Beloved
It was almost midnight when Alec walked into the library where Magnus, Kat and Jeremy had been sequestered since their midday's briefing. He, Jace and Clary had spent the last several hours preparing weapons and discussing strategy. He had also had pointed teleconference discussions with the Consul and with the head of the Venice Institute, arranging for reinforcements and for extra Shadowhunter security in preparation for any possible attacks against mundanes or downworlders.
Alec was tired; the day had been long but at least he had managed to convince The Clave to put all the Institutes on high alert and to warn Downworld leaders of the imminent danger. Yet, Alec still feared that it would not be enough; that there were not enough Shadowhunters or allied downworlders to protect the whole world. The Clave also remained skeptical and refused to open its borders or to seek help from any potentially loyal warlocks. If they survived this threat, Alec realized, there would still be a long road to travel before relations between the Children of the Angel and Lilith's Children were mended.
"I think we've got it Alexander," Magnus said as soon as he saw Alec enter the room. They had spent hours searching old spell books and magic treatises, Jeremy making a few trips by portal to collect ancient scrolls and books from Kat's library and from Magnus' own collection. At the end, they had combined instructions from several sources to create a counter spell that was frighteningly simple. They had also done a small test to make sure the magic was solid; small because they were working with powerful and highly unstable magic, and a bigger test was likely to alert Annaliese of their location and plans. "We are going to need to wake up Raphael though. He has to come with us," Magnus added.
"Is that safe?" Alec asked diffidently. "He was pretty out of control the last time, and Izzy is not going to like it."
"We have to take the risk," replied Magnus. "We need fresh vampire, werewolf and Nephilim blood. This is powerful magic and we cannot risk screwing things up by carrying blood in a lab tube. Also, if anyone is strong enough to resist demonic poisoning it is Raphael; believe me, I know that boy."
"Alright, I will let Izzy and Catarina know. Is there anything else you need?"
"Yes," replied Kat. "We need a method of delivery for the potion. Something strong enough to seal a rift to Hades. We may have just the thing," she added. "The metal Magnus extracted from the Hades stone is strong enough to do the job. We can use the ring he sent to Raphael, or the charm he gave Catarina to fashion a vessel or projectile of some kind."
"Kat and I did some testing on the charm before the Inquisitor took over the Institute and we had to escape," added Jeremy. "The metal is stronger than anything we know and it emits sufficient energy to disrupt any magic. We think it is strong enough to pierce through any spell, reach the rift and act as a locking mechanism."
"No the ring or the charm," said Alec reaching under the collar of his shirt; "the third piece Magnus made; this arrowhead. Can you modify it to do the job?"
"Alexander," interrupted Magnus, reaching and wrapping his hand around the hand in which Alec held the talisman that hung around his neck. "I gave this to you to protect you from Annaliese. Without it you will be vulnerable. I can't let you do that."
"Magnus," Alec said, fixing his eyes on the warlock. "You will protect me; I trust you. Besides, if we take the ring from the hotel, the vampires and werewolves will be exposed, and we need the charm in case this doesn't work. I will be fine."
"Kat, can you modify this arrowhead to do the job?" Alec asked again looking at Kat.
"Yes," Kat replied. "It is a much better option Magnus," she added turning to her friend.
"Okay, that settles it," Alec stated, quieting any further objections. "Izzy and Luke picked up dinner on their way here. Everybody is waiting in the kitchen, we should eat and then get some rest. Tomorrow will be a very long day." He gestured for Magnus to come with him and Kat and Jeremy followed them close behind. "I ordered some beef and broccoli, Magnus. I know you like that," he added giving Magnus a reassuring smile, hoping to settle the apprehension that at that moment clouded Magnus' expression.
They joined the others sitting around the kitchen table, and ate in pleasant companionship, laughing and chatting about everything and nothing, purposely keeping the conversation away from the imminent danger that awaited them the following day. As if needing the touch of the person they loved most, Jace wrapped his arm around Clary's shoulder and every once in a while whispered something in her ear that made her smile or blush, and Kat sat beside Jeremy, and they kept glancing in each other's direction, their hands interlaced.
