A/N: Because not everyone has nothing to lose.

Disclaimer: The Mortal Instruments Trilogy belongs to C.C.


-No Marks are Left-

Somewhere along the line, Alec figured, he was going to die. Probably sooner rather than later, he was a Shadowhunter after all. And that being said, his death was probably going to be bloody and gruesome and they might not find his body. If they did find his body, then they would grind his bones and use them to remodel the City of Bones or strengthen the wards of Alicante.

Mom and Dad would understand because they were Shadowhunters and that's what they did. That's what Shadowhunters do. They go out and fight demons.

Isabelle would be fine. Even if she doesn't do it consciously, she says good-bye to him every time he walks out a door or leaves her line of sight. If he doesn't come back one night, then she'll have said good-bye beforehand anyway. Even if that good-bye wasn't the conventional type. Shadowhunter families are not conventional.

Alec figured he had nothing to lose. If he did go into the darkness then it would all be okay. Because everyone he left behind would know how to say good-bye.

But that was before he met Magnus. Isn't his life practically split into two eras?

His life is now bursting with color and sparkles. The images around him shimmer when Magnus is with him. The feeling of the blade and bow in his hand is no longer simply something to do but to protect something.

Perhaps it is his heart.

How long does he have?

How long will Magnus have him?

Alec feels like there is a gaping wound festering in his heart. The organ still beats but only feebly as the blood is pooling in his mouth and delicate capillaries pop from the pressure. The wound stings as if there are hands reaching into the wound.

But the damage leaves no mark on skin.