"Do you regret it?"
"Alec—"
"No, Magnus. It's a simple question, do you regret this? Us?" Alec's eyes bore into Magnus, his voice demanding an answer.
Magnus sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I married you, Alexander, I think it's a little late to regret it," he replied, a hollow laugh escaping his lips. The situation seemed surreal to him, and he couldn't believe they were having this conversation.
"People get divorced all the time," Alec frowned, determined to get to the bottom of Magnus's hesitations.
"Is that what you want, Alexander?" Magnus gripped the chair in front of him tightly, trying to calm himself. He didn't want to say anything he would regret later.
"How can you think that? I changed the law for you, Magnus. I love you, but you just told me that you should never have gotten involved with Shadowhunter affairs," Alec's voice sounded hurt, his eyes pleading for understanding.
"I wasn't referring to you, Alexander," Magnus turned around, raising both hands indignantly. "I have no problem helping you, but I'm the representative of the warlocks in the Clave and the point of reference for almost all Downworlders. You are asking me to investigate my people. You're asking me to break up the Accords."
Alec sighed. The Accords were a treaty that dictated how Shadowhunters and Downworlders interacted with mundanes and each other, as well as each group's rights, responsibilities, and restrictions, stating that as long as the rules are not broken, they can live in peace without bother each other and even provide mutual help when necessary. Although the Accords kept the two sides on good terms to avoid slaughter between them, hostility was inevitable.
"You wouldn't be breaking the Accords, Magnus, don't be dramatic," Alec rolled his eyes, frustrated that he couldn't make Magnus understand.
"The Downworlders look for the slightest excuse to fight among themselves. You could say that they'd prefer to kill each other, and asking me to investigate them could trigger a war. Are you willing to sacrifice thirteen years of peace in order to find a person you know nothing about?" Magnus knew they were treading dangerous waters; the Shadowhunters and the Downworlders hated each other's guts.
"What if you talked to your father?" Alec cleared his throat, suggesting an alternative.
"My father? Exactly what I needed to hear today," Magnus said sarcastically, his frustration growing.
"The Raveners and the Shax Demons do not work together. Magnus, the Inquisitor, suspects that they are looking for someone important. Someone is going through a lot of trouble to find their target, and honestly, after reading the reports, I think the Inquisitor is right," Alec explained, concern etched on his face.
Magnus rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Jace's grandmother should retire and take a long vacation, indefinite if possible." The conversation was giving Magnus a headache.
"Magnus, I don't want another Dark War," Alec pleaded, the memory of the past conflict haunting him.
Magnus sighed, he hated how much he loved Alec. "I can try to talk to my father and investigate among the Downworlders, but you should warn and tell Inquisitor Herondale to start preparing for war."
Alec smiled, a weight lifted off his shoulders, as he approached Magnus to hug him from behind. "We're fine, right?" he asked nervously.
"It took me four hundred years to find you, Alexander Lightwood. You're not going to get rid of me so easily," Magnus laughed, the tension finally breaking as he gave his husband a short but passionate kiss.
"Isn't anyone going to talk about the huge elephant in the room?" James's voice broke the silence.
Regulus, seemingly unfazed, commented, "I think it has become clear to all of us that a war is coming," while casually flipping through a book.
"Reggie, how can you be so calm? I remind you that you're dead meat because of a war," James said, indignant and nervous.
"Precisely for that reason I'm calm, because I'm dead meat," Regulus replied nonchalantly.
"He's my cousin, and yet his dark humor never ceases to surprise me," Narcissa whispered to her husband.
"It's the Black humor," Lucius laughed wickedly.
"Good one, love. I knew I married you for a reason," Narcissa kissed her husband on the cheek.
"I don't want Adhara or Mia to go through another war," Lily whispered fearfully.
"All our children will enter Hogwarts within six months. I highly doubt they will go through a war," Lucius looked at Lily, though deep down, he wasn't so sure.
"I wasn't talking about that elephant, but it works for me anyway," James said, plopping down next to Regulus.
Lily raised an eyebrow. "So what did you mean?"
"To the fact that Harry and Draco ran away to London, and Adhara and Draco haven't spoken for months." James out of nowhere started eating a bag of chips
Narcissa and Lily exchanged glances, nodding, and approached James, swatting him on the back of the head, making him give a high-pitched scream.
