Disclaimer: All characters belong to Cassandra Clare
A/N:
A small one before the epilogue; all the events in this chapter takes place chronologically. And I don't know why sometimes when I copy and paste it from Word some words are being eaten? I hope this doesn't happen to this chapter as it does to some previous ones and I am too tired to reread again, sorry if it does occur:p
More at the end.
Warnings: Possible scene of rape and disturbing and sexual content.
Epilogue
Sebastian's black hairs were blowing by the winter's chills, as so many others' packed in the vacant space in Vikram where the public event was finished few minutes ago. Eyes inspecting the area below, Valentine smirked as he crossed his legs and interlaced his fingers. He was sitting gracefully in the Commissioner's chair when Helen reported the wrapping up.
People were screaming. Over the horizon the sky was covered by a layer of black – modified droids were flying towards the packed crowd, ready to pick out those unwanted for the brighter future of the city. Or rather, mankind, he would say. Mundanes were basically losers in every aspect compared to them; why should they even exist?
Petals of blood spread on the stage as they were dripping down from the bodies and separated heads hanging. The ropes attached to the rack strapped their hairs and the heads swung in mid-air for the strong howls of audience.
Valentine leaned back in the chair and enjoyed the massacre under his cold eyes. Oh, everything was so perfect and clean, just like how his plans had been. The panic and realization in their eyes were priceless.
The crowd scattered like groups of scared prey. Besides the droids and robots, the Transformed had joined in the wipes. It was unbelievably thrilling to see those pests gone: they were the reason why the world hadn't evolved like it was supposed to be. Without them, they could progress.
"Valentine," Helen said. "The last batch has been delivered to the furnaces. Meanwhile, what should we do with them?"
He recalled the time he visited the dungeon and stared at the impressive creation in robotics. He remembered those eyes, how the three pairs of them fearlessly met his judging glare and fought against the external forces to erase their memory. Well, eventually they were broken. It was expected for every living creature; at some point they were going to break into shards when their metal walls were touched and hit so many times.
Rebellious robots were useless to him. Valentine waved his hand in a dismissive manner. "Furnace would be fine."
"What about Theresa Gray?"
He whirled and now he was facing one of his best commanders. Raised his brows teasingly, he joked. "You like her?"
Helen didn't reply for a while before she opened her mouth. The answer was expectable. "I admire her skill and the courage to try new things. It is rare that a person can brace all the critics and continue one's study without losing faith in themselves."
"Helen, you are something else." Fondly shook his head, Valentine walked to hold her shoulders in adoration. "I know you like her. You can't lie to me. Sadly she is our enemy and that means – "
"She needs to be put down."
Valentine wasn't bothered by the interruption. Instead, he patted her fatherly. "Yes. But I am sure you can find someone else in this mass world who is more of a match to you. This wouldn't happen without you; you make our dream comes true, Helen. You are the hero of history. Trust me – you should not lower yourself to disgrace like her. You deserve better."
"I shall go finish up all the work." Helen flashed him a small smile before she walked out of the office. Glanced over his shoulder, the crowd had already been gathered by walls of robots and some were struggling against the grips on their collars. Of course, they wouldn't succeed. His bloods were dancing as those Mundanes were dragged out from the circles, being collected or destroyed.
The air was fresher. He inhaled deeply and sat lazily back into the seat, listening to the triumphs of the Institute and its ally while the head of the former Commissioner was in public display. Sebastian was pacing on the stage, kicking the dismembered bodies down onto the audience. The black-haired man mocked as people jumped at the bloods and limps spilling over them. Even in the office, Valentine could taste the rotted metals in the air.
The crowd was narrowing. The natural selection had begun.
"What are you thinking?" Sebastian dropped himself on the bed. His lover was sitting cross-legged, observing his collection of weapons on the wall by the door and in his hands the most glorious and unique blade. He was rather proud of the possession and he took it from Will with his left hand.
"This is a seraph blade, Sanvi. A gorgeous thing, isn't she?" Right hand running through those silky raven hairs, Sebastian sighed in contentment. Will touched the rim of the blade carefully, as if fearing blood would be drawn if he showed any disrespect.
