Disclaimer: I'm playing in Kripke's Sandbox, I'll be finished when I'm done.
Warnings: Not really.
AN: Sorry for the short-ness of this one, but it kick-starts the new arc.
Enjoy!
Word Count: 3,346
Chapter 11: The Heart that Wants
Alec gasped. Air punching his lungs, forcing him to breathe. His eyes wrenched open, crust pulling at his eyelashes. Vision blurry, Alec held out his hands, chill air hitting his outstretched fingers. Vague shapes went past, large and obtrusive. His vision went in and out of focus as solid colors pressed at him from both sides. He couldn't quite hear either, as if he were underwater with a clogged head. It made him stagger, buckling from the strain, and only his shadowhunter senses told him that someone was behind him. Alec stumbled around to try to see what it was, hands flailing and slamming into stone. Palms stinging, the sharp coldness of it clearing his vision and giving him focus.
There in front of him, weaker than himself, was Magnus leaning heavily against the wall. His face sweaty and pale to the point that it made it seem as if his eyes were glowing fever bright. Shaking so hard he could have been seizing and when he spoke his teeth chattered.
"Alexander." He wheezed.
Alec blinked. The warlock was about to collapse. Alec had never seen him like this before. Magnus raised one trembling hand and extended it. With this helpless gesture, Alec felt a throb of fear. The gloss of Magnus's eyes sent another shiver down Alec's chest and he felt too full, like he might throw up. Spill his life all over dirty alleyway. Alec went to Magnus, drawing the warlock's arm around his shoulder, hooking him in with his clasped hand. Alec stumbled as Magnus leaned into him, trying to shift his weight and not put all of it onto Alec. He could feel the heat of Magnus like a wave, a steaming scent coming off of him. The slide of anxious muscles beneath beating clothes and beneath all that, the beating organ that was Magnus's heart. It jackhammered into Alec's side as his hipbones seared Alec's waist. Magnus fell into him.
Alec began to walk, grunting as Magnus's weight surprising him, with the warlock nearly on top of him. His feet shuffling behind Alec as he struggled to stray upright. Alec could hear his breath in his chest, yet it didn't make a sound. He wasn't sure how that could be possible, but it was enough to get him to wake up, and try to focus. Magnus stumbled, hipbones pressing even more insistently into Alec, and he sucked in a breath, vision sharply swimming.
'Move we must move.'
Alec had the sense that if they stopped moving, they would die. Overheated, his senses flooded as Alec finally got them to the end of the alley. The rush of traffic screamed in front of them. Alec blinked, but it was the fervor of the city-he was too used to New York City's patterns of life to be startled. It was where he was. This was not New York City. The cars were on the opposite sides of the lanes, their long thin plates white against front fenders. The light changed and as the cars turned down the cull-du-sac, a large red double decker bus turned to the left. At the very top of the bus, tourists clicked away at the sights that left them with happy chatter on the breeze.
"I-is this what I think it is?"
He trailed off, throat dry. Magnus managed to nod.
"Welcome to merry ol' London Town."
SPNTMI
They walked on for an hour, the crowds taking no notice of them; their invisibility to mundanes meant they didn't have to worry about a panic. Alec winced at the heavy noise. For once, he felt cut off from the world and he wanted to break the illusion than shout at them, shake them.
'My family is dead.'
Magnus gave Alec a brief squeeze and he nearly cried out at the contact. The warlock's chest rattled as he spoke.
"We need to get to the Institute."
Alec swallowed. "Obviously."
"I know where it is."
With Magnus's directions, Alec didn't feel as lost and his mind pounced on the idea of something to focus on with gratitude. He pushed back the overwhelming press of his senses until only Magnus's voice could be heard. The warlock kept mindful of the traffic or an unexpected slam of their surroundings. Magnus tugged Alec to a halt. A towering thing played at the edges of Alec's vision, making him stagger. Magnus had to help him up and some small thought made Alec find the irony in a downworlder and a shadowhunter trying to hold each other up. He turned to the building, already aware that they had arrived and he was staring at a glamor, which he was tearing away with some difficulty.