"Divorce!" James gasped, rubbing the back of his neck. "I can't trust you anymore, 's abuse, domestic violence"
"You're a drama queen," Lily rolled her eyes. "But if you're wondering why Cissy and I hit you, it's because it's your genes' fault that Draco and Harry went to London."
"It was Draco who got angry and decided to go to London, and if I remember correctly, he's not my son," James said, crossing his arms and frowning.
"I have to agree with James," Lucius admitted, making a face as if it was difficult for him to acknowledge that James was right.
"At least they have been sensible and decided to go with my brother and Remus," Regulus added.
"BETTING TIME!" Lucius shouted, clapping his hands. "You bitches are going to lose."
"I'm going to show you who's the bitch here," James said, marching up to Lucius. "Mia and Harry in Gryffindor, Adhara, Theo, and Draco in Slytherin."
"Perfect," Lucius smiled coldly. "I bet everyone will be drawn into Slytherin except Harry; he will be Gryffindor."
"You're all wrong," Regulus said, smiling evilly. "Addie, Teddy, and Mia will be Slytherin, and Draco and Harry will be Gryffindor."
"My daughter will never be a Slytherin! My son will never be a Gryffindor! I'll die before that fallacy happens!" James and Lucius shouted in unison, furious and indignant.
Lily whispered to Narcissa, "Who's going to tell him?"
Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Lucius, dear, you're already dead."
Lucius snorted indignantly as he crossed his arms. "James is right. I demand a divorce."
"So Cissy and I can get married like we've always wanted," Lily smirked. She counted to three in her head, and Lucius and James quickly separated their wives, glaring at each other.
Mattheo found himself in a realm unknown. The air was thick and suffocating with an otherworldly energy, and the landscape seemed to shift and ripple as he walked, disorienting him further. As he ventured deeper into this mysterious realm, he felt a growing sense of unease.
The ground beneath his feet felt foreign, and the sky above was a deep shade of red. Suddenly, he heard a soft, melodic voice behind him.
"Lost, are we?" The voice purred, sending shivers down his spine. He turned around to find a woman standing there, her long black hair flowing like a dark waterfall, and her eyes, a piercing shade of crimson, seemed to see right through him.
Mattheo, narrowed his eyes, suspicious, "You. Where am I?"
"Good to see I left a lasting impression" Lilith replied, a sly smile playing on her lips. "This is Edom. You're in my realm, and you, dear Mattheo, are a guest in my domain. I've been waiting for you."
He shifted uncomfortably, his warlock instincts tingling with caution. "I don't understand. What do you want from me?"
Lilith circled him like a predator eyeing its prey. "I sense a burning desire within you, a thirst for power and control over your own life. You're sick and tired of people telling you what you can or can't do, I can help you achieve it but first, I need a favor."
Mattheo furrowed his brow, trying to comprehend the enigmatic words. "What do you mean? What favor?"
Lilith chuckled darkly, the sound sending shivers down his spine. "Mia"
"What does she have to do with any of this?" Mattheo shook his head, bewildered.
Lilith leaned in, her voice a whisper in Mattheo's mind. "Everything. People are trying to hunt her down. That girl is destined for great things and she's powerful. She needs someone as powerful as her. She needs you. She belongs to you, Mattheo, she's yours. Nobody will ever be as good as you."
Mattheo's brow furrowed in confusion, Lily's voice sounded distant, he felt in a trance. His? They hated each other. But then, images flashed before his eyes; Mia and him fighting, Mia and him laughing,Mia and him flying; Mia and him dancing; Mia and him kissing.
"That pathetic blond wizard," she hissed watching her magic work on the young warlock, "he's not meant for her. He's not good enough for her. He will never be enough for her."
"Mine" He murmured
Lilith smiled, her lips curling into a sinister smile, "That's it, Mattheo, she's yours. Bring me the Mortal Cup and she will be yours forever."
Mattheo felt a strange mix of emotions coursing through him—protection, desire, and a newfound possessiveness. The images Lilith planted in his mind seemed to blend with his own memories, creating a tangled web of emotions.
"The Mortal Cup?" I questioned, still trying to understand the situation.
