Hey, I apologies for not updating for so long, my laptop was in the shop and for whatever stupid reason my phone won't let me update or write stories on it.

Chapter 3 - Kraven

Alec

As soon as I saw Tamina was going down I rushed over to the railing, grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back over as quick as I could. But my heart stopped when she started seizing in my arms.

"Magnus, what's happening?" I began to panic.

"Just hold her, keep her on her side," he said in a reassuring voice before turning to Simon. "Simon, get Maia to clear everyone out of here. Help her if you can."

"Okay," Simon quickly rushed back inside and I could faintly hear him start ushering everyone out.

Tamina continued seizing, I was scared she wouldn't stop and eventually she started frothing at the mouth.

"Okay, keep her on her side," Magnus instructed me to do. "Make sure her mouth is open and her airway is unobstructed. She should stop soon." And within a minute she had stopped seizing. "Okay, get her up and bring her inside."

I lifted her in my arms, I was very worried at this point because she felt like dead weight. She didn't twitch, make any sort of noise as I rushed inside with her inside. We headed into Magnus' bedroom and I placed her on the bed.

"Magnus, she hasn't moved," I said checking to see if she was still breathing.

"I know," he said frustrated rummaging through his cupboard full of potions. "We have to move quickly, just stay there with her. Make sure she doesn't seize again, if she starts to move, try and wake her up and if you can keep her awake. She's been under a while and that might be a problem."

"How will that be a problem?"

"If she stays under too long, she might be in a comatose state and in one case, the Shadowhunter never woke up."

He rushed out of the room and I could hear him talking and then something that sounded like draws being open.

I turned back to Tamina who was still in the same position I had placed her in. I ran my hand over her cheek to see if that would get a reaction out of her. No such luck, I noticed she was cold to touch. I grabbed both her hands in mine, which were cold as ice, and breathed on them to warm them up. That didn't do anything to wake her up.

My eyes caught sight of the necklace that Simon was talking about earlier. It was crescent shaped moon that had little white gems covering the surface and between the two points of the moon was an oval shaped purplish red gem. Simon had said that the necklace was a royal heirloom among the vampire community, so it got me to wonder how someone like Tamina had it. My gut told me it was the reason why she came here, but I didn't want to believe it because it had something to do with vampires and besides Simon, vampires and I never went well together.

Magnus came back in with a bowl with a lid over it, from the steam seeping through the sides I could tell it was very hot.

"Okay, step back," Magnus said. "I don't want you to inhale this."

I stood back as Magnus moved over Tamina. He watched as she inhaled and exhaled and as she exhaled, right before she inhaled Magnus pulled of the lid and thick blue gas went into the air and then was sucked into Tamina's lungs. He held the bowl under her nose until all the gas was sure to have gone into her lungs, then he placed the bowl on the bedside table.

"Hey, Alec," Izzy popped into the room. "We've got to get back to the institute, mother just texted me."

"Okay, you guys get back there," I said. "I can't leave Tamina, so tell mother I've taken her on a surveillance errand so I can get her familiar with the area."

"You sure she'll believe that?" she asked.

"If it's from me she will," I said before turning back to see Magnus feeling Tamina's forehead.

"Okay, talk to you later, big bro," she said before retreating out.

I heard her talk to the others before I heard the front door shut. I wasn't sure who was out there but I could hear someone was still here.

"Don't worry," Magnus said turning around to face me. "It is just Maia and Simon."

"Magnus," I began. "The necklace she wears, what did Simon mean when he said it was a vampire heirloom?"

"It's a long story," he said with a sigh.

"Well, how long until she wakes up?"

He looked at me hesitantly, obviously not knowing how to answer that question. "Well, since we have time, might as well have a history lesson."

He got up and grabbed a book off the shelf and opened it to a page that held a picture of Vlad III, also another who was standing slightly off to the side in a protective stance.

