#asaab

AAnoAB // Assigned Anomalous at Birth

ASaAB [left] // Assigned Safe at Birth

AEuAB [middle] // Assigned Euclid at Birth

AKetAB [keter] // Assigned Keter at Birth

AEsAB [left] // Assigned Esoteric at Birth

Assigned Satyr at Birth | ASaAB // Where one's assigned gender at birth is simply "satyr"

Chapter 12

Family isn't always blood

Alec looked at his Parabatai then to his sister then to him again and sighed heavily before speaking. "Because there is something I want to talk about which needs all of your presence."

"Excuse me!?" Jace exclaimed, "Alec, I can feel your nervousness, what is going on? You're making me scared buddy, we almost lost yo-"

"Jace, calm down. I'll tell you when everyone will be here, and it's nothing bad, okay?"

Even after the reassurance, Jace was still not convinced. He could feel how scared and nervous Alec was through their bond. There were so many probabilities running through his mind, minding that Magnus wasn't there with him when that man never leaves his brother alone.

"Jace, stop. I can literally feel you getting stressed up, I told you, Jace, it's nothing, just... wait for a while."

Jace sighed and nodded. He had met his Parabatai, his brother after a long time, and making him upset or angry was the last thing he wanted. "Sorry Alec, but really, you told Izzy that you're coming but not me? Seriously? Am I not important to you anymore?" he dramatically put his hand over his chest. "You have hurt me, dude."

Alec rolled his eyes. "Stop being overdramatic, Jace. Besides, the look on your face told me that it was worth it."

"Boyzzz!" Izzy interrupted, shaking her head at her brothers for their silliness. "So, big brother, whom do you want to meet first, Clary or Simon?" Out of everyone, Izzy knew really well that Alec considers them family now, remembering the fact that he admitted it when she and Simon visited him.

"It's been long I've seen nugget in training mode. I would like to see her training and meanwhile, tell Simon to come here, I want to talk to you both privately before talking to everyone else."

"What the hell!? Alec, First, stop giving my girlfriend these stupid nicknames, and second what are you guys are up to?"

"Jace, stop." Izzy spoke firmly, "Don't bombard our brother with questions, he just arrived. And, besides, I want to see how Clary's doing so can we move now?"

"Fine, let's go." Jace sighed, and they left for the training room.

While heading towards the training room, Alec didn't miss the changes that had been made at the Institute, especially the weapons room. He knew he made the right decision to make his sister the Head of the Institute when he accepted the post of Inquisitor at Alicante, and she's doing a brilliant job. He couldn't help but feel proud of his sister.

It's been around an hour since Clary started her training, her hair was tied up in a ponytail, she was wearing a perfectly fitted navy blue sports bra with red stripes on it, the back having cross straps with blue-grey yoga pants and red and blue colored sports shoes. Her hands were wrapped in boxing bandages, blowing punches and kicks to the punching bag, which had now started to tear.

"Slow down Parabatai, looks like you're having a bad day, or did you not get it last night, huh?" Izzy teased as she walked towards her soon-to-be Parabatai, a smirk playing on her face, and Jace's face flushed.

"Izzy, Hey!" Clary greeted then held the towel that Izzy offered her. "And to answer your question, both. Bad day because Jace was being an idiot last night, and this morning too." She said, making Izzy burst into laughter.

"Really Clary, discussing our sex life with my sister!? Not appreciated!" Jace said as he walked in.

"She's my best friend, Herondale. I can discuss whatever I want." Clary shrugged and snatched the water bottle that he offered her.

"Oops! Looks like someone screwed up badly." Izzy said while suppressing her laugh, earning a glare from Jace.

Clary almost choked on the water she was drinking and dropped the bottle on the floor in the process when her eyes fell on the third person present in that room, standing by the door frame.

"ALEC!"

"Hello, Carrot!" Alec walked in and laughed when she literally jumped on him. "Get down, carrot, you're drenched in sweat."

"Really! Carrot, Carrot!? Seriously, Alec, I told you to stop giving her names, don't you-"

"I find it cute," Clary said, interrupting her boyfriend and making him dumbfounded. "Alec, when did you come? And where's Magnus?" She asked when her excitement died down and was back on her feet.

