CHAPTER XIX

"Time Stand Still"

Magnus tried to decide what to do, after the heated conversation with Alexander. The warlock knew he was too harsh for the young male. He understood Alec's reasoning and the desperation that formed in him when he learned of his parents' decision. On the other hand, he couldn't be just a safe passage for the young shadowhunter, an escape. The whole situation between him and Alec hurt him beyond anything. His inner Alpha wanted to grab his omega and take him away, mate him, though he tried to act unfazed in front of the younger man. But his rational side; even though it showed up rarely lately, especially when regarding Alec, made him think of his own happiness and life. He loved Alec so much but it was hard to be the one who always stood up for them. It was tiresome to be alone on the battlefield for their relationship. Alec will never love him the way he loves Jace. He will never be the one for him. He wanted to be something more to him. A respectful partner, a lover; he wanted to be the most important person to someone and he thought it could be Alec, finally after all those years. Yet it seemed that the fates decided to not let him be happy. In fact, the fates decided to put another barrier in the way to his happiness. A barrier named Underhill.

Magnus underestimated Underhill. The man had played his cards well by offering a political marriage to the Lightwoods. Magnus should have seen it coming. Robert and Maryse always did everything to help their name get into good graces again. After the failure of the Circle, they tried to deem themselves worthy of the Clave again. And now they had a perfect opportunity, delivered to them on a silver platter. They would be fools if they rejected it.

Magnus was pacing back and forth in his hallway, talking himself into and out of going to the Institute, when he felt it.

At first, he didn't recognize the agonizing pain in his chest, followed by the rip of his insides. He hadn't felt like this ever before. It was pure torture. Magnus howled in pain and clutched his chest, helpless as he fell to the floor. Maybe he was poisoned and was now taking its effect on him. However, before he had a chance to think about it, a vision formed in his mind.

Magnus stood in the middle of an old-fashioned furnished room. The place was wide with its white walls covered in paintings from many centuries. In the corner stood a tall, old wooden clock that Magnus recognized as belonging to the London's Institute, given once in a gift of friendship. Suddenly, he was hit with another wave of pain. Magnus clutched his chest again and looked ahead, only to spot the most horrible view in his entire lifetime.

Two demons, with claws and fiery breath, were attacking his best friend. Ragnor Fell tried to fight back against them, sending his sparks of magic directly at the two. However, they were stronger. One of the demons clawed at his back, which made the warlock drop hard to the floor. The demon brought his bloodied hand up to its mouth and licked the blood off. It was a deciding point for Ragnor, as he lay on the floor. The other demon whispered something to him in its' own language. The warlock seemed to understand, yet he didn't give any more of sounds. The demon ripped Fell's chest open with his claws and fangs, spreading its venom into Ragnor's heart. Once the demons were gone, Ragnor raised his hand up. With the last of his strength, he cast a spell and whispered his best friend's name.

"Magnus Bane."

Suddenly he was back in his own apartment, the darkness surrounding him. The warlock panted hard, trying to calm his hammering heart. Yet, it was impossible. He grabbed the wall and hauled himself up, however, it was a hardship. It took him a while, as his whole body convulsed within every movement. When he was up, he leaned against the wall, near the entrance to his loft. Magnus reached for a light switch to turn it on, but he had no luck. The electricity must have been out, probably thanks to Ragnor's magic that attacked him. Magnus conjured a small fire in his hands and looked around. The glass from broken light bulbs and windows were decorating his floor. Magnus cast a quick repairing spell and conjured himself a portal straight to the outside of Alicante.

Ragnor's home wasn't very big, but Magnus remembered from the three times he had been there that is was cozy. However, now it was the exact opposite. There was demon ichor covering its' front and the reek of demon odor was attacking his nostrils. Magnus ran as fast as he could inside. The wards of Ragnor's house were down, making it possible to enter for anyone. Bane covered his mouth with a sleeve of his coat and moved forward to the living room, the room he had seen in the vision. The real view was even more horrifying.

Ragnor was lying on the white fluffy carpet in a pool of his own blood. His wonderful emerald skin was gray now, his eyes dulled and empty. His usually well tailored old-fashioned, three-piece tweed suit was now crumpled, ripped and soaked in blood. Magnus dropped down to his knees and grabbed Ragnor's hand into his own. It was so cold. Tears started to run down his face, smearing the make-up he had neatly put on this morning. The warlock leaned over and placed a soft kiss on the top of Ragnor's head, between his horns.

"May your spirit be at peace, my brother." He whispered between sobs.

