Magnus' portal to Edom opened right outside his father's house, which he thought was pretty lucky considering it was always a crap shoot where you landed. The warlock couldn't believe he'd let Max and Isabel talk him into doing this. He hated his father, and whatever deal he wanted to make, Magnus knew it would end horribly for him. But the two Lightwood children had given up so much for him and his people as well. It was only fair Magnus returned the favor. Jace and the others needed him to do this. They were fighting Lillith. He didn't have much of a choice. Or rather, he did have a choice, it was just the lesser of two evils. Probably.

Magnus drew in a sharp breath to try to reign in his spiraling thoughts. As he did, he finally managed to look around the house, noticing some small changes to the decor- like a door. A closed door. The warlock debated knocking, or just going in. His father was never a fan of doors, window shutters, or things that closed him in, confining him, so the addition of a door to the entrance of his house was odd. He steadied his nerves, and decided to just walk in, hiding behind his bravado. He walked up to the door, which opened with a small creak before he could even touch it.

/That's definitely not unnerving/ Thought Magnus, as he used his magic to open the door a little more so he could enter.

"Father!" Magnus called out, to announce his arrival as looked around the house for other decor changes. The door was throwing off his confidence just a little, but he wouldn't let the Prince of Edom see that if he could help it, "I see you've finally decided to get with the times and redecorate the house. Doors are a wonderful addition."

He pushed open another door that led to Asmodius' "throne room" and looked around briefly as he walked, still talking, "perhaps a roof is next on the list? Maybe in a couple more centuries? I'm sure there's at least one interior designer being tortured in hell that could make something work for you. I have seen some of those television shows, truly ghastly designs."

He made it about halfway into the room and realized with a small amount of dred, that Asmodius wasn't there. In fact, the house seemed entirely too quiet for his liking. Magnus was about to reach out with his magic to see if he could feel where the Higher Demon was, when there was a soft click of a door closing and locking behind him.

A door that he had deliberately left wide open.

Magnus quickly spun around, magic building around his hands, as he stepped back into a fighting stance, not sure what exactly he would find. He didn't drop his magic- though it was close, because the being behind him was absolutely breathtaking. Magnus would know, his breath was literally frozen in his chest and his heart was hammering way faster than it should be, and not just from the adrenaline.

The demon, Magnus could tell it was a demon, had fire licking through his eyes and a deceptively calm expression on his face. He was tall, with a very nice build, and his hands rested at his sides. He was wearing all black, with a form fitting long sleeve shirt, jeans and combat boots. There was a scar going through his left eyebrow, leaving a small patch of hair missing. Magnus knew however, that the demon could attack at any moment, without provocation so he kept his guard up. If only his mouth was on the same page as the rest of him.

"You're not Asmodeus." Said the warlock, then almost kicked himself for speaking first.

The demon's mouth twitched up into a small smile and he raised an eyebrow slightly, but otherwise didn't react physically. The smile was making Magnus' breath freeze in his chest all over again. /Stop it! This is not the time for this./

He also apparently couldn't get his mouth to stop talking, "I clearly must've found the wrong house. Or he's moved. So sorry to be intruding on your home like this. It's been centuries since I've been back to Edom, and I must've taken a wrong turn somewhere. I'll just… get out of your way then. No harm done."

Neither of them moved. Magnus' magic still sparked over his hands.

The higher demon's eyes raked down Magnus' body, before landing on the magic he was still holding onto. It looked like he was studying it a moment before raising his eyes back to Magnus' own.

"You must be one of Asmodeus' children then." Said the demon finally.

Magnus was torn between answering- he didn't want to give the demon any information about himself, and breathing properly, because the demon's voice was deep, and washed over Magnus like it's own kind of magic.

/This must be magic. He's doing something to me./ Thought the warlock frantically. It was the only reason why his body would be reacting so strongly to the Greater Demon's presence. He'd spent a century closing himself off, this had to be a trick from the other.

"Cat got your tongue now, Little Warlock?" The demon took a step closer with his teasing remark, which broke the spell Magnus thought he'd been put under.

"I'm certainly not little," said Magnus indignantly before he realized he was even speaking. /For the love of Magic… shut UP Magnus!/

"Hmm," said the Demon with a widening smile, another full body look at Magnus, "perhaps not little after all."