"Just now, and Magnus didn't come, I had some work."

"Okay, now I'm jealous, what had Simon done, big brother? Jace? Why do you both treat him like that?" Izzy pouted.

"I like him, but that vampire gets under my skin sometimes. No offense, Izzy." Jace said flatly.

"Izzy, Simon had done nothing, you know I like him, I just don't feel like being like that around him. There's nothing else." Alec reassured, making her sigh.

Izzy's phone buzzed, breaking their chain of conversation. She picked it up to check the message. "It's Si, he'll be here in some time. Your room or my office?" She asked.

"In my room," Alec answered while Jace and Clary kept glancing between the siblings. "I'll tell you both later."

Clary nodded. "I'm going to get a shower, see you later, Alec." With that, she picked up her stuff and left the hall.

"Wait, Clary! Excuse me!" Jace said hurried after his girlfriend leaving the other two laughing at their situation.

"It's good to have her back, you know," Izzy said when they both left the room. "Jace is a different person now, and happier too."

"I know. I can feel it. I'm happy for him, he deserves this. Looking back at how broken he was 3 years ago, I'm really happy that Clary got her memories back. They didn't deserve what happened 5 years ago."

"What's wrong!?" She asked when she noticed an unknown expression clouding her brother's face.

"Izzy, promise me you won't tell Jace what I'm about to say, else I won't hear the end of it."

Izzy raised her brow but eventually nodded.

"You know how much I used to hate Clary when she first came into our lives, she's still annoying, but looking at her now, at them, they are meant for each other, they complete each other. And I'm really happy that they found each other, all over again." He said, having a bright smile on his face.

"You're right, big brother. Jace will never stop teasing you if he'll hear what you just said. And, I agree, they are meant for each other."

Clary came back to their lives almost two and a half years ago. It took her almost a year and a half after meeting Jace at her painting exhibition to regain her memories of the shadow world. When she remembered Jace at the alley of the building where her exhibition was held, Jace frequented their meetings in the hope that she'd remember everything but hid it from everyone else. That was until Simon found out and confronted him, in the process bumping into her becoming the second person she remembered.

Clary always had an empty space in her heart, a void, which kept telling her that something was missing. That was until she met Jace, and she knew that she knew him from somewhere. There were bits and pieces in her mind of a club, bike riding, or some similar events, but they were never complete.

When both boys told everyone about Clary, it was Magnus who advised them to take things slow and not rush her memories. She met everyone, remembered them one by one, Luke being the third one, then Jocelyn, followed by the incomplete memory of her death, which resulted in regaining her memories at a great pace.

What broke the floodgates of her memories was when Jace and Clary were returning from their date, and they were attacked by a shapeshifting demon, which Clary killed with complete ease, shocked at first, but the sudden appearance and disappearance of her runes made her remember that she's a Shadowhunter.

The most beautiful thing which happened between all this was Clary fell in love with Jace all over again, oblivious about their past and Jace's feelings, making him the happiest person in the universe.

When she remembered everything, and stepped into the institute once again, and got all her runes back, she was visited by her mother's soul once again telling her that the Angels had forgiven her, she still has her extra share of powers, but she needs to be careful this time and not repeat the mistakes she made in the past. From that time on she became a completely new person. Better than before, more fierce, stronger, but still stubborn, annoying, and irritating at times.

The most epic thing to happen was Alec and Clary's relationship. From hating each other to frenemies to friends to a weird brother-sister relationship, they came a long way. The bitter comments Alec used to make about her were now more of teasing and mocking in a good way. They had started understanding each other, making everyone around them shocked with their bonding.

***************************

Simon was already pacing in Alec's room when Izzy and Alec entered, making Alec sigh out of frustration. "Stop digging holes in my carpet, Lewis," Alec commented.

"Really!?"

"Boys!" Izzy shook her head. "I can't with you people!" She mumbled, then turned towards her brother. "So, what did you find Alec?"

"Everything!" He answered and explained to them the complete process of becoming immortal. When he was done both of their faces were filled with shock and astonishment.