Magnus crossed Ragnor's arms on his chest and conjured a white lily, a flower that his friend always cherished. He placed the flower into his hands and covered his body with a white material. He will bury him tonight, and get Raphael and Cat to Idris, so they could all say goodbye to their friend. Magnus looked around the house and decided to clean it. Ragnor always hated the dirt in his home. He was a clean freak when it came to this. He chanted a spell and let his magic work its flow.

The demon's ichor quickly disappeared into the depths of the East River. Before he knew, the living room was as clean as he remembered it from years before. He played the soft music from the old gramophone. Clair De Lune, Debussy's. Ragnor's favorite melody. The delicate sounds of the composition filled the room. Magnus closed his eyes and recalled the first time they heard it. Ragnor had visited Magnus when Bane was living in Paris. He heard about the wonderful musician and dragged Magnus to a concert with him. It was a truly magical experience to hear it, same as the other composition, the one Magnus heard Ragnor play to Raphael years later. Romance.

Magnus kneeled next to Ragnor again, uncovering his face. Magnus closed his eyes, lingering his touches on his friend's face. He will never have another chance to touch him, to look at him, to hear his voice. When the realization hit him, tears started to run down his face again. His body was shaking, as his magic started to match his emotions. Red sparks flew out of his hands, attacking the wooden furniture. The closets and shelves with books burst out, sending shreds in every way, including at Magnus. He quickly stopped them from attacking him and reversed his actions. He couldn't tarnish mementos of his best friend.

Bane took a deep breath. His heart was beating in a painful rhythm, creating a hell inside of him. The pain was tremendous. Along with Catarina, Ragnor was Magnus's first real family in the downworld. Just after he managed to escape from his father's clutches, Magnus bumped onto Ragnor in Venice, when Bane came for help in hiding from his demonic father. Ragnor had taken him in then, fed, and taught him the proper way to be a good warlock. Magnus could never thank him enough for it. He owed him everything. And now, his rock was gone.

"How am I going to do this without you?"

' You'll do just fine, my friend. You always do.' Magnus heard Ragnor's warm voice in his head. He smiled, wiping off tears from his cheeks. 'I'm always going to be with you. Whenever you need me.'

A clacking of magic sounded above him. Magnus looked up and spotted green sparks shining above his head. He remembered then the scene from his vision.

"Logos." He sent blue sparks of his own magic up in the air to reveal the hidden message.

'Valentine is looking for the book of white. It is hidden in Wayland mansion. Find it before he gets it. Beware of his son. He's alive and working for his father. They are working with Abaddon and Azazel.'

Blood boiled in his veins as he read this. There was no possibility for Ragnor to know about Jace before. That meant that the blonde alpha had to be here and partake in the assassination of his best friend. A loud growl escaped his lips. He wanted to bolt into the old Lightwood mansion or the Gard; he wasn't sure if the Inquisitor hadn't locked him up already, and rip Jace's throat open. He wanted him to die, just as mercilessly as Ragnor had.

Magnus conjured a wooden casket from an antique store in London. He left twice of its price on the counter. The warlock put carefully the body of his friend inside of it and covered it with white silk material. Bane lit candles around the casket and sent fire messages to Catarina and Raphael. He knew that in no time both the female warlock and the vampire will portal outside Idris. They would bury their friend when the sun went down.

Magnus sat down on the chair and placed his head on Ragnor's thighs. Absently he began drawing circles around the man's knees, talking to him about his life, like he used to do for over two centuries.

"You know, the shadowhunter I'm dating...or not, anymore...I don't even know...Alec and I...Oh, Ragnor, you would know what should I do." Magnus sighed, tears slowly rolling down his face. "You always knew. I love him...but how are we going to do it? Always hiding from his bigoted family? Always on the constant fight with his society? Always in the darkness? I want more. I know, I'm selfish and probably a real jerk to him lately, but I want him to choose me. Just me. Is that too much to ask?"

Suddenly, Magnus heard a whoosh of a fire message. He jumped off the chair, startled and looked at his best friend's face, hidden under a silk. There was no sign of a life in Ragnor, so where the message came from? With a shaky hand, still believing that it may be Ragnor's reply to his question, Magnus reached for the paper fallen on the dead warlock's hands. He swallowed hard and brought the note up to his eyes.

To warlock Ragnor Fell,

I would like to arrange a meeting with you in the morning, the next day. My friend, Clarissa Morgenstern is in a dire need of a warlock consulting. We will have a standard payment prepared for you, according to the price you've been charging the Clave throughout the years. We shall come by nine a.m.

