Disclaimer: All characters belong to Cassandra Clare.

Chapter 9: Group, Fire

Magnus's heart broke as he brought Alec closer, allowing him to cry on his shoulder. He could see the evident pain and agony written on Alec's face. Judging from the despair and wrecked look of Alec, he knew something terrible had happened during the interrogation. But he simply chose not to think about it. Now wasn't the proper time.

Who was he kidding, with him as a Downworlder he should've known it all along –The Downworld Council was no better than the Clave. He knew Alec would never be given a fair trial. Without his presence they held an interrogation in the trial simply proved that. And he was stupid enough to hope that the Downworld Council was not as corrupted as the Clave. He knew those Downworld representatives for most of his life. He should've known, yet his stupid brain failed to acknowledge it.

He was glad that Luke was there to prevent things from getting worse. While he was certain that the Downworlders wouldn't stand up for Alec, Magnus could depend on Luke on such matter. After all, Luke was once a Shadowhunter before he was turned into a werewolf.

"Get him out, Magnus." Luke said as Malcolm, Tessa and Maia rushed through the door and hurried down towards their location. Knowing he wasn't alone and his friends were on the rescue Magnus yanked Alec up and intended to carry the sobbing man in bridal style. But before Magnus could carry on his attempt, Alec quickly stopped him.

"I can walk by myself." Alec replied with his shaky voice as he tried to straighten his back. Soon he was overwhelmed by the pain and hunched again.

Magnus frowned; there was no need to act tough in front of him, yet he wasn't surprised by the stubbornness. Shadowhunters were trained to be killers without emotions. Still he held Alec's arms as the shorter man attempted to stand on his bare feet. Magnus resisted the urge to just throw Alec on his shoulders and carried him when the shorter man hissed at the pain.

"Are you sure?" Asked Magnus.

"Yes." Alec nodded and leaned towards Magnus, letting him bear some of his weight.

Tessa stared worriedly at his wounds which clotted blood formed a circle around each ankle. "Don't put too much pressure on them."

"Let me help." Malcolm took the spare arm of Alec and draped it over his shoulder. Tentatively Alec mumbled a thank you to him but Malcolm wasn't able to respond as he was too pre-occupied by the thought of getting out of this alive.

They quickly leave the hall while constantly checking Alec's situation. They made sure to check occasionally on his ankles. Tessa and Maia were at the front while Luke stayed on their back to protect Alec from the roaring Downworlders. But luckily, no one took an action to stop them from leaving because they were too indulged with their theories and unconfirmed rumors about the experiment Alec had said. They had doubts about the Council a long time ago and had detected an underlying scheming. But they wouldn't say it out in public, especially under the spies of the Council's members.

Alec had some difficulty walking up the stairs but with the help of the two Warlocks, he successfully made it without further damaging his ankles. Tessa sighed in relief as the exit was within reach. One more step and they would be out of this suffocating hall. But before they managed to do so, a group of Vampires stood in the doorstep. These bloodthirsty Vampires had their fangs touched their lips and they were glaring at them ferociously as if they were food served for them to feast.

One of the Vampires, who appeared to be the leader of the group, stepped forward and said lazily. "One step out of this hall and you will be dead." His accent was thick that made Magnus wrinkled his nose in distaste.

"Get lost." Magnus scoffed at the Vampire.

The Vampires flinched at his rude attitude. They quickly glanced with a knowing look with each other: the humiliation was intolerable for their sky-high egos. The one who confronted Magnus was about to leap and grab the Warlock's collar, when suddenly, Camille stepped in. She was walking up wearing her grace and elegance despite her troublesome dress.

"Let them go," She ordered as she crossed her arms across her chest. "There will always be a second chance."

"But – "

"What did I say?" Camille interrupted them and narrowed her eyes, as if daring anyone to defy her command. As obedient as they were when their clan leader ordered, the Vampires retreated after hissing at them like puppies. Magnus sneered inwards.

"Thank you my subordinates." Camille said as she turned around and smiled at Magnus. Her emerald eyes were chilly when they landed on her ex-lover, of which the cat-like Warlock would like to disagree with the term. "I can always find you, Magnus. We have all the eternity."

She was smiling. The flawless ceramic-like face was her cover and it was her flair to use her beauty to hide the sinister thoughts. He wasn't the Warlock that fell under her spell anymore. After years Magnus had come to realize Camille was the wolf in sheep's clothing. Now that he really looked at her, he couldn't comprehend the love he had felt for her. Maybe, there wasn't any love between them at all. Their relationship was more like master and pet. No one should only be someone's pet – he stopped his thought there. Those were painful moments in his life that he begged to forget.