The Demon kept moving towards the Magnus, who realized this, and was moving away from him as well while also trying to fight off the blush that wanted to form down his neck. Magnus wanted to circle back towards the door, so he didn't back towards the throne, but to the side. He was careful not to trip on the books and candles dotting the floor.

The demon didn't seem fazed, he just continued past Magnus to the throne and sat down. He crossed one leg over the other and placed his hands on the arm rests, one holding up his chin while he continued to watch Magnus slowly back towards the door.

"Leaving so soon? We haven't even gotten to introductions yet." Said the demon from where he sat.

"Yes, well," started Magnus, "as much as breaking and entering is a hobby for some, I'm not really a big fan myself. I really should be on my way if I'm to find Asmodeus for our little chat. The old man doesn't like to be kept waiting, you know?"

He'd almost made it to the door when, "Asmodeus isn't available to chat right now." said the demon from across the room. "He's otherwise indisposed. Perhaps I might be of some assistance?"

Magnus stopped in his tracks at the Demon's words, /what does he mean by indisposed? That can't be good./

"What do you mean by indisposed?" Magnus was going to get his Silent Brother friend to sew his mouth shut. He really was.

The demon just raised an eyebrow at him again, but didn't respond or move otherwise. Magnus huffed out a breath, and split his attention between watching the demon, and sending his magic out into Edom to find his father.

There were only faint traces of his father's magic in this house, but they were old and practically faded into nothing. There was also a small hint of it coming from the demon across from him. Magnus also realized the room he was in was holding all of his father's belongings. It looked the same as when he'd been here centuries before. /He's gone. But where? He would've come to bother me on Earth as soon as he got there. Unless…/

Magnus froze, "did you kill him? This is his house then. I came to the right place after all."

The demon's smile widened again as he sat on the throne, "You're full of many astute observations Little Warlock. I'm very impressed."

The warlock fought back the urge to make another comment about the nickname and thought through the situation. This demon had killed his father. He was probably more powerful than Asmodeus, which meant more powerful than HIM as well. There was a chance he wouldn't be able to get out of this room, let alone back to the Mortal Realm if he attacked. Which left the option of making a deal. But Magnus had no idea what the demon would want in trade if they DID make a deal. And he really needed to make a deal for more power to defeat Lillith and save Jace.

There was only one option for Magnus.

Magnus stepped back towards the center of the room, dropped the magic sparking in his hands, and drew in a steadying breath before saying, "I don't even know your name. How am I supposed to make a deal with a demon I don't know?"

He was stalling and they both knew it. The High Demon sat up on the throne, uncrossing his legs. "A name for a name? I'm willing to make that deal first, Little Warlock."

Magnus nodded, "Magnus. Magnus Bane."

The demon smiled wider, "Alec. The pleasure's all mine, Magnus, Magnus Bane."

"Just Magnus," said the Warlock absently, "Alec. Is that short for Alexander?" He was trying to work out who this demon was. A Prince? Just a lower demon who got a lucky shot in? The name wasn't ringing a bell. /Is that even his name? I didn't specify for him to give me *his* name. Stupid. I'll have to look through the demonology records when I get back and this mess is over./

"See Magnus, that wasn't so hard was it?" Alec intertwined his fingers under his chin while his elbows rested on the arms of the throne. He was deliberately ignoring Magnus' last question, "Now how can I assist you today."

Magnus shook himself out of his thought processes, and drew in another steadying breath before continuing. "You must know this, but Lillith is on the Mortal Plane. She has a demon possessing one of my friends and is trying to complete some kind of blood ritual." He swallowed before continuing, "I don't have enough magic to stop her, or remove the demon who is possessing my friend."

"Hmm," said Alec, "and if I agree to help you, what are you willing to trade?"

Magnus swallowed again before saying quietly, "what do you want?"

"Well," said Alec smoothly, "if I was Asmodius I'd probably ask for something like your life or your magic." He paused for a moment before adding, "Would you trade your magic for your friends lives Little Warlock?"

"You're not Asmodius," said Magnus, stalling while he thought over the question and his response, "I doubt you are working for him either if you're to be believed about what happened to him. Why don't you tell me what you want?"

Alec raised an eyebrow, "that's not a no then for your magic? Last chance to answer my question properly."

Magnus paused, realizing that the question was also a threat, "No. I won't trade my magic." He forced himself to not step back into a fighting stance, but he kept his guard up otherwise.

