"You're gonna make it back," said Alec.
It didn't really sound like he was saying it though. There was a sort of pleading undertone as he uttered those words, his voice a little bolder than usual, as if demanding an assurance rather than requesting one.
"Why wouldn't I?" Magnus almost sounded cheerful, which only caused the Shadowhunter's worry to soar through the roof. He cupped Alec's face tenderly, like it was a sculpture made of sand that would break if he wasn't careful enough.
Truth be told, Magnus wasn't sure. Wasn't sure whether he would return from Edom. Wasn't sure what price he would have to pay Asmodeus to defeat Lilith. Wasn't sure if he would ever see the love of his life again.
And just the very thought of not seeing his Alexander again was like having a seraph blade driven through his heart and shredded until even the pieces became nothing but dust that would mix with the cold air. Without Alec, he was nothing.
But he couldn't let his lover see all this doubt, the pain, though part of him knew Alec was already seeing right through him. "I will come back to you, my love. I promise. I love you." His eyes — now unglamoured — were shining, enhanced by the dim lights of Alec's office.
The taller man only responded by tugging him closer and pressing their lips together briefly. "I love you too. Come back to me, Magnus Bane."
The warlock smiled before opening a Portal. It glowed a fiery red and Alec could see bits of Edom — the birth place of demons with its endless stretch of red everywhere.
And then he was gone.
The love of his life was gone with a whoosh as the Portal folded within itself and vanished.
Magnus was gone to a hellhole that no one had returned from.
Alec crumbled to the floor, sobbing, every part of him on the brink of destruction in agony to see Magnus return back to his arms safely and unharmed.