_Alec-Alec-Alec-Alec-Alec_
"Okay, I'm gonna take the lead, stay low and keep an eye out." Alec said quietly as they approached the warehouse, glancing over at Jake
He nodded, staying near,
They crept closer using the ground cover to hide their movements
When they reached the side of the building Alec motioned for Jake to go left, Alec going right
They circled the building, checking for the hostages, as well as any sign of Lidan, in addition to keeping an eye out for Magnus and Ezekiel, hoping they were somewhere nearby investigating.
They went around the entire building, meeting on the opposite side near the door,
Both men froze when they saw it was open slightly.
"Okay, no sign of Magnus, Ezekiel or Lidan, but the hostages are in the far back room over there…
It looks like they're asleep,
I don't see anyone else" Jake whispered
Alec nodded before cautiously reaching for the door handle.
They crept in, staying low to the ground, moving along the walls, their footsteps echoed resoundingly throughout the empty warehouse as they made their way to the room.
The door to the room was cracked slightly, like the one into the warehouse
It gave Alec a sinking feeling
It was just too easy…
They slipped into the room, Alec glancing over the hostages.
He finds Simon and Raphael first. They were holding each other, Raphael looking like he is trying to shield Simon.
Alec kneels down next to them, checking their pulses, breathing a sigh of relief when he finds both strong and steady.
They were still unconscious but they were alive, that was something…
He finds Jace not too far away, stretched out, looking like he's just sleeping, relaxed
They spread out checking over all the other hostages,
Checking for pulses or signs of injury
He breathed a sigh of relief
At least they all seemed okay, physically.
They find no signs of injury, distress, or the like…
They all just seem like they are in a very deep sleep.
Only none of them are moving;
No twitching, no fidgeting, nothing
They are all totally, completely still,
Something else occurs to him…
They all seem to be breathing exactly the same
In the silence of the room he can hear it faintly, every inhale, every exhale, exactly the same,
Exactly in sync…
It's eerie and disconcerting.
Something is really not right here.
He glances over at Jake; he can see he noticed it too.
He leans down cautiously next to Jace, shaking him lightly
He takes hold of Jace's arm, lifting it slightly, when he lets it go it just falls flat, dead weight
It's like there's nothing there…
No response
No change of expression
No change of breath
Nothing…
It's not registering
He and Jake move together over near Simon and Raphael.
They kneel next them, shaking them slightly
"Hey, guys…come on, wake up" He tries somewhat desperately
He looks over at Jake; he looks just as freaked out
"What do we d-" Alec begins, but stops suddenly, looking around franticly
All of a sudden the entire room is immersed in a cloud of ethereally glimmering blue and brilliant violet shimmering smoke
"Wha-" Jake starts before Alec quickly silences him, covering his mouth and gesturing for Jake to do the same in hopes of keeping whatever it is out…
He just knew this was too easy,
It had to have been a trap; this was some kind of gas Lidan worked up.
Probably the same thing that left the residue in the room back at the convention
They had to find a way out, quickly…
How, how…what could they do? They couldn't even breathe!
They had to get themselves, along with nine unconscious people, out
Then just as suddenly as it appeared, the strange shimmering cloud dissipates
Fading into nothing until it's just the seemingly so much darker room
He looks around, trying to reorient himself, and then his heart absolutely stops
He and Jake are alone in the room,
It is totally silent
The hostages are gone,
No trace of them ever being there is left.
He looks over at Jake in shock; he has a similar expression, but not nearly as panicked and confused as he should, it's almost resigned
Alec realizes he doesn't seem nearly as thrown by the disappearing hostages
He doesn't know what the hell is going on, but he is damn well going to find out
He zeros in on Jake
"Jake, what the hell is going on here?"
He shakes his head quickly, but Alec catches it, the slight look to the side
He's lying
Alec moves a bit closer,
"Stop lying to me…
You know more about this than you've said. You have this entire time…
You haven't been honest with me once
But you are going to start
Right. Now.
Nine people just disappeared right before our eyes in a cloud of smoke, and you look like you almost expected as much… like it's just something you deal with on a day to day basis
No more games
No more lies
Tell me what's going on."
Jake shakes his head, stammering slightly, totally at a loss as to how to begin
"A-Alec I ca-"
Alec steps forward, threateningly, clenching his fists,
"The hell you can't!
Stop lying,
I am done.