Alec was quiet for a long moment, which Magnus knew was more to terrify him and less about thinking about what the demon would really want in return for a deal. His eyes were intently watching Magnus, who was trying hard to not fidget under the scrutiny.

Finally, when Magnus was about to call the whole thing off, Alec spoke up, "I want you. Here. With me in Edom for the rest of eternity."

Magnus couldn't stop the terrified sound that came out of him, even if he was aware he was making it. Fear overcame his entire being. That was… that was his worst nightmare. No this was WORSE than his worst nightmare. He was shaking his head no before Alec was done speaking.

"There…there has to be something else you will accept. I can't…" Magnus shook his head, "Anything else."

Alec was silent again for a long moment before, "a no for your magic and a no for staying here for an eternity with me. My, these must not be very close friends of yours. I wonder why you are even here to begin with then. In that case, the only other price I will accept is the freedom to move between Edom and the Mortal realm. Be careful how you respond here Little Warlock, my patience is growing thin for your games."

Magnus completely froze, barely managing to croak out a "what?!"

Alec didn't respond to the choked out question verbally, just raised an eyebrow again and waited for Magnus' response.

The warlock, however, was struggling with his thoughts. /By the magic, I can NOT let another demon loose on the world. The Clave alone would murder me- hell my FRIENDS would murder me./

"I'd be breaking so many laws…" Magnus said softly as he worked through the latest price Alec was giving him.

Alec's eyes narrowed and his mouth set into a firm line, a very dangerous look, "those are my terms Little Warlock. Either take one of them or leave them. I will not be renegotiating what I want. And if you even think of attacking me, I guarantee you will not see the Mortal plane. Ever. Again. Are we clear?"

Magnus flinched back a few steps in terror. He was indeed thinking of just attacking the Demon instead of making the deal. He knew he was starting to be irrational and he needed to get himself back together before this escalated any more. /Ok Magnus, think. Breath and think. He will need a summoning circle to get out of Edom. And he said come and go from Edom, meaning it would be possible to banish him back. These are both things I can work with. I need more information./

"When you say come and go," Magnus started cautiously, "You mean with a summoning circle, correct? I would be the one to summon you to the Mortal realm? But you could also be banished back here?"

Alec's eyes relaxed, and the stern line of his mouth fell back into a small smile, "Ah, more very astute observations. I see you didn't get your brains from your father then. Must've been your mortal mother. Yes, that is correct."

"And if I agree to this," said Magnus slowly, still working through possibilities in his head, "you will give me the power to free my friend from demon possession and defeat Lilith?"

Here Alec let out a soft chuckle, "Oh Heavens no, Little Warlock. I will not allow you to have control over my magic. I will take care of the problems for you when the deal is made. You will summon me when you need me and I will come to you."

Magnus bit back the automatic, "how do I know you'll actually help me," comment he wanted to make. Demon deals were binding. The demon would be required to help with Magnus' problems. It was what he did after that would be the issue. /But we can banish him back here, as soon as possible. Then I wait a few centuries before I summon him again… I just need to make sure the Clave never finds out about this./ He ran through the deal a few more times in his head, confident he could find a way around the terms- not forever, but for as long as possible.

"Very well," said Magnus, straightening up with an air of confidence, "For your help when I need it, I accept the trade of your freedom to move between Edom and the Mortal Realm."

"Excellent," said Alec as he slowly stood from the throne and walked towards Magnus, who was still close to the door. The pair could both feel the magic of their deal swirling in the air between them.

"Right," said Magnus, "I should get back to the Mortal realm then, to start the summoning circle." He turned towards the door, but stopped frozen after a single step. Both from Alec's "Stop," and because he was literally frozen in place by the Demon's magic.

"You sure are in a hurry, Little Warlock," said Alec as he stepped around to face Magnus in the Warlock's personal space, while also blocking the door, "we have to seal the deal."

Magnus was mostly frozen, with the power to move his eyes, mouth, and swallow. He assumed that also went for talking. His eyes became very wide, when a moment later Alec started to unbutton his shirt. "Woah, now. I don't really think we are to this point in our relationship. I mean, I'm definitely a fan of sexy times, but I also believe in something called consent. And right now, I have to say no thank you. Really I'm flattered, but like I said, I don't think we're really there yet."

Magnus was definitely not panicking. Nope. If only he could move his body or access his magic.