"So, you have to drink Fray's blood and ask her to talk to Angel Ithuriel on your behalf, that's... interesting. Do you think she'll agree?" Simon asked curiously.

"That we'll see. Are you both okay with this?" Alec asked hesitantly.

Simon and Izzy exchanged a look. "Of course we are, big brother. I'm really happy for you." She hugged her brother tightly. Alec looked at Simon who nodded and smiled at him, he smiled back and mouthed thank you to him.

They broke their hug and Alec sighed with relief. "I'm glad to have your support, but, Izzy, I need advice, I'm confused."

"What is it?"

"Should I wait for everyone to arrive and talk to them tonight altogether, or I'll talk to everyone privately? I don't know how everyone's gonna react, especially Jace and Clary."

Izzy didn't know what to say to that. She looked at Simon than at her brother, trying to form words when Simon broke the silence.

"Um... I don't know what you think, Iz, but I think you should talk to everyone privately, talking to everyone at the same time would mean too many emotions in one place when you don't know how will everyone react which can become uneasy for you. But it's completely up to you." He said carefully.

"I think you're right Simon, thank you. It might take time, but I'll get a fair amount of time with everyone. And I think I'm going to make Jace and Clary wait for the last." He said with a chuckle.

"Now, Izzy, till the time mom and Luke arrive, why don't you and Clary show me what I've asked for!?" He asked with a wide smile.

Simon had a confused expression from his question, making Alec chuckle with the realization that neither of the women had told anyone about the gifts he had asked them to help him make for Magnus.

"Come on then, big brother. It's in Clary's room." She wrapped her arm around her brother's, dropped the silencing rune, and walked towards Jace and Clary's shared room. When they were near their room they heard loud arguments coming from their room making them exchange looks.

"Can we come in Fray? Or are you both going to continue with whatever you were arguing about?" Simon asked while suppressing his laugh, earning a flying pillow from Clary, which he dodged successfully, making Alec and Izzy burst with laughter, and Jace completely embarrassed.

"Are you people done?" Alec asked.

Clary cleared her throat and steadied herself. "Yeah, come in."

"Are you still working on it, or is it completed? Alec wants to see it." Izzy said the excitement was clearly visible in her voice.

"Oh, are you sure Alec? It's not completed yet."

"Completed or not, I want to see both of your's!"

"Okay, it's in my art room."

"Art room?" "What the hell is going on!?" Alec and Jace said at the same time.

Jace was carefully listening to their conversation, making a frown appear on his forehead. He looked at Simon who was mirroring his confused expressions, but no one else, making his nerves rise.

Alec sighed. "Izzy and Clary, may I know why you both kept it hidden from them?" He waved towards Simon and Jace.

"We thought it would be nice to surprise them too, we want to see their expressions when it's done," Izzy said.

Jace and Simon exchanged a look, Jace was about to say something when Alec raised his hand to shut him up. He shook his head in disbelief. "I didn't get my answer, Art room?"

"Oh, my old room, now that I share the room with Jace, I converted that to my personal Art room. Are you really sure, Alec?"

"Yes, and anyways I want it completed before I leave for Alicante."

"Are you sure, big brother? Will you be able to hide from Magnus for that long?" Izzy raised her brow at him.

"Alec, if this makes you relieved, I got permission from Angels to use the portal rune as a permanent rune for me, and anyways I and Izzy are gonna portal to the lakeside to complete all the decorations you've asked for. You can meet us there and take the gifts from us." Clary said.

Alec looked at Clary in disbelief. "You got permission? That's something. Okay then, take your time, but it should be completed by Wednesday."

"We're almost done, big brother. Don't worry!"

*************

They all walked towards Clary's Art room, Alec was way too excited to see what they've done. Clary opens the door, which was filled with the scent of fresh colors, different shapes of brushes were spread in the whole room and a bunch of them were kept in a pen stand with several watercolor bottles and charcoal pencils on a wooden table in the corner of the room. There were different shapes of canvases filled in the whole room.

Clary went forward and removed a red-colored cloth that was covering a medium-sized canvas, only to reveal 3 frame-sized paintings pinned on the canvas, the 4th one was ongoing and one was empty. Alec's jaw fell on the ground seeing them.