Where are they?" Alec demands, voice going flat
"Tsk, tsk, so dramatic,
Don't worry darling; they are all back home, safe in their beds.
The spell is no longer permanent, all will be fine.
Come tomorrow morning they'll wake rested and refreshed,
Thinking the more fantastical events were nothing more than a rather bizarre, unusually vivid, dream" Magnus assures smoothly, sounding almost amused
Alec and Jake whirl around,
Relief floods Alec, his heart racing
Magnus is okay!
He is safe, he is okay and not hurt and right there, leaning casually against the doorframe.
He starts towards him, wanting to assure himself that Magnus is alright
"Alec…wait" Jake whispers urgently, sounding far more worried than he has this entire time
He glances over at Jake
His expression is like that of someone who just stumbled onto a dangerous predator or a venomous snake
He's pale, eyes wide
Completely frozen, seemingly barely even breathing
He looks verging on terrified
His eyes are completely fixed on Magnus
What…?
"Jake, what's wrong?" he asked, looking back at Magnus
He starts towards him, but pauses,
There's something off…
He looks over Magnus again, but something's just not right,
He's dressed differently from this morning,
He's wearing a deep, nearly black, midnight blue silk shirt, with a wide assortment of jewelry; his nails are a mirrored black,
His hair, which had the brilliant aqua blue streaks just this morning, was now jet black, and styled unlike anything he'd seen on the man before.
He's wearing hardly any makeup, except for a rather heavy, thick line of black around his eyes, which seem just a bit off as well…
They're the same deep brown as they usually were, but they weren't right,
They seemed colder, darker,
They did make his heart race, but not in the way they usually did…
It wasn't the slightly breathless, verging on giddy, heart racing he got when he was around Magnus, it felt closer to fear
He stepped back just a bit, Magnus's words finally registering.
"W-What are you talking about?" he asks confused
Magnus gives a faint laugh, tilting his head slightly,
The move doesn't seem natural
He takes another step back, not really knowing what is going on, but kind of mimicking Jakes response;
The feeling he's getting is almost like staring down a predator
…It baffles him, because it's Magnus…
But it's not
It's like this isn't his Magnus…
He wonders if he's been affected by the same thing as the people at the convention…
If he has, maybe they can find a way to treat it…
Hopefully
He takes a deep breath and a hesitant step forward.
A very small, step forward.
'Magnus' gives a slight bit of a laugh
He has to fight the urge to stumble back several more steps
He takes another deep breath,
"Magnus, A-are you okay? You don't seem like yourself…"
'Magnus' chuckles, tilting his head slightly
It's just as disconcerting the second time
They're standing about ten feet apart, Magus leaning against the door frame,
Blocking the only exit to the room
A vague part of his brain unhelpfully supplies
"Alexander, darling, you really are absolutely delightful in every universe" he practically purrs
And 'purrs' seems to be a pretty fitting word
"Wha-" Alec begins,
Then he stops talking, because he has apparently lost his mind…
'Magnus' blinks, and from one second to the next his eyes flicker, changing from the familiar, deep brown to bright golden cat eyes that seem to nearly glow in the low light of the room.
He smirks, before flicking his wrist, making a vague flourishing movement,
Brilliant blue and violet sparks shimmer into existence, illuminating the room, dancing through the air
He gives a slight smile; it seems warmer, but no less dangerous
"I am more than okay, darling, and I am myself… Just not the one you know."
Alec gasped, eyes wide, taking a step back
'Magnus' huffs somewhat, before waving him off carelessly, sending more sparks into the air
"My Darling Alexander, there is no need to be frightened…
I assure you, there is no universe in existence in which I am a threat to you, love.
Now come along, there's no time to explain,
But since we have this settled, we really must hurry and save your Magnus"
That registers more than anything else
"Magnus is in danger?" he asked alarmed
Then rolls his eyes slightly
"Oh, of course he is" he mutters
Magnus chuckles slightly
"Yes, He does seem to be a bit of a handful, doesn't he?"
Alec shook his head exasperated
"You have NO idea"
He shakes his head again slightly, before taking one more deep breath, closing his eyes, everything suddenly becoming clear
All the craziness of the day coming together…
The 'delusional' scientist who thought he was a warlock from another universe
The 'spell' on the hostages
The way five people had disappeared from the room at the convention
A terrifying other Magnus
Jake and Ezekiel's insistence on lying
Jake being unable to explain to him the actual truth…
How could he?