Lilith nodded, her eyes glowing with intensity. "Yes, the Mortal Cup. Bring it to me, and I'll ensure Mia is yours, bound to you in ways unimaginable."
Mattheo hesitated. "What if I refuse?"
Lilith's demeanor shifted, her eyes narrowing. "Refusing would be unwise. I can make her deepest come to life. Wouldn't it be a pity if she lost everything again? And it would all be your fault but if you bring me the Cup, you'll have the power to shape your destiny and protect Mia from those who want to hurt her."
"What guarantee do I have that you'll keep your end of the bargain?" Mattheo demanded, his eyes narrowing at Lilith. "What about the consequences of taking the Mortal Cup? What about the others?"
Lilith chuckled, "Trust is such a fragile thing, my dear Mattheo. You shouldn't trust anyone but yourself. Consequences are for those who lack the strength to overcome them. As for everyone else, well, they're pawns in a game much larger than they can understand. It's time you stopped being a pawn and became a player. Don't tell me you've suddenly grown a heart."
Mattheo, remembering Regulus' words, took a deep breath. "How do I find the Mortal Cup?"
Lilith's smile widened, revealing sharp, predatory teeth. "I knew you'd make the right choice. The Cup is hidden in the heart of the New York Institute. Remember, you're not just doing this for me. You're doing it for her, to protect her."
With that said, Mattheo jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest, "MIA!" He looked around his room but quickly realized he was alone. Groaning, he lay back down covering his face with the pillow. What the fuck just happened?
The pulsating beat of the club's music reverberated through the air as Magnus moved through the crowd, his eyes scanning the dimly lit room. He finally spotted his father, Asmodeus, in the midst of a group of women, his silver hair and charming smile making him stand out even in the crowded space.
Magnus approached, weaving through the dancing bodies, his expression darkening with each step. As he reached his father, he grabbed Asmodeus by the arm, pulling him away from the giggling women. The club's flashing lights cast shadows on Magnus's face, emphasizing the seriousness in his eyes.
"Magnus, my boy! What a pleasant surprise," Asmodeus said with a smirk, trying to play off his surprise.
Magnus scowled, not in the mood for pleasantries. "Save it, old man. We need to talk."
Asmodeus chuckled, feigning innocence. "Talk? About what, my son?"
Magnus leaned in, his voice low and intense. "Don't play games with me. I know Lilith is searching for someone. Who is it, and why is she searching for him or her?"
Asmodeus raised an eyebrow, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Lilith? Oh, my dear Magnus, you're imagining things. Perhaps too much glitter has gone to your head."
Magnus's patience wore thin, and he raised his voice, cutting through the music. "PARTY'S OVER, EVERYONE OUT."
As the crowd dispersed, Magnus confronted his father once more, the two of them now alone in the quieting club. Magnus repeated his question, his tone demanding answers.
"Raveners and Shax demons have been spotted in Alicante and other places. Who are they looking for?"
"You are certainly no fun, Magnus," Asmodeus's wicked smile grew, and he leaned in, his voice a sinister whisper. "Buf if you're that interested they seek your daughter."
Magnus's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and confusion. "Mia? Why?"
Asmodeus laughed, a cold sound that sent shivers down Magnus's spine. "Mia is a different breed, my boy. Half Shadowhunter, half witch. You and your husband made sure of that. Downworlders see her as a way to break the Accords."
Furious, Magnus slammed Asmodeus against a wall, his magic crackling around them. "Tell me the truth! I know when you lie."
Asmodeus, annoyed, pushed Magnus away, straightening his jacket. "Mia shouldn't have been born. Her birth was never supposed to happen. Harry was meant to be an only child. Voldemort's attacks were an attempt to kill Mia, who never should've existed. Same with Adhara—she was supposed to be a stillborn."
Magnus's eyes widened, processing the revelation. "What do you mean, never supposed to be born?"
Asmodeus smirked, the wickedness in his gaze unfaltering. "The universe has a way of correcting its mistakes, Magnus. Mia disrupts the natural order, and that disruption will lead to chaos."
Magnus, enraged, demanded, "What did you do?"
Asmodeus chuckled darkly. "It's not what I did, Magnus. It's what you and your beloved Alexander did. Choices have consequences, my boy. Mia shouldn't exist, and now the world will pay the price."