"You... you're painting them!?"

"You like it?" Clary asked nervously, biting her nails, and looked at Izzy.

Alec went forward and traced his fingers over the painting of their wedding, both in tuxedos, holding hands, a look of pure happiness on their faces. "Put this in the center, and frame them properly. Magnus is going to love it. And I do too. Thank you, redhead!"

Clary sighed with relief and nodded with a warm smile.

"What the he-"

"Wow, these are beautiful Fray, so that's not the only surprise you're planning for Magnus? It's so lovely!"

"Yes, there's more Simon. I told you and Izzy alre-"

"What is going on!? And why am I the only one who doesn't know anything!?" Jace yelled.

Alec sighed for the billionth time that day. "Jace, are you really not getting it, or are you seriously not remembering!?"

Every eyes were on Jace now. "Remember wha... oh shit!" He gulped when he realized the paintings were from Alec's wedding to all of their following anniversaries. And it's his brother's anniversary next week.

"Sorry, Alec. I forgot about your anniversary. So, that's why Magnus is not here, you're planning a surprise, huh?" He said teasingly knowing that his brother is bad with surprises.

Alec rolled his eyes and smacked Jace on the back of his head, earning a whiney 'Ow' from him while others burst into laughter. "So, Izzy!?"

"It's in the weapons room, come on!"

*********************

They were all in the weapons room, Izzy had vacated the room for some time, and they were the only five present there. She went towards the right side rack, opened the second last drawer and took out a black-colored box, and walked towards the center table where everyone was standing.

"Big brother, it's yet to be completed. The whole engraving is remaining, you sure!?"

"Engraving?" Others said in unison.

"Yes, Izzy! Just show me whatever is done!"

Izzy opened the box to reveal a set of 3 diamond rings, sitting on fake fingers, two on the base and one in the middle of the finger, each connected with silver chains having tiny emeralds covering the whole chain. It was a really beautiful ring. There was a bundle of diamond cuts sitting on the base of the box.

Everyone's jaws were dropped on the floor. The ring was shining brightly in the dullness of the room.

"Why extra diamonds?" Clary asked curiously.

"These are going to be fixed on the engraving. Alec, thoughts?" She asked, her voice filled with nervousness and excitement.

"Wow! I... I'm speechless. You did a great job, Izzy. Magnus is definitely going to fall in love with it."

"I already am," Clary confessed. Her eyes were shining with the lights the diamond ring was emitting.

"I didn't know my girlfriend was this talented!" Simon said. He and Jace were completely dumbfounded.

They all got out of their trance with a loud squeal Izzy made, way too excited and proud of her work. They all exchanged a look and shook their heads at her.

Before Izzy could say, her phone buzzed and her expressions went from excited to soft.

"What?" Alec asked.

"Mom and Luke are here, you're ready, Alec?"

Assigned Safe / Euclid / Keter at Birth O5 council + ethics committee [flags by me]

Chapter 18

Silver is the color of the moon.

*The next day*

Everyone was at Catarina's apartment, pacing in her living room or fidgeting with their dresses while waiting for Alec to arrive. Before Alec went to the forest for the awakening of his powers they decided to set the get-together at Catarina's place the next day so that they could comfortably discuss about his new powers and his feelings towards it. But things took a turn when Jace told them about what happened and the silver glow of his Parabatai rune. Now, they were all worried about Alec and were getting impatient by every passing second.

The awakening of his powers was a little overwhelming for Alec, Angel Ithuriel had been there for him the whole day and told and taught him about his new powers. He guided him and assigned him one of his winged nephilim for his further training as he's the new winged nephilim and also provided him with a way to contact him. Alec was somewhat glad that he got ahold of his new powers quickly, though his shoulders still hurt a little but it's better now. He still needed to get used to his new appendages, but he knew that he would in some time.

As he reached Catarina's apartment, he rang the bell. Catarina quickly opened the door with her magic, as soon as he walked in every eye was on him with a worried expression on their faces.

"Why are you all looking at me like that!?" He asked, uncomfortable with being the attention of the room.

"Alec!" Max yelled with excitement, ran towards him, and hugged him tightly.