"The necklace Tamina is wearing is a vampire heirloom," Magnus began. "A royalty heirloom, it was passed down from Vlad III, himself. Nobody was sure of who it would be bestowed on, he had so many followers at the time and they were all loyal servants. Although, many of the vampires up in hierarchy were given land titles, some were give certain jewellery as to distinguish them among the others. This necklace is one of many heirlooms throughout the vampire community."

"Who was this necklace bestowed upon?"

"This necklace was given to one of Vlad III's most trusted protector, Henry Salvatore, who in turn gave it to his son, who once he became of age, was turned into a vampire to follow his father's steps. You might recognize his sons name, Kraven Salvatore."

"The same Kraven Salvatore who put Marcel Saint Cloud out of commission, due to his dislike of killing and turning children?"

"The very one. Kraven hated what he was, but he accepted it and instead of seeing all the bad, he focused on the good. Even though Kraven's father wanted him to become a protector like him, Kraven took up leadership role. You see, after he dispatched of Marcel, there was chaos on the streets of Paris, so Kraven decided to take over the clan and ruled over the vampires of Paris. He was very successful, a lot of others shared his views and those who didn't learned to respect him even though they didn't like it. He had this essence to him, one might say, that made you do whatever the man wanted."

"I take it you've crossed paths with him."

"More than once, and it wasn't a pleasant acquaintance but I wouldn't call it an uncomfortable one either. For several years whilst I was in Paris, Kraven was always weary of me, if something went wrong in his city I was always the first suspect. After I moved to India, there were a few incidents but other than that it was quiet from the vampire clan in Paris."

"That doesn't explain how Tamina got the necklace. How does an 18-year-old Shadowhunter end up with a royal vampire heirloom that is several centuries old?"

"I had heard rumors that Kraven Salvatore had fallen in love, I didn't know who but I had heard it was a Shadowhunter who had caught his cold heart. I didn't believe them though because Kraven didn't have love interests, but apparently she must've been his one and only."

"How so?"

"Well, how else do you explain that the vampire who has brought peace and harmony among the vampires of Paris suddenly die?"

"Wait, Kraven Salvatore is dead?"

"Yep, we Downworlders don't like to spread the news of our dead through to Shadowhunters, it tends to bring unwanted attention, and I expect you not to tell anyone."

"Fine, my lips are sealed. But if Tamina has this necklace then that means she was the one Kraven fell for, right? I mean how else could she have gotten it?"

"That maybe so, but apparently the woman Kraven fell for died with him. However, I don't think Tamina knows the full meaning behind the necklace she wears, because if she did I don't think she would've left Paris. Do you know why Tamina came here?"

"Something about her doing something that almost killed her, according to her brother, but who knows if that is true, Tamina and Lucas haven't really gotten along ever since she came to the institute. What do you mean she wouldn't have left Paris?"

"This necklace gives you the power to rule over the vampires of Paris, I don't think Kraven would have given it to just anybody unless he knew he was going to die, which I don't think was part of his plan. Maybe she knows something about his death, because if so she had to be there if she was his love who had supposedly died."

A groan sounded from the bed. Tamina was now writhing on the bed, groaning and sweating heavily. "Magnus, what's happening?"

"The potion is taking effect," he said checking her over. "She's sweating out the drink, so she should be waking up soon. I need to fetch some we cloths and a bucket, keep watch over her."

She groaned again and as soon as Magnus got up, I was instantly by her side. She moved a bit more but I can tell she was being constricted by her clothes. Izzy and her damned tight dresses.

As soon as Magnus came back into the room I asked him, "Is there anything you can do about her clothes? They seem to be constricting her."

Magnus looked at me cautiously which had me a bit confused before he turned his attention to Tamina. With a flick of his fingers, he had changed Tamina into a black sports bra and short black leggings which ended mid-thigh. I was surprised, Tamina had one Shadow rune on her that was located above her right hip. Iratze, the healing rune. But that's not what caught my attention.