A teasing purr echoed inside his chest. "Maybe you want to touch other things…" Sebastian stood and walked to the wall of collections, putting the seraph blade in the center, worshiping by the others. Then he jumped back onto the bed, right on top of the blue-eyed former Detective. He leaned down and licked the corner of those charming lips. "Mhm, you taste sweet."
"Yeah?" Will raised a challenging eyebrow. Sebastian pinned him down on the mattress and thrust his growing erection against Will's limp member. "You are mine, William."
The man underneath struggled. Sebastian chided. "Stop being childish." At his words Will stopped. The astonishing blue looked right into his soul. "Why do I feel so incomplete? You say we are a couple, but I am not loved – "
"I love you," Sebastian stared right back with complete authority. "Don't deny my love for you."
"This doesn't feel right." Will whispered and frowned when Sebastian planted kisses on his collarbone. His head thrashed to avoid the tongue. Sebastian asserted. "Nothing is wrong. Your head is messing with you."
"Who is the boy in the picture?" Will retorted, changed the topic into something entirely different. "I know it isn't me. Who is he?"
"What picture?" Sebastian sighed.
Will stared back in fearlessness. "The one you carry around in your jean's pocket."
"And how do you get your hands on it, William?"
"When you are in the bathroom."
"It's a trophy that doesn't deserve your attention." Argument was exhausting and the lust slipped away gradually. He sat up, still straddling the other Aristo. "You and I are one – we are each other's missing puzzle. I love you and you I. What can't you just listen to me?"
"You said it, yet I don't have to believe it." Will propped his elbows to support himself. He let Sebastian take the dominant position physically. "My heart, despite everything you tell me, is at somewhere else. I can feel it. It is disgusting – "
"When you are with me?"
Sebastian's jaw set hard. Will admitted out loud. "Yes! I don't want you to kiss me, touch me or be anywhere near me! My tattoo," He touched the inks on the back of his left palm. "Has been throbbing since I wake up. It's like what, three months? You lock me here in your room like a pet; and that's not what I am. I am so much more than your pet. I know it."
"No one says you are. You are my lover. And you are in pain through the tattoo?" Sebastian picked up the feeble left hand, studied it like it was something new that worth exploring.
Will nodded weakly. He had been feeling tired ever since he woke up from the slumber. He couldn't remember anything except the fact that Sebastian was his lover of years and the only place he belonged to was the bedroom. There was something missing and they were screaming at him, shaking to make him remember. But he couldn't.
"You're just being paranoid." Sebastian touched the tip of his nose. "I will take care of the pain, don't worry."
Sebastian got off the bed and exited, shut the door behind him tight as he locked the room by scanning his wrist to the scanner. He headed towards the lab.
The security guards bowed to him as he entered the lab. It was dark and tables filled with equipment lined up in rows. By the walls were giant tanks that looked similar to the hospital beds. People were floating inside.
"Henry," He called and a man with ginger hairs answered. The deep gray vest matched with the white rolled-sleeved shirt and the pants, safety glasses blocked the view to his eyes. The muscular body was nicely covered in delicate clothes.
He greeted Sebastian enthusiastically. "What storm brings you here?"
"I am just wondering how your study goes." Sebastian gave a reassuring smile. Henry's mouth agape and he pried, sensed the scheming. "I've made regular reports to Valentine and I've been providing excellent and stable environment for my subjects."
"Relax, Henry, I am not here to inspect your method. But more about..." Sebastian grinned and folded his hands behind, eyes scanned the five occupied tubes. The silver hairs were easy to recognize. He pointed at the Aristo in the middle. "You should increase daily dose for him. You've been eager to do that, haven't you? Testing the limit. Your permission is given by me now."
Henry's eyes were unsure. The screens on each table were showing vital signs for correspondent subjects. Their heartbeats were fast, almost breaking through the upper limit of their heart strong muscles bursting. "I don't think it is a good idea."
"Why is that?"
The cold tone sent Henry chills and goosebumps developed from the bottom of his spine. He swallowed hardly. "I've got the result I want. The calculation shows that the current dose would be sufficient to enhance Aristo's pain tolerance and a two-week daily treatment can last for a year. A year is enough."
"It is hardly enough, Henry." Sebastian walked back and stood in front of the ginger, cruel black eyes penetrated. "When I say increase his dose, you increase his dose. Do you understand?"