Sincerely,

Sebastian Verlac.

Magnus wondered who was this boy and how did Clary know him. As far as Magnus knew, Clary Fairchild knew only the three Lightwood kids and her brother, Jace, and the workers of the New York Institute. How did she come to know another shadowhunter that Magnus hadn't heard about before? Another thing that made him wonder was how did she come to Idris anyway? And if she's here, were the Lightwoods here as well? Was Alec here? Magnus had no time to ponder about it anymore, as the door of Ragnor's home opened widely.

The warlock turned around, his protective magic surrounding him and Ragnor. He was ready to attack the intruders when he recognized the postures walking through. Magnus relaxed immediately, stepping away to reveal Ragnor.

Catarina, who witnessed the death on daily basis, came cautiously towards the casket. She uncovered Ragnor's face and let out a loud sob. Her slender, blue fingers were touching his face delicately. She leaned over and placed a longing kiss on his worried-clean forehead.

"Farewell, my friend. You will always be in my heart. Rest in peace."

Finally, it came a time for Raphael's goodbye. Even though the vampire seemed to be unaffected, Magnus knew that Ragnor's death was a pure torture for Santiago. It was always a wonder to the whole downworld that two alphas decided to share their lives together. Ever since Ragnor met Raphael in Magnus's apartment, just after his turning, they fell in love. It was the strangest thing to observe throughout the years. They weren't physically involved, Raphael wasn't interested in that. Yet, they shared the greatest love Magnus ever witnessed. They were loyal to each other, devoted and protective. Raphael grabbed Ragnor's cold hands to his own and brought them up to his lips. Magnus turned around and beckoned at Cat to give the vampire some privacy.

"What happened?" Cat, who was composed again, asked.

"He called on me, but it was too late." Catarina nodded to that. "Valentine and his demons."

Magnus unrevealed the message Ragnor had left. Cat's blue eyes darkened in a fear and rage as she read it. They were both unaware that someone else was reading it.

"Jace Morgenstern and his father will be dead by morning," Raphael growled behind their backs. Magnus opened his mouth to say something, but the vampire cut him out. "I care not that he is your omega's parabatai. I will rip him to shreds. I'll drain Valentine out and before he'll die, I'll let him see his son's death at my hand. They will know our pain."

"Raphael…"

"I won't force you to partake in the revenge, Magnus," he declared, looking at Bane. "But bear in mind that I will not stop until I put an end to Jace and Valentine's lives. You both are free to join me. If not, I won't hold a grudge against you. After all, you are my only family."

"Listen to me…" Magnus started, but Raphael shook his head and raised his hand to silence the warlock.

"I can promise you that I will not intend to hurt your omega." Magnus huffed at this. The vampire turned to Catarina and grabbed her hand in his. "Will you open a portal back to New York? I will march down to the Institute and deal with it."

"They are not in the Institute." She replied, shocking both men. Magnus raised his left eyebrow in a question. "I was called down the Institute a few hours ago, officially by Alec to open a portal to Alicante. Robert Lightwood said that you were the one to open it, but you didn't show up and didn't pick up the phone, and didn't respond to a fire message. Because of the short notice, I was paid twice your price. Lightwoods were very determined on going to Alicante as soon as it was possible. Apparently, Jace's trial is soon to be held. Alec was very sad and reluctant about going."

"No wonder." Magnus mused. "You just opened the door for his wedding."

"What?"

"I think we have more serious matter here than Alec Lightwood." Raphael addressed them. "If they're here then I'm going to do it here."

"How do you plan on getting into Alicante?" Magnus asked, looking pointedly at him. "The wards are very strong, even I wouldn't be able to take them down without notifying them. That and as soon as any creature with demon's blood comes to the towers they will be dead within seconds. The warriors at the towers are very swift. They are the best, or so I heard. Any downworlder that would like to step into Alicante grounds has to be officially invited by the highest representatives of the Clave, meaning the Inquisitor or the Consul. So there's no way we're getting inside."

"How can you be so calm?!" The vampire accused him. "They killed Ragnor!"

"You think I'm calm? I am raged." Magnus was screaming, gesturing with his hands. "My blood is hotter than fire now and I want nothing more than march in the Alicante and kill Jace and Valentine if he's in there too, burn them alive as I did with my stepfather. But I'm also trying to stay reasonable and not get us all killed."

"Then what do you propose we do? Just let it go?"