Magnus and Alec sat comfortably beside each other and they talked animatedly with everybody, but Magnus kept his distance and resisted the temptation to wrap his arm around Alec, or put his hand on his. Alec was the head of the Institute and Magnus was a downworlder. Centuries of being an unwelcomed guest in the Institutes; of being allowed only through the side door and only as far as the office; of plates being broken because he had eaten out of the them; and of Shadowhunters telling him to tame his tongue unaccountably weighted down on him tonight.
Despite the uncertainty about what was to come, the evening started in a festive mood, with everybody talking spiritedly. Luke and Izzy made fun of Jeremy, the one Shadowhunter in the room that had not grown up in New York, and who hadn't yet travelled far enough from the shelter of Idris to learn to use chopsticks. After several futile attempts to bring a piece of Kung Pao chicken from the plate to his mouth, Kat pick it up with her chopsticks and placed it in Jeremy's mouth in a loving gesture, while everybody teased him, and Jeremy blushed.
Magnus smiled because he could see the signs in the young Shadowhunter's eyes: Jeremy was besotted, and it seemed that Kat corresponded. It was odd, he thought. Kat was reserved, quiet and rather taciturn, and it was rare to see her so openly show affection for anyone. Tonight, Kat laughed more easily than he ever remembered her doing outside the intimacy of her close circle of friends. Magnus, the one who was commonly the most boisterous and openly flirtatious, was, by comparison, the quieter one.
After dinner, Jace stood up and after rummaging through the cupboards came back with a bottle of scotch and glasses. "Now Magnus," he said teasingly, "you can have some as long as you promise not to try to kill me again."
"Oh darling," replied Magnus in a dawdling voice, "I never make promises I am not sure I can keep."
After a few drinks, the conversation grew quieter and more somber as the weight of their upcoming mission begun to make itself apparent. "Do you really think we can stop Annaliese?" asked Clary after a minute of silence.
"Yes," replied Jace, resting a hand against her cheek. "You and I stopped Valentine from raising the Angel. Imagine what all of us can do if we work as a team."
"But she has all those warlocks on her side as well as magic," she retorted.
"But we have right and reason on our side," Jace said, his tone humorous, "as well as Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, and Kat-Ata-Killa High Warlock of the Inca empire."
"And Magnus won't let anything happened to any of us," added Izzy looking from Clary to Magnus, "or Alec will never forgive him. Isn't that right Magnus?"
"That's correct," replied Magnus, and he thought that there was more truth in those words than Izzy might have intended. He would do everything in his power to protect this group of people, these young souls who had become his family. And, he would give his very life for Alec if and when the time came.
"It will be difficult," added Alec, his voice carrying the authority of a leader. "But we have each other. We are a team and we will not let each other down. I am sure of it." He got up and after giving Magnus a loving smile, a smile that conveyed deep trust, he headed for the door. "Magnus, I need to go check on the night patrols, I'll be back soon."
Those remaining at the table talked for a while longer, more quietly this time, and conversations about dreams for the future and hopes for things to come momentarily replaced the previous anxiety about the upcoming battle.
"Magnus, you will look after my parabatai tomorrow, won't you?" stated Jace after a while. "If your suspicion is correct, Annaliese will go after him."
"Of course, I will," replied Magnus.
"You know you are good for him, don't you?" Jace said and Izzy, Clary and Jeremy nodded in agreement. "I have never seen him happier or more settled in his whole life. That means that while you look after Alec, we have to look after you; he would never forgive himself or us if something happened to you."
"Thank you," Magnus replied, his voice conveying the deep gratitude he felt towards this group of people who accepted him and Alec without reservation. "But Jace, you do remember what you promised me the day after we came back from Rome."
"Yes, but it won't come to that."
"I still expect you to honor that promise," said Magnus, his eyes fixed on Jace with a strength that was almost magnetic. Jace's only response was a firm nod.
"Let's all get some sleep," Alec said as he walked into the room a few minutes later. "We all need to be rested by tomorrow. Luke, there is a room set up for you in the living quarters" he added. Alec then reached for Magnus' hand and, after saying good night to his family, guided him towards the living quarters and in the direction of his bedroom.