"It is not necessary. They have reached their limits and if we push it further they could have died!" Henry argued, unable to see the reason behind.
"Just his," Sebastian didn't look back, only threw his head slightly back. "One dead subject in the experiment is not that difficult to explain in the report, is it? If anyone question your motive, you can drop my name. I always look after you, Henry. Whatever tests you want to carry out all the time I get you things you required. We are friends; do me a favor, as it also benefits you. His death will be praised as the sacrifice for our great cause."
Fondling his forearms, Henry hesitated. The man Sebastian singled out – was going to die if he followed the soldier's order. It was never a quest he could refuse; no one had the courage to do so. Henry remembered his wife and their sons. The day when Sebastian invited him into the Institute was still vividly playing in front of him, how frightened his sons had been and badly beaten Charlotte was.
"No problem." His lips were trembling. He nearly collapsed as Sebastian patted him on the shoulder.
"Great. I will get someone to check with the progress later."
He didn't deserve to be called a scientist. He was – he was just a dog.
Alec knocked the door in a rhythm, hands back into the pockets as his back bore the glares from pedestrians. He didn't have to wait that long before the door cracked open and his collar was grabbed, then he was engulfed by complete darkness.
"Honey, you are right on time." Hands sneaked under his shirt; his breath hitched as they grasped his ass. He couldn't see anything but feel the Aristo was pressing him into his chest, holding him into place.
"Let's get to business." Alec said and he nearly jumped out from the arms when another pair of hands touched his shoulder blades. The Aristo laughed lightly. "Don't be scared, he is just a friend of mine."
"Tell me how to get into diamond field first, then we can do whatever you or your friend want." He pushed the chest in a polite manner, didn't want to anger the informant. A warm body enveloped him from behind. His heart skipped a beat as the claws brushed against his pumping vein by the side of his neck. He clutched onto the Aristo's bare chest.
"He will be gentle. And you can get your information after we are done."
"You mean it – ah!" Alec hunched, trying to get those fluffy paws from his neck and back. Pain ran through his body and something dripped down his spine, over his Marks. "Watch your dirty mouth. You have handfuls of enemies now and you don't want him to be one of them."
Alec didn't speak. They took it as a silent endorsement and they started rough. He tried to get himself enjoying this, stroking his own in order to have some pleasure during the slow time. But it couldn't overcome the tearing ache when they were inside him, were they bent him into various position.
He was grateful for that. They were rough, not cruel nor heartless. Sore muscles and bleeding bottom were something he had learnt to appreciate after countless encounters with other informants.
The room was lit up by the light bulb from the ceiling. A tall tanned Aristo was sitting by the table in the center, watching Alec changing into his clothes and the Tranformed resting on the bed. The three of them were still naked. The pair of olive green eyes landed on him.
"There is no way you can get in, only permitted Transformed and certain members from the Institute can." The Aristo dropped the bomb when Alec was struggling to put on his clothing. He stopped mid-track. "Are you playing with me?" Alec leaped and caught the Aristo's hands, shaking him violently. "You think it is funny?"
He was on the edge of shouting and the dog-like Transformed got off its bed to cover his mouth, knowing Alec's yells would cause the troubles. The Aristo comforted him. "I will do what I can – what is in there that you want so much? Diamonds? Your Master can get those for you."
"I don't want any stupid diamonds," Alec removed the paw on his mouth. "My brother is in there. I want him out."
"Brother?" The Transformed said in bass. "Forget him."
"You don't anything about us." Alec fought those fingers that were grabbing his genital part.
"I will try to get him out. What does he look like?" The Aristo suggested. Alec's eyes widened and temporarily he forgot about the Transformed touching his private areas. "You would do that for me?"
"Well, I have earned enough from you. But let me make it clear, this is not a promise."
A smile nearly cracked on his face. "I know, I know. His name is Jace – he has golden hairs and eyes. Muscular, cocky and confident. You will know it is him once you spot him. He is those kind that you would never forget."
The Aristo smiled warmly as he stood and caressed the skins decorated with hickeys and light scratches. "Are they as beautiful yours?"
"What?" Alec asked in confusion.
"His eyes. Yours – are bright and starry, sometimes unreachably deep, bottomless."
"He is everyone's favorite. Everyone loves him." He answered in honesty. The Aristo hummed in acknowledgement while his hands and the paws stimulating his sensitive spots again.