Magnus lifted his chin and finally decided to meet her eyes. He was void of any emotion as they stared at each other. 'It should be.' Magnus thought. That was exactly how he felt about her now. Nothing.

"Don't be so sure." Magnus said and he didn't wait for the reply. He did not wish to hear her voice any longer.

Since Camille had withdrawn her subordinates, they left the hall as quickly as possible. Magnus immediately let out a heavy sigh of relief when the door closed behind them. Finally, they were all free from the curses and shouts.

He felt like giving in. His body was beyond exhausted. He swore white dots were dancing on the ceilings, on the stairs, and on the carpeted floor. He was going to pass out anytime soon. His knees were weakening and he found himself falling. But before he did, Luke suddenly held his arm and prevented him from collapsing onto the floor.

"Watch your step," Luke said, like the fatherly figure he was. Maia then decided to take Magnus' place in carrying Alec. Helping each other, they went down the stairs and were heading to Magnus's room in the house.

"I am fine," Magnus whispered but he couldn't detach himself from Luke. His strength had not entire recovered yet.

Once they entered Magnus's room they got Alec to sit on the bedside while Magnus was deposited on the armchair near the fireplace. Malcolm closed the door behind him and put up a ward for protection. After what had happened they knew they shouldn't let their guard down.

This whole ordeal was dragging his spirit down. Magnus sunk deep into the chair as he rested and closed his eyes to relax. When his mind had at last reached the state of calmness only then did he manage to assess the whole fiasco. Every move he took seemed to be wrong, except the choice of getting Alec out from the unfair trial. He just hoped the consequences of the said event would be bearable for all of them.

Alec, on the other hand, was a total disaster. The remnants of his tears had dried all over his pale face. Muds and dirt had clung themselves on the black shirt and pants. A piece of fabric was burnt around his shoulder while the hole gave him a glimpse of his collarbone. Magnus noticed Alec flinched when Malcolm knelt in front of him.

"I am just going to heal your ankles," Malcolm said carefully as if to reassure Alec that he would never do anything to him other than that. From Magnus's chair he could only see the Warlock's back, yet it wasn't hard to imagine his soft features as he gently rested those bleeding feet on his kneecaps.

Alec observed cautiously. His blue eyes fixed on his hands that rested just above his wounds. The palms were facing downwards and the fingertips glowed. Magnus heard Malcolm murmuring a spell and Alec gasped when the flow of magic rushed through.

"Try moving." Malcolm said after it was done.

He kept his eyes half-lidded and studied Alec carefully. Alec moved slowly in hesitation like he was afraid of using his legs.

"Hm…" Alec frowned as he stopped mid-track of the rotation. Malcolm massaged the closed wounds tenderly. At first Alec recoiled and his shoulder tensed; soon, he relaxed and let the Warlock do his work.

"Walking will be fine, but never run unless I say you can. Otherwise you will have to limp for the rest of your life." Malcolm said as he continued rubbing.

"You should work as a massager." Magnus made a small joke in attempt to alleviate the tension that reigned in the room and smirked at Malcolm's annoyed huff.

Upon hearing Magnus's voice Alec lifted his head up. Their eyes met and just then he knew that something about the Shadowhunter had changed; he was emitting a dangerous aura and Malcolm must have felt it too, because he had placed Alec's feet back onto the carpet and stepped away to maintain a safe distance. Alec's jaw was tight, his teeth gritting, and his fingers had curled into fists.

"Where is Max?" As soon as the question left out his mouth, everyone in the room stopped talking.

Magnus slowly stood straight as he picked out the phone from his pocket and began dialing Catarina's number. "You should directly talk with her."

He handed the phone to Alec and went to stand by Malcolm's side. Alec's lips twitched upward to force a smile and he gripped the bed sheet as he listened to the ringtone.

"Give him some privacy." Tessa suggested as they all stared at Alec while he was making a call. Magnus, along with others, nodded at her suggestion. They shuffled out of the room with silence.

Magnus turned around to spare Alec one last glance. A hand wrapped around his wrist.

"Leave him alone for some time. He is fine by himself." Whispered Tessa.

The door was closed and the five of them stood in the hallway. Magnus rubbed his eyes tiredly. Luke, who looked to be in deep thoughts, asked with Maia by his side. "What will be our plan now?"

Plan. He never thought things would go this way and everything was out of his control. He had been too confident about Alec; really, what had made him think that with only himself – a Warlock, powerful one but still – was enough to protect a Shadowhunter who attracted spotlights and troubles everywhere he went?

He had dealt with this before, about a hundred years ago. However, this time Magnus was put in a rather difficult situation. He was fighting against the world. A world fed on hatred and destruction. The world was Alec's enemy.

