tood at the door of the room, his presence instantly capturing everyone's attention. The room fell silent as they turned their gaze toward him.

Eloise, his mother, was the first to break the silence. She asked gently, "Jace, what are you doing awake at this hour?"

Jace shifted slightly, his eyes darting around the room before he replied, "I just wanted to grab a cup of water." He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice tinged with curiosity, "Where do you want to take us, Mom?"

Eloise, understanding the confusion and fear in her son's eyes, crouched down to his level. She put a reassuring hand on his shoulder and explained gently, "We're not taking you anywhere, sweetheart. We're going to solve this on our own. There's nothing to worry about right now. Now, it's time for you to go back to sleep."

Jace nodded, still uncertain but comforted by his mother's words. He turned to leave, casting one last glance at the room filled with concerned faces before making his way back to the tent.

Izzy stood in the elegant living room of Villa Borghese, her gaze scanning the room to ensure that Jace was nowhere to be seen. Satisfied that they were alone, she turned to Eloise, a sense of urgency in her voice.

"If you are not going to call him, Eloise," Izzy said firmly, "I will."

The sun rose, and the next morning, everyone gathered at the dining table in Villa Borghese for breakfast. As they settled in, Theo noticed a man sitting at the table. He exuded an air of enigmatic elegance, with spiked ebony hair, streaked with a subtle shade of blue at the ends. His almond-shaped eyes were framed by long, dark lashes, and they held a mesmerizing shade of cat-like golden-green. It was as though he carried an aura of mystery around him.

The man was impeccably dressed in a tailored, charcoal-gray suit, the jacket adorned with intricate embroidery that seemed to tell a story of its own. Beneath the jacket, he sported a deep burgundy silk shirt, which added a touch of richness to his ensemble. His trousers were jet black, perfectly pressed, and he wore polished leather boots that completed the striking look.

Mia, sitting beside Theo, noticed his intense gaze fixed at the end of the table. She couldn't help but feel the weight of his stare, and she discreetly mouthed a question to Theo, "What are you looking at?"

Theo, equally captivated by the mysterious man, tilted his head subtly towards Magnus, who sat at the end of the table, sipping his morning coffee with an air of nonchalance.

Unable to contain herself, Mia suddenly blurted out, "I know you!"

Her exclamation startled everyone at the table. Forks clinked against plates, and curious gazes turned towards Mia, who now felt the spotlight on her.

With a sly smile, Magnus turned his attention to Mia, his cat-like eyes glinting with amusement. "You must be Isabelle's kid. I should have guessed. You do have that Rosier flair about you."

"I've dreamt about you," she admitted, her voice dropping to a whisper, "your eyes, more specifically."

Magnus's eyes widened slightly, and he turned his gaze to Isabelle, who was sitting beside Mia. His expression was one of curiosity and intrigue as he asked, "Is that so? Well, we can discuss that later. For now, why did you call me here?"

Izzy leaned forward, her tone serious. "Idris Lestat. He told us to contact you."

Magnus's eyes narrowed at the mention of Idris Lestat. He leaned back in his chair, his expression growing somber. "Idris... I haven't heard that name in years. Not since the uprising."

Izzy pressed on, concern etched on her face. "Magnus, we need your help. Something happened."

Magnus sighed deeply, his gaze shifting between Isabelle and Mia. "Very well. Tell me everything."

Eloise took a deep breath and addressed Magnus with a hint of apprehension in her voice. "Magnus, there's something important you need to know. During a duel at Durmstrang, where Mia, Jace, and Theo were involved, something unusual happened. At one point, their eyes... they turned golden."

Magnus's eyes widened with alarm as he processed the significance of Eloise's revelation. He leaned forward, his voice low and urgent. "Golden eyes? You're sure?"

Eloise nodded solemnly. "Yes, Magnus, and I think you know perfectly well what that means."

Izzy interjected, her tone tinged with frustration. "You assured us, Magnus, that something like this wouldn't happen."

Magnus ran a hand through his hair, a mixture of guilt and concern on his face. "I did, and I genuinely believed that their bodies would reject the Nephilim blood once they had fully recovered from the attack. Izzy, I meant what I said at the time. But you know that the Shadow World is filled with uncertainties and surprises."