"No. We will bury Ragnor under the Cherry tree he loved so much and then both of you get back to New York and I'll stay here to deal with it." Raphael was opening his mouth to argue but Magnus didn't give him a chance. "I'll demand an official meeting with the Inquisitor to get inside Alicante. I give you my word that I will bring them back with me so we can all serve out justice."

"I'll hold you to that."

When the sun went down, two warlocks and a vampire stood in the garden behind the house. The wooden casket was basking in the new moon's light. The fireflies, enchanted by Catarina were circling above the casket, making it look even more beautiful than before. Magnus lit up two high red candles and began chanting the old words of the passing ritual. The green energy burst out of Ragnor's body, twirling itself into a dance in the cold air. The fireflies mingled with Fell's magic creating a gorgeous view in the dark sky.

"Farewell mi Amor, until we meet again," Raphael whispered into the air as the last amount of Ragnor's magic danced above them. Bloody tears were falling down his pale face.

Catarina was silently sobbing, as she was pressing herself into Magnus's side. Bane was crying as well, clutching in his hand the necklace he received from Ragnor on his three hundred and sixty-fourth birthday. It was the most treasured jewelry Magnus possessed. Inside a beautiful black oval was enchanted a picture of Ragnor, Catarina, and Raphael from a time in London, back in 1961'. The picture was only visible to those who were in it. Magnus often looked into it, when he missed his best friend.

After all of the magic escaped Ragnor's body, Raphael closed the casket and lowered it into the grave Magnus prepared earlier. The vampire recited the words of passing he learned years ago when he still was a human. The three of them placed simple white roses on the top of the casket before Raphael and Magnus buried it underneath the ground. With his magic, Magnus formed a tomb made of grey granite with green engravings.

Here lies

Ragnor Fell

Former High Warlock of London

Beloved friend

Forever in our hearts

Rest in peace

When the last word engraved itself on the tomb a new wave of tears started to fall from Magnus's cat eyes. A painful growl escaped his and Raphael's mouths. They were the most connected to the green-skinned warlock. Catarina cried in a silence. As he looked at the tombstone, he promised Ragnor a rightful revenge. He will kill those responsible for his death or he'll die in the process. With that, he opened a portal to New York for his friends with a promise that he will get them when the time comes. Even though Raphael was reluctant on leaving Magnus alone, he knew he has to trust the wisdom and experience of the older man. The dire need of revenge that was running through their veins couldn't control their actions. They needed a strategy to attack Valentine and Jace Morgenstern. Otherwise, they would share the fate of Ragnor.

When the morning came, Magnus was woken by the pounding on the door. He quickly snapped his fingers to fix his make-up and attire, before he went to open. He knew who would be behind the doors, seeing as he expected the Nephilim to come very early.

"Nephilim." He greeted them with a fake grumble, trying to act as normal as he could. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

The redhead girl looked at him confused and she opened her mouth to say something, however, her black-haired friend didn't give her a chance.

"Good morning. I'm Sebastian Verlac and this is my friend, Clarissa Morgenstern." Sebastian presented them with a wide smile. "Are you Ragnor Fell? A Warlock?"

Magnus eyed the young boy from head to toe. He couldn't be much older than Alec. Bane had to admit that the boy was attractive, but not as much as Alexander. There were even a few similarities between them. The same height, equally wide build of shoulders. The man in front of him had black hair, though much darker than Alec's, almost as if it were freshly colored. His eyes were dark as the night's sky. Alpha pheromones were bursting out of him with an enhanced desire, directed at the lately revealed omega next to him, yet, Clary was uninterested. It was surprising for everyone, that after Brother Enoch drew the angelic rune on her, her real second gender had revealed itself. She was an omega, who couldn't be with her alpha.

"Well, for sure I'm not Ragnor Fell the exotic dancer." He replied with a smirk.

Clary was blinking her eyes, while Sebastian seemed to lost his voice, however, he quickly regained his posture.

"As I was saying, this is Clarissa Morgenstern, her mother is Jocelyn Fairchild. We were hoping you could help us."

"I care not who her mother is." Magnus started to play with the buttons of his green vest. Green wasn't his color but he needed to be as convincing Ragnor as he could. "In fact, if you wanted my help you should contact me earlier and make an official appointment. Come by another time. Maybe March, next year."

"March?" Sebastian was beyond confused by now.

"You're right," Magnus agreed, brushing his chin in a thought. "March is too rainy, how 'bout June? June is good. Sunny and warm."