"… Alright. I will try harder if you do too. Don't get your hope up."
He relaxed after getting an unsound promise. "It's getting dark; I have to go – " Alec sucked in a hasty breath when two hot shafts were rubbing on him, one on his thigh and one between his asscheeks.
"Hush now."
He was tired, but he could manage it if it meant a better chance of getting Jace out of the diamond field. Just close your eyes. It will be over. He exposed his neck for the Aristo to dive in, and let the paws invade.
Sebastian angrily crashed into the cafeteria when Helen just settled down at a table. People stepped aside to make rooms for the famous soldier and they all kept their heads low as if staring at him would burn their eyes. Helen hummed coolly as the black-haired man plunged into the opposite seat.
"What makes our God Mighty this angry." She said, stirring the noodle with her fork and she shoved them into her mouth when Sebastian glared. "Stupid William Herondale."
"I've told you, he should be put down, like the three robots and Theresa Gray. Keeping them alive does us no good."
"I have everything under my control, so take care of your own business before you point your little finger at me. Well, there are rumors that you are under the spell of that woman, are you not?" Sebastian lifted his feet and put them on the table, completely ignored the fearful gestures of the others. While Helen was used to his behavior, she continued to imply the possibility of Sebastian making things worse.
"Earlier today she was sent to the gas room. And furnace for the robots which Valentine prefers. My job is done perfectly fine and on time. Your love for that Detective is going to ruin your reputation, just wait and see."
Sebastian huffed, eyes swimming around in calculation. At the end he leaned down and asked in a low voice. "Did you really?"
She didn't answer, only looked at him challengingly. Slowly Sebastian laughed with a weird echo within his chest and applauded. People were glancing at them, in both curiosity and fright. Just when Helen thought she could have her lunch in peace, Sebastian picked up the topic again. "It turns out you are as heartless as I am."
Dully she chewed on the food. "I have sworn my loyalty to the Institute and Valentine. Mundanes and rebels don't deserve my heart. If I were you I would dump that Herondale away as soon as possible."
"Who says he has my heart?" Sebastian wiggled a brow teasingly. Got what he meant, Helen rolled her eyes to the back of her head. "How about the Angel boy? The Lightwood?"
"Oh him. He is just a toy. Anyway, he is not that special anymore; he has become a whore, sleeping around for information."
Helen wiped the sauce from the corner of her lips. She had been busy monitoring the maintenance of robots and settlement of rebels. Therefore, it relaxed her a bit upon hearing Sebastian was keeping track of possible suspects that would gather people to overthrow their power. "Do you need me to pull the footage? We have his official file and facial recognition shouldn't be a problem."
"That's a plus." Sebastian grinned evilly, his eyes narrowed into thin lines. The darkness still piercing through.
She nodded in agreement. Silence settled.
They were haunting her: Tessa whose skill she admired, ended up paralyzed and being thrown into the gas room. Aline who had captured her eyes… the beautiful Asiatic robot who stared into her eyes without the fear of death, so did her two other companions. She would never forget the look on their faces before they were strapped into ridiculous position, being dumped into the pot of hot boiling metals.
Angel, they were still crying to see their Master –
"What are you thinking about?" Sebastian asked and was looking at her pensively.
They weren't friends; she and Sebastian, but they had been working together for at least ten years. Still, she couldn't figure out what was exactly in his mind. He was an unpredictability. Sometimes she would feel the bone-reaching chills just by having him standing next to her.
A short panic rushed through and made her hairs stood on their ends. She shook her head, muttering. "Nothing."
"Faster, pig! I don't feed you to slow me down!"
Magnus scowled at the scene of a member from the Institute tugged the leash forcefully, almost making her Mundane fell over his threshold. The Mundane didn't reply but followed the order, fastened his pace with a lowering head. He was naked, bare without clothes. From the fresh Marks on his back Magnus knew he was brought from the Market just a few days ago. It was impossible for a Mundane walked in the street freely without names attached on their necks, backs or arms. They had to belong to someone. His owner was visiting Magnus to get the new pet something suitable to wear other than the ragged clothe placed on him.
And that was when Magnus's skill came in handy. His creativity was trapped by those minds of corrupted. His identity as an Aristo surely gave him benefits at all time while Mundanes were treated like emotionless objects. The world was something unenjoyable to live in.