Eloise pressed on, her voice unwavering. "But the fact remains, they still have that blood in them. What does this mean for them?"

Magnus sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair. "The Shadow world has its tricks, and under no circumstances can the Clave know about this. They could strip me of my magic, and the consequences for the children would be dire. I made sure to cover my tracks."

Izzy chimed in, her mind racing for a solution. "So, what should we do to ensure Mia, Theo, and Jace's safety?"

Magnus raised an eyebrow, considering Izzy's suggestion. "Well, one option would be Parabatai training."

Izzy's eyes lit up with hope. "That could work, right?"

Magnus hesitated before responding. "Parabatai training is typically for two individuals, not three. Ultimately, this isn't a decision for you to make. It's up to Mia, Theo, and Jace to decide if they want to pursue Parabatai training."

He turned his attention to the children and asked, "Do you three know who I am?"

Theo was the first to respond, his memory jogging faintly. "I've seen you in one photo, at our parents' wedding."

Magnus observed Theo closely, noticing the resemblance between him and Selene. He smiled softly. "Yes, you must be Theodore, right? Your eyes are unmistakably Selene's. She was a remarkable woman."

His gaze then shifted to Jace, who was subtly positioning himself to shield Mia. Magnus chuckled lightly at Jace's protectiveness. "No need to be so defensive, Jonathan. I mean no harm."

Jace nodded cautiously but didn't step away from his protective stance. Magnus's cat-like eyes caught Mia's curious gaze, and he couldn't resist a sly smile. "And you, Mia, you're quite the interesting little thing."

Mia, her curiosity piqued, couldn't help but ask, "Why do you say that?"

Magnus continued to study Mia, his gaze piercing. "Your mind is shielded by very powerful magic."

Theo, Jace, and Mia exchanged surprised glances. Theo spoke up, "But we're not Occlumens yet. That's second-year stuff."

Magnus shook his head, his expression grave. "I'm not talking about Occlumency. Someone has gone to great lengths to block a significant portion of your memories."

Mia's eyes were filled with a mixture of hope and desperation as she asked, "Can you unblock them, Magnus? Please?"

Magnus's smile faltered at her request. He leaned forward, his tone gentle but regretful. "Mia, I wish I could help you with that, but the magic used to block your memories is not within my jurisdiction. It's a delicate matter, and I could get into serious trouble with the Clave if I were to tamper with it."

Jace, always trying to lighten the mood, decided to break the tension with a question. He turned to Magnus and asked, "Hey, Magnus, what's a Parabatai?"

Magnus, grateful for the change in topic, offered a small smile. "Ah, Parabatai, that's an interesting concept. In the Shadowhunter world, Parabatai are two individuals who have a deep, unbreakable bond. It's more than just friendship; it's a connection on a spiritual level. Parabatai can feel each other's emotions, share their strength, and fight together with a unique synergy that makes them a formidable team."

Theo, curious, chimed in, "So, it's like being super best friends with even mor magical benefits?"

Magnus chuckled at Theo's description. "Well, you could say that, but it's much more than that. Parabatai are bound for life, and the bond is so strong that it transcends death itself. It's a sacred and powerful connection, not to be taken lightly."

Jace leaned back in his chair, contemplating the idea. "Sounds incredibly fun if you ask me. We could be Parabatai right? Mia, Theo, and me."

"Jace, Parabatai bonds are a sacred and ancient tradition, and they're meant to be between two individuals, not three."

Jace furrowed his brow, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "But we've always been a team."

Magnus leaned forward, his expression empathetic. "I understand your desire to protect each other, but Parabatai bonds are unique and exclusive. They're a profound connection that binds two souls together. Introducing a third person into that bond would not only be unprecedented but could also have unintended consequences."

However, sensing the lingering disappointment in their faces, he decided to offer some reassurance. He leaned forward, his tone comforting yet firm.

"It's important to remember that your magical abilities are still evolving," Magnus began. "A Parabatai bond is not something to be done out of impulsiveness or impatience. It's a lifelong commitment, and the timing has to be just right."