An angry red, jagged line about six inches long was just under her ribcage running slightly diagonal to the right from her right side to her left. It looks like someone had stabbed her with a serrated blade but there was something familiar about the wound. I could've sworn that I've seen this type of cut before but I can't seem to place it.

"You have feelings for her," Magnus said solemnly.

"I –," I began but he cut me off.

"Don't try denying it," he said. "It's written all over your face. She's gorgeous and she has a kind heart, I can't see why anyone wouldn't like this girl. However, I've taken a liking to this girl, so if you hurt her, I will hurt you way worse."

I didn't say anything to that, this is a first for me so I couldn't really think of anything to say.

"She's broken," Magnus said focusing back on Tamina. "Don't try to fix her, it never works. Let her heal. It's too bad anyway, I always wondered which team you played for. We could've had some fun."

With that he left the room, leaving me a bit bemused at his words. I've never been placed in that kind of situation before.

"Alec," I hear beside me.

Tamina is awake, staring at me with a disoriented look in her eyes.

Tamina

I wake with a killer head-ache. I feel like my head has a marching band in it and their about to split my skull in half. I open my eyes ever so slightly, they feel sore, like I've been crying but I can't recall if I was. In fact, I can't recall anything after talking with Simon, it is all just an empty blankness.

To my surprise, Alec is the first person I see. He is facing away from me, looking towards a door on the other side of the room from what I can see.

"Alec?" I ask sounding a little gargled. I try to clear my throat but it felt dry and itchy.

"Hey, you're awake," he sounded very relieved. "How are you feeling?"

"A little out of it," I said trying to remember what happened. "What happened?"

"Uh, one of Magnus' drinks were a little too potent. He had put too much of something in the drink and it cause you to hallucinate and you sort of had a fit. Magnus will probably explain it more when he gets back."

"Oh, where did he go?"

"Just to get you some water," Magnus said suddenly entering the room holding a tall glass full. "How are you doing, Ruby? You gave us quite a scare."

I sit up and it is then that I realize I'm wearing short tights and a tank to. Why do I wake up in unusual places with my clothes changed? Well, at least I know where I am this time.

"I'm okay, I think," I said as he hands me the glass which I drank wholeheartedly from. "How'd you know I needed that?"

"Past experiences, darling," he said. "Look at me, no blurry vision? The room isn't spinning, is it?"

"No, just a massive head-ache," I said massaging the side of my head.

"Well, that is to be expected," he said before sighing. "Remember this moment for next time, Ruby. When I say one glass, I mean, one glass."

"Don't worry, I won't," I said still trying to remember. "If only I could remember what happened. Did I do something?"

"You could say that," Alec said grimly.

"What did I do?" I was worried I might've made a fool out of myself in some way.

"You started to hallucinate someone," Magnus said. "They wanted you to jump off my balcony and if it weren't for Alec over here, and our good friend Simon, you would have."

I looked over at Alec surprised that he was one of the people who save me. He gave me a wry smile before looking away. I didn't know these people long but they are willing to save my life.

"Okay, then," Magnus said. "Alec, I'm going to have to get you to leave the room with me. You need to get cleaned up, if you see yourself in a mirror, you'd understand. There's a shower through those doors, towels are already in there and I'll have some clothes here on the bed."

"Okay, um, thank you, for everything you've done. Both of you. I know it's not much but I appreciate everything you have done for me."

"You're welcome," Alec said. "There's no need to thank us, you're one of use now."

"We look out for each other here, Ruby," Magnus said looking at me sympathetically which had me a bit confused. "You don't have to worry about watching your own. We'll be there when you need us."

With that they both left the room. I got up on unsteady legs and almost swayed to the side a bit, so I used the bed as leverage and made my way over to the bathroom. Inside there was a counter and a large mirror on one side of the room that took up most of the wall. There was a large tub in the corner on the opposite side and a glass cubical that had a spacious shower inside.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I saw what Magnus was talking about. Glassy blood red eyes and dark wet line streaks covered my cheeks from what I think might've been tears. My hair looked ruffled in the crown braid Isabelle had done it up in, so I took all the pins out and undid the entire thing.