"Look, warlock, I don't think you understand how important this is," Verlac spoke, as he took a step closer to Magnus. His scent changed from desire to power. "Your job is…"

"Let it go, Sebastian." Clary placed her hand on his bicep. The male alpha relaxed immediately. Ah, the power of the Omega, even the most fierce Alpha will bend down under their touch. Magnus could tell from his own experience with Alec. "He won't help us. In fact, he's only messing with our heads."

"He's a downworlder, his obligation is to…"

"That's enough…" Magnus snapped his fingers and froze Sebastien where he stood with mouth opened. "He's bothersome."

"What did you do to him?" Clary raised her voice at him. "What the hell is wrong with you? He's on our side!"

"Your side," Magnus responded, moving his eyes at Clary. "You were about to say that I'm not Ragnor, weren't you?"

"Because you're not him."

"Ragnor is dead." Clary covered her mouth with a hand. "Your father and brother killed him."

"That's not possible. Jace was with us the whole time." She defended the blonde man. "In fact, after Alec grilled him about our father, Consul Penhallow and Inquisitor Herondale locked him in something called the Malachai configuration. It's some kind of a prison thing for shadowhunters, I guess. He stayed there until yesterday when we all went to Idris for Jace's trial and Alec and Underhill's wedding. Catarina Loss came to the Institute and opened a portal and she put Jace in some magical shackles that were meant to be taken down as soon as Jace would pass the gate of Alicante. Which happened yesterday, before we were put in the Penhallows' place, seeing as old Lightwoods' place was abandoned and all and Maryse pushed the Inquisitor to let Jace stay with the family until the trial."

"Did anyone ever tell you, you talk too much?"

"So, my brother didn't do it. My father, could have or at least he made someone do it for him. But not Jace, I can give you my word for him."

"Let me show you something." Magnus placed both of his hands on Clary's head and chanter a quick memory spell. He showed her the whole vision Ragnor had transferred to him last night, including the last message. Clary screamed at the top of her lungs, probably feeling some amount of the pain that Magnus had felt. When the warlock retracted his hands, the female shadowhunter dropped to her knees, panting shallowly. "As you saw, it's your brother's and father's fault. And let me tell you, Clarissa Fairchild, they both will pay for this. As much as I like you, biscuit, your brother will pay for it."

"You will hurt Alec's parabatai?" Magnus didn't reply to it. Deep down, he knew that hurting Jace will hurt Alec beyond anything. That was the last thing he wanted to do. He loved Alec with his whole heart and causing him any pain was a pure torture to Magnus. Bane knew it first hand by now. After all, he was hurting Alec now with his distance and his harshness. But Alec hurt him, too.

Magnus shook his head. This was not a good time to think about the blue-eyed shadowhunter.

"Ragnor could never see my brother, at least not since Jace turned ten. Maybe someone posed as Jace, but Jace is innocent. I'm sure of it." Clary continued, grabbing Magnus's hand too strongly. "Besides, what's with the book of white? What is it?"

"It's the most powerful book of spells, contains many powerful spells and potions including the ones that put your mother in a sleep and an antidote for it." At that Clary's green eyes shone with joy and excitement. "Your father used his demons to get it from Ragnor. But he wasn't successful. I'm sure he'll try to find it again, but demons won't get into Alicante without alerting the warriors."

"So it's in Wayland's mansion?" Magnus nodded. "Can you get it?"

"Sweetheart, no downworlder can walk into the Alicante plus there are powerful spells around the household." He explained slowly. "Even if I'd somehow walk into Alicante it would take a lot of power and time to take down the spell."

"So no one can walk in." Magnus gave her a pointed look. Clary was smart enough to understand. "My brother." To that, the warlock agreed. "Jace can walk into the house because he was there already and I'm his sister so…"

"I knew that there's big brain underneath the red locks."

"Let's say that we'll get the book, after I manage to get Jace out of the Penhallows' place before his trial and if he'll agree to help me. What makes you think that I'll give it to you?"

"You need me," Magnus stated firmly, scrunching his cat eyes at her. "Without a warlock's help, your mother will never wake up."

"I can find another warlock."

"Biscuit, as much as I like you," he smiled at her fakely. "It'll only take one word from me and no warlock will even spare you a second of their time, fearing my wrath. It'll only take one word from me and the whole New York's downworld will be after your darling brother. Do not threaten a powerful Alpha, dear. You're new in this world and your fierceness may get you hurt one day."

Clary clearly wanted to argue some more, but Magnus shushed her immediately.

"Bring me the book of white and I'll wake your mother up and seriously rethink killing your brother." Clary huffed under her nose, however, after a long moment, she nodded reluctantly. "I knew you were the one reasonable in the family. Seek me out, when you get the book."