Magnus had been in the Institute many times: in Alec's office, in the situation room, in the infirmary, and today in the library. At the beginning, he had visited only when invited and to conduct specific businesses, and had entered through the sanctuary, through the door designated for downworlders. It had been only in the last few weeks that he had begun to use the front entrance and had shown up uninvited, just to see Alec. He had never been in the living quarters, however, and never in Alec's room. In the months that he and Alec had been dating, they always meet in his penthouse. Magnus didn't mind that. His place was private and, besides, the Institute always seemed foreign, perhaps even forbidden. Now, Alec guided him deep into the Institute inner corridors; through unfamiliar hallways; past bedroom doors, some opened and some closed; and in the direction of his room located halfway down a quiet corridor, covered in black wooden paneling and illuminated by soft lighting.
Alec stopped with his hand on the doorknob and turned to look at Magnus. "I haven't been in my room very much in the last few days. I apologize if it is messy," he said and smiled.
Magnus looked at him in surprise; a messy room was the last thing that concerned him at that moment. It was the surroundings that provoked him more anxiety than he was willing to confess to. "I am sure it will be fine," he said trying to sound casual.
Of course, Alec's room was tidier than anyone could have expected. Alec was neat by nature and the room was an accurate representation of the Shadowhunter's personality: orderly, airy, and devoid of clutter; almost Spartan. The double bed in the middle of the room was dressed in crispy white sheets and a simple indigo duvet. Night tables on each side held austere silver lamps and a few books. Except for a few family photographs and pictures of Idris landscapes, there were very few decorations on the walls or the tables. A comfortable and well-used blue armchair sat beside the window surrounded by books and a reading lamp. Alec liked to read, Magnus knew, and he read broadly: history, fiction, biographies, current events, and his small personal library reflected these interests. In addition to the bed, armchair and dresser, the room had a small closet, containing, Magnus was certain, an assortment of grey and black t-shirts, and jeans and jackets in the same tones. There was also a door leading to a small bathroom. Overall, the room had an unpretentious and masculine feel, and was completely and unquestionably Alec.
"It isn't much," Alec stated his tone apologetic. "Nothing like your glamorous penthouse, but it should keep us safe tonight." He smiled and placing a hand against Magnus' cheek, kissed him deeply and softly. "I know that I didn't react very well when you touched me this morning," he said, his forehead resting against Magnus'. "I am sorry, I am still getting used to being in the open with my people. But please know that I have been wanting to kiss you all day." Before he could respond, Alec pulled Magnus towards him and kissed him again, his warm body making contact with Magnus' body and sending shocks of electricity throughout Magnus's skin; awakening desire and passion. Alec's familiar scent of soap, lemon and something else Magnus couldn't quite describe invaded Magnus' nostrils and erased all thought but those of Alec's body pressed against his.
Alec deepened the kiss, and Magnus' breath caught in his throat and heat rose to his cheeks. Somehow Alec managed to continue kissing him, exploring him with his lips and tongue, at the same time that he gently guided Magnus towards the armchair. As soon as Alec felt the edge of the seat against the back of his legs, he turned them both so as to switch positions, and gently pushed Magnus to sit down. He then sat astride him, his long fingers entangled in Magnus' hair; his lips and tongue continuing their maddening exploration; the strength and weight of his body comforting and familiar to Magnus. Magnus leaned his head back against the back of the armchair so Alec could run his nose and lips up and down his neck, and for a while, he emptied his mind of all thoughts that were not of the incredible feel of Alec's body, of his messy hair between his fingers, of the strong muscles of his back and chest, and of the naughty motions of his mouth.
"Magnus, I want you so much that my heart hurts," Alec whispered in Magnus' ear, and the declaration was welcomed even if unnecessary. Magnus could already read the declaration in every inch of Alec's body, in the way his breathing quickened, in the echo of his racing heart atop Magnus' heart, in the taste of his lips, in the shine in his eyes.
"Alexander, are you sure you want to do this here?" Magnus asked, taking advantage of a moment of clarity, his voice breathy and no louder than a whisper, the question revealing a hint of self-consciousness even though his body clearly communicated his desire.
Alec looked at him with a mixture of surprise and humor. "Magnus, we have made love in every room in your apartment, in hotel rooms, even in the dessert under the stars. Don't tell me you have suddenly become a prude?"
