Magnus stepped out of a portal on the grass of the New York Institute with Alexander right behind him. He debated sending a text to Max to let them know he was there, but there was no need, moments later Max and an irate Jace came out of the institute, followed closely by Clary, Simon, and Meliorn.
"You again!" Jace growled when he reached Magnus and Alec's position in the lawn. Max had a hand out, stopping Jace from moving closer to attack the demon like he wanted to.
"Magnus," said Max, keeping his parabatai back, "thank you for coming. I know you said life or death, and these scenarios definitely fit the bill. Izzy decided if she was going to explode Heavenly Fire, she was going to do it in the Hell dimensions- Edom specifically. She's already there and we need to find her. Clary's created a new Rune that will allow us to share the abilities of another person also sharing the Rune. She's already drawn it on her and Simon's hands and they are sharing abilities. If you and Meliorn agree, we would draw it on both of you, as well as me and Jace, so we can all safely go to Edom after Izzy."
There was a spike of irritation, possessiveness, proudness, from Alec that Magnus felt when Max was finished explaining the group's plan. The first two emotions, Magnus understood, but the proudness threw him for a loop. He sent a questioning wave back to the Demon, but all he got in response was amusement. Magnus knew though that Alec would explain the emotions later if he asked.
"And you agreed with this plan, Meliorn?" Magnus directed his question to the Seelie knight, knowing he had a history of his own with the Institute, Isabelle specifically.
Meliorn nodded, "There is much to be gained from the right kind of alliance."
Magnus nodded in understanding and turned back to Max, "Lorenzo is the Head Warlock of Brooklyn. You should've gone to him with your request for assistance."
Alec spoke up before Max could, "he probably turned them down. There is not much to be gained for the Warlock community for this, and you probably couldn't afford him either."
Jace's growl of anger seemed to confirm Alec's analysis of the situation, which caused the Demon to send a smile back.
"Of course," continued Alec, "the Clave is also dragging their feet on paying Magnus for his assistance in Alicante last week which is not acceptable. Perhaps we should just open the rift backup and allow them to deal with the demon invasion instead? Though with your Shadowhunter going rogue in Edom, if it explodes while the rift is open, the Mortal realm will explode along with it."
Max glared, but tried to keep his voice calm as he responded, "what do you want."
"For you to stop calling on Magnus to take care of your problems for a start. He's not your lap dog, he should be your friend. But you haven't been treating him like one from what I've seen while up here." Alec was weaving a protective layer of magic and emotion around Magnus while he talked, which is the only reason Magnus allowed the demon to speak for him.
"You will also work to initiate a change in the Clave policies towards Downworlders," added Magnus without missing a beat. "Shadowhunters are not above Downworlders and they need to start treating us like the equals we are."
Meliorn nodded, "I will assist with your word that you will follow through to make Magnus' terms a reality. The times and worlds are changing. The Shadowhunters need to adapt or be left behind."
"We will do our best," said Max, trying to be vague.
"That's not good enough," said Alec with a growl, "the Clave is in upheaval with so many High Level Shadowhunters being killed by me because they were Circle members. There is no reason for you to not use this opportunity to make the Clave a better organization."
"He's right Max," said Clary from next to Simon.
Max nodded, "I will not promise change, but I will promise to put in the work to make it better."
"Excellent," said Magnus, "So while we are all in Edom trying to find Isabelle, Alexander here will take care of Jonathan. Clarissa, be a dear and draw this new rune on everyone. The sooner we get to Edom, the sooner we can leave it." He suppressed a shudder, but he also felt a wave of assurance from Alec seconds later.
After Clary finished drawing the rune on Jace, Max, Meliorn, and Magnus, Alec brushed a hand over Magnus' back and disappeared to find Jonathan in Toronto. A moment later Magnus created a portal to take everyone else to Edom.
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Max and Magnus landed in Edom, but realized pretty quickly they were alone, "this happens when you come to the hell realms," Magnus explained as he readied himself for any demon attacks, "where would Izabella go to release her Heavenly Fire? We should focus on finding her."
"Is there a castle or anything here that Lillith would have lived in? She will probably head there for her explosion," Max answered while also looking around. Though, the Shadowhunter was distracted by the sparks of magic coming out of his hands, "Woah! This is so cool!"
Magnus smiled faintly at the wonder in Max's eyes at the magic, "yes it is. And if we had more time, I'd try to teach you how to use it. For now, just try to concentrate on keeping it contained to your hands so you don't accidentally blow something, or someone up."