The image of an unadorned apartment complex wavered, like a film reel, until a magnificent cathedral took its place. Its great spires seemed to pierce the heavens, demanding answers. Because Alec didn't have any to give, he trembled. The leaden sky reflected how he felt; a foreboding overtaking a numbed sensation of grief. He became very aware that the only heat around him was coming from Magnus, warding against the chill of the air.
He squinted, he still feel the power of the Institute pulling at him, but it was dimmed. As though a great roaring fire had swept down to a simmer. If he squinted hard enough, the image of the Institute and its glamor blurred together, becoming too tangled to tell each other apart as the building itself seemed thinner than a sheet of rain before it slid back into place. It was hidden by the thunderous sky and something else Alec couldn't easily place. Suddenly he felt the need for the pomp and ceremony of his people and raising his hand, he said the words all shadowhunters were taught.
"I, Alexander Lightwood, one of the Nephilim and in the name of the Clave as for your assistance."
The doors opened with a creak, knockers swinging as if by an invisible wind and the dimly lit corridor that led deeper inside visible, and Alec felt an odd jolt of pain at what seemed to be suddenly vulnerable.
"Come on."
Inside was deserted and Alec felt like an intruder. It looked as though the inhabitants had planned to come back. Jackets hung on the backs of chairs, dishes both clean and dirty stacked accordingly, and the guest rooms had pressed linen sheets in their closets. Alec sighed, the sound bringing him to the ground. It didn't decrease the husky shaking of his chest, like he just finished a heavy crying jag. Magnus's eyes were on him, he knew and Alec wanted to turn around to see the yellow-green eyes and yet he didn't.
Alec found the master bedroom on the second floor. It was a spacious room with an old fashioned four poster bed in the center, gauzy canopy drapes already pulled back up at their posts. The light from the wide windows stream down to center directly on the bed. A nightstand at the head of the bed on the left-hand side. A dresser on the opposite end of the room, bottles still on its surface, mirror glossy and reflected the plush sheets and pillows. Not knowing what to do, he led Magnus to the bed and gently eased him onto it. Magnus's hands brushed Alec's shoulders, leaving burning trails in their wake as the rest of Magnus was brought downwards to meet the downy bed.
Alec had a flash of vision, of Magnus falling, as if he would sink down into a depth full place out of his reach. Magnus laid back on the bed, half-lidded eyes staring back to him and Alec was frightened by what he saw. Something soft but dangerous. Glassy sheen over golden-green shade that made a vicious trembling racket in his gut. Magnus still looked aware, expression simple as he stared at Alec. He felt too exposed, head stuffed and heated. Of maybe he was imaging it because in the next moment Magnus had fallen unconscious. Alec reached for Magnus but was caught by himself, watching his hand shake.
Alec strode out of the room, closing the door softly behind him and he went to a window that overlooked the busy street below. Now all they had to do was wait.
SPNTMI
Days passed. What was obvious was that no one would be coming back. London's Institute had a strange air to it, as if it somehow knew that its owners were gone. Aura dulled by this fact. Mind strangely calm, Alec's thoughts on rewind.
'Mother, Father, Brothers, Sister. All gone except one.'
His lungs expanded with pain, fullness from oxygen made his chest crackle in discomfort. How can he still be breathing? Every time he took a breath, his chest ached and his groin throbbed. His body felt too hot, too tight to contain him and no amount of living could erase that. As Magnus slept, Alec stared out the window, staring at downworlders who ambled fearlessly through the streets, and yet Alec couldn't bring himself to care.
'Mother, Father, Brothers, Sister.'
He watched as mundanes passed by and some spared a glance back at the Institute and Alec shivered, abruptly angry. How dare they stare at those who protect all? His gaze went downwards, intending to glower back when he realized that there was someone staring back at him. With a concentrated intent of one that knows what one is looking at. Definitely not a mundane. They stood at the front of the street, a pearl-sheened pink umbrella obstructing the face. However, Alec had the distinct impression that whoever it was could not only see him, but was actively watching him.
"Alec?"
Magnus padded towards him and like a plant turning to sunlight, Alec twisted his gaze to meet Magnus's. He looked much better than he last did, eyes back to their usual clear gaze. Although they were looking at Alec in a decidedly soft way. Alec inhaled too sharply, almost choking.
