Alec stood at the end of the garden path. He knelt down and picked some petals off of one of the flowers growing at the base of the trellis that marked the entrance to the garden. He crushed them in his hand, their sweet heady scent washed over him. He took a deep breath and blew the flowers into the air whispering "Kaelie Whitewillow…" The petals were suddenly swept up by an unseen force Alec watched as they floated into the air and out of sight. He lowered himself onto one of the low benches flanking the trellis and waited. It didn't take long for Alec to drift off to sleep sitting in the warmth of the sun.

A cool hand on his cheek drew him awake. He opened his eyes and saw worried cat eyes staring down at him.

"Alec," Magnus said sounding worried. "Tessa says you've been out here all day. My love, it's nearly sundown. Come inside and have something to eat and I'll tend to your sunburn. You know that too much sun will age you prematurely."

"Say the one who doesn't age." Alec teased bringing his hand up to touch Magnus' cheek.

Magnus frowned, "While warlocks may not age we can still get crow's feet. Unsightly…."

Alec chuckled. "You could never be unsightly."

Magnus smiled at him and sat beside him. "What were you doing out here?"

"Well, I came out here to do summoning. Then I was waiting. Then I must have been sleeping, and I must have been burning." Alec raised his hand to his bright red nose and touched it gently hissing in pain.

Magnus raised an eyebrow at him. "Waiting for who?"

Alec looked out at the tree line with help from his farsighted rune. "No one," He sighed, "Let's go inside." He stood up stiffly and offered Magnus his hand.

"You called for me?" A soft voice came from behind Alec.

"Kaelie Whitewillow," Magnus said standing up. "What are you doing so far from the Glade?"

"I sent for her." Alec explained. "I need to ask her a question." He turned to Kaelie. "Kaelie, you cannot lie am I correct?"

Kaelie nodded. "Correct, and I would not."

Alec pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket. Carefully he unfolded it. "We found this mark on the bodies of Clary and Jace Herondale. Do you know what it is?"

Kaelie took the paper from him and studied it. "This is old magic. I have not seen this mark incenturies. In the old times the mark was put upon our enemies in secret to weaken them. Pyxies were often sent to do it late at night. The mark was invisible and would not be seen until the target was weakened to the point of death."

Alec and Magnus exchanged looks. "Can it be undone?" Magnus asked.

"I know of only one way." Kaelie said slowly.

Alec took her hand gently. "What is it?"

"In death the mark will disappear."

Alec gasped Magnus put a hand on his arm steadying him. He looked at Kaelie, "is there any other way?"

"I know of no other way." Kaelie answered quietly. Alec sank back down onto the bench dropping his head into his hands. Kaelie put her hand on Alec's shoulder. "I am sorry, I wish I could have helped more."

Magnus smiled at Kaelie and squeezed her arm. "I know you've done this at great peril, and I know that you have done all you can. Thank you."

"I am sorry…" Kaelie's voice said softly as she drifted away.

Magnus sat down beside Alec and put his arm around him. "We will find a way, I promise." He said softly.

"I know," Alec said lifting his head to look into Magnus' eyes.