I undressed and turned the shower on hot, then waited before getting in. I allowed the hot water cascade over me as I tried to remember what happened. I know I was talking to Simon at the bar and then went to the bathroom, but that is as far as I get to before my brain goes all fuzzy. Lucas shows up, I think, he's angry with me. No surprise there. Then there is the balcony and Simon again. And then, oh, God.

Kraven.

I saw Kraven plain as day but I can't remember what happened after that, did I tell them about him. Simon was there, maybe I said something to him. But why would I try to jump off the balcony if I saw Kraven?

Oh, no, Alec must know why I came here. God, he is going to tell everyone. What am I going to do? I must talk to him and see what he knows. But how?

I get out of the shower and dry myself before I wrap the towel around myself and peak out the door to see if there is anyone is there. The coast is clear and I walk over to the bed where decent underwear, a pair of dark wash blue jeans, a black tank top and jacket lay neatly beside each other in that order. Never had clothes laid out for me since I left home. Gives me a bit of déjà vu back to the times mother would lay out certain outfits when we had to go to social events.

After getting dressed I walk back into the bathroom to check my appearance, everything is back to normal, my face is clean and my eyes have lost most of its redness. My hair is a bit messy so I quickly run my hand through it to even it out before I had out to the room and then out into the living area where I find Magnus and Alec deep in conversation.

"What would I say?" I hear Alec ask in a hushed tone. "I don't know how this works, I've never been in this position before."

"Just be yourself," Magnus said in return. "Remember focus on her and nothing else will matter, its just simple small talk which will help shape your relationship in the future. Oh, she's finished."

"Hi," I said awkwardly. "Um, thanks for the clothes, the fit perfectly, how'd you know what size I am?"
"Now, Ruby, that's a secret I'll never tell," Magnus said mischievously. "Now, you and Alec should get back to the institute, and since you'll be walking, I'll let you get going since you need the fresh air."

"Oh, good," I said relieved. "I don't think my head will handle traveling through a portal."

"Yeah, I figured," Magnus said taking my hand and giving it a kiss. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Ruby. And make sure to keep Alec in line, he can be trouble when he wants to be."

"Hey," Alec said offended.

"I will," I promised. "It was nice to meet you too, Magnus."

"Hopefully, we'll see each other again. And there will be no alcohol involved that time."

I feel myself turn red before I say, "Yeah, definitely no alcohol."

"Alright, get going now."

"Bye, Magnus."

Alec gives Magnus a halfhearted wave before walking to the front door and I follow him out the door. As we make our way out of the apartment building, it is very quiet and awkward because I keep thinking about what I could've told Alec that I can't remember.

"So, umm, I wanted to thank you for saving me," I said to start off with as we walk along the almost deserted side walk. "You didn't have to do that but I'm grateful that you did."

"Don't worry about it," Alec said. "I couldn't let anything happen to you, I would never forgive myself."

"Um, I was wondering if you could tell me what happened."

"Oh, you don't remember?"

"Just snippets really, so, I guess I you could say I'm having a bit of trouble remembering the end of it."

"Well, uh, Simon came to tell us that you were having some hallucinations after Magnus told us about the drink and that he gave it to you. When me, Simon and Magnus got out to the balcony you were on the other side of the railing hanging on to it. Someone was telling you to jump. And then Simon started talking to you about the necklace you're wearing."

My hand instinctively goes to the necklace Kraven had given me and Alec caught the movement. How could Simon know anything about the necklace I was wearing?

"Simon said it was royal heirloom among the vampire community. Is it?"

"Yes, I take it he told you who it belonged to."

"No, that was Magnus. How did you know Kraven Salvatore? Did you cross paths with him through a mission or something?"