"We will never have enough plans to deal with what's coming." Magnus confessed. Tessa wanted to speak, but she quickly shut her mouth and looked at the ground like anybody else. Leaning against the wall Magnus faintly heard the conversation inside. He wanted to know what they were talking about but all he heard was incoherent words and mumbles. There was no energy left of him.

Alec's breath hitched when the other line was picked up. Somehow Catarina knew it was him even though the caller name was Magnus.

"Tell me you are alright, Alec." Catarina asked as soon as the telephone connection between them was established. Fortunately, Alec still got her question.

"I am fine," He answered with a raspy voice regardless how unconvincing it sounded. To his relief Catarina didn't pry further more. "And the others are fine, too. But that's not why I call – "

"This is about Max, isn't it?"

Alec laid down on his side. The sheets carried the unique scent of Magnus which resembled the one lingered around his apartment, and that intoxicating scent had infused into the shirt Alec was wearing right now. After the horrible moment in the hall he seemed to be more aware of the Warlock's presence than ever. It was magnified; and Alec found himself getting used to sight of sandalwood burning in the fireplace and his nose picking up the comforting scent.

"I want to talk to him." Alec said. His nails were scratching the soft white fabric while he was trying to calm the rapid beating of his heart. He wanted to know Max was alright. He was his only concern.

Just then Catarina distanced herself from the phone to call Michael. "Michael! Have you finished feeding Max yet?"

Alec sat back up. In the background he could hear a muffled shout. "Wait a second."

His son was with someone else, whom he didn't know. He didn't know this Michael – he thought only Catarina was with Max. He gulped as he held the phone nervously, but it soon faded away when he heard the familiar, lovely voice of his beloved son.

"Maxie!" Alec called out to his son.

"Muaaa," Max said in his own language. He sounded fine. Innocent and joyful as always. At that moment Alec couldn't bear it anymore and tears started to fall from his eyes and ran down on his face. He sniffled as he tried to suppress the tremble on his body. He was shaking, ready to run in order to hold Max in his arms. He couldn't wait a second longer to be with him. Ever since Max was born they had never lived a day without each other. This separation anxiety was getting under his skin.

"I will be back soon. I have missed you," He whispered back to Max, making sure that only Max could hear him. He was fully aware of the man who stood nearby his son. "Do you miss me?"

"Buuuuu – "

Max was blowing air randomly for fun. He liked making weird sounds. Alec laughed for a second before he felt an invisible energy warmed his body. It was strange; how Max had changed him. He had never foreseen a day that someone as important as his Parabatai would appear in his life. Maybe Max was even more important than Jace: Alec had left everyone behind for his future, and he didn't regret it at all. Not one bit.

"I love you too," Said Alec, "I promise we will see each other in no time. Then I will never leave again, even if you want me to."

Max didn't answer since he could hardly understand his words at this age. But he was a clever child – maybe too smart for his own good. Alec was sure he got what he meant anyway.

As if she had been listening, Catarina took the phone from Max and asked him with a soft voice. "When are you coming back?"

"Now," Alec said without asking whether it was possible. If it was not, he would make it happen no matter what.

"Good. I would like you to meet Michael; Max and he get along quite well."

"Is he?" There was a hammer slowly tapping his chest and it was hard for him to breathe. He hated this Michael just by the sound of it.

Alec chided at himself. He should not feel jealous to this Michael; he was supposed to be happy that Max had made a new friend, yet he felt anything but happy. It was as if someone took part of his life away and claimed it theirs. With a part that was missing, another slipped away, and then another.

"I am sure Max will be happy to see you," Catarina said her last words before they ended the call. "Go and prepare – we will get everything ready here. I will send you a fire message of the address, okay?"

"Yes. See you, Catarina."

"Bye, Alec."

Alec stared at the screen with a blank face as the line dropped.

Max was all he had. He couldn't afford to lose him as well.

Luke and Maia had excused themselves and had returned to their room after a series of apologies. Magnus didn't mind because they had done nothing wrong in the first place: as a pack leader, Luke's priority was undoubtedly the safety of his pack members. For him Magnus was a mere acquaintance while the Shadowhunters were his past history. None of this mess was actually his business, but the Warlock appreciated his aid. Nowadays it was rare to have an honest man whom you could trust.

"I don't think I am needed anymore," Malcolm said his farewell. "So, I wish you – "

"No, Malcolm, you are staying." Magnus interrupted before Malcolm could finish.

"… Why?"

The Asiatic Warlock shrugged. "My magic is still restoring and I need yours for the portal and a ward once we go back to New York."

"New York is not safe anymore. The Circle knows your relation with Alec and they will find you." Tessa argued.

"Fine," Magnus waved his hands dismissively, "but Alec is not going to leave Max behind. We have to go back for him."

