Well hello there, gorgeous,"

The gleam of gold flecked eyes.

"I wanted to tell the truth…."

"It's not the too late to tell the truth Alec…"

"Have you ever been kissed before?"

Alec blinked open his eyes.

He felt like he was still on the edge of something he'd been dreaming, but he couldn't quite remember. It was like loosing your train of thought. He reached for it… but nothing was there.

Alec looked around. Everything was blue or silver or dark wood. Blue velvet hanging from his bedposts, blue and silver tapestries on the wall. There was even blue silk sheets wrapped around his torso.

Alec groaned.

Alec turned his head and saw pale sunlight falling through long narrow windows in the walls. Through them he could see nothing but trees, wind stirring in their leaves.

Finally Alec started to remember.

He sort of gasped as he shot up in bed.

Alec moaned. Throwing off his blankets and stumbling out of bed to the wardrobe in the corner. He found a shirt and some pants and started struggling into them, just as a shadow fell over him from behind.

Alec jumped and whirled.

He was wearing pants, but his shirt was still gapping as he turned to find Magnus standing behind him, leaning against the bed post.

He was grinning like a cat.

"My, my. This is surprising."

Alec flushed, "Did you use the door?"

Magnus snorted and waved his hand. "I never use doors, darling. It's waste of time."

Alec glared, "Well I would appreciate some warning before you barge in here."

"Why?" Magnus' eyes danced. "You belong to me. And this is my house. I can go where ever I please."

Alec sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Fine, whatever. Look, I know you told me I'm supposed to make breakfast and wake you up. I'm sorry I overslept—,"

Magnus strolled forward.

Alec backed himself into the closet. "What are you doing?"

Magnus smiled in a way that set off the gleam in his eyes. He was only standing about a foot away. His arms crossed over a deeply-purple silk vest. "Nothing. Do go on."

Alec bumped his elbow as he tried to stand up straight. "Umm… he cleared his throat. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'll hurry and make breakfast right away."

"That's all right." Magnus leaned a little closer. "I took care of it. It's your first day after all, I expected a few hiccups."

"Oh," Alec shoulders dropped. "I'm sorry…"

Magnus' teeth showed between his lips. "Oh don't worry. I'll be sure you make it up to me."

Magnus reached up and ran his hand down the edge of Alec's unbuttoned shirt. The boy jumped.

"W-what are you doing?" he stammered, throwing himself back against the wardrobe again. His cheeks were vibrantly red.

"Is this the shirt you wore yesterday?" Magnus asked, running the white material through his fingers. Alec's eyebrows rose into his hairline.

"Oh, umm," Alec let out a breath, "Yeah. I don't have any of my other clothes here yet, remember?"

"Didn't you see the clothes I put in there for you?" Magnus used a long, ring-laden finger to identify the closet. Alec turned his head to see what he was talking about.

There was, indeed, a row of glinting, rich garments hanging inside.

"Oh," Alec turned back. "I assumed those were yours, and we're not the same size."

"Those are all in your size, Alexander." Magnus sighed. He released Alec's white shirt with distasted and stepped forward. This desperately encroached on the half-dressed Alec's personal space.

Alec stumbled to the side, blushing. It made Magnus glance at him with a smooth expression, but there may have been disappointment in his eyes.

"See?" Magnus pulled a tunic from the bunch. It was blue, sparking silver embroidery making patterns on the sleeves and chest. "Its much to short for me. Try it on."

Alec eyed the apparel suspiciously, but finally reached out for it and ran the sleeve through his hand. It felt heavy.

He looked up at Magnus and found the man staring at him.

Alec stared back.

"I thought you wanted me to try it on." Alec said finally, when the warlock didn't appear to be moving. Magnus raised an eyebrow.

"I do."

Alec blinked, "Well… aren't you going to step outside?"

Magnus' expression went blank, then suddenly he laughed.

"Modest, are we?"

Alec flushed, "It's just improper!" he snapped. "Looking at other people changing. Isn't it strange for you?"

Magnus smiled, "On the contrary, I think I'll find it very enjoyable."

Alec's eyes widened, "What?" he asked, and tensed. Magnus' expression fell.

He sighed, "Fine, I'll turn around." he said, turning and walking to stare out the windows. "Just hurry up."

Alec blinked and started stripping off his clothes.

It was a little more difficult that usual, getting into the suit Magnus had selected for him. But when he had, he buttoned up the front of the jacket and smoothed it with his hands before turning towards Magnus.

"You're right, it fits." Alec confessed, lifting his arms about and twisting, half expecting the garment to snag when he moved. He heard it as Magnus turned.

"Well of course it does," Magnus said, grinning triumphantly as he walked toward Alec. "I made it for you."

"What?" Alec stared at him. "Why?"