Max grinned at Magnus and wiggled his fingers at the Warlock. Sparks shot out into a bush, catching it on fire. Max yelped and jumped away, "right! Sorry!"
Magnus smirked and started walking in the direction of Lillith's castle, "we should get moving. Time moves differently here, so we need to be careful and quick."
The pair didn't run into any demons, which Magnus thought was strange, but ignored in favor of finding Izabella. Though they did run into Clary and Simon, who had just finished off a lesser demon before literally running into Max.
"Ooof," the trio all fell into a pile of limbs behind Magnus.
Magnus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "if you're all done laying around we can keep heading to the castle where Izabella should be. No time to waste, hop to it now."
Simon was going to say something, but yelped instead when Max's magic zapped him in the butt, "ow! Watch it!"
"Sorry Simon," said Max as the trio finally untangled and caught up to Magnus.
Clary raised an eyebrow at Max over Magnus' attitude, but the Institute Leader just shrugged.
Meliorn and Jace were inside the castle's entryway when the quartet finally made it to the castle. The Shadowhunters and Simon all gave each other greetings, starting to talk about their individual adventures in Edom when Magnus interrupted them, "there will be time for that later. We need to keep moving."
Magnus did nod to Meliorn in greeting, but ignored Jace as much as he could while also not being overly rude to him. Being here, especially in Lillith's castle, was bringing back memories that Magnus did not want to think about. A wave of Alec's emotions did help settle Magnus some, but the overall feel of Edom still left its mark on the warlock.
They found Izabella in the throne room, or throne garden since there was no ceiling and the walls were mostly open arches out into different sections of the castle.
"Izzy, wait!" Called Max, drawing Izzy's attention to the group.
"How did you all get here?" Asked Izzy with confusion.
"Clary," said Simon and Jace at the same time.
"I created a new rune," explained Clary, jumping in before the two boys could continue, "and I think it will help keep you from exploding in Heavenly Fire if we add you to the group."
"By distributing the fire's explosion…" Simon started explaining the science behind their idea, but Magnus stopped paying attention. Normally he would be right in the conversation, but his bond with Alexander felt off. Magnus couldn't pinpoint what was wrong with it, which was concerning him. The sooner he could get back to the Mortal Realm, the sooner he could find Alexander to see what was going on. /Unless Jonathan did something to him?/
Magnus was startled by Max and Simon grabbing onto his hands to form a circle of their group. Clary was finishing making the rune on Izabella's hand as the pair closed the circle. Magnus felt a jolt, similar to a summoning, but lighter flow through him. A split second later, he realized what was happening- the Heavenly Fire was coursing through all of them and out into Edom, but it was too late to send Alexander a warning through their bond. He also didn't have time to put up a shield around the bond before some of the Heavenly Fire made it through to Alexander.
Magnus felt pain through the bond, before it was completely cut off again on Alexander's side. He sent regret through before it closed, but the warlock wasn't sure if the emotion was received.
The Heavenly Fire exploded out into Edom, causing an Earthquake to shake the castle they were in.
"Time to go!" exclaimed Jace as the sky started to darken and swirl with the Fire.
Magnus didn't need to be told twice, he made a portal and barely waited long enough for the others to get through before he also went, thinking of Alexander in the process.
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Alec landed in the streets of Toronto, pausing a moment to zero in on Jonathan's position, and to make sure none of the demons in Edom were attacking Magnus. When he had a location, and he could feel Magnus was still safe, he smiled and took off again.
"Well done My Hunter," said Alec when he landed in front of Jonathan moments later, "you've destroyed so many Institutes in your rampage, taking all those Shadowhunters out as well. I'm very proud."
"Where's Clary? Where's my sister Alec?" Jonathan had stood up straighter at Alec's praise, but his blind devotion and reverence towards his sister was overwhelming his mind. His demonic obsession was destroying Jonathan's very soul.
If Alec could kill Lillith again, he most certainly would. He settled for reminding himself of Valentine's soul rotting in the darkest depths of hell though, along with all his followers.
"What has she done to you, My Hunter?" Alec slowly got closer to Jonathan as they spoke. He was not going to hurt the boy, none of this was his fault- no matter what the Shadowhunters wanted to think.
"Clary… she's abandoned me as well Alec." Jonathan wasn't hearing Alec through his pain, "that's why she's not here isn't it? She doesn't care. None of them cared."