He sighed and turned over the sign to "Rest" which was hanging on the entrance. Putting his work into a basket, Magnus went to the back of the shop – hidden behind the curtain was his world. Everyone was relocated a place after the Execution and due to his specialty, he got a ground floor shop with his home in the back. It was small, but lovely and enough for the two of them.
Lit the scent candle to smooth his nerve, Magnus ordered his robots to cook some food for two. It was still an uncertainty whether his Mundane would be back for dinner, but he insisted making the share of the Mundane. It would be inhumane not to – especially when he was more than a normal lowest-ranked person to him.
The news arrived when Magnus finished the dinner with soap opera (which featured only Aristo actors and actresses) on TV. His robot handed him the phone and said it was from the hospital.
Frowning, he took it from the cold hand. "Magnus Bane."
"Sir, your Mundane was sent to Easton Hospital ten minutes ago. Procedures have been done to make sure – "
"What?"
His question wasn't answered due to the recording from the other end of the phone. Without listening further, he threw it on the sofa and left in a hurry without checking his appearance. He must look like a homeless when he realized the slippers were too comfy to be wore outside of a house. Also, the pink tank-top with glittery words BITCH I AM FABS might not exactly suit the mood of the dying city covered by gloom.
Anyway, it was too late to regret anything now. Magnus hopped in a taxi. Luckily, inside one of the pajama's pocket there was a trading stick that he had long forgotten. He prayed there would be some money in it.
The hospital looked the same the last time he visited, except everyone he saw was an Aristo or Transformed. Mundanes, yes there were – but they were all being tied to a leash or rope and were getting scolded by their Masters. Some were slapped and fainted on the hallway while the Aristos angrily yanked them back up and shoved them to the wall, forcing them to stand on their weak legs. Magnus turned away from the sight and made his way to the reception.
"How might I help you?" The robot played automatically. "Where is the room for the Mundane under Magnus Bane?" His polished nails clicked on the desk in impatience. The hollow eyes of the female nurse held the glance for a second. "He is still in the emergency room. Dr. Loss shall be there."
"Thanks," Magnus turned his heels feeling overwhelming idiotic. Did he just say thank you to a robot?
Paced through the bright, neat and sterilized hallway to the emergency room, what came to him first was the waiting room and curtains dividing spaces into segments. The golden-green cat-like eyes were reaching for someone wearing a white doctor coat and he spotted a woman in snow white hairs.
"Excuse me – "
"Oh!" The woman jumped when Magnus appeared from behind. She quickly picked up her dropped tablet and smiled to him. "Sorry for my clumsiness."
Magnus looked at the name tag clamped on the chest pocket. "I should be sorry for scaring you, Dr. Loss. May I ask where the Mundane under Magnus Bane is?"
Her eyes grew wild before she controlled the resentment written all over her face. "Follow me." She walked stiffly three curtains away, stopped by one with dark dots painting over the jade.
Magnus pushed away the curtain and his heart stunk to the bottom. What laying on the hospital bed was the Mundane; the shirt was torn and the pants were gone to nowhere, bondages wrapped tightly almost all the exposing skins. A healing machine was spinning rapidly around his hip and there were black bruises all over it.
The ball of black hairs rested peacefully on the pillow. Magnus went nearer and brushed the freshly treated jaw and uneven nose. They used to be in a one smooth line but after days and days of damages they gave in eventually.
Magnus sighed. "How is he handling?"
"His records are pretty impressive – and it is quite amazing he is still alive after everything." Dr. Loss was harsh, eyes judging Magnus.
Despite of the glares, Magnus's eyes were fixed on the grimaced face. "What did he do this time?"
"You know better than I am," She paused and was looking at him funny. He added, as figured out she must have thought he was the cause of injury. "We are not that close. I am not like the others: my Mundane has his freedom to go anywhere he desires. He goes away all the time and gets himself in troubles a lots. In all occasions I have no idea what is going on."
Catarina said skeptically. "It is rare for an Aristo to let his Mundane running around on his will. It is obvious that your loose restriction endangers him."
He was stuck in an awkward position: sure he wanted to keep the Mundane safe, yet he couldn't bare a second longer when the wrecked soul was wandering around his house, begging him to set him free for just an hour. Magnus had offered anything he could to the Mundane.