"Because I'm magic?" Magus raised his eyebrow. "And because the suit you were wearing yesterday was positively awful. You're a prince aren't you? What kind of royalty can't afford a proper tailor?"

"I have a tailor," Alec frowned, "I ask him to make me simple clothing. I like it better that way."

Magnus looked appalled. He shook his head. "Well that ends today."

"What?" Alec scowled, "What do you mean?"

"I mean that I own you now, and I need my things to look nice." Magnus explained waving his hand. Magnus moved forward and ran his finger's over Alec's cheek, making his blue eyes widen into saucers. "Though you're defiantly attractive, you're wasting it dressing like an artisan's son."

Alec was blushing but he rolled his eyes. "Can't I just dress up when we're in public?"

"No," Magnus dropped his hand and turned around. "I don't need to have my eyes offended in my own home."

Alec threw his hands up. "Oh, come on!"

"Keep complaining," Magnus warned, walking towards the door. "And I'll take away your clothes privileges all together."

"What?" Alec straightened, "What does that mean?"

"It's means you wear what I give you, or you wear nothing." Magus grinned. "And you really shouldn't tempt me with that idea much longer or I just might forget the clothes completely."

Alec turned ruby and scarlet all the way down to his toes.

"You realize I'm male, right?" Alec demanded, "Because it almost sounds like–," Alec suddenly broke off with wide eyes.

Magnus glanced over his shoulder. "Like what, Alexander?" He asked challengingly. "Like I'm attracted to you? What's the matter with that?"

Alec's eyes were still wide.

"You…." Alec swallowed, and took a step back.

Magnus' expression fell and he turned around with crossed arms.

"It's been a long time since the church burned men for liking other men, Alec." he said in a slow, even voice. "In Greece it's actually encouraged. The world doesn't look at sexuality the same way anymore, and honestly, I wouldn't care if they did. I'm a powerful man, and no one can stop me from doing what I like."

Magnus was smiling again. "And just so you know. You should probably start thinking about where you stand on the subject, Mr. Alexander Lightwood. Because I just might like you."

Alec and Magnus didn't talk again for a while after that. Magnus departed with a vague hint that he had a meeting, leaving Alec to wander around his cavernous house.

As it turned out, The Dark Manor was not properly named.

The place was a riot of color. Everywhere he went he ran into groupings of bright future or art and tapestries lining the walls. Delicate, crystalline lamps made of stained glass cast patterns on glossy dark-wood floors, and webs of gold formed chandeliers near the ceiling.

Alec felt like he'd stepped into a painting.

He found breakfast; fruit and coffee on a long ebony table in the dining room. Alec was guided to it by the dark aroma filling the halls. Alec sat down to have some since Magnus had said to make himself at home. He just hoped this had been what he'd had in mind.

Alec was grateful for the moment of quiet. He wanted to clear his head, after what Magnus… Alec just couldn't stop thinking.

The truth was… It wasn't that Alec needed to think about what Magnus had asked him. What worried him was the fact that didn't.

He already knew where he stood. When it came to being attracted to men… Alec had known for a while. But the idea of acting on it… Alec swallowed.

He didn't have Magnus' confidence. He wasn't sure he wanted to. And he certainly wasn't prepared to be asked, point blank, about the one thing he'd never told anybody in his entire life.

Especially not by a tall, attractive man who was essentially holding him captive.

Alec buried his face in his hands.

BIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRIIIIIINNNNGGGGG

Alec jolted out of his thoughts by a shill ringing through out the room.

Alec blinked, for a moment bewildered when no servants responded. That is until he remembered that the servant was him.

He stood up and headed for the front door.

"Alec!"

Arms flew around Alec's neck, dark red shirts swaying into his legs as some long, slender weight fell into him.

Alec caught a glimpse of black hair.

"Isabelle?" Alec's arms came up to pat his sister. "What are you doing here?"

"I missed you," she replied, stepping back to pout at him with big, dark eyes. "We had breakfast without you this morning and it made me realize that you were truly gone. So I thought I'd come for a visit. I was surprised when nothing stopped me at the gate. I mean, surely the dark manor ought to have better security than to allow anyone to come waltzing up to the door."

"You'd think…" Alec rubbed the back of his head. "I don't know if I'm allowed to have guests…."

"Well is Magus here?"

Alec raised an eyebrow. "No."

"Then what does it matter?" Isabelle beamed and breezed inside.

"Iz—," Alec turned reproachfully. "You're going to get me in trouble!"

"I'm your sister!" she replied, turning with her hands on her hips. "He said you could see your family, didn't he?"

"I don't think this is what he meant." Alec sighed, but regardless, he shut the door. "Fine, as long as we stay in the dining room and down disturb anything."