Alec reached up and put a hand on Jonathan's shoulder, watching to see if the move would be unwelcome. It wasn't. Tension seemed to bleed out of Jonathan with the touch, so Alec wrapped him up in his arms, "Shh, it's ok My Hunter. Their failures are not your fault."
Jonathan dropped his sword creating a clatter in the otherwise quiet street and clutched at Alec's shirt with a whimper. "Why Alec? Why?"
"I don't know My Hunter. They couldn't see the brightness of your Soul, not like I can." Alec moved one hand to place over Jonathan's heart, "but what the Seelie Queen has done is disintegrating your very soul. Will you allow me to help you, My Hunter? May I fix your soul? I promise you will find happiness you can call your own if you allow me to help you."
"I don't deserve happiness," said Jonathan shaking his head against Alec's chest.
"You know that's not true Jonathan. I had hoped you would find happiness with your sister, but that was my failing, not yours. Let me help you find your place in the world." Alec continued to hold Jonathan carefully, while speaking quietly to not spook the boy, "you trust me don't you My Hunter?"
Jonathan nodded, "I do.," he took a deep breath and released it, "okay Alec. Do whatever you need to do. I'm ready. But please… let Clary know- I did love her. Truly."
Alec nodded, "I will pass on the message My Hunter. Now, just relax, this will only take a moment."
Alec started whispering in a language Jonathan had never heard before, and his hand, situated over Jonathan's heart, started to glow. The demonic energy and blood started to seep out of Jonathan's body to collect in Alec's hand. When it was all out, Alec pulled almost all of the energy into himself, upsetting the balance between his own demonic and angelic sides, and burning away a bit of his angelic energy. Alec didn't stop until he absorbed almost all of it. Then he sang a soft melody that had Jonathan's soul glow a pure white. When Alec was done singing, Jonathan was gone, his clothes had fallen to the ground, and in Alec's arm was a small baby- fast asleep.
Using his finger, Alec pulled the remaining small sliver of the demonic blood and placed it over the baby's heart. "May you find happiness and peace with the wolves My Hunter. And may they protect you and love you like your old family never could."
Alec felt a moment of panic through his now slightly weakened bond with Magnus, before his body was flooded with Heavenly Fire. The demon held himself together as best he could, before he completely blocked off his bond with Magnus, like he had after Alicante. He took a moment to breath and place the baby down among Jonathan's clothes before he was overwhelmed again. But this time it was a flood of demonic energy- Edom's magic, overflowing his system. Alec was on the ground before he even realized it, and moments later felt the familiar arms of Magnus wrap around him.
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Magnus stumbled when he stepped out of the portal, which swirled closed behind him. He was in Canada, Alexander was on the ground, writhing in pain, a small pile of clothes and a small baby was next to him sound asleep. The warlock ran over to the demon, and pulled him into his arms as he slid to a stop.
"Alexander!" Alec wouldn't hold Magnus back, but his hands were growing claws, which alarmed Magnus even more. "Alec, hey, it's ok. I'm here, let me help."
"Mag-nus" Alec stuttered as his back arched in pain, "you need…. Leave…"
"Darling," said Magnus, as he tightened his arms around Alec, "I'm not going to leave you right now. Something's happening. I want to help."
The pentagram on Magnus' side was starting to burn, which alarmed Magnus even through the walls Alec had up around it. It felt like Edom's fire.
Alec shook his head, "Edom's magic…. It's changing… me… can't…" He grit his teeth as another wave of pain shot through him. Magnus felt the burning intensify on the pentagram . He suddenly realized what was happening. The demonic magic of Edom was flowing into Alexander, as he had conquered the Hell Dimension defeating both Asmodeus and Lillith. It was burning away his angelic side, turning him into a full demon. Magnus wasn't sure how to help, but a crazy idea slid into his brain based on the rune Clary created.
"Alexander," said Magnus, "listen, I think I can help you. Please open the bond between us. Let me take some of Edom's magic as your soulmate. I can handle it, I'm a Prince of Hell because of Asmodeus."
Alec shook his head, "don't… want you… hurt." He arched his back, trying to pull away from Magnus, as if just being next to him would cause the warlock pain.
"Please Darling," Magnus tightened his hold on Alec, "I promise I will be able to handle it. I don't want to lose you or the bond we share."
Before Alec could respond a ball of light floated down in front of the pair. Alec hissed in pain and tried to pull back from it, but he couldn't move out of Magnus' hold. Said hold tightened even more when the light appeared as the Warlock curled protectively around Alec.