"Alexander," Magnus replied wrapping his arms more firmly around Alec's hips and pulling him even closer towards him. "I am the least prude of all people you will ever meet, but this is not just your home; it is also the place where you work, and where you are expected to be a leader. What would The Clave say if they found out that you have brought a warlock who is also a man to the Institute?"
"Many couples and families live in Institutes, including in this one. And, I don't care what The Clave says," replied Alec. "You are with me and the rest of the Shadowhunters in the Institute as well as The Clave will have to get used to the idea of us being together. I told you before: I refuse to hide anymore. We should be allowed to sleep together wherever we want."
"Oh, but Shadowhunter, sleeping is not exactly what I want to do with you right now," said Magnus, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Promises, promises," Alec said teasingly.
"Are you sure?" Magnus asked again.
"Yes, I want you here, in my room and in my bed for a change."
It was Magnus the one to claim Alec's lips this time, the kiss hungry and passionate, conveying the immense joy that Alec's words provoked in him. They got lost in their slow kissing for a long time, their lips communicating their increasing need for the other; their fingers entangling in each other's hair, and running down each other's backs; their tongues playing in each other's mouth; the scent of their bodies permeating the air until they were both intoxicated with the taste, feel and aromas of the other.
When Magnus began to run his hands down Alec's abdomen in search of his belt buckle, Alec stopped him by placing his hands atop Magnus'. "Tsk, tsk," Alec said and shook his head, a sinful smile that showed two perfect rows of white teeth curving his lips. "My turn," he whispered in Magnus' ear; "I dare you not to scream."
He then kissed Magnus with an unrestrained hunger of his own, invading his mouth, exploring, taking and giving with his lips and tongue. Meanwhile, he began to slowly undo the buttons in Magnus' red linen shirt; exposing soft skin; running his fingers lightly, like the gentle kisses of the wind along Magnus' collarbone and shoulders; making a maddeningly slow journey along Magnus' chest and abdomen; drawing circles and lines; mapping once again the geography of Magnus' golden skin. When Magnus thought he would go mad from desire and anticipation, Alec sinuously shifted position and kneeled in front of Magnus. Without interruption, his hands continued their slow exploration moving lower and lower, unbuckling belt, undoing buttons and pulling down zipper, Alec's lips following the route marked by his fingers like a faithful pilgrim walking on the footsteps of a previous explorer.
Magnus leaned his head back on the armchair and closed his eyes, his fingers entangled in Alec's hair. But when he felt he was about lose the dare and a scream would scape his lips, he let go and instead gripped the arms of the chair with such strength that he thought he would for sure leave holes in the upholstery.
"Oh my god, Alexander," he whispered when he thought he couldn't contain the energy building within him anymore. In his mind, he thanked all the gods for the gift of Alec's mouth and tongue, for the willingness, generosity, and audaciousness of this man he loved with all his strength.
When Magnus was about to explode in a torrent of magic and pleasure, his whole body transformed into a volcano about to erupt, Alec suddenly stopped and faced him once again. "Not yet warlock, not yet, I want to enjoy you slowly," he said and kissed him with such passion that Magnus thought he would come undone.
Alec stood up and after peeling off his t-shirt, he reached for Magnus' hand. Magnus exhaled loudly trying to rein in the unruly sensations gushing through his body. He then took Alec's hand and stood, but before Alec could guide him towards the bed, he kissed him, his tongue exploring, taking and giving the way Alec's tongue had done before. With unrestrained lust, he run his hands up and down Alec's chest and back, rejoicing in the feel of the Shadowhunter's strong muscles. "You are beautiful, you know?" he whispered in Alec's ear, and Alec smiled a little self-consciously.
"Come, warlock, I want you in my bed right now," he replied.
"Is that another dare?" Magnus asked. He then pushed Alec gently onto the bed and climbed on top of him at the same time that he reclaimed Alec's lips.
"Always so graceful," said Alec during a momentary pause in their kissing.
"I am an all-powerful warlock, grace is part of the job description."
It was Magnus the one who now became the explorer and the cartographer, his fingers the ones to draw lines, to probe and discover. It was Magnus' lips the ones to retrace previously travelled trails, and it was Alec's hands the ones to grip the sheets to stop himself from calling Magnus' name.