The closed curtain was lifted and revealed a police officer – an Aristo, like any of them would be. His blue eyes reminded Magnus of a missing dear friend. "I am Stephen Herondale, the handler of your Mundane's case."
Sharing the same last name was common among Aristos; they were determined by the specific genes inside their chromosomes which were carefully placed. Somehow Magnus could see it in those same shade of blue.
"May I ask…?"
"Would you excuse us, Doctor?" Stephen smiled weirdly. Catarina stared at him before her brain could comprehend. She quickly walked out and left the two Aristos alone with Magnus's injured Mundane.
Cleaned his throat and shoulders shrugged under the fine suit, Stephen cleared the fog of truth. "Mr. Bane, your Mundane has been sticking its nose in some business it shouldn't be messed with; the consequence lays right in front of your eyes." His long fingers signaled towards the pile of bones and fleshes on the bed. "Your so-called freedom is pushing it to its death. I know not many Aristos care, but you seem to be nice enough. I would suggest you to take the Doctor's advice and keep your leash on it."
"What sort of business?" Magnus asked bluntly.
"That it earned a fair beating."
"You mean," He took a step closer, through it didn't made him more threatening by the unmoved expression on the Detective. "I let him walk around freely is a crime that he deserves to get beaten to death?"
The expensive shoes tapped on the tiles as Stephen moved forwards, resting his right hand on the bed pole. Magnus's vision intensified and noticed how close it was to the Mundane. He wanted to slap the hand away, away from the feet under the sheet.
"Here is the cause and effect: you give it freedom, it asks around – it has already crossed its line, asking questions that is. You should know well that it would raise some attention, shouldn't you?"
Magnus didn't speak, understood it was a warning to tell him to lock the Mundane in the cage. And he knew he was one of the reasons why the Mundane ended up in the hospital.
"Listen to logic, Mr. Bane. You are already on our list. This is just a short dropping by and we'll keep in touch."
Keep in touch my ass. Magnus thought but he said nothing, nodded politely to the smiling Detective. It was stupid to offend an officer. Made sure they were alone, Magnus sat on the spare space next to the broken man. Brown bejeweled hands brushed away the hairs on the forehead and he found himself was still unnerved at situations like this.
"What are you acting so stupid?
His lips were sealed tightly, wouldn't even share his sneaky activities with Magnus who he could trust. Magnus had crossed his heart and made a promise to the dying woman that he would take care of her brother until the death claimed him. Why would you throw your precious life away just like that? Magnus thought. Watching a man destroying himself wasn't an easy task, especially after everything they had been through together.
Magnus repeated. "You can get through this."
Valentine listened with a smile as his board reporting the progress of Vikram. The city was back to order, every Aristo had their designated robots and occupation. Mundanes either was sold in the Market to be put under the names of their Masters, or used as a cheap labor force. And the plans of taking down the Transformed was going drastically well: those stupid animals. They wouldn't know what hit them, just like the city itself.
He sneered and caused an echo of others within the office.
"With this rate, the attack could be carried out as soon as next week." Helen said, eyes fixed on her tablet. Sebastian was sitting next to her, playing idly with his hairs. There were others who were brilliant in their own fields, all were contributing to the mission in any way possible. It made him feel like a God – which he could pull every strength into the basket and created a bomb. The power to be upon those wise.
"How is your growth stimulant going?"
His random question seemed to throw the ginger over the edge. Said man shifted uncomfortably and stuttered. "It is going well. To be honest, I didn't expect the result to be like this because in theory Mundanes couldn't take the stimulant without their system crashing down – "
"Get to the point," Sebastian interjected, and Valentine let him. "Henry, no one wants to know how you did it. Results."
Henry gulped and his eyes cast down in defeat and disappointment. Valentine sighed at the black-haired soldier's advance on Henry; scientists needed to be encouraged, and Sebastian was doing right the opposite. Maybe he should ask Henry to stay behind for a cheerful talk after the meeting.
"The study shows the whole period of pregnancy – starts from the fertilization to giving birth – can be shortened to three months. The baby is healthy."
"I appreciate your effort dedicated to the study. I want to hear more about the baby; can it take the growth stimulant we use on teenagers?"