Alec's eyes, which had started switching between full demon black and hazel, focused on the light when it dimmed and floated back a little bit. A soft melody came from the orb, which had Alec drawing his brows down in confusion before he glanced between the orb and Magnus. Alec wrapped a clawed hand around Magnus' arm, and moved his other hand to Magnus' side where he'd drawn the pentagram.
Alec drew a deep breath before leaning more deeply into Magnus, "are you sure?"
The warlock knew instantly what he was saying and nodded, "Yes. Let me help."
Alec opened the bond fully, and Magnus braced himself so he wouldn't get lost in it again. Edom's magic started to flood the warlock, which gave him something to focus on. He drew the power deeper into himself, trying to pull more of it out of Alec so the other wasn't so overwhelmed. After what felt like an eternity, but was only a few minutes, Magnus felt Alec start to relax a little in his arms. Edom's magic was more evenly divided between the two of them, which helped alleviate the pain Alec was feeling. Alec also stopped losing what remained of his angelic core, and their bond, though weakened, stabilized again.
"There we go darling." Magnus said as he tightened his hold on Alec, and nuzzled into his hair. Though Magnus could still feel the demon through their soul bond, it was weaker with the overwhelming amount of demonic magic coursing through Alec. The warlock realized all at once that he had a hand in diminishing their bond, with how he went to Edom and helped destroy the dimension.
"Not… your fault Little Warlock," whispered Alec as he moved his arm more firmly around Magnus' waist, while also tightening his hold on the Warlock's arm with his other hand.
"But-" Magnus felt a wave of emotions come from Alec and his thoughts, /You didn't force the Nephilim to go to Edom or create the rune they used to distribute the power. This is not your fault./
Magnus realized the bond was wide open between them now, and he wasn't drowning in it like the first time Alec opened it between them. But that knowledge was overshadowed by the orb of light transforming into a human looking Being directly in front of the pair.
"He's correct, Warlock Bane, the events of this day are in no way your fault and you should not shoulder the blame." The Being didn't open his mouth, but Magnus heard Him speaking just fine. The Being also didn't move closer to the pair, He seemed to realize He was causing Alec pain.
Alec made to stand, and Magnus realized right away there would be no fighting him on this, so he just helped him up. The pair refused to let go of each other though, not that the Being seemed to mind. Alec also moved to partially stand in front of Magnus, his protective instincts flaring up through the bond.
"What do you want." While it was a question, Alec didn't phrase it like one. His tone held a lot of anger and a hint of danger that the Being in front of them either didn't hear or was ignoring.
Instead the Being raised his eyes heavenword and blinked. A moment later three angels were standing behind Him, heads turned down and their hands behind their backs in a typical parade rest position.
Alec guard went up even higher, which had Magnus on guard as well.
"The balance has shifted too far to one side," said the Being, still not moving His mouth, "it must be rebalanced or the worlds will all be destroyed. And punishments for crimes committed need to be dealt out."
With those words, Magnus moved completely in front of Alec protectively, heavenly beings were always trying to fight or destroy demons, "you will have to go through me to hurt him."
"Your bonded has a soul of gold Alexandros," said the Being as His eyes wrinkled slightly in amusement, "I am glad you found your way to each other."
Alec pulled Magnus back to his side- his Fall suddenly making more sense in his mind. His eyes were moving between the Being and the angels standing at attention behind Him. Alec realized that the punishment being dealt out was for the angels- not for him.
Magnus also suddenly recognized the angels from Alec's memories. They had pulled Alec to Hell, forcing his Fall. Magnus realized right when Alec did that maybe the Angels were the ones in need of punishment- not Alec.
"I need something from you Alexandros," said the Being looking over at Alec, "the demonic energy you pulled from your young charge."
Magnus glanced down at the small baby, who had been sleeping peacefully through this whole exchange in a pile of clothes right behind them. /Jonathan…?/
Alec tilted his head, thinking through the request, "what will you do with it?"
"Administer the punishment that your brethren have earned with their actions," said the Being matter of factly, "and restore the balance within your being to strengthen your bond to your mate."
It was as much an apology for allowing his Fall, as a statement of fact, which Alec realized right away. Alec blinked once before he nodded and stepped forward. Taking in Jonathan's demonic energy and then the energy from Edom had completely warped his balanced angelic and demonic soul. It had tipped the scale towards demonic, burning away more of his angelic core and his bond with Magnus. If He was willing to pull away some of the extra demonic energy and give him back some of the angelic, then Alec didn't want to wait- least He change his mind. It would restore their bond to what it was before Magnus went to Edom.