Making love to Alec in his room, surrounded by the things and people that filled his life, felt to Magnus more sinful and forbidden than any of the other times they had made love before. Perhaps it was the fact that Shadowhunter dwellings had, until then, been forbidden places for Magnus; perhaps it was that making love with Alec in his room and in his home felt like an important stepping stone in their relationship; perhaps it was the certainty of the danger awaiting them outside this fortress. Perhaps this act of lovemaking felt special because it might be the last; because neither of them knew for certain that they would survive the upcoming battle.
Whatever the reason, as Magnus run his tongue slowly up Alec's spine, stopping to kiss a spot between his shoulder blades and gently bite the back of his neck, he felt he was savoring a forbidden fruit, a fruit so delicious, sweet and precious that its mere taste felt like a blessing.
When minutes or perhaps hours later, he felt Alec's muscles tighten under him, and the undulations of Alec's hips picked up speed as he built towards a powerful climax, Magnus surrendered to Alec's will and let him carry him on, as if Alec's passion was a river carrying Magnus in its torrents. When Alec called his name at the moment of his release, Magnus let go, and for a moment that felt like an eternity, he was a wave crushing against the rocks exploding into millions of water particles that reached for the sky before falling back to the earth in a gentle mist.
"I love you, Shadowhunter," he said in between gasps, as he rested his forehead in between Alec's shoulder blades, and gripped Alec's hand as if Alec was an anchor or a lifeline, as if Alec was what kept him from flying away.
"I love you too, warlock," Alec said once he could find his words. He then adjusted both their positions so Magnus lied in the shelter of his arms. With a gentle flicker of his fingers, Magnus willed the duvet to cover them.
"How do you do that?" Alec asked.
"What?"
"You know, your thing," Alec said and he imitated the gesture with which Magnus had just performed magic.
"I don't know; I just do," Magnus replied a little surprised by the question. "I guess I just call on the energy floating all around us, and the energy obeys me, and lifts the covers. It is like walking or blinking; you do not give much thought to those things, do you? Doing magic is like that for me. You have felt magic running through you sometimes when we make love."
"I have because you have shared your magic with me, but I have no control over it."
"Does it bother you?"
"That you share your magic with me?" Alec asked. "No," he replied and kissed Magnus's forehead. "I love it when you let that part of yourself flow freely. There are no words to describe the sensations. I can tell you though that I feel honored every time you allow me to see that part of you."
"Well, I should do that more often then," Magnus said and placed a hand against Alec's cheek.
"Yes, please."
They silently held each other for a while, Magnus feeling contained and safe wrapped in Alec's arms. They didn't sleep but they felt no need to speak either. A couple of time, Alec kissed Magnus's forehead, the gesture loving and gentle, and Magnus wished he could stop time and make this moment last forever.
"We have not made love in every room in my apartment yet," Magnus said after a long while of silence.
"Really?" Alec responded in a teasing tone. "Let me think: the bedroom; the living room; both showers and the bathtub; the hallway once; the guest bedroom when you decided to redecorate your bedroom; the dining room table, that was fun; the kitchen; your office. What am I missing?"
"The terrace," replied Magnus coyly.
"Hmm, considering that your terrace is visible from multiple buildings, I expect that a concealment spell would be required. I have a reputation to maintain after all. Otherwise, I am game."
"Something to look forward to," said Magnus.
"We can try that as soon as we return from Venice," Alec said. He then smiled at Magnus, but his smile contained a mixture of sadness and anxiety, as if the mention of Venice had reminded Alec of what was to come, of the battle they still needed to win. The smile quickly faded and turned into a wistful expression. Alec brushed the hair away from Magnus's forehead and sighed.
"Alexander, perhaps you should stay tomorrow. We can use the charm to deliver the potion," Magnus said, his tone also wistful. "It would give me peace of mind if I knew you were safe; if I knew Annaliese couldn't reach you."
"Perhaps it is you the one who should stay," retorted Alec. "After all, without you, she cannot achieve her goal Magnus," he added and sighed, "I thought we already had this conversation. You don't protect me, and I don't protect you, remember? We protect each other. We are stronger together. This ordeal has taught me that."