Magnus was sitting in the old white plush chair that Ragnor bought in the '60s. It still was great for an afternoon relax. It was just what he needed after an encounter with the shadowhunters and the events of the last night. Ragnor's death seemed to still be abstract to Magnus, but it was the truth. He still didn't know how to cope with it. Hell, he didn't know how they all should cope now. Especially Raphael. The young alpha vampire was devastated more than the warlock. Magnus just received a note from Lily, Raphael's second in a command, that the vampire wreaked havoc in the Bronx. Thanks to Catarina and Lily's swift talking, the current man-on-station in the New York Institute, Raj Maduabuchi, was coddled. Thankfully both women could be very fearsome and convincing at the same time. They've managed to talk Raphael out of the troubles with the Clave. Magnus was fearing for his boy, for his life now. Driven by the craving for vengeance, he was unpredictable.

On one hand, this unpredictability was making him the most dangerous weapon against their enemies. On the other, it was dangerous for all of them. Magnus needed to get control of the events before they got out of hand.

He was thinking again on the message left by Ragnor and Clary's words. Magnus knew that the book of white was the most powerful spell book for warlocks, so he didn't' understand why Valentine desired it. Unless he had a warlock working with him, the book was useless for him. Magnus wondered who was working with him. Was it Dot? She was a close friend of Jocelyn, but Morgenstern couldn't know it. However, the female warlock disappeared a while ago. Maybe it was Malcolm Fade? He was known for making dirty business deals now and then. Or maybe it was some lesser warlock, maybe some youngling who was just discovering his powers. Whoever they were, with the book of white they may be more powerful than Magnus, especially if they're cooperating with Abaddon and Azazel.

Magnus truly hated his demonic-side family.

That gave Magnus another thought. He recalled Clary's words about Jace being locked down in New York and now in Idris. Was there a real possibility that it wasn't Jace who participated in killing Ragnor? Was it possible that someone posed as him? Some greater demon maybe? Or even someone else could say he's Valentine's son. After all, Ragnor didn't see Jace at all before. Could he mistake someone else for him? Magnus needed to check it.

He needed to see Jace.

And it will give him a great opportunity to check on Alexander as well.

Thinking about the black haired shadowhunter caused painful sting in his heart. Magnus missed him like crazy. He wanted to be with him. He wanted Alec to choose him. To say that he loves Magnus just as the warlock loves him. But it wasn't as easy as it would seem. Alec wasn't ready. He only decided to act somehow, because he was pushed by his parents and Underhill.

Magnus deserved more. He deserved to be chosen out of love and not because he's an easy choice.

When the evening came, Magnus decided to get himself a proper invite to Alicante. He sent a fire message to the Consul and Inquisitor and got a fast reply with an agreement. No wonder, he was the Main Alpha in the Downworld and a Consul on the Council of Downworlders that worked with the Clave on keeping the Accords. That and he participated in capturing both Valentine and Jace. He was a persona grata in the Alicante nowadays.

The meeting with both female shadowhunters went smooth and fast. They were all in a hurry to prepare the wedding for Alexander and that scum Underhill. Magnus tried to stay unfazed when both women were talking about all possibilities for Alec that will arise, once he'll marry an honorable Alpha. Although, his inner Alpha was howling in pain, he couldn't act on this feeling. Not when he had a plan to accomplish. In the middle of the meeting, Robert and Maryse Lightwood joined them, seeing as they were all discussing the fate of their adoptive son. For some stranger, they may seem to be untouched by the sentence of Jace; de-runing and exile to a mundane world. But Magnus saw how Maryse's eyes were filled with pain. No wonder, she loved Jace as her own, like a true omega-mother.

Magnus guessed they were so keen on marrying off Alec to restore the Lightwood name, trashed by them being a part of the circle and now Jace working with Valentine. Make no mistake, Jace was often seen more as a Lightwood than a Morgenstern. Magnus understood their need to bring some honor to the family name, and what better could they do, if not marrying off their son who was the head of the Institute?

"Jace's de-runing ceremony will be held after Alexander's wedding," Inquisitor announced proudly. "Of course, as the Consul in the Council, you are welcome to join the ceremony, High Warlock. We could use your help in numbing the pain for Alec. It would be cruel of us to have him in pain during his wedding night."

"You don't say." Magnus mused, trying to fight off a growl of his inner Alpha.

"So it's settled." Consul Penhallow clapped her hands. "We'll have Alec's wedding in two hours and when the sun goes down, we will hold Jonathan's de-runing and Valentine's execution on the City Square. I'll notify the guards to escort you, High Warlock Bane."