Isabelle smiled, "Wonderful," she clapped her black-gloved hands and turned on a heel. Her ruby skirts sparkled around her, and dark curls bounced around her face.

"The ceremony is tonight?" Alec said a moment later, when the too of them were sitting together and drinking coffee.

Isabelle selected a strawberry with her silver fork and nibbled at it before she spoke.

"Father's worried the war is getting worse. If we don't hurry to assemble an army and measure our numbers then we may not have a chance."

Alec frowned. "I should be helping…."

Isabelle looked at him, a warm understanding in her eyes.

"I think you've given up enough, Alec." Isabelle glanced pointedly around the room. "Besides, you're coming tonight, aren't you?"

"Both of us are," Alec lowered his eyes. "It just doesn't feel like that means anything. I feel like I'm a spectator. I'm supposed to be the future king, and yet a war is destroying my kingdom and I'm…." Alec closed his eyes.

"Alec—," Isabelle reached for him.

"Well, well," A voice seemed to echo off the walls as Magnus materialized at the far end of the table. His fingers curled as if he were examining his rings. "Seems the Lightwoods have multiplied while I was away."

"Magnus," Alec stood. "I'm sorry, Isabelle just wanted to—,"

"It's fine, Alexander, I don't mind your sister." Magnus said, pulling out a chair and sitting down with crossed legs. "Though perhaps she should learn to schedule appointments the next time she'd like to visit."

Isabelle grinned, "I suppose I could think about it."

Magnus chuckled and shook his head.

"So, what do we owe the pleasure of your company miss Lightwood?"

"I came to tell you that the ceremony moved to tonight." Isabelle said, twirling a loose curl around her finger. "Everyone will be gathering at castle at sundown."

"I see," Magnus uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. "Then we'll be there, just to make sure things go as they should."

Isabelle nodded, "Well then, I'll see you both tonight." she stood up, leaning over to peck her brother on the cheek. Alec rolled his eyes and scrubbed lip coloring off his skin.

"Thanks for visiting Iz."

"Of course," She smiled her beautiful sharp cheeked smile and then turned to wave. "Thanks for having me, Magnus."

"Allow me to choose next time, darling, and you're welcome." Magnus said with an affectionate smile. Isabella laughed as she left.

Magnus turned his bright, cat eyes on Alec.

"So you think you can handle the ceremony tonight?"

Alec raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean handle it?"

Magnus' eyes darkened. "I told you about the cup didn't I? The risks involved? Are you sure you're ready to watch heaven weed out the unworthy from it's flock?"

Alec's lips parted in surprise, he looked down.

"I have to be there," Alec said, his voice barely a breath.

Magnus nodded. "As long as you're sure."

Alec's hands tightened, and he looked away.

That night, when Alec and Magnus arrived, the palace was swarmed with every solider from the lines. All of them dressed in uniform and with a nervous energy that buzzed in the air.

Magnus was different. He had an odd composure about him. A deeply quiet nonchalance.

Alec was breaking out in a cold sweat.

How many of these men were going to die?

"Magnus," Alec's voice was low as he leaned towards him, "How does it happen?"

Magnus took a moment, but he seemed to realize what Alec meant.

"It doesn't happen all at once." he said lowly, "It will be like swallowing poison. Everyone who drinks will start to feel dizzy, and then they'll all drop. Once they start to seize there will be a lot of pain, a lot of delirium. I wish I could say it will be over quickly….

Magnus cleared his throat and continued, "When the blood has fully spread through their systems they'll all pass out from the strain. If their hearts keep beating then they'll live. Probably wake up in about twenty-four hours. If not…" Magnus' expression became grave.

Alec's jaw tightened. "I understand."

Magnus and Alec stood at the back of the crowd. Everyone gathered in the ballroom, soldiers milling about the large open space. Alec watched them all, his eyes catching on their faces.

He wished he would stop noticing them, but that only seemed to make him notice more.

"Alec,"

Alec turned.

It was Jace. He was standing behind him, dressed in uniform— black and gold. It looked good on him. It made all the heavenly-gold come out in his hair and in his eyes.

Alec fought off a blush at the thought.

"Jace," Alec forced a smile.

Jace didn't return it. "Can I talk to you?" Jace's eyes shifted to Magnus, narrowed, and then found Alec again.

Alec glanced at Magnus. "Can I…?"

"Sure," Magnus' expression changed. A sort of… concern. Alec didn't understand why. "I'm going upstairs to watch from the balcony. Just meet me up there when you're done."

Magnus turned and walked away.

Alec turned to Jace. "What is it?"

Jace's eyes positively burned. "I found a book that talks about the cup."

"Really?" Alec's eyebrows raised. "What did it say?"

"It described a lot about when the cup was created." Jace said, "Turns out there used to be some Roman warriors who drank from it. It described what they were like… some of the things that the cup gives you…"

"Oh?" Alec tilted his head. "Like what?"