"Hey, Max!"

"Alec, are you okay? We were all worried about you!" Maryse said and hugged her son tightly.

Alec returned the embrace. "Yes, mom. I'm fine. Why are you all so worried about me?" He asked, confused.

"Alec, your shirt! It's torn in the back, what happened, big brother?" Izzy asked worriedly.

"Umm.. that! That's for the wings! On that note, Catarina, I'll be needing your help to make space for it and glamor them. I can't keep tearing my clothes!" Catarina nodded. "Why are you all so worried, though?" He asked.

"Alec, our... our Parabatai rune.. it glowed in silver! I've been feeling restless since then.. are you okay, buddy?" Jace's voice was filled with concern making him sigh.

"That's because I am. I trained the whole day with Angel Ithuriel!"

As on cue, Catarina summoned a comfortable settee for Alec, more sofas for everyone and they all settled down.

"Thank you, Cat!" Alec stretched out on the settee, ignoring the crowd.

"That still doesn't answer the silver glow, kid, what about that?" Luke asked.

"I guess that's because my powers and wings are silver. Okay, it still sounds weird!" Alec sighed again, it's gonna take a hell lot of time to get used to it.

"You.. have silver wings.." Jace trailed off as his jaw fell open.

"By the angel, big brother! I still can't process it!" Izzy blinked in astonishment.

"Can you show them to us, Alec?" Max asked excitedly. Even as a teenager, he was still a kid.

Alec looked at Max, then his whole family, and they all had the same glint of excitement in their eyes. "Okay, but I need some space!"

He stood up and walked towards the center of the living room, making sure there's nothing breakable or sharp around him. Once he was sure he's in a clear space, he closed his eyes and focused on his wings, his shoulder blades pained a little, his skin cracked beside them, but didn't bled this time, soon enough a pair of huge appendages were hanging on his sides.

He opened his eyes and saw that his whole family was looking at him with awe and astonishment. Their jaws were on the floor, literally.

A loud gasp broke their trance, which was from Simon. They all looked at him but he was still looking at Alec. "Alec, your... your eyes.. it's..-"

"Silver!" Jace finished for him, earning a collective gasp from everyone.

"Wow!" Max and Clary said in unison.

"Sorry to break the moment but, I've never heard about angels being silver, from whatever I've read in that book, is it normal?" Catarina asked, curiosity visible in her voice. With being a downworlder, seeing a literal angel standing in front of her was beyond unimaginable.

"It's rare, but it is." Alec answered and explained to them everything that Angel Ithuriel had told him.

Everyone was speechless, not knowing how to respond but their eyes were talking for them.

"Can I touch them?" Max asked curiously, breaking the silence of the room.

"Of course, young boy!"

Max quickly ran towards him and reached his hand up to the feather he could, then traced it gently. It was soft and silky under his touch, it fluttered when Max ran his palm around it and curled itself around Max's body.

"Woah!" Max squealed.

"I'm just hugging you, Max, relax." Alec said with a broad smile on his face and ruffled his brother's hair.

"Ugh! Alec!" Max protested and everyone burst into laughter.

"Can I sit now? I'm tired." Alec said as he concealed his wings again, and eyes turned back to their natural hazel shade.

Everyone nodded and they settled back in their respective seats. That's when Catarina realized something.

"Wait! Alec, are you comfortable on the settee? Your wings must be glamoured but they could be hurting-"

"Cat, relax! They aren't glamoured, they're inside my body next to my shoulder blades and spine."

"Wait, what?" Jace asked, panic creeping inside him. Others were mirroring his expressions.

"Okay, relax all of you. I could glamor them too, but this is also a way to hide them."

"Alec, I'm confused, honey, how could those huge pairs of wings fit inside.." Maryse trailed off, shock and panic visible in her eyes.

"Mom, everyone, relax. They aren't huge when they're inside." Alec took a deep breath and continued. "Okay, I'll explain from the start. As Angel Ithuriel told me, and I said earlier, there are two ways to hide the wings, I could glamor them, but they'll still be there, which will be uncomfortable for me whenever I'll sit or lay down or when I'm in small space.