"You are right," said Magnus. "But you have to promise me that you will look after yourself and that if it comes down to it, you will do everything and anything to stop Annaliese from opening that rift; not matter what it takes. Promise me Alexander."
"I will promise as long as you promise me the same," replied Alec. Magnus' only response was a nod.
Alec sighed deeply and fell silent once again and for a while, they listened to the tic-tac of the old grandfather clock that stood somewhere down the corridor outside their room.
"Magnus, we have to finish our conversation from this morning," Alec said sometime later. "We need to discuss the implications of the spell you cast on us."
"We can have that talk after all this is over," replied Magnus. "Right now that spell is our shield and our strength, Alexander. Let's not mess with it."
"But Magnus,…"
"Trust me on this," he interrupted Alec's protest. He placed his finger gently against Alec's lips to silence any further discussion. "There will be time to talk about this later." He then brought his nose to that sweet spot just below Alec's ear, where the Shadowhunter's scent was the strongest, and inhaled deeply, wishing to impregnate himself with the aroma of Alec, wishing to engrave the memory of the scent in every one of his brain cells so he could carry it with him. He did this because, in truth, he was not sure the conversation he was promising Alec would ever take place.
Eventually, warm and safe in each other's arms, they fell into a deep slumber. Sometime later, Magnus turned in his sleep, and rested his back against Alec's chest, and Alec placed one arm under Magnus's head and the other around his waist, in a position that had become a favorite for them since they began to slept together. Unconsciously, Magnus took Alec's hand and brought it up to his lips and kissed it, Alec' scent and his own mixing on Alec's skin.
Hours later, after the sky had already turned from black to blue and night had given way to morning, still in his sleep, Alec tighten his hold on Magnus, his body suddenly besieged by an uncontained rush of desire. The feel of Magnus' back against his chest awoke every nerve ending all at once, and goosebumps rose all over Alec's skin. Before his mind even had a chance to wake up, he was kissing Magnus' neck and biting his earlobe, the feel of skin and metal from Magnus' silver earrings, awakening new sensations in his mouth and tongue. Alec run his hand slowly but resolutely down Magnus' bare chest and abdomen. As he continued lower, Magnus responded, also in his sleep, with a loud gasp, Alec's touch confusing, enticing and tantalizing.
As if by instinct, Magnus began to move against Alec and before either of them came fully awake, they bodies were already overtaken by passion and heat. Alec bit the back of Magnus' neck and Magnus inhaled loudly, the air making a hissing noise as it passed through his lips, the sensation of Alec's teeth sending shocks of electricity along Magnus' spine. With the unrivaled dexterity of a Shadowhunter, Alec began to run fingers and lips along Magnus skin, and Magnus' body became a fine-tuned instrument, ready to be played, ready for Alec to extract from it every possible and sublime sound of pleasure and desire.
In record time, their arousal reached an all-time high, and in minutes, their bodies were moving in unison, hungrily and desperately searching for release, each gasping for air as their heartbeats picked up speed, and as they built together towards a powerful orgasm. Magnus opened his eyes for the first time, all glamor burnt away as his magic flowed in luminescent blue and purple lines along his skin, running wildly through his veins in search of Alec.
This time it was Magnus the one to call Alec's name, the one to take Alec's over the edge as every muscle in his body tightened and then released, the pleasure leaving him disoriented and dizzy. Alec followed suit and climaxed in between loud gasps, his forehead resting between Magnus' shoulder blades.
Afterwards, Magnus was the one to wrap his arms around Alec, as Alec rested his head against Magnus' chest, surprised once again that his taller frame fitted so perfectly in the shelter of Magnus' smaller one.
"Good morning," said Magnus when his breathing finally settled.
"Good morning," replied Alec with a mischievous and perhaps even embarrassed smile.
"That must be a record, Alexander," Magnus said chuckling at the same time that he tightened his embrace.
The phone in Alec's night table rang a minute later, and the sound abruptly returned them to the here and now, to the reality of the new day and the prospect of what awaited them. Alec inhaled deeply and after softly smiling at Magnus, reached for the apparatus.
"Hello," he spoke into it, his voice a little hoarse. He then sat up abruptly and for a moment listened intently to whatever was being said at the other end of the line. "Hold on," he said and covering the mouthpiece with his hand, turned to Magnus.