Jace shrugged. He seemed wild, all of the sudden. Like an out of control fire. "It gives you a sort of magic, these runes that appear on your skin. They made the warriors faster, and stronger… gave them power."

"I see," Alec swallowed. "I guess it's everything Magnus promised then."

Jace's eyes flickered. "There's something else."

"What?" Alec was resistant. Did Jace know about the pain? The fit that came before death? Was he regretting asking for the cup?

"There was this phenomenon that the book referred to," Jace said. "That happened between two warriors who drank from the cup at the exact same time. They were some how bonded together by the cup, like two people sharing one power. It made them stronger, and it made them be able to do things that no other warriors couldn't do alone. Better than brothers."

Alec felt something cold wash over him. "What are you trying to say, Jace?"

Jace looked him, and his eyes were so bright, so fierce.

They were hewn from the sun.

Jace grabbed him by the shoulder. "Drink from the cup with me, Alec."

Alec's eyes widened, "What?"

"You had to know I was going to do this," Jace said. "These are my men. I have to, whatever the risks. But this way…" Jace let out a breath.

"It made the warriors stronger Alec." Jace said, "I have faith that you and I are worthy. The cup will choose us, but this way… It only makes our chances better."

Alec felt like his heart was breaking.

He should have thought about this sooner. About Jace… his best friend, his adopted brother. He should have thought about what might happen tonight.

Of course Jace was going to drink from the cup. He was a warrior, always and forever. He wouldn't see any other choice. But as strong as he was, as good as he was, Alec had no guarantees.

Jace could die. Right there, right in front of him, and Alec would be helpless but to watch him slip away. There would be nothing he could do.

Alec's eyes widened.

Except maybe one thing.

Alec reached out and caught Jace's hand, gripping it in the air between the two of them. He nodded his head.

"I'm with you," Alec said, "For better or worse."

A slow, brilliant smile spread over Jace's lips, lightening his face.

"And I'm with you." Jace said, squeezing Alec's fingers. "Forever."

It occurred to Alec that Magnus might try to stop him. That's why Jace came up with the idea to change him into a military uniform, using the hat that came with it to cover his hair and face.

Magnus was watching from above. He wouldn't be able to tell the difference from far away, at least not immediately. Still Alec knew he needed to act.

He and Jace were the first in line.

"Are you sure about this?" Alec murmured, "You know the risks. No second thoughts?"

Jace shook his head. "None. You?"

Alec squared his shoulders. "No."

It's time for me to be a hero.

Alec's father entered the room a moment later, Alec's mother at his side. They were both resplendant in black and gold, the country's colors. A sign of respect.

Robert raised the cup and the room broke into cheers.

Alec swallowed.

Robert placed the cup on a pedestal. He gave a speech, something about faith and sacrifice. Alec wasn't listening. He couldn't hear through the pulsing in his ears.

His hands tightened into fists.

You can do this.

At one point, Robert turned and caught sight of Alec's face out of the corner of his eye.

When he turned to look at him. Alec didn't know what he expected to see. Concern? Anger?

It wasn't what he got.

What Alec saw in his father's eyes… was pride.

Alec's lips parted.

Suddenly he wasn't uncertain at all.

Jace nudged him, warning him it was time to step forward.

Alec followed his lead.

"Both of you?" Robert asked as they came forward. Jace nodded.

"It's part of the ceremony," he explained. "Two warriors who are partners."

Robert nodded his head. "Very well," He stepped back to sit with Alec mother.

She had noticed Alec now, and she did look afraid. Her hands gripping the arms of her chair. Robert smoothed his hand over hers, whispering something to her.

She looked at him, and she leaned back. But there was tension in her jaw.

Alec tried to reassure her with a smile.

Jace looked sideways at him, "Are you ready?"

Alec felt a tremor running through his bones. "Yeah."

Jace nodded. "Let's do it together. On three."

Alec nodded.

Jace braced his hand in the air, and Alec mirrored him.

"One…"

Alec took in a breath.

"Two…"

His throat was tight.

"Three…"

Their hands shot forward.

However long it had been that they stood up there…. was apparently how long it took for Magnus to recognize him.

"ALEC!"

Alec felt the cup burn as he and Jace leaned together and brought it to their lips. He felt it buzz with life between their hands. And as the golden blood sloshed forward- passing between their lips- Alec felt the fire of heaven in his veins.

"ALEC!"

It wasn't painful. It was electric. Like lighting and stars exploding inside him. Like hearing the voices of angels in his ears.

But that wasn't the last thing that he heard.

No. The last thing that Alec Lightwood heard as the thick, hot liquid burned down his throat was Magnus' voice.

Screaming his name.