Henry replied with guilt. "No. All the babies are dead. There are some changes to be done on the formula and the experiment would take at least another four month, seeing after giving birth only Clary survives and so not enough babies for the tests."
"Clary?" Helen asked.
"Or number 521." The scientist added lowly.
The production of Mundanes was essential to the society, even if Valentine hated to admit. And Henry's study was crucial; it was the key to whether they could produce a healthy grown Mundane within a shorter period of time to compensate the loss of it due to certain living and working conditions for them.
"Helen, make sure to supply more tough female Mundanes. Also, check and filter the quality of sperms. Our future depends on you, Henry. Don't give up." Valentine smiled to the ginger in a supportive manner. Yet Henry only gave a stiff nod.
Didn't give it much of a thought, Valentine returned to another issue waiting to be solved. The world needed a ruler. And he was perfect for it.
Magnus stared at the ceiling, listening to the steady breathing coming from the other side of his bed. The light from the window showered on the furniture. A hand caught his wrist, unwilling to let go. It had been a habit of Alec since they first lived together; at first Alec had his own room, just right by his. But the first day he was woken up by the screams and thick pants through the wall. After that night, they had been sharing a bed. Nothing more than simple sleeping.
Alec was like a ghost. He would always be gone before Magnus woke and only came back near mid-night. Sometimes, they met at the hospitals and Alec would spend a few days there, then he continued his own schedule until the next time someone hurt him bad enough to have another visit of the infirmary.
But this time was different. After Alec was discharged from the hospital a droid had been designated to Alec. Any suspicious act would be reported directly to the Detective Herondale. Magnus was notified when the nicely-dressed man knocked on his door and kept in touch with them.
It had been two weeks and the insomnia befriended him since then. None of them was asleep. Magnus whispered to no one particular. "You should stop what you are doing."
The stubbornness was something he admired in Alec's character, but also the thing he hated the most. Even through Alec had been quiet and behaved like a good Mundane he was supposed to be Magnus knew deep in his heart he was reaching for a mistake made by the Aristos. He didn't care before; not until the truth slapped him right on his face about what Alec had been doing all these time.
Reply never came. A shadow moved and Alec was on top of him, hands on the brown flat chest. Magnus's hands were thrown aside yet he made no attempt to get the Mundane off.
"I know all the things you have done and I beg you not to do that any longer."
Alec didn't answer. Instead he leaned down and kissed Magnus full on lips, something the Asiatic man didn't expect him to do. In a hurry he pushed the broad shoulders and hot breaths landed on his cheeks. "Alec, stop."
"You want me. I can see it from your eyes." The lean long fingers drove down, through the stomach and they went under his underwear. Magnus's unexcited member was grabbed, rubbed in a messy way.
"Alec," Magnus squeezed the shoulders tight and held the man just inches away from him. "You are not trading sex for freedom which you have lost. Detective Herondale has informed me of your dirty business. Now I realize it is not what you need."
Magnus relaxed when Alec let go. The blue-eyed man rolled down next to him, sitting up. "Detective Herondale?"
"Another Herondale." Magnus closed his eyes. He had already accepted the fact that his friends would all probably be dead. He flinched when a finger brushed his cheek. "Please don't cry."
"I am not crying." Magnus said as he flipped to another side, facing the window. He buried his face into the pillow and dried the tears that might have leaked out.
Soft kisses contacted his delicate neck skin. The strap of the tank top was gently being removed when Alec's words broke his heart. "You will be fine. We will be."
How is everything going fine? They were both lying to themselves. Nothing was going to get better. Nothing ever would.
Magnus let his emotion take control. He had been stronger and more independent after their shelter was found. They didn't hide there for long; only three days, and the world had completely changed into something he couldn't recognize. The death of peace was lingering in the air, everyone noticed but none commented. They were too afraid to speak what was in their mind and of the punishment chasing after.
He followed the codes, the hard law and let the Institute randomly settled his life for him. Picked the address, the career, and the robots. He couldn't kill himself; that would leave Alec back into the Market and it meant a worse fate. He lived, but didn't know why he had to.
How could any of this be fine?
Uncontrollably he choked out a cry which soon died in his throat. Magnus sobbed silently as he recalled the laughs and jokes and those time he shared with his friends, his family. Many years stretched in front of him. He still had many years to suffer.