How do you tell someone that Magic is real and a Warlock from another universe was set on using a siren's feather to steal people essences?
He wondered if this is what it felt like for Magnus when the randomness just suddenly fell together
Or, if this is how it feels when you finally completely lose touch with reality
Either way, he'll have to ask Magnus when they find him…
Right after he yells at him for lying,
And again for scaring him within an inch of his life by running off to confront a crazed freaking warlock
Right before he kisses him senseless
Or after that…
Almost certainly after…
Squaring his shoulders, he gives 'not Magnus' a determined, dead calm look
"Okay, I don't know what's going on…I don't know about Magic, or warlocks or spells, other universes or whatever else…
But you, obviously, do.
If Magnus, My Magnus, is in trouble, you will help me get him back." He said authoritatively
"Ezekiel too" Jake chimes in, stepping forward next to Alec…
'Not Magnus' turns, focusing on Jake,
He tilts his head slightly, raising an eyebrow, cat eyes flashing dangerously
Jake steps back, but tries to keep a determined look
"Careful, Librarian…you are in no position to demand anything of me"
Alec stepped between them
"Look, I don't know what's going on with you and these 'Librarians', and I really don't know you…
I'm at a loss with all of this,
But one thing I do know is My Magnus;
He would never leave someone in danger just because of some prejudices or grudge or whatever else.
I know you're not actually him, but I can't believe that any version of him would be that cold, that unfeeling…"
'Not Magnus' rolled his eyes, giving an exasperated sigh
"Really, is there any version of you that isn't an annoyingly perfect paragon of virtue?"
Alec laughed
"So, does that mean you will help get Ezekiel back, too?" he asked, giving a slightly imploring look
"Ugh…Fine…I hate that look, how am I supposed to argue with that?" Magnus grumbled somewhat petulantly
Alec and Jake both breathe a sigh of relief…
Alec doesn't know what's going on, he doesn't know who 'not Magnus' is, or what he can do,
But he has a feeling with this guy on their side
Lidan doesn't stand a chance
_Alec-Alec-Alec-Alec-Alec_
"Okay, so, explain it one more time" Alec asked somewhat desperately
This was just so far out there he didn't even know how to process it
'Not Magnus' gave a heavy, exasperated sigh
"Darling, it's not that complicated:
Ezekiel and Jake are Librarians, in our universe they guard Magical artifacts and keep them from hurting poor innocent humans…
Well, that's what they say anyways,
Most of the ones I have had the misfortune to meet have just tried to kill me.
Lidan is a poor, sorry, pathetic excuse for a warlock who has stooped to not only jumping to a universe totally devoid of magic, but using these artifacts all in a vain effort to become 'the most powerful being in the universe', insert cheesy supervillian laugh here…
He stole four artifacts, and has tried to use only three of them as the feather works best on the eve of the full moon, not the night.
That would be tonight.
The power would be strongest at around 3am, the witching hour…
At that time he will try to use the feather to absorb their abilities. I do not know what It will do here, as none of the other objects, save my ring, have worked the way they are supposed to in this universe.
What I do know is this man is either totally delusional, a complete idiot, or suicidal as he was foolish enough to steal something from me.
I have no doubt that regardless of the outcome with the feather he doesn't intend to let either of them go."
Alec and Jake tensed up at that, but 'not Magnus' just waives it off
"Now, none of that,
We will get your Magnus, and your Ezekiel, as well as my ring, back…
And then I will take care of the rest" he finished in an almost gleeful tone, with that totally unsettling smirk
Alec nodded slightly, fighting off the slight shiver that look caused
Seriously, he felt like it should come with, like, a flash of lightning or thunder clap or something…
Why did he feel like they were joining forces with a supervillian?
He shook his head, glancing around the room, trying to clear his mind a bit
Man, between the magic, the supervillian in training, the possibly far more skilled supervillian they were working with, and the multiple universes, Alec was really starting to wish they had Simon with them…
His knowledge of scifi and fantasy would probably come in pretty handy right about now.
At least they were at home safe.
A thought occurred to him
"Hey so, what about-"
'Not Magnus' gave a rather exasperated groan
"Alexander, love, please…I absolutely adore you, but I cannot explain it, yet again"
He blushed, in spite of himself
Okay it wasn't his Magnus, but the words almost sounded like him
"N-no, not, uh, not that…I think I have that, well, not really, but I think I'm giving up on it making any more sense than it has the last four times…
This is as close as I'm gonna get"
'Not Magnus' chuckled warmly, giving a bit of an affectionate smile
"Then what is it, love?"