"I'll find my way on my own, Consul Penhallow. Have a good day, shadowhunters."

As Magnus was walking through the alleys of Alicante, he was thinking about Alec again. He still didn't know what to do about the young man. In one hand he wanted to burst into the Penhallows' house and snatch the boy away from here, on the other he wanted Alec to act bravely and choose him. He knew that he was being unfair to him on some level, Alec may even hate him now for it. Alexander wasn't very experienced in love or relationships for that matter, and Magnus tolerated that for so long with no prospect of a change.

"Oh Alec, what are we going to do with us?" Magnus spoke so quietly, not expecting an answer, however, he was surprised when he had gotten one.

"For starters, you can go and kiss him. He's depressed." Bane turned around and spotted a young man hidden in the shadow of a house corner. He squinted his cat-eyes to make out a silhouette of the man. He recognized him immediately. "You have to save him."

"You have a lot of nerve or a death wish to be wandering through the city unprotected, Jonathan."

"Jace." He corrected the warlock. "I always hated the name Jonathan. It doesn't suit me well. Besides, what worse can happen to me, huh? I'm already sentenced with de-runing and exile. Death would be welcomed more. If only it wouldn't hurt Alec, Clary, Izzy, and Max I would…"

"And deny me the pleasure of killing you?" Magnus shook his head. "I don't think so."

"I know you want to kill me, Clary told me about your meeting." Jace hid more in the shadow as some female shadowhunter was walking across them. Magnus looked up as to admire the demon towers and took small steps ahead. Once the area was safe again, Jace beckoned at Magnus to come closer. "I did not kill your friend, but you already know that. Valentine didn't do it personally as well. He works with someone who's posing as me. I don't know who, because I haven't seen someone my age at the ship, where he kept me. I think it's someone from here. I don't know how he managed to send a message from the Gard or with whom he's working. I think it may be someone with a high position. But whatever is going on, it's gonna end tomorrow. He'll be executed and I'll be exiled."

"What makes you think I won't kill you right now?"

"Because you love Alec." At that, Magnus raised his eyebrows in a question. "It was plainly obvious from the moment your eyes landed on Alec. By the Angel, the pheromones you were sending at him were overwhelming. At first, I thought that it was just lust from you because he is unmated omega…" Magnus opened his mouth agape. "I knew from the very beginning that he's omega. But that's not important. What I saw later was love in your eyes. And Alec has the same."

"Is that so? Yet, he never said so."

"For your old age, you are stupid," Jace concluded. "Alec was never a man of words. He's a man of action. You may think he's not in love with you, but he is. He loves you so much, but he's afraid to say it out loud, even to himself. That's why he needs you to not give up on him."

"Alec doesn't love me, he loves you."

"Oh, please…" Jace waved his hand at him. "Alec was never in love with me. He believed himself to be because I was safe ground. He knew that there wouldn't ever be a possibility of us being together, because we're parabatai and brothers, so he got used to the idea. He got used to not acting on his emotions and instincts. It was better for him to hide. And then came you, so brave so colorful and you took an interest in him. You swept him off his feet and he got lost. And now, when he seemed to finally figure it out, you're bashing him for his insecurities and something he was raised with, which is a dick move. You're not without a fault here, Magnus. You were pushing him to do something he wasn't ready for. And when he reached his low point, you rejected him."

"I didn't reject him, he rejected me!" Magnus pushed Jace to the wall and blocked him with his arm. "Don't speak about things you know nothing about, Jonathan."

"I may not know you, but I know my brother." Jace heaved out, not blocking Magnus's pressing on his body. "He loves you and needs you."

Magnus huffed loudly. His inner Alpha wanted to believe Jace and go to Alec, take him in his arms and feel him. His heart yearned for the younger male. His soul as well. When he closed his eyes he could easily see Alexander in his mind, with the beautiful blue eyes filled with affection. He smiled involuntarily and whispered the name of the hunter in the loving tone.

"Go get him. Save my parabatai and make him fucking happy." Jace's irritating voice broke him out of his daydream.

"How should I do that, huh?" Magnus asked. "I am to leave Alicante and come back at your ceremony. I'm sure that your guards will come and get me in a minute. I've prolonged my stay here already. Consul Penhallow and Inquisitor Herondale are very skeptical about downworlders in Alicante."

"You're smart, you'll figure something out." Jace looked around and took a step back. "I have to get back to Penhallows' before the guard will notice I'm not there. Save him from Underhill. Save him from the misery, Magnus."