Malcolm frowned. "Max?"

Although it was beyond his comprehension why Alec insisted on brining a Nephilim baby when he escaped from the Circle, Magnus decided not to say anything more about it. It would only raise suspicion so he changed the subject. "Whatever you say, Alec and I are returning to New York. We will see what we do from there."

"You're the boss." Malcolm crossed his arms and pouted in defeat.

Tessa simply leaned on the wall opposite and her gray eyes were scanning Magnus who was busy tidying up his messy suit.

"What is it?"

"Nothing," She mumbled. "It's just I haven't seen you like this for a long time."

"Like what?" Magnus frowned in confusion.

"You look different. Like now, like then."

Magnus and Tessa shared a look that only the both of them understood. Magnus shook his head as he said "He is not Will. And he wouldn't be."

"I know, Magnus. It could be my emotions speaking because he somewhat looks like Will and I don't want to see Alec go through all of this… I fear for his life."

"You should fear for your own," Raphael interjected that made the gang tilted their heads to look at the direction of the Vampire. He was walking towards them, and came to halt and stood in front of Magnus and was staring at him intensely. "The Council isn't happy."

"Hello, kiddo." Said sourly the purple-eyed Warlock. Unfortunately, none took notice of his little whine.

"They are sending people after me?" Magnus questioned.

"And the others who have helped the Shadowhunter."

"I am not surprised," Tessa added. "They are ill-intentioned in the first place. I doubt they like anyone who doesn't support sending Alec to his death row."

"I don't see what's in him that you're all treating him like a fragile sweetie." Raphael rolled his eyes. Without another word, he turned around to walk back to the way he came like he was only there to deliver a message. Magnus was used to his sudden appearance and unexplained departure. Vampires didn't like crossing path with other Downworlders.

"Thanks," He shouted at the back of the teenager who had disappeared around the corner. Even though Raphael had blatantly expressed his disagreement with Magnus, he had come to tell them news. Raphael still had a soft spot for the people he cared about which he was unwilling to expose.

The door between Magnus's and Malcolm's bodies was ajar. From there a ball of black hairs and the stunning blue eyes which Magnus grew fond of emerged from the small gap. Magnus asked in his gentlest voice.

"How was it?"

As if knowing the hallway was empty except the three Warlocks, Alec yanked the door wider to give a room for them and stepped back. Magnus gently pushed the door by his arm while hoping the strength wouldn't startle Alec. The said man nodded, and he retired to sit on the bedside. The three Warlocks then made their way inside. Malcolm, as thoughtful as he could be, locked the door with a snap of his fingers to give them some privacy.

"Alec, how was it?" Magnus repeated.

"Catarina gave me this address," Three pairs of eyes stared at direction Alec pointed at. A paper was next to Tessa's book on the nightstand. "She said Max and her were with someone going by the name Michael."

"Michael?"

Magnus had no knowledge about any Michael. Many people in New York were called that. He wasn't that worried but when he met Alec's stiff expression he knew the Shadowhunter was needed to be reassured.

He explained as he read the paper. "If Catarina trusts him there shouldn't be a problem. She knows people."

Malcolm nodded as he seconded Magnus's statement. "She can see through you. Every time. That's why she wins every time we play cards."

The address was in Long Island. Magnus pocketed the paper and turned to see Alec was fidgeting. Said man was nodding to Malcolm's stupid jokes absently. Magnus knew Alec was thinking about Max. The Shadowhunter had to ensure the baby's safety first, though Magnus could and couldn't understand it at the same time.

He sat down and covered his pale hand over with one of his. Alec tilted his head slightly, and Magnus could see those soulful eyes that were hiding behind the long black fringe. Alec tugged a strand of his hairs to the back of his ear with his spare hand.

"It will be fine," Magnus whispered, while in the background were the noises of Tessa and Malcolm bickering with each other. "Everything will be."

Alec remained silent, yet through his eyes there was a fire being ignited. The fire of determination was scorching within.

A/N:

To cheesekun: Daray is definitely one of them; the experiment is a long-term project which has a far-reaching history, believe me:) The purpose will be revealed in later chapters! I can say for sure about Max though...

To Guest: here is the chapter:D I hope it meets your expectation!

A big hug for my beta Daime Guiral who edited this chapter even she is sick. Get well soon! :)

Okay, first I would like to apologize for this slow update because I know in my past I was a quick writer. However, because of the semester and heavy workload I have not been able to write. Sorry if you have been waiting for this chapter! I will never abandon my story so don't worry about that:). And I will try to update monthly afterwards.

So, hopefully you all enjoy this slow-paced chapter and a review is highly appreciated. Wish you all a great day!