"Well, it's just I was looking around and you made the hostages disappear, kind of like Lidan would have, right?"
He shrugged slightly
"Eh, something like that, though probably with a fair bit more skill and flare, of course"
Alec rolled his eyes slightly
'Not Magnus' smirked at that, cat eyes sparking bright with amusement
"Yeah, okay…I get it you're far more powerful,
But if you did it about the same way he did, why isn't there anything left?"
He tilted his head, in confusion
It seemed less disconcerting, maybe he was adjusting to the oddly inhuman movement
Or maybe whatever sense of self preservation he had has already jumped ship
Whatever, it didn't make him want to run away
He was counting it as a win
"What do you mean, darling?"
"Well, in the room where he took Simon and Raphael as well as a couple other guys, there was a strange orange powdery kind of residue and a weird, electrical type smell"
"Magic doesn't leave traces, not unless you…
Oh.
Oh, that stupid, incompetent, absolute imbecile.
He is even more of a fool than I would have ever have guessed…
If we weren't in such a time crunch I'd have half a mind to just sit back and let him suffer with the fate he has created for himself" He finished shaking his head
"Uhh, what?" Jake asked, totally lost
He'd been trying to stay out of the warlock's attention after the last time, just to be safe, but he couldn't quite ignore that.
He fixed his cat's eyes on Jake; though the look wasn't the terrifying one he'd penned him with before,
This was a look of hopeless resignation in the face of total idiocy…
He knew that look
Jenkins had it a lot when he came in part way through some of their plans
"He found a way to use the artifacts, alright…
And he'll get the power boost he so desperately wants, but I don't think he's counting on the downside.
There is a reason Warlocks aren't to use artifacts, and it's not just because it's a sign of weakness.
See, when one of us uses an artifact for its intended purposes, everything goes as it should, sometimes it works better, giving the boost of power we can give it.
However over the millennia some have found that if they destroy an artifact, they can absorb its power,
They will not get the powers of the artifact, but it kind of supercharges their own powers,
It's rather like if a human takes steroids
It boosts their abilities to their maximum power level.
Absorbing more doesn't raise the power level any,
The only way to continue it is to absorb one just as the effects of the last began to subside…
And they would have to continue it pretty much until they die,
Which, as we are immortal, and artifacts are not exactly overly commonplace,
Doesn't really work so well.
When they do wear off, which they always do, because no one can continue that pace for an eternity
It's like the most unbearable hangover ever experienced by man, only so much worse;
Every cell in their body feels like it is on fire, exploding
They cannot move without it magnifying one hundred fold and they will have an unceasing, blaring sound in their head that is described as a rusty chain saw cutting through a car
The symptoms last for months at full strength, and never really go away until they absorb another; many are driven mad by it"
Alec and Jake stared at him in shock, not really sure how to process that,
"O-okay, so, in a week or less he'll be basically in a hell of his own making…
If we had a week to wait, fine, at this point the guy deserves it, but what I'm getting from that is right this second he has the highest level of power possible.
Don't take this the wrong way but,
Are you absolutely sure that you can handle him?" Alec asked nervously
Magnus froze, staring at him for a second, before nearly dissolving in laughter
"Darling, of course I can…
I said he is at the most powerful level HE can achieve:
Though with the lack of Magic in this universe, he will still be less powerful than he would be back home…
In any case,
I actually looked into him after your Magnus brought him to my attention.
There is a very good reason he needed to resort to using artifacts and jumping universes;
He is absolutely pathetic.
He's barely been around for a century, which is nothing so far as we're concerned. In our world his powers barely even register,
He's the warlock equivalent of a magician who does kids parties,
And even that's being generous…"
Alec chuckled, raising his eyebrow
"So, you're saying you can take him?"
He gave that flashing eyed smirk once again, tilting his head just slightly
It seemed less terrifying
Almost thrilling
"Blindfolded, one hand tied behind my back, and black out drunk"
Alec flat out laughed at that, shaking his head
"Yeah, uh…how about we try it the normal way, just in case"
He huffed playfully, rolling his eyes
"Oh, but I so wanted it to be at least a bit of a challenge" he grumbled playfully
"Okay, well, maybe think of it as a challenge in restraint,
Seeing if you can do this without making a big dramatic show of it"
'Not Magnus' gave a surprised, sharp laugh, raising his eyebrow
"And what makes you think I'm overdramatic?"