God, he must know something, but what? And how do I tell him I'm not a proper Shadowhunter, that I met Kraven after doing some shopping in the mundane world and had a run in with another vampire?

"No, I didn't meet him through a mission," I said softly. "I met him after I was attacked by a vampire while I was in the mundane world. I managed to kill the vampire but Kraven still had to clean up the mess."

"Okay, but that still doesn't explain how you ended up being associated with Kraven."

"Alec, when you saw my body, how many runes did you see?"

"Uh, um, only one."

"Why did you think that was?"

"I figured, maybe, you were thinking of taking a political route."

"That's probably what most of you think, but no that's not why I only have one rune."

I had no idea how I was going to word this without offending him. Alec seems like a true Shadowhunter through and through. That's what my parents think and that's what I'm seeing.

"I don't like being a Shadowhunter. I hated it, the whole having to be told how and what to think, what is and isn't acceptable, the strict order that was enforced in our world. I mean you're probably fine with it because it was engraved in your head since the day you started your training." When I said that he shifted uncomfortably. "It's something I don't ever think I'll be able to come to terms with. I tried, all through school but with me taking a liking to mundane things it was kind of hard. There was always something that happened that was make me hate myself and it all revolved around me being a Shadowhunter. It was easy in the beginning because my parents always doted on my brother, with him being at the top with everything, even when he left they never gave me that much attention and then it all started to fall apart really."

"So, how did Kraven fit into this?"

"Kraven seemed to try and convince me to accept that part of my life. But there was always something that would make me, not want to be, not want to be… me. Not having a rune sort of helped me distance myself from that part of my life. Kraven seemed to understand that part of me and accepted it, and that's what made me fall for him."

"So, you did have a relationship with him." It wasn't a question.

"Yeah…" I sighed.

"What happened?" he asked but then caught himself. "I'm sorry, forget I asked, that was insensitive of me."

"No, it's okay," I said. "No one really knows the whole story besides those who were present. My parents found out about the relationship and they wanted me to end it, which confused me because they never had any sort of interest in my life before this. It was then that I realised it was all about reputation, I had tarnished their reputation enough in their eyes and they didn't want any shame being brought to the family name. But I wasn't going to ruin the best thing that happened to me in a long time all because of what others might think of me. We planned on running away together and my parents and a few of their friends tried to stop us, there was a fight and I got hurt."

"The scar on your chest," I could see in his eyes that something suddenly dawned on him. "That scar was cause by a seraph blade."

"My mother's blade," I confirmed. "We were about to get away when she threw it directly him and I pushed him out of the way. I was dying, and Kraven wasn't prepared to live in a world where I wasn't alive so he took his own life by pushed the blade further threw me and into him as he held me."

I felt the tears fall down my cheek before I realised I had been crying. But as I went to wipe them away, Alec's hand had beaten mine to it.

"I'm sorry," he breathed. "I shouldn't have asked. And I'm sorry for what happened to you."

"It's not your doing."

"Nor yours either."

We continued walking in silence and it wasn't until I saw the institute and we were at the bottom of the stairs that I stopped him by pulling on his jacket.

"What is it?" He seemed a little taken aback by the movement and was instantly on guard.

"Please don't tell anyone," I pleaded. "I don't want anyone looking at me differently, I've had more than enough of that my whole life."

"I won't I promise. But there's something you have to do for me."

I hesitantly nodded my head unsure of what he's want me to do.

"Let me train you, if you're going to be around us, especially since Clary joined, you're going to need the proper training to be prepared. I wouldn't know how to live with myself if anything happened to you on our watch."

"Okay, sure." I looked at him for a little bit longer than I should before going up on my toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Alec. For everything."

He nodded his head, "It's no problem. You go in, I'll be there in a sec."

I took the steps as quickly as I could without running and then once inside leaned back against the door and let out a long sigh. My heart was racing but I didn't know why, I hadn't felt like this in a long time, well, since Kraven really.

Why do I feel like this?