The other way is to shrink and minimize them back into my body, from where they originate, next to my shoulder blades and spine. There's a permanent scar over that area now, and if you focus on it you can see the tiny miniaturized wings there. It's painful in the beginning but with practice and time, the pain will fade away. It's more comfortable like this, I don't have to struggle with them at least. It's weird right now, but he said by time it'll become my second nature." Alec concluded, and looked at his family, they were all relaxed now.

"That's why my back is hurting and feeling heavy." Jace said, who was trying to adjust his shoulders for a long time.

"He's been like this since yesterday, Alec. He's restless and didn't even sleep properly." Clary said, worry clearly visible in her voice for her boyfriend.

"Don't listen to her, Alec, I slept fin... how's the pain suddenly gone and I'm feeling better, like strong and refreshed and energetic. How?" He looked at his Parabatai with curious eyes.

Everyone looked between them with surprised expressions on their faces. Alec looked at his Parabatai and smiled.

"I just focused on my Parabatai rune, then Iratze, Nourishment, Stamina, and calm anger rune." Alec shrugged. Everyone's eyes went wide.

"Hold on, What? How did you do that without using stele?" Jace asked.

"just like you do, idiot. the only difference here is that we can activate each other's rune instead of only ours. first focus on our Parabatai rune then the one you want to activate."

"Okay...." Jace said, unsure then closed his eyes and focused on his runes.

"Seriously, Jace! Clarity rune?" Alec shook his head.

"Okay.... Now that's pretty cool!"

"You were worried about our Parabatai bond earlier, right? Well, to answer your questions, our bond got stronger than before because of my powers, we can activate each other's runes without using stele, but it had to be used only in battles or emergencies and is only possible when we're together. I did it to show you how it works."

Everyone's jaws were on the ground as they witnessed their conversation.

"By the angel! That's amazing! But, not fair, you both are going to be stronger than me and Clary." Izzy fake pouted, earning Alec's legendary eye roll.

"That made me remember, where's my stele?" Alec asked and Izzy handed him his stele.

"Jace, come here." Alec said in his Inquisitor tone and Jace obeyed. Alec activated his stele and drew a rune on the back of Jace's arm, he asked him to activate his stele and draw the same rune on him, he was confused but did as he was told.

"Angel Ithuriel provided me this rune, it's a rune only for Parabatais, it got lost centuries ago. It's called lost sight. If there's an emergency or danger and we're not together, you can activate this rune and I will be able to see through your eyes and will be able to know and track your location." Jace was completely dumbfounded and so were the others.

"Alec! I.. I can't believe it.. I.." Jace stuttered, he didn't know why but he had tears in his eyes.

"Seriously, Jace! I told you we're always going to be Parabatais, no matter what!" He kept his stele down on the table and wrapped his brother in a tight hug.

Everyone had smiles on their faces.

"That's so cool! What else can you do Alec?" Max asked, still curious about his brother's new powers.

"Alec, do you have more power? This was already too much to process, sweetheart." Maryse said with concern and tiredness.

"Ah, yeah.. I kind of do, Mom. Cat, can you summon as many plants as possible in this living room?"

Catarina nodded and filled the whole room with different kinds of plants. From small to large of different varieties. "Alec, I'm confused as hell right now, my whole room is filled with plants. What are you up to?"

"Calm down, Cat! Also, can you and Simon stay back for this? This could hurt you both if you stay up close."

The two downworlders exchanged a look and stood as far as possible, not knowing what Alec was up to. When Alec was sure they were as far as they could get, he focused his mind and energy on the plants surrounding him. His eyes went icy silver again, and a thread of bluish silver started dancing on his finger tips.

He stretched his hands out and created a small ball of energy, the faint blues and silver interwining with each other. The whole room was filled with calming surroundings, it was peaceful and the ball was like a calming trance of everyone except for Catarina and Simon.

"Alec, please stop!" Simon begged, he and Cat were trying to move backwards as much as they could. The energy of the ball was creating a severe headache for him.

"Sorry!" He focused again and scattered the energy in all the plants. His eyes went back to normal again.

"W.. What happened? That power.. it was.." Maryse trailed off, her eyes were hazy and she felt like she was in some other world.