The Being raised an arm toward Alec, His hand glowing softly. Alec hissed in pain but didn't move. Darkness overtook Alec's body, as demonic energy started oozing out of him to gather in front of his chest. When a large ball of darkness had formed, the energy moved away from Alec to hover over the Being's hand.
He then raised his other hand and Alec's body started to glow as blue angelic energy started filling in the empty spots now missing their demonic essence. Magnus felt their bond strengthening again to what it was before, but he was relieved to still not feel overwhelmed by their connection. They could also both feel the power of Edom flowing between them, but it wasn't overwhelming either of them, nor was it overpowering Alec's angelic essence.
When He was satisfied with Alec's dual angelic and demonic balance He dropped His hand. With the demonic energy, He turned to address the angels behind Him.
"You three have gravely overstepped this past millenia with your actions. It is not your place to decide which of your brethren should Fall, yet you took it upon yourselves to punish one who wanted fair treatment for all of my creations. Nor did you complete the mission I assigned following the battle between Samael and Michael, instead pushing it off on the Nephilim, which allowed the tipping of the balance so erroneously."
None of the angels spoke up in defense of their actions, they had the opportunity to plead their case in Heaven, but He was not moved by their reasoning or arguments.
He moved in front of the angel on his left, "Zadkiel, as the one tasked to find Michael's sword Glorius; you shall now need to do so while in the Hell dimension, where many of the pieces now reside." He pushed the ball of demonic energy into the angel, who screamed as the demonic energy started burning out part of his angelic core.
"Like Alexandros, you shall be part demon, part angel," but he also burned a sigil onto the angel's arm, "however, unlike Alexandros, you shall not be able to leave the hell dimensions at all until all of Glorious' shards have been gathered and are no longer tipping the balance."
"I will do everything to regain your favor My Lord," with a resigned nod, the half angel half demon Zadkiel, disappeared in a blaze of flames from a Hell pentagram He created under the halflings feet.
The other two angels flinched slightly, but didn't say or move otherwise.
The Being then turned back to Alec and Magnus, "Alexandros, if I may see your charge?"
Alec hesitated then picked up the baby who was still sleeping soundly even with everything going on. Magnus suddenly saw Alec's magic encasing the baby, keeping him both sleep and safe from the events happening around him.
The Being spoke in that melodic voice again, and after a moment Alec swallowed and moved toward him with the baby. He tightened his hold on the child, and swiped his thumb over the baby's head and whispered something before kissing the spot. He then gently handed over the baby to the Being.
The Being didn't say anything about the gesture, but did turn back to the other angels still behind him. He raised one hand to the next angel, "Haniel, your prejudices and superiority have blinded you to the failings of your Nephilim. And you have allowed this child to suffer in ways no child should ever have to. You will raise him as a member of the community you tried to eradicate. Your angelic core will be locked away until you learn the lessons you have turned away from. If you fail to learn your lessons, or the child dies in such a way you could've prevented it, your angelic core will be extinguished and you will be pulled into Hell for eternity when you die."
As He spoke, the angel's core was slowly pooling in front of his chest like Alec's demonic core had earlier. When it was fully out floating in the air, He twisted his hand and the essence disappeared with a flash of lightning. The angel was now a human, his wings and angelic core gone. However He was still not done, with another flick of his hand the Nephilim was now a werewolf, like the baby in His arms. He then gently passed the baby over to the new werewolf and with a flick of his hand the pair were gone.
/They've been transported to the Jade Wolf,/ said Alec telepathically to Magnus a moment later, when the demon felt the Warlock's concern about the baby /Maia will find them and take them in./
/Thank God,/ thought Magnus a moment later, only for Alec to snort both out loud and telepathically, and squeeze Magnus' hand he was still holding.
The Being also turned to them with an eyebrow raised in amusement and a twinkle in his eye. Magnus just raised a cheeky eyebrow back.
"For you Yahoel," said the Being turning back to the last angel, "we must move ourselves to Alicante."
Alarm shot through Alec a moment before their group disappeared in a flash of light, which was the only warning Magnus had that something was about to happen.
A moment later, Alec, Magnus, the Being, and angel were all standing in the middle of the largest amphitheater in Alicante. Magnus blinked and the highest ranking Clave members, Institute Heads from around the world, and most of the Nephilim who lived in Alicante were all seated in the chairs surrounding their small group.