His shoulder was forcibly being turned and he met with the same watery eyes of Alec. They were deep like a lake, unforgettable shade that only nature could create. They stood out from the pale feature. "Please, Magnus."
Magnus shook his head. Finally after months of living together, Alec spoke his name. Yet it was in another context that Magnus understood. It wasn't him who Alec was calling. Like many times before.
"I am not – "
"Ssshhh, I can make you feel better."
Before he could react, his underwear was yanked down to his ankles and a mouth took all of it in. Magnus was shocked at the swirling tongue and he shoved the shoulder, trying to sit up from the passive position. "Stop!"
Alec was on the edge of the bed, staring at Magnus in doubts. "Don't you love me, Magnus?"
"I am not your Magnus!" He hissed; he was not a fucking replacement! He had a heart too; why couldn't Alec see that? Why would he always torture him as if he didn't exist?
He was the real Magnus Bane.
"I know." Simple sentence and it hit Magnus right in the head. Alec reached out a hand. It was hanging there. "Let's pretend for a night to cheer ourselves up."
"Sex doesn't help in any case." Magnus said.
"But it makes you feel good. Trust me, we both need that."
Magnus laughed ironically. "Oh really?"
"Yes. It has been proven on me so many times." Alec hopped and captured Magnus's lips again, sucking on them suggestively. Magnus forced himself to relax at the touches. At least for a night, they could pretend and feel the delusional love.
Seeing Magnus's muscles weren't tense anymore, Alec stripped himself and Magnus quickly and spat on his palm. Soon the Aristo felt the sticky fluids dropped on his growing member which was being rubbed roughly. His lust was unlocked and Alec held the key. Without a word Alec positioned himself and in a quick motion, he sat on the semi-hard shaft.
"Angel!" Alec cried and half-collapsed on Magnus's chest, who was grimaced in pain. Alec was too tight and his somewhat soft member didn't fit. "Don't force yourself." He said while pulling back, but Alec snuffled and with a big drop, Magnus was entirely inside him.
No one was enjoying this. Alec was panting in agony while Magnus groaned in discomfort and he was just bearing it for Alec's sake. The joy could have come at any moment; he could wait. But it never did. It didn't make him feel good at all – violated, abused. Magnus tossed those words in the black clouds of his mind and gritted his teeth when Alec started moving, riding slowly.
The legs besides his hip were shaking. Magnus could tell from Alec's twisted face he wasn't loving this sex either. However, they let it continue. He ran his hands over the nipples, playing with them in protocol and Alec went for a sloppy kiss which was more of biting and teeth crashing together.
His unwilling erection was thrusting in and out of Alec. Said man took it like an expert and his ass swallowed every inch of him. Magnus closed his eyes, imagining they were in a different place. Reality however set in with each time Alec pushing himself down on him, each little yelps Alec's red lips escaped: they were in Magnus's bedroom, having sex.
Magnus was beyond exhausted that he didn't even come. Alec claimed his orgasm with constrained noises. Nothing shot out from his erection that was rubbing Magnus's stomach during the whole time. Magnus doubted if he really reached the climax.
Alec shivered and nuzzled into Magnus's neck, catching his breaths. Magnus was still inside him, limp.
"We are not going to get what we want. Do you get it?" Magnus asked. The question was a mere whisper. His hands were idly placed on the bed. Alec curled into him and answered in a calm manner.
"I – " Alec stopped for a moment. "Yes, Master." He sounded like death itself.
Magnus tilted his head off to the side. The room was brighter than before. And he noticed the small scratches along the Marks on Alec's body. That instant, he knew. The skilled hands fondled the Marks and made Alec quiver. His name in graceful hand writing was branded on the pale skin. He let Alec take his warmth.
No one found sleep that night. They listened to the hollow heartbeat of another, emptying their minds. They were dead men walking.
A/N:
So, the story is finally done. I know many of you wouldn't be happy about the ending, especially some characters don't even have the chances of showing up or speaking but are only mentioned briefly about their fates. I think it is better to leave them that way though...
At the end, I hope you guys enjoy the last chapter of this story as well as I enjoy writing it. Thank you for your support along the way and how it keeps me writing :)
Wish you guys a wonderful day!