Alec pretended to think for a moment
"Hmm…I don't know, maybe the fact that half the things you say or do kinda makes it feel like you're the supervillian we should be after?"
He gets a slightly teasing, predatory smirk, eyes flickering, leaning just a bit closer
"Detective, are you saying you are going to try to arrest me?
Because if so…
I might actually let you"
Alec blushed brightly, laughing, shaking his head
"You are incorrigible" he muttered
'Not Magnus' grinned
"Aww, thank you gorgeous, you're incredible, too"
Alec rolled his eyes, still blushing
Okay, so apparently any Magnus has the ability to make him blush…
He shook his head slightly, before a thought occurred to him
"So, in this universe he's not as powerful as he would be, right?" Alec asked glancing over at Mag- no, 'NOT Magnus'
He nodded
"Yes,
Even though much of our magic is inherent a great amount of it is actually tied to our universe…
Regardless of your magic level the universe you are in affects your strength and abilities.
The more Magic inherent in a universe, the more powerful you would be.
There is absolutely no real magic in this universe; therefore it is where his powers would be weakest…"
Alec glanced over curiously
"So, if that's the case, why isn't it affecting you? Why aren't your powers weakened?"
'Not Magnus' chuckled leaning closer, nearly brushing against him,
"Sweetheart, this IS me weakened" he said winking
Alec's eyes widened, somewhere between amazed and alarmed
Jake gulped slightly and moved a bit further behind Alec,
He seemed okay dealing with Warlock Magnus…
Also, Warlock Magnus had yet to look as if he was contemplating exactly how many ways he could end Alec, unlike him…
So there was that
He turned to them, cat eyes flashing dangerously, with that sharp, terrifying grin
Yup, just gonna move a little bit further behind Alec
"Aright boys, here's how we are going to do this:
The ring is mine; I can track it from here…
I will get us in, you two go find your guys, these" He paused making a dramatic flourish with his hand, causing two brilliant violet stones to appear in his hand, before handing one to each of them
"Will break any spell he has on them,
Just hold one over each of their heads and break it. When it breaks there will be a slight flash and a puff of violet smoke, then any spell he has on them will be broken, got it?"
They both nodded
"So, while we're doing that what will you be doing?"
He smiled
This time Alec almost swears he heard the a faint rumbling of thunder
"I am going to find Lidan…
It seems the man has been oh so set on meeting me,
I'd just hate to disappoint him"
Alec shook his head, fighting off a slight, reckless grin in spite of the situation
"Seriously, are you sure you're not a supervillian?"
He chuckled giving a wide eyed look, reminding Alec far too much of his Magnus,
"Of course not darling…
So long as people stay on my good side" he finished with that playfully dangerous grin
Alec nodded, getting a determined look
"Well, I think in general I'd feel bad for anyone who got on your bad side, but this Lidan has my Magnus, and Ezekiel…
He kidnapped my brother and two of my closest friends along with six other innocent people…
I think he deserves whatever he gets"
'Not Magnus' got a rather terrifying grin
"Oh, sweetheart I am so very glad to hear you say that" he purred
_Other-Other-Other-Other-Other_
They appeared just inside a rather non-descript warehouse type building.
Magnus closed his eyes waving his hand, a shimmer of violet blue appearing,
His eyes popped back open, glimmering in the low light,
He tilted his head slightly
"Magnus and Ezekiel are down that hallway… they are separated, Ezekiel is further down at the end of the hall, Magnus is in the room just off the hall.
Lidan is at the other end; he has yet to realize we are here
Go get them...
I'm going to go let him know we're here"
Jake and Alec nodded, turning to rush down the hallway,
Jake raced down to the far end reaching the door,
The room seemed to be some kind of storage area; his eyes scrutinized the room somewhat franticly, finally landing on Ezekiel
He was standing in one corner, his eyes closed,
He looked frozen, much like the hostages had at the warehouse
Jake hurried over, holding the stone over Ezekiel's head, breaking it
There was a brilliant purple flash and a wisp of smoke
Ezekiel blinked, taking a deep, gasping breath, before his eyes focused on Jake; he grabbed Jakes shoulders frantically, shaking his head
"Jake! Lida-" he started but was cut off when Jake pulled him into a frantic kiss
Ezekiel seemed to freeze
Oh, crap!
