Chapter three: There

Alec trembles as the demon's eyes pierce through him, killing him slowly within one of the safest places he could ever be.

He knows it. He knows he's finally become crazy – had delved into a black hole of self denial. Alec Lightwood had lost his tight hold onto the reality the world had set in place for him, and he knew there would be no way he could climb back up that ledge, that line of sanity. He knew that even if an angel dared to grasp him by their holy hand, his would only turn to ashen and dust; die under something so beautiful and something filled with so much grace, as he was only carried by the least bit of blood that brought him, carried him up one more ridged level than human.

At first, Alec sees the demon as a still figure watching him… being as still as possible. If Alec didn't know any better, he would think of it as a photograph. Maybe even a frozen being, left to bask time at a halt. But he knew better. He knew, just when the time came, it'd strike – just like a wild snake, left deprived of a true meal for weeks.

Alec's eyes widened as he saw the being blink for the first time. Rather than smooth, human like eyelids, its eye sockets seemed to roll over itself in a swindle of blood. As Alec trembled, its teethe crooked into a smile. Fear was overcoming him, one beastly action at a time.

"By the angel," Alec whispers, just as the knife he held clattered to the floor. He feels something knock the air out of him, making him fall back onto the ground after it – creating a loud crash heard throughout the room.

Alec breathes heavily, too tired and too afraid to look for the supposed demon. He instead looks to the white-tiled floor, holding his blood in the form of roses, scattered petals left to die – forgotten – just like his pride and dignity.

How could a Shadowhunter be so stupid? So incompetent? Alec felt his finger throb, but this time he didn't even bother trying to help it. What was so wrong with him? He saw how the knife lay on the floor, covered in blood and water. One pool of water, located to its left, spun with little drops of Alec's supposed holy blood.

Alec heard the door open, and the rain's sound taint the room's aura once again. He heard Magnus speak softly, but loud enough just for him to hear. "Alec? You here?" Alec had been behind the kitchen's counters, just where Magnus couldn't see him.

Alec heard him mumble something to the woman, who later let out a calm, "is that blood?"

Alec then turned and looked up, right into Magnus's eyes. They were contorted into a mixed pool of emotion – both fear and concern at first – then an exasperated expression that managed to hold onto his features, only for a second.

Then there was concern again, him lowering himself to the floor, and him taking Alec's hand. He healed it quickly, as it was nothing compared to the things he usually dealt with. "Alec," Magnus says, slowly, "what in the hell happened?"

Alec doesn't look him in the eye. He looks down, down on his bloody roses on the floor. What was he supposed to say?

The woman with the glaring blonde locks spoke, then – making Alec jump in surprise. He had forgotten she was there. "Geez, Magnus," she says, in an almost mocking tone. "You can't leave your boyfriend anywhere, can't you?"

Magnus started to let out a word of what seemed to be protest, but Alec cut him off. "It was an accident," he said awkwardly. He wasn't making a good first impression.

"Then why are you on the floor?" She didn't sound mean, but curious. Her green eyes flickered in nothing but interest.

"Never mind, Gemma," Magnus said calmly. "We're all busy."

She pursed her lips. "Alright, Maggy. See you later," she said, sighing – her small chest jutting out in a strangely tame way. She pointed directly at Alec. "And be careful. You'll give this one," she gestured towards Magnus, who was still crouched on the floor next to him, holding his hand, "a heart attack. And I'm not sure if his heart is even capable for something so human."

Alec nodded, and she left – the harsh rain enclosing her in its shell.

Magnus eyed him carefully, like he'd had all morning. Alec stared back uncomfortably, looking ashamed. He had caused Magnus enough trouble today.

"Are you alright?" Magnus asks.

He shakes his head. "I'll tell you," Alec said. "What happened…" Magnus had listened warily, hearing all about last night: how the demon made Alec freeze, how it watched him, cut him on the cheek. And later, how it dispersed into the air, like carbon.

"What was that 'bang'?" Alec said.

"Children," He said, exasperated. "Playing with fireworks."

Alec didn't answer back. He merely sighed.

"Hey. eyWe'll figure this out," Magnus said, giving his hand a squeeze. "You aren't allowed near knifes though. Regardless."

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Alec was consumed. Consumed by the nightmares haunting his dreams.

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Next: Chapter four - Max

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