His eyes softened as he continued, "But I'm willing to make a deal with you. I'll procure a tutor for you and some books on Parabatai bonds. I'll visit you during the summer before your third year and ask you the same question I asked today. By then, your magic will be more sentient, and you'll be much older and wiser to make such an important decision."

Theo, Mia, and Jace exchanged glances, their hope rekindling. Magnus went on, "You see, Parabatai have until their eighteenth birthday to undergo the ritual. So, we have time, and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice."

With their plans discussed and a tentative path forward established, Magnus turned his attention to Eloise and Izzy, his lips curling into a warm smile. "Eloise, Isabelle, thank you both for the amazing breakfast and for welcoming me into your home. I'll be in touch soon."

As he spoke, a blue, glittery hue began to shimmer at his fingertips. With a graceful wave of his hands, a portal materialized in the room, and throwing a playful wink at Mia, Jace, and Theo, Magnus stepped confidently into the portal, disappearing from their sight.

A few days after Magnus's visit, the atmosphere in the manor was tinged with anticipation. The trio—Mia, Jace, and Theo—had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their tutor. Their curiosity was met with intrigue when a woman with striking auburn hair pulled back in a neat braid made her entrance.

She carried herself with an air of confidence, her piercing emerald eyes scanning the room with keen awareness. Her body bore intricate tattoos that seemed to tell stories of their own, and she was dressed in a sleek, all-leather outfit that exuded a sense of authority. Knee-high boots completed her formidable appearance.

With a warm smile, she introduced herself, "Hello, my name is Jocelyn Fairchild, but you can call me Josie. I've come here to be your tutor."

Excitement bubbled within Mia, Jace, and Theo as they eagerly rushed to their respective rooms to change into more comfortable attire for their training session with Josie. Minutes later, they emerged wearing tank tops, joggers, and sneakers. Josie observed their transformation with a nod of approval before instructing them, "Alright, now that you're dressed for training, grab your staves and meet me in the training area."

"First, there are three ways to hold a staff," Josie explained as she demonstrated each grip. "The normal hold involves splitting the staff into thirds, with one palm facing up and the other down. The narrow hold keeps the same palm positioning but with only a fist's length of space in between your hands, perfect for spinning. Lastly, the wide hold involves placing your hands out wider on the staff, taking up about two-thirds of its length, and is used for blocking and defining strikes."

"Now, let's talk about the stances you'll need for Bōjutsu. There's the long front stance, where one leg is extended forward, back leg straight, and most toes pointed forward. The horse stance, as if you were riding a horse, with knees bent and legs wide. The front stance, with all ten toes facing forward and knees bent. And the cat stance, a very light stance with most of your weight on the back knee."

Josie then demonstrated some beginner strikes while explaining them. "We'll start with some basic strikes. The overhead front strike involves lifting your front knee, resting the bo on your shoulder, and sliding your hands along the staff. The 4-point strike is a simple up-down, side-to-side motion. The overhead rib strike starts in a horse stance and ends with a swing across the body. The front thrust begins by drawing back the bo and thrusting it into the target. And the uppercut mimics a boxing move but incorporates the bo for a more rounded motion."

Their daily routine became a well-oiled machine. They woke up early in the morning, their determination driving them out of bed, and began their training regimen. They tirelessly practiced the techniques Josie had taught them,repeatedly striking, blocking, and countering with their last day before their return to Durmstrang was filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. Jocelyn gathered Jace, Theo, and Mia in the training area, her gaze firm and her expression serious.

"Today," Jocelyn began, "we're going to see what you've learned during the two-week break. It's time to put your training to the test."

Jace, always eager to take the lead, lunged first with a wild attack. His staff swung wildly in an attempt to catch Jocelyn off guard. Jace was relentless, but his frenetic assault made it easy for Jocelyn to sidestep his blows. With a swift twist of her wrist, she effortlessly disarmed him, leaving Jace momentarily stunned.

Next in line was Theo. He lunged more calmly than Jace but lacked the speed of his best friend. Theo managed to get in a few hits, displaying some defensive skills, but it wasn't long before Jocelyn swiftly disarmed him, leaving him slightly disappointed in his performance.