"How are you feeling?"
Magnus smiled wanly. "A little worse for wear but I'll live." He moved a pace and Alec hated the distance. "I should be asking you that."
Alec cleared his throat. "Fine. Fine. I have a question-"
"Alec." Magnus's voice was soft. "I want to know if you're alright."
"I am." Alec replied a sharper than intended. He ignored what could have been the quick flash of hurt behind Magnus's eyes and gestured for him to come to the window. "It feels like she can see us."
Magnus went to stand behind Alec, leaning to get a better look. The fabric of Magnus's shirt brushed against his shoulder and he bit his lip. If Magnus was aware of the reaction, he gave no notice of it.
"That's because she can." He said. "I don't believe it." He gave a bitter laugh.
Alec glanced sharply up at Magnus, ignoring their proximity. "What is it?"
The stranger lifted a hand in greeting; Magnus exhaled in a gust and without a word he moved away and out of the room. The vast space was too confining to him and Alec followed. They walked downstairs and past the dining room and the foyer. Another set of stairs. Alec had to take them two at a time to catch up with Magnus. He was already at the door and wrenching it open. The narrow hall seemed to squeeze the breath out of Alec as the stranger stepped forward.
Rain cascaded off her umbrella that kept her face hooded. She lowered it with a grace that Alec had never seen before to slowly reveal the women behind it as it was closed and lowered to the side. She shook the umbrella, scattering droplets onto the stones and not spilling a drop on herself. Her form was now seen in its entirety. She was the most beautiful woman Alec had ever seen. Energy burned off of her, seemingly in motion when perfectly still.
The candlelit chandeliers burned overhead, swinging mildly and the glow fell on the woman in burnished patterns, and lighting up the silvery-blonde hair that was put up in a bun. Strands of hair seemed to flare with fire. Her white skin backlit with life, peerless with its unblemished smoothness, and a youth that didn't belie the cunning in her wide green eyes. When she wetted pert, pink lips, he knew what she was before she spoke.
"Vampire."
She smiled tightly, but other than that she gave no indication that she was insulted. "Obviously." She purred.
She turned to Magnus, distress making her look younger. Her eyes lit up as Magnus stared back at her and Alec felt a rush of loathing so strong he almost stumbled. The vampire's gripped Magnus's with such strength that Magnus stood on tiptoe. Alec noticed she had trim pink nails and scowled.
"Tell me is it true? That Clave and Covenant is no more? I heard that the shadowhunters home country-"
"How can you even be here?" Alec snapped. "This is consecrated ground."
Both downworlders turned to him. The woman arched an eyebrow; she looked as though she had taken his measure and found it lacking. Alec bristled at her silence. However it was Magnus who spoke next.
"She is here because the magic of the Institute is fading. What you've heard is true." He cleared his throat. "Alexander Lightwood, this is Camille Belcourt."
Camille gave Alec a sharp stare, leaving him exposed as her gaze traveled between Magnus and Alec.
"A shadowhunter. To use a thoroughly mundane turn of phrase, 'not so cocky now, huh?'" She paused, frowning. "Forgive me; you've just lost your home it seems. I can sympathize. I have had a similar experience. However, I didn't come here for that. You are both in grave danger. May I come in?"
"You already have." Alec said. "Why is this your concern?"
Camille shrugged delicately and Alec was surprised at how sensuous the motion was. She was purely sensuous and she blinked large eyes and gave him a halting smile.
"A very wise position. As…sentimental as it sounds, because of Magnus…."
Magnus cleared his throat. "Yes…well. It seems we have some things to talk about." He frowned, turning to Alec.
"What is this sentimentality about, if you don't mind?" Alec asked. "I know that Magnus has a high reputation for his skills and deeds. Did you work together once?"
The two exchanged glances and Alec felt his stomach fill with dread for some reason. Magnus shifted and Camille wiggled. They seemed to be wondering who should speak first, with Magnus making a hand flourish in an almost sarcastic way. Camille didn't seem offended, in fact she laughed.
"At times, yes we worked together when it was necessary. However, a long time ago, Magnus and I used to be lovers."