"It is Eldermark, the Head of the Venice Institute," he reported. "It appears that the mundanes lost one of their luxury cruises last night. It left Venice yesterday to continue its journey through the Mediterranean and never made it to its next destination. There has been no radio contact or emergency signal. The mundy coast guard sent search parties, but it is too much of a coincidence."
"Ask whether there are any children on board," instructed Magnus as he too sat up in the bed.
Alec nodded and went back to his phone call. After a minute, he hung up and turned to Magnus, all the bliss and happiness from a few minutes ago gone from his face, just the beautiful features left; that and a look of concern and perhaps even panic.
"He will confirm but preliminary reports indicate that there may be as many as 20 children on board. What does that mean Magnus?"
"Annaliese might have found the source of innocent blood," replied Magnus, his voice almost dejected.
"I have to get up," Alec said as he swung his legs off the bed.
"Go do your job Shadowhunter," replied Magnus. "I will meet you in a few minutes."
Alec found Jace making coffee in the kitchen a few minutes later, his brother's golden hair looking as wet from the shower as Alec's hair looked.
"Did you have a good night?" Jace asked in a teasing tone, but the tone was gone as soon as he saw Alec's worried expression. "What happened now?" he asked as he handed a cup of coffee to his parabatai.
Alec told him about Eldermark's phone call, about the missing cruise liner, and about the children on board. "Damn it," replied Jace. "We have to stay ahead of that woman. We cannot lose the little advantage we have."
"Agreed, but I am not sure how much of an advantage we actually have," Alec said as he brought the cup to his lips, and for a second let the liquid warm his body and awake the parts of his brain that were not jet fully alert.
Magnus joined them a few minutes later wearing a clean royal blue linen shirt with a Mao collar, black jeans, and black biker leather boots with shiny silver buckles. His hair was in his usual hawk style, its spiky ends glittering in a blue that matched both his shirt and the eyeliner that complemented the make-up around his eyes. Silver necklaces adorned his neck and chest, several bracelets wrapped themselves around his wrists and silver rings decorated each one of his fingers. The true color of his eyes was hidden under his usual deep chocolate glamor. He carried a long black leather coat with silver buttons which he deposited on the back of one of the chairs before grabbing a coffee himself.
"Where is the party Magnus?" asked Jace trying to keep the conversation casual despite the gravity of the situation.
"This is my combat gear, darling," replied Magnus with a flirtatious smile. "Aren't you going to put on your full Shadowhunter getup before we leave?"
"Very appropriate," commented Alec with a warm smile and he couldn't help thinking that he hadn't seen this Magnus in a long while. He was glad he was back; he needed Magnus in full combat mode today.
"Hey Magnus, nice outfit," said Izzy from the door a second later. She was already in full Shadowhunter gear, weapons hanging from her belt, and her whip coiled around her wrist and upper arm. "Alec, Jace, we have another situation," she added walking in, tablet in hand. "A newborn vampire girl was dumped in front of the Boston Institute a few minutes before sunrise. She was stabbed and someone pinned a note to her chest with a knife."
Izzy tapped on the touchscreen and after calling up an image, handed it to Alec. Magnus and Jace stood beside him and the three of them looked at a picture of a piece of white paper, its borders ragged and stained with blood that was still red. "Come to me or I will kill them all," the neat handwriting read.
"How is the girl?" asked Alec, a mixture of tension and anger in his otherwise measured voice.
"The Boston Shadowhunters gave her refuge and they have already contacted the local vampire clan," Izzy replied. "But Alec, the girl says that she was on a cruise ship somewhere in the Adriatic Sea when she was abducted yesterday afternoon."
"It is starting," whispered Magnus, and Alec's only response was a faint nod of agreement.
"Izzy, is Raphael ready?" Alec asked turning to his sister.
"As ready as he can be," replied Izzy. "Kat and Jeremy just went to get him and Catarina."
"Good, let's get geared up; we leave from the roof in one hour," Alec instructed. "We will sort any final details once we get there."
Sorry it took me this long to post these two chapters, but pneumonia put me out of commission for a few days. Thank you for reading and Happy New Year!