Mia was the last to face the challenge. She closed the distance with precision and skill, aiming calculated strikes at Jocelyn. She managed to maintain her balance throughout the exchange, impressing Jocelyn with her composure. However, a subtle twist of Jocelyn's staff caught Mia off guard, and with a deft maneuver, she sent the young Shadowhunter sprawling to the floor.

As Jace, Theo, and Mia found themselves on the ground, they exchanged glances of both frustration and determination. Jocelyn laughed warmly, a hint of pride in her eyes.

"For a two-week express training, you all did pretty good," Jocelyn remarked. "Your movements are swift and precise, but remember, Jace, your attack was flawless but don't let impulsiveness get the best of you. Theo, you have to be a little more confident in your hits, your defense skills are amazing though. And Mia, you might just be the most promising out of all three, but you overthink too much. With a little bit of practice you'll be amazing."

"Welcome, first years, to the Annual War Games. Remember, all areas of the school grounds are fair game. Unforgivable Curses are strictly prohibited. Good luck and may the best win."

With a sharp whistle, Professor Karkarov signaled the start of the games. In an instant, first-year students scattered in every direction, disappearing into the nooks and crannies of Durmstang.

Mia, Jace, and Theo, true to their plan, stuck close together. As they navigated the twisting corridors and open courtyards of the school, they encountered classmates from other houses. Theo made a quick hand signal to Jace, who promptly cast a Stupefy spell, rendering their opponent unconscious.

Finally, they arrived at a clearing in the forest near the frozen lake. Mia surveyed their surroundings, a hint of concern in her eyes. "It's too calm," Jace and Theo's eyes darted everywhere, she whispered. "Something doesn't feel right."

As if on cue, figures began to emerge from between the trees. Theo couldn't help but smirk as they found themselves surrounded by their classmates. "Oh, this again," he mumbled under his breath, the corners of his mouth curling up into a sly grin.

Jace, his eyes gleaming with mischief, stepped forward, a playful challenge in his voice. "I bet I can take down ten of them," he declared.

Mia and Theo exchanged knowing smirks before nodding in agreement. "You're on," Mia said, a competitive glint in her eyes.

With their plan set, Jace and Mia lunged into action. They quickly split up, Jace charging toward the middle while Mia went to the left. Their wands danced through the air, casting spells with precision and accuracy. Within moments, they had taken down five of their opponents, high-fiving each other in celebration.

Jace, catching his breath, couldn't resist a teasing comment. "Great job, princess," he said with a wink. "But I'm calling dibs on the remaining ten."

Mia rolled her eyes playfully. "That's not fair, Sunshine. I want at least six of them."

As they bickered, they continued to cast spells, effortlessly taking down their foes. Meanwhile, Theo was biding his time, his eyes gleaming dangerously as he sized up his share of movements swift and calculated. He disarmed one of his opponents with a punch and with a flick of his hand, he sent another tumbling through a silent Expelliarmus. With a mischievous grin, he began to sing as he deftly whirled through his adversaries.

Jace, glancing at Mia with wide eyes, interrupted their banter. "Is Teddy... singing Bohemian Rhapsody?"

Mia's astonishment mirrored Jace's as she replied, "Oh my god, he is."

Jace couldn't help but cackle, his laughter ringing through the clearing as he delivered a final blow to the remaining opponents in his section. "That fucker is singing while unaliving people," he repeated, shaking his head in disbelief.

Theo's voice soared through the clearing as he delivered the last blow to his remaining opponent, disarming them with a flourish of his wand. With a triumphant smile, he approached Mia and Jace, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

He bowed theatrically, his satisfaction evident in his every movement. "That, my dear friends," he said gleefully, "is how someone wins a battle."

Jace couldn't help but burst into laughter, clapping Theo on the back. "Well done, Teddybear! You managed to defeat them with style," he exclaimed.

Mia grinned, shaking her head in amusement. "You certainly know how to make a duel entertaining," she admitted. "I never thought I'd see the day when someone sang their way through a battle."

Theo's grin widened as he straightened up, his chest puffed out with pride. "It's all about keeping things interesting," he replied. "And besides, what's life at Durmstrang without a little bit of magic and a touch of showmanship?"