Alec choked. "I-I-Y-You what?"
"It was a very long time ago." Magnus hastily replied. "In the past." He gave Camille a long look and she nodded.
"Yes, it was a long time ago and has no true bearing on why I've come to see you both."
"…If you must."
Camille nodded in thanks and she followed Magnus. Alec gritted his teeth at her walk. It was graceful, reminding him of a sailboat, her legs gliding in an effortless and powered in such a way that when one went over the other, something seemed to shake in Alec. Camille looked over her shoulder and smiled at him.
SPNTMI
"How does it stand?" Camille asked.
The three sat in the dining room; it differed from his Institute in many ways. They didn't even have a dining room. They ate in the kitchen, where a modest table was placed. This room was huge, not only to provide dinner but a place to gather. The table was long, able to seat twelve at least, although for just the three of them, it was spacious. It once must have been something to see. The table, china cabinet, hutch, and grandfather clock all from a dark wood that still gleamed despite their age. A chandelier burned overhead with real candles, wax giving off a slight spicy scent. Wide paneled French windows with thick drapes. Green with spiny vine design, subtle in the light. It went well with the cream wallpaper.
"Is it true?" Camille asked. "Is it really true? It feels as though this is all a dream, almost too impossible to be real. I heard from the warlocks from the boroughs."
Magnus nodded. "I was there. Valentine may have been killed, but he took Idris along with him."
Magnus began to speak, spilling the story and as he did so, Alec's thoughts wandered.
'Mother, Father, Brothers, Sister…'
Shut it out. Shut it out or it will drive you mad and you know it. Know it in your bones what can destroy you.
"…I had spoken to warlocks who tried to portal there and they told me there was nothing."
Alec sucked in a breath. "Nothing."
Camille gave him a long look. "Nothing that remains."
He bowed his head, letting it settle inside him and the knowledge threatened to rip him from the inside out. Allow a few minutes, but no more or you'll never move again. To dwell in the knowledge that everyone he knew-loved-was dead. Never to return. That he had outlived them, his comrades-his family. There would be no more accords, clave meetings, or clave-no more clave now. Institutes left to rot. He stared at the dining hall. One day this place would gather dust. Dust on the dishes, cobwebs on the chandeliers, linens and drapes would yellow, pipes would rust, and mold would gather. Their magic would eventually fade. They would fade. He had the strangest feeling that he would probably never see New York City again.
Magnus gripped his shoulder tight, like a brand burning metal. Alec caught a brief flash of shuddering overwhelming-ness that brought him back to the conversation with a slap. He saw that Camille was caught staring at him, but instead of looking away, she continued to drill him, a slight smile to her lips. Alec suppressed the urge to throttle her. Unperturbed, she spoke.
"You may be together now, as fortunate as that is, it will not last. You're both in danger staying here, to put it bluntly. To be even more frank, both of you are coming with me back to my home here in London."
Magnus eyed her. "Camille-"
Camille held up a hand, cutting him off. "I insist. Emphatically so."
"Well I guess we don't have a choice then." Magnus gave a rueful smile.
Camille laughed again, as if she heard her favorite inside joke. It was a pretty laugh and Alec hated her for it. Magnus rolled his eyes.
"I don't think that-"
"I've found that whenever Camille sets her mind to something, it cannot be changed." Magnus said to Alec.
"Well if she insists."
He wasn't sure if his sarcasm was noticed, but it certainly wasn't commented on. The two downworlders continued to speak. Whenever the vampire smiled, Alec shivered in disgust.
SPNTMI
That night Alec dreamed violently. He woke up in his own sweat, unable to remember his dream. He shook, terrified and painfully aroused as he lay, limbs paralyzed and buzzing with unspent tension. He couldn't find a name to this feeling or voice what was to him, unending and that filled him with fear. He needed a reminder of being alive and he let his hand wander down to the waistband of his boxers. It didn't abate the too full wellspring that was inside him and he flushed, pressing his anxiety into the pillows. Afterwards, when they left, Alec knew he had already bidden goodbye to the unfamiliar Institute and all he longed to remember, the dearness of those things left at the door.
TBC…