Before Magnus had a chance to reply, Jace disappeared between the houses. Magnus started to walk towards the gate of Alicante, thinking hard of Jace's words. Was saving Alec worth it? Could they be happy?

Of course, you could. Magnus heard Ragnor's voice in his head, as he walked past the Gate of Alicante. You love that boy. Fight for him. He's worth it. He is your soulmate.

"Always knowing what to say, huh?" Magnus said, raising his eyes to the blue sky. He could swear that he saw a flick of green pointing at him, like an angry finger. "You're gonna be a pain in my ass."

Till the rest of your life, my friend. Ragnor's voice was full of joy. Now go and get your man. Before you'll lose him forever. You are both idiots. Cut him some slack, Magnus. He's your other half and you know it.

"Oh, stop it!" Magnus scolded the giggling voice in his head, though he smiled widely. It was good to hear the voice of his best friend, giving him advice even after his death.

The best advice!

Magnus rolled his eyes and started to think about the best way to stop Alec's wedding. He couldn't just snatch him from home, his parents and guards were there. He needed a good plan, however, he didn't have much time. Alec's wedding was about to happen in less than half an hour. He needed to figure it out fast.

However, the time wasn't his friend now, nor was the fate.

Just before he reached Ragnor's house, Magnus was ambushed by a group of demons. They were some lesser creatures, however, there was a small army of them. They attacked Magnus at once, from every side, making it hard to fight them off. Magnus was sending his magic at them, trying to kill as many as he could. They were like nasty bugs, coming out of nowhere at him.

"Die, you bastards!" He screamed, burning alive two of them.

"You are a bastard as well, Magnus Bane." The warlock knew the voice perfectly. The demon snapped his fingers and whispered something to his companions. Magnus knew a few demonic languages, but this one was unfamiliar to him. Soon the demons turned in the shadows and disappeared from his view. Bane didn't understand it. "Prepare yourself to see the blood running down the streets, my darling nephew."

"Why are you doing this, Azazel?" He turned to his demonic uncle. "Why do you work with Valentine and his son?"

"I told you this before, nephew. Always choose the winning side." Azazel patted his shoulder. "Valentine Morgenstern has something that I want to use to gain my purpose."

"What? I'm sure that I can get it as well. You don't have to attack innocent people."

"You're just like your father, weakened by human emotions."

Azazel pressed harder on Magnus's shoulder and sent him to his knees. The warlock felt his whole body freeze, making it unable to move. He could only watch the scene unfold in front of him. He saw as Azazel smiled with his pearly, white, sharp teeth and became invisible to anyone but him, seeing as he had demon's blood inside his veins. Azazel clapped hands creating a loud, piercing sound and broke the barrier around Alicante in one move. Before the warriors on the Glass Towers could alert anyone, a demonic army of the Prince of Hell crawled up the towers and killed the shadowhunters. Some of them were eaten alive, screaming death on their tongues.

The once beautiful Glass Towers were now shining in red, matching the demonic eyes of Azazel. The Greater Demon stood in the Gate and ordered his minions to go and kill the shadowhunters. He turned around to Magnus and whispered in Edom's language.

"He is the key to her return."

Frozen Magnus just swallowed hard and thought about his blue-eyed omega. He prayed to all Angels above to help him save his beloved, as he whispered his name in a desperation.

"Alexander."

A/N:

Did you like it?

We'll try our best to bring the new chapter before the end of the year. I know that Daime is still in the haze from reading QoAaD, but she's planning to work on the new stuff soon. Let me tell you, it's gonna be emotional as hell. - at least that's what I've grasped from our briefing. :)

Anyway,
I've written this chapter before QoAaD was out. If you read already, you know what I mean.

Did you like Ragnor and Jace talking sense into Magnus? I think that it's the first step to fixing everything. If only I wouldn't be so evil by making Azazel freeze Mags. Who knows, what could happen at the end? The list of possibilities is endless. But have hope! We still have many ideas about future scenarios. Do you have any scenarios that could possibly happen for them? We'd love to hear your ideas as well.
Thanks, AwesomeRenfro for being amazing beta!

And finally,
since we have Christmass time:
I am a part of writer's group that creates "ShadowAdvent Calendar". My story is already up, on day 5th. It's called "Santa Asmodeus". If you want to read how Papa Asmodeus saves Christmas, go and read. Comments will be appreciated :) put dots between parts of webadress
shadowadvent co uk

Review if you feel like to,

Intoxic and Daime