Chapter 2

The train was just pulling into Paddington station when Alec roused from his sleep. "That was quick;" He said still sounding a bit groggy. Before he could shift to sit up, Magnus' arms tightened around him and he felt a soft kiss on top of his head.

"Welcome back to the land of the living beautiful;" Magnus whispered softly.

Alec pull away so he could turn toward Magnus and kiss him properly, both hands cupping the warlock's face gently. As the kiss ended, Alec looked carefully at Magnus and frowned. "Are you okay?" He asked softly.

"I'm fine." Magnus said smiling slightly, though he knew Alec was not fooled. He was beginning to think this whole trip was just a wild goose chase brought on by an old nightmare. There was no reason to believe that the events of 1888 were about to be repeated, my God it had been over one hundred years ago. He was just going to enjoy a few days in London with Alec and then they'd go home to New York. He gave Alec a chaste kiss on the lips, and a warm smile, real this time; "Come on let's grab our bags and take a cab to the hotel."

"Where are we staying?" Alec asked suddenly realizing he had no idea.

"Claridges;" Magnus replied as he and Alec left the train.

They arrived at the hotel at about 6:00 pm. Alec felt completely underdressed in his faded black jeans and dark blue sweater as they walked through the elaborate lobby with its back and white marble floors, soaring ceilings, and intricate plaster work. Their room was decorated in subtle shades of gray and brown, a king sized bed dominated the space and there was a chilling bottle of champagne by two high backed easy chairs near the window.

"We have dinner reservations downstairs at 9:00;" Magnus said with a smirk as he popped the cork and poured two glasses of champagne. Alec blushed as he saw Magnus eyes rake up and down his body and the warlock closed the distance between them. No matter how often they had done this before, Magnus was still able to bring that beautiful flush of colour to Alec's face, and kindle an identical look of desire in his eyes. The love they shared had deepened over time, enhanced by shared experiences and the deep abiding trust each had in the other.

"Sayang;" Magnus murmured as he placed his glass on a nearby table and took Alec into his arms. Sweet chaste kisses soon turned passionate, as Magnus moved them to the bed. The warlock gently settled his lover onto the soft down comforter, glad that they had enough time before dinner to satisfy their other needs.

Later that evening as Alec lay on the bed waiting for Magnus to finish dressing he felt relieved that whatever had been bothering his boyfriend seemed to have dissipated since their arrival at the hotel. Alec had already changed into a pair of black skinny jeans, a charcoal gray t-shirt and black blazer ready for dinner. On his wrist he wore a leather cuff with runes tooled into the surface, a gift from Magnus.

The warlock emerged from the bathroom dressed in dark purple leather pants, a gold button down shirt and purple and gold brocade vest. His hair was in its usual spikes, and glittery eye shadow accented his gold-green eyes.

"You look amazing!" Alec said rising from the bed and putting his arms around Magnus.

"You too, beautiful;" Magnus replied as he began peppering Alec's jaw and neck with kisses.

"We'd better get out of here or we'll be late;" Alec laughed as he pulled away. They made their way down to the lobby where the restaurant was located. It was a large, elegant room with high ceilings and elaborate chandeliers. The maitre d led them to a table for two nestled into a secluded alcove.

Enjoying a leisurely meal, Magnus and Alec were lost in the moment, and couldn't remember being happier. They talked and laughed, Magnus holding Alec's hand across the table. When dinner was over, he ordered them two champagne cocktails, stood and moving over to Alec's chair dropped on one knee.

"Alexander Gideon Lightwood will you marry me?"

Alec looking startled, blushed, but his blue eyes spoke the truth of his love for the man in front of him and he said; "Oh God Magnus, yes!"

Grinning from ear-to-ear, Magnus stood up as Alec rose to his feet so they could kiss properly, and they held each other as if they would never let go. When they were seated again, sipping their champagne, Magnus said; "Tomorrow we will go pick out some rings, and when we get back home we'll start planning our perfect wedding!"

Alec smiled he could just imagine the planning that would go into that event! Magnus loved hosting parties, and even though Alec himself preferred more quiet pursuits, he would never consider denying Magnus whatever type of wedding he wanted. Alec wondered if the pending proposal had been preoccupying the warlock since they left Edinburgh? Surely Magnus knew Alec would never reject him, still, the shadowhunter was glad to see his lover looking as relaxed and happy as he'd ever seen him. Come to think of it, he'd never been happier either.

As the door to their hotel room closed, Alec found himself pushed up and pinned against it by Magnus. His legs wrapped around Magnus' slim waste pulling him in even closer; their kisses needy, desperate and passionate. Magnus carried Alec to the bed where they continued their activities until both were sated and fell asleep in each other's arms…

It was after 1:00 am and he was walking down a poorly lit London street, Dorset Street. The impenetrable darkness of the narrow alleyways and spaces between the gas lights seemed alive with menace. He passed the odd drunk stumbling down the sidewalk after a raucous night at the pub. He was propositioned by an unfortunate, as prostitutes were called in polite society; a shabby, tired looking woman whose need for drink pushed her on to the streets despite the danger. He threw her some coins and passed on. The cold breeze was ripe with the scent of refuse and filth; but it was the other worldly tang of demon that drove him forward.

He shivered despite the long, black winter coat with a shoulder cape that he wore fastened high at the neck. Only the tips of his white, high collared shirt showed above the cape. His hands were encased in custom made gray, kid gloves, and, as always, he carried his favourite ebony walking stick, a carved golden cat's head at the top. At last he came to the dark, narrow opening of Miller's Court and he stopped. His breath caught in his throat, his hands trembled slightly, it was here….

He crept slowly into the Court, fear gripping him as he sensed the presence of the demon close by. A window on the main floor glowed with the flickering light of a fireplace. He moved quietly forward, mastering the urge to turn and run, until he was able to see into that window…..

Magnus woke with a start and sat up abruptly, trying to control his breathing and stop the shaking that was threatening to break him in pieces. It was nothing, just another nightmare, he told himself angrily. Still, he would be very glad to get back to New York and away from these memories. There was no point trying to go back to sleep now, he could see by the light coming through a crack in the curtains that it was early morning. He looked over towards where Alec lay still peacefully sleeping and he smiled, he would get dressed and go for coffee before waking his fiancé.

A short while later he was dressed and on the street, feeling somewhat recovered from his nightmare. He found a café near the hotel and ordered a mocha latte for himself and a black coffee with sugar for Alec. Making his way back to the hotel, Magnus stopped to pick up a morning newspaper which he folded under his arm so he could still manage the coffees.

He let himself quietly back into the room, Alec was still sleeping and Magnus smiled as he thought about their recent engagement; his beautiful blue-eyed shadowhunter, his world, his everything. He put the black coffee on the night table and then settled himself in one of the easy chairs by the window before opening the newspaper. Sweat gathered on his forehead, his hands began to shake and a cry of; "Oh God, No!" left his lips as the read the headlines:

RIPPER RETURNS!

GIRL FOUND WITH THROAT CUT ON BUCK'S ROW!