A/n: hello hello! Back with another chapter, it's a little shorter but I felt like it was a good place to end the chapter sooo yeah!

Disclaimer: I like kinda wish I owned the Shadowhunter series... not gonna lie... but unfortunately, I don't :(

Chapter 3

-Magnus' Pov.-

I rub my face, it's been three days... and it feels like we aren't any closer to finding Alec.

I haven't slept or ate well since his disappearance, being too worried to do so.

That being said, I sit in my loft, reading any books I have that might be of use to finding Alec. As I turn the page there's a knock on the door. "Come in."

The door creaks open, revealing Lorenzo, "Hey Magnus."

"Lorenzo," his name comes out in a sigh as I throw my book down. "What can I do for you?"

"What do you mean? I'm here for the meeting." Lorenzo's comment makes me tilt my head to the side. "You forgot didn't you? Catarina called in a meeting."

I run a hand through my hair, suddenly remembering, "ah yes, that means Catarina should be here any moment, shouldn't she?" I suddenly realize the mess around me, papers and books scattered everywhere. "Sorry about the mess," I begin running around picking up all I can, throwing it into the corner of the room. That doesn't help much does it?

"Magnus, not that I'm one to care, but… are you alright?" There's worry in his voice, a rare occurrence for the warlock. Gosh I can't look like that much of a mess... can I?

"No," I snap, taking Lorenzo aback. "No, I'm not alright! Not until I know that Alec is safe and away from that... that thing!" My eyes are hot with emotion, and I can feel what little magic I have swirling out of control. The emotion is short lived however, as I make a quick effort to calm down. Don't get too worked up… you need your magic for when you find Alec.

Lorenzo doesn't say anything, probably not knowing what to say.

Footsteps can be heard, and suddenly Catarina is in the doorway of the still ajar door.

I let out a sigh, trying to smile, "hello Catarina! Ready to start the meeting?"

"Oh Magnus, you look exhausted! You should get some rest!" Catarina's eyes shine with worry.

"Yes, yes I know… I'm afraid it won't do much good till Alec returns… but that doesn't matter, let's start the meeting, shall we?"

-Jace's Pov.-

I groan, the never ending burn of my Parabatai rune is killing me. I so desperately want to find Alec, to kill whatever is putting him through this hell… but it seems like there's nothing. Mundanes and Downworlders alike are still getting attacked and we're no closer to finding anything out.

"Jace," I turn my head to see Clary, her beautiful smile making me feel a little better. "I know you're worried, we all are… but please get some sleep."

Sleep? How could I possibly sleep? I shake my head, "I can't Clary… not while he needs me."

"Well how are you supposed to save him if you're sleep deprived?" I stare at her, unable to give her an answer. "That's what I thought. Now go, get some sleep, I'll let you know if something new comes up."

I nod, reluctantly going to my room.

-Magnus' Pov.-

"So, Catarina, why'd you call this meeting?" The question leaves my mouth almost instantly, stirring the spoon in my coffee as I do so.

"Well…" Catarina begins, shifting a little in her chair. "I wanted to talk about the mysterious energy flares happening at night."

"Ah yes, it does seem strange doesn't it?" Lorenzo asks, seeming to be interested by the conversation. "It seems something only a warlock could accomplish, does it not?"

"But what warlock needs help from the laylines? They only happen near them after all." I stare at Catarina, something about what she said… "and it had only started happening a couple weeks ago. Surely something is going on, what do you think Magnus?" Catarina turns to me but I don't answer, the wheels in my head turning.

Odd, activity revolving around the laylines started occurring right around these attacks… could they have some correlation? Suddenly, Alec's words ring through my head…

"It's one of Valentine's experiments... she's a hybrid"

I stand up quickly, knocking my chair over and alarming the other two warlocks beside me as I do so. A warlock might not need help from the laylines… but a hybrid warlock might.

"Magnus?" Lorenzo's voice reaches my ears, "is everything alright?"

"Oh bless you Catarina, Lorenzo… god thank you for this wonderful meeting!" I wrap Catarina and Lorenzo both in a hug, feeling overwhelmed with joy.

"Hey, hands off," Lorenzo demands, as I pull away from the two.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut this meeting short… I'm going to get my Shadowhunter back."