for the book.”  

Gabriel groaned, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” 

“I wish and we need Alec to sign off on it.”  

Usually, a Writ of Transmutation was kept between Vampires, after all it is their laws. However, due to Camille being a large person of interest they need a Shadowhunter with some standing to sign off on the document to clear the Vampire of any wrongdoing in the eyes of the Clave and for the protection of mundanes. 

“He’s not going to like that.” Gabriel whispered as he looked at Alec run his hands through his hair in frustration for the tenth time. 

“He never gets angry when you break the news to him. Now hurry up, big brother.” The phone clicked and Gabriel groaned silently. 

“Alec.” 

Alec politely paused his conversation with Luke and walked over to Gabriel, the look on his face not going unnoticed, “What?” 

“Okay, don’t get mad, but in order to get the Book of the White they’ve had to make a deal with Camille.” 

Alec pinched the bridge of his nose, he couldn’t think that today could get any worse, but the Angels keep proving him wrong, it’s beyond a joke now, “Go on.” 

“She wants a Writ of Transmutation signed by Simon, Magnus is drafting it as we speak, and they need-” 

“They need me to sign it.” Alec finished for him before chuckling darkly, “If I still have my runes by the end of the week, I will be shocked.” 

Gabriel clicked his tongue, “Come on. Don’t say things like that.” 

Alec huffed and started walking in the direction of Magnus’ loft, “Clary Fray will be my downfall.” 

When the arrived at Magnus’ apartment building, they saw their sister standing outside. 

Her face relaxed when she saw them, “Hey! Any sign of Jace?” 

Alec shook his head, “One problem at a time. Where’s the Book?” 

Izzy rolled her eyes, “Camille won’t disclose the location until you both sign the writ.” 

“Let’s go then.” Gabriel shrugged to his siblings and walked inside the building. 

“What happened with Jace?” Izzy asked as they climbed the stairs. 

Alec rubbed his hand through his hair again, “I let him out of my sight, and he tried to kill Hodge. Then he took Hodge and told me he was going to face Valentine alone.” 

Izzy blinked, “Why the hell would he do that?” 

“Family trait of stupidity?” Gabriel put forward. 

Alec let out a genuine chuckle, if he didn’t laugh, he would cry at this point, then regained his seriousness, “Once we get the book, we can wake Jocelyn and she can tell us where Valentine is and where Valentine is, Jace will be.” 

His only saving grace right now is that he gets to see Magnus again. 

The trio entered the loft and walked down through the corridor, turning the corner Alec stopped dead making Izzy and Gabriel almost crash into his back. 

Saving grace it is not. 

Right in front of his eyes was Camille’s lips firmly planted on Magnus’ before Magnus harshly pushes her away. 

You. Have. Got. To. Be. Kidding! 

Alec’s heart stuttered in his chest. Frozen in his spot until Gabriel gently shoved him forward while pushing comforting emotions through their bond. 

Magnus glanced between the three Shadowhunter’s, “Well, this is awkward.” 

Alec pushed the hurt down.  

He always pushed it down and locked it away.  

Even if his heart was smashing into a thousand pieces, he had bigger problems to deal with, so he kept the Shadowhunter mask on and marched towards Camille, “Where’s the book?” he demanded. 

Magnus took a step away from Camille, “It’s... complicated.” 

Alec looked between the two immortals, particularly looking Camille up and down in disdain, “ Clearly .” 

“I have it.” Camille smiled smugly at him. 

Magnus raised his hands to gesture between them, “And she’s graciously offered it in exchange for her freedom.” 

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, “And her freedom requires a lip-lock?” 

Magnus raised a finger at Gabriel as if to tell him, ‘Definitely not helping.’  

Alec stepped up to Camille, “We don’t negotiate with prisoners.” 

“Really?” Camille chuckled, “Do I look like a prisoner to you? Also, the redhead has already negotiated with me.” 

Alec stared down at her, his voice lowering dangerously, “She doesn’t have the authority. I do. Therefore, any deal she’s made with you is null and void and will not stand with the Clave.” 

Camille then stepped towards Alec, licking her fangs, “You need me, Shadowhunter .” she spat, “ I’m your only chance at saving the world.” 

Alec needed someone to take his frustrations out on and he could definitely argue with her all night. “And I’m your only chance at freedom. You want that writ signed? You bring us to the Book.” 

While the two squared up to each other Gabriel and Izzy were looking at Magnus with raised eyebrows.  

Magnus’ only reply was to circle his finger around his temple and point to Camille to call her crazy. 

Camille chuckled, “You certainly have a type, don’t you Magnus?” Then she pouted, “Too bad it won’t last.” 

“Say that again and you won’t last.” Izzy bit back at her. 

Camille never looked away from Alec, “You know, I’d say he’s about twenty years from male pattern baldness but at least there’s a spare.” she pointed to Gabriel who scoffed. 

Alec turned away from the vampire, he can’t let his emotions get to him, he needs to keep his head on his shoulders and getting into a bitch fight with a narcissistic vampire is not helping, “I don’t have time for this. Where’s Clary?” 

Magnus pointed to the spare room behind him, and Alec spared one more look at Magnus before making his way to the spare bedroom. 

Clary was sitting beside Simon in quiet conversation, “Alec!” She shot to her feet when she saw the oldest Shadowhunter, “Did you find Hodge?” 

Alec nodded, “Yes. Bad news is Valentine has the Cup.” 

“What? Where’s Jace?” 

“He went after Valentine by himself.” 

“What?!” she shrieked, “We have to go find him!” She made her way to storm past Alec, but he grabbed her shoulder, “Luke and his pack are looking for him. We are going to stay on mission to get the book.” 

“But-” 

Simon stood up and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, “If we wake up your mom we can get to Valentine and probably see meet Jace along the way.” 

Damn, as much as Alec hated to admit it but the vampire was thinking the same as him.  

Huh. The vampire isn’t as stupid as he thought. Weird. 

“Oh boys!” Camille’s voice sang through the loft and Alec’s jaw clenched as he turned, and they all left the spare room. 

“Are you both ready to sign?” Camille asked sickly sweet. 

Simon stepped forward, “We’re not signing anything until you take us to the book.”