What was he doing!?
Jake pulled away nervously,
Ezekiel gave him a slightly mischievous smirk, raising his eyebrow
"Oh, Uhh…s-sorry I don-"
Ezekiel chuckled, shaking his head
"Uh uh, don't even try it, cowboy" He cut him off before reaching up, grabbing Jakes shirt collar, and pulling him down into a much deeper, far more thorough, kiss.
Jake gave a bit of an elated laugh, before winding his arms around Ezekiel, tugging him closer
_Alec-Alec-Alec-Alec-Alec_
Alec burst into the room with so much force the door nearly came off the hinges
He scanned the room, finally spotting Magnus
He quickly retrieved the stone as he strode across the room, stopping just in front of Magnus.
He checked to be sure that Magnus was okay, that he wasn't hurt.
He looked peaceful, soft, relaxed,
Probably how he would if he was sleeping, though it was rather unsettling with him standing
He reached up, checking for his pulse, just to be sure
He found it without trouble, strong and steady…
Alec breathed a sigh of relief,
At last feeling that it would actually be alright,
His Magnus was here, right here
He really was safe
Alec held the stone above his head, crushing it.
There was a quick, bright flash and a puff of iridescent smoke
Magnus gasped slightly, his familiar, deep, impossibly warm brown eyes flutter open,
Alec feels his heart begin to race
The good way this time…
Alec grabbed him, pulling Magnus close, he raised one hand to his cheek, before moving it over slightly, gently pushing a few strands of soft, brilliant aqua hair, away from his face,
Magnus leans into the touch, humming softly
Alec traces along his jaw, tilting his head up just slightly, leaning down, and kissing him slowly…
Magnus gasps softly, unfreezing,
He surges forward, wrapping his arms around Alec, pulling him close, deepening the kiss
Alec groans, eagerly tightening his hold,
He's probably holding on too tight, but he just can't help it…
Magnus is here
His Magnus
He is safe, and he is alive and right here,
In his arms…
He never wants to let go
Magnus makes that soft, happy, humming sound again, and Alec feels his heart beat speed up further
They startle when Jake and Ezekiel rush into the room, skidding to a stop when they see Alec and Magnus
"Oh, uh…sorry, don't mean to interrupt" Jake says sheepishly
Ezekiel grins, elated that the other two are alright…
Magnus gives Ezekiel a look of total relief,
"Oh you guys are-" Ezekiel begins but is cut off suddenly
A loud booming sounds from outside the room,
Then inside the room
As Lidan is sent flying through the door and into the far wall like a rag doll.
The four in the room move closer together, away from him,
Suddenly Lidan surges up, raising his hands, brilliant red and orange sparks erupt, surrounding him, his head turns slightly, spotting the other men
He has a totally deranged look,
He turns to them, raising his hands, the orange and red swirl together, gathering into a huge undulating writhing ball, looking like molten magma
There is nowhere they can go,
Lidan flings his hands out towards them, the molten mass surging forward
Suddenly it's blocked by a bright, powerful, brilliant blue arc, knocking the blow back at Lidan, before it dissipates into nothingness
Magnus slinks into the room, that dangerous smirk firmly in place, cat eyes flashing, blue and violet sparks shimmering, crackling like lightening around his hands, and up his arms.
The very air around him seems to ripple with the energy
"Tsk, tsk, now that wasn't very nice…
If you cannot play nice, then you cannot play at all" he says, voice smooth, nearly melodic
Lidan turns to him trying to raise his hand, the orange sparks starting to gather
Magnus gave a derisive bark of a laugh,
"Oh, please! What do you think you are possibly going to do against me?
Sweetie, it's not even a matter of me being out of your league,
We are not even playing the same game…"
He raises his hand,
A brilliant, shimmering blue violet cloud surged out from his hand, flying towards Lidan
The cloud becomes a brilliant, iridescent rolling, churning smoke, eclipsing the orange, completely encircling Lidan
When it clears Lidan is lying motionless on the ground
The others stare in shock before turning their gaze as one to Magnus
He glances over at them, taking in their stunned expressions,
He shrugs, smirking, cat eyes glimmering, the shimmer of power around him just beginning to fade,
He raises an eyebrow, leaning casually against the door frame
"What?"