Alec's grin became all teeth as Magnus' panicked words settled over him, and he didn't stop his actions until the shirt was completely open. "Relax Little Warlock," the demon practically purred- making Magnus' knees weak- magical binding aside, "I am merely sealing our deal."

The demon focused on his hand, which Magnus couldn't move his head to see. The Warlock felt his shirt being moved on his left side, away from his body. And he heard, "try not to move. This is going to hurt as it is," come from Alec sarcastically.

Then all Magnus could do was scream as something was seared into his side. His whole body was on fire. But not regular fire, no this burned like the fires of Hell's deepest pits. And it was going on forever. There was no end in sight. It was worse than dying, Magnus was sure.

Suddenly the pain was gone. All Magnus could do was try to breathe through his whines of pain. He realized three things at once- he was crying, the demon was shushing him, and magic, not his own, was gently soothing his skin where the pain had originated from.

Alec's magic was soothing him, "it's okay Little Warlock, shh. It's over now."

The demon traced a soft pattern on Magnus' forehead with his thumb, then gently kissed the same spot with an exhaled murmur of words that were spoken too softly for Magnus to hear. Not that he could really focus on that currently. Everything was happening at once and Magnus was struggling to regain his footing.

The magic that had built around them with the start of the deal suddenly settled with a silent snap. Magnus realized he was free to move, and suddenly wanted a lot of space between him and the demon. He pushed out with his magic to move Alec back, while also taking a few steps back of his own. He then brought his magic up in a protective shield in case the demon tried to attack him.

When it became clear a few minutes later that an attack from Alec wasn't forthcoming, and Magnus was finally able to calm down his breathing, he pulled one hand away from his shield. He kept the shield up with the other hand, while the free hand went to his side to feel around for whatever the demon had done.

Right away his hand found a circle, complete with a pretty intricate pentagram branded into his side. His eyes widened in horror when he looked down at it, and he realized what it was. In his shock he also dropped his shield.

"How- what… what did you DO?!" Magnus wasn't exactly yelling, but he couldn't keep the terror out of his voice, "this is… this isn't going to work! This is impossible!"

He tore his gaze from the pentagram to Alec, who was still standing a few feet away and hadn't moved since he finished whatever he did.

"That," said Alec slowly, "is how you will summon me to you. Simply use your magic to activate the circle."

The demon suddenly had a more dangerous look in his eyes as he slowly started to walk towards Magnus again, "The first summoning will take place in the next twelve hours."

Magnus was backing away from the other, not liking the look he was giving him. He found himself backed into a wall with Alec still walking forward, and very much in his personal space.

"If you change your mind," said Alec as he put his hands up on either side of Magnus' head, completely blocking him in, and his eyes directly in line with Magnus' so the warlock couldn't look away, "then I will use the mark to forcibly drag you back here, where you will stay for the rest of eternity, and that pain you felt earlier will feel like a lover's caress compared to what I will do to you."

Alec moved even closer if that was possible, "do you understand Little Warlock?"

Magnus let out a shaky, "ye..yes," while nodding his head in understanding. He could feel the demon's breath on his face with everything he said. And with being this close, he could see the faint lines of the scar around his eyebrow. It ran from his forehead down to mid check. The demon was both mind numbingly hot, and utterly terrifying at the same time.

The demon lost his dangerous look, and in a blink his face transformed into the soft smile he was giving Magnus earlier. At the same time he was moving back, out of Magnus' personal space. "Excellent. You are free to leave."

The door leading out into the rest of the house, and the exit, unlocked with a click and opened up wide in front of Magnus. Alec was back on his throne, legs crossed, and one hand holding up his head as he calmly watched Magnus who was still frozen against the wall.

All he had to do was walk across the room and he'd be free to leave.

Right. Walk.

Magnus took another minute to gather himself, slightly terrified the demon would change his mind and keep him here against his will. When he was confident he could walk, he started back across the room towards the door. In a hurry, but trying to not show it. He could have a mental breakdown when he was back at his apartment. Now really wasn't the time or place.

When Magnus got to the door, he hesitated for a moment before turning back to the demon with a soft, "thank you." He didn't wait for a reply though. He was out the door and through the house in record time.

Alec could feel the magic of Magnus' portal to the Mortal Realm fade away before he practically purred, "oh no, Little Warlock, thank you."

The smile on his lips was soft, but the look in his eyes was dangerous. Now all he had to do was wait.

-End Chapter 1-