Magnus' magic blasted out around him and Alec, shielding the demon from the Nephilim who were starting to realize he was standing there and arming themselves. The warlock also moved so he was completely in front of Alec, an extra layer of protection if needed.
"That is enough of that," said the Being, freezing all the Nephilim and moving them back to the chairs he'd originally dropped them in.
From his position, Magnus could see the Counsel and other high ranking Clave officials like Imogen, as well as Max and his siblings from the New York Institute, though Clary was missing.
The Being allowed Magnus' shield to stay up. His focus was on the Nephilim in front of him, not Magnus and Alec.
"Nephilim," said the Being, gaining the attention of every Shadowhunter in the room, "I come with a warning and a punishment."
The room went deathly quiet, as the Shadowhunters sat up straighter, ready to watch the Being destroy the Greater Demon standing behind him and encased in Magnus Bane's shield.
Without prompting the angel, Yahoel stepped forward and knelt at the Beings feet. The Being raised a hand and again removed his angelic core, like he had for Haniel. "Yahoel and some of his brethren made the choice to punish one of my children for wanting to put a stop to the horrendous deeds you, the children of Raziel, were committing against beings of the Downworld as you call it. Had they not forced this angel to Fall, this warning would've come many centuries ago."
The Shadowhunters as a whole started to look alarmed at what the Being was saying and what was happening to the angel in front of them.
"Nephilim, you have a choice, as your ancestors did all those millenia ago to become Shadowhunters. Though your choice is different, you can change your ways and start treating all of my creations as equals," the Being paused, making sure everyone's attention was zeroed in on his words, "or you can be obliterated."
You could cut the tension in the room with a knife at that moment. The Being paused to let his words set in before continuing, "Yahoel will be here as a guide for you to make changes to your society as a whole. If there is no change, or the change is too slow then my retribution will be swift."
"Yahoel," said the Being, addressing the newly turned Nephilim, who's angelic core he was now holding, "if you can not guide a change, you will share in the punishment of the Shadowhunters. If you succeed, your core will be returned to you."
"I understand," said the Nephilim, as he stood to address the Being, "I will work hard to fix our mistakes and make myself worthy of Heaven's grace again."
The Being nodded, and disappeared the angelic core in his hand back to Heaven. He then turned to Magnus and Alec, "come, our work here is complete."
Magnus blinked and the three of them- Alec, the Being, and him, were back at the loft, standing on his balcony.
"Alexandros," said the Being, "I made a choice when I allowed your brethren to make you Fall. I knew that if you stayed in Heaven, you would not meet your bonded until it was too late. I know this caused tremendous amounts of pain for you, which is why I allowed the bond you created to change into the soul bond you now share."
The Being raised a hand towards Alec, "here," His hand glowed as did Alec, "a parting gift to you. Your demonic and angelic energies are balanced and will not tip to one side ever again."
Alec stopped glowing, and for the first time since his fall, his demonic and angelic sides felt at peace. "Thank you," he whispered. The Being nodded before turning into an orb of light and disappearing up to Heaven.
"Come on Sayang," said Magnus quietly into the night as he slipped his hand into Alec's again, "let's grab some dinner, and a shower, then head to bed. We can catch up with Mazie and Catarina tomorrow."
Alec let out a breath, the tension from the day leaving him with Magnus' words, "yeah," he said equally as quietly, "that sounds great." The pair walked into the loft, where Magnus waved a candlelit dinner up for them, while Alec added some soft fairy lights to float around their table.
Almost two hours later, dinner was finished, the pair showered and were in fresh pajamas settled into Magnus' bed, still cuddling close.
"Alexander," said Magnus quietly when he could tell that the half demon was struggling to settle into sleep, "tell me what's bothering you?"
Alec shrugged, "I don't need a lot of sleep, and since the Fall it's been harder to find a space to relax enough to try."
Magnus opened his arms so Alec could curl around him if he wanted. It only took a moment before Alec's head was resting against Magnus' chest, ear over his heart, and an arm curled around his mate's waist. Magnus curled one arm around Alec's back, his fingers rubbing at the back of the demon's neck, while his other hand rubbed on Alec's arm that was around his waist. Magnus also started to hum a soft lullaby from his time with the Silent Brothers in Madrid.
Come morning, there would be more to do, checking in with Catarina and Madzie, stopping by the Jade Wolf, and continuing to learn more about each other and their bond. For now though, the pair was content to finally get the chance to fall asleep together, and enjoy their bond being open completely between them. They had time for everything else.
Time and their soulbond.
-End Chapter 8-