"Mom! Oh god! I should've asked you to stay back too. I'm sorry! Are you okay?" He ran towards her and helped Luke in sitting her down. She looked between them in confusion.

"Alec, what happened to her? That energy, it felt like.."

"Peaceful and.. and calming." Izzy said.

"And nice!" Clary added.

"For nephilims, yes it's like how you're describing it, but for mundanes, it's the same but much stronger. Mom, are you okay? I'm sorry." He asked, worry and guilt filled in his eyes.

"Yes, Alec I'm fine, just a little dizzy. Don't apologize, honey, it's fine, I'm okay." She reassured him.

"And I guess for us downworlders, or demons, it's dangerous and deadly." Simon said.

Everyone looked at them and gasped. Simon had his fangs out and Catarina was in her true form, her blue skin visible with long white hair snaking around her.

"By the angel! Simon, Catarina, I'm so sorry!"

Once Catarina was in control of her magic again, she glamoured herself and vanished all the plants. Simon had glamoured his fanga as well then they walked forward

"It's okay Alec, I'm fine. We both are. But, magic? There was no mention of that in the book. So how do you possess?" Catarina asked curiously.

"I do have it but it's only when I'm around nature. But it's nothing like what you, Magnus or other warlocks possess. From what Angel Ithuriel told me, not every angel has magic, it's rare to find angels with full magic. Guess I got lucky." Alec shrugged.

"Wait, Alec, so you can fly too, right?" Simon asked, knowing it was a dumb question, but he still asked, earning a look of disbelief from everyone.

"Yes, Simon, I can, but I'm still learning it. Angel Ithuriel had told me some basics but he had assigned me another winged shadowhunter for my further training. He has provided me with his details and how I can reach him."

Everyone's eyes went wide with the revelation. "How many immortal shadowhunters are out there, which no one knows about!?" Luke asked.

"Angel Ithuriel told me I'm the fifth one. Kasper, the one which I've researched was the first one. I don't know about the one who's going to train me, maybe he can tell me more."

"And what's that angel's name?" Jace asked, a hint of jealousy clear in his tone.

Alec suppressed his smile. With their bond becoming stronger, he could feel his jealousy clearly. "His name is Daniel Nightstorm."

"Nightstorms? Their line ended decades ago. They were never heard of anymore." Maryse said, a little surprised by this piece of information.

"I think we should call it a day, now. This is all a lot to process in, even for Alec." Luke said, and everyone nodded.

They all hugged Alec once again and said their goodbyes. Alec stayed at Catarina's to get some rest properly for sometime then with her help he made space for his wings in all of his clothes which he brought and Catarina glamoured them in that area.

The rest of the day was like a blur for him, he attended the meeting which they preponed which as usual went not so interesting, then completed the paperwork he was supposed to for his inquiry visit. By the time he was done it was late at night but he didn't care, he wanted to get back to his husband, his home. His family argued with him that he could leave the next morning but he eventually won and said his goodbyes to his family and left for Idris.

*****************************

As Alec stood beside his apartment door, he took a nervous deep breath. He didn't get a chance to talk to Magnus that day and his husband didn't know that he was coming back late at night so it'll be a nice surprise for him. He took a deep breath again and opened the door.

As soon as he entered the apartment his nostrils filled with a foul smell which was floating in the whole apartment which was dimly lit. He took in the state of the room which felt like it wasn't cleaned in decades, there were several half empty or full packets of take out scattered on the floor, some leftovers of food were placed on the coffee table and the glass table near the couch, broken shards of numerous glasses were scattered on the kitchen floor and in center of the living room, a empty bottle of whiskey was kept on the kitchen slab. He took in the scene and sighed heavily, rubbing the crease formed on the bridge of his nose.

He looked around and spotted water bamboo on one shelf. To his advantage they both were nature lovers and had many house plants in their apartment like Oxalis, Aloe Vera, Snake plant, different types of ferns and Anthurium. He focused on the lot at once, extracted their mixed scents and spread it in the whole apartment replacing the foul smell. He sighed then started walking towards their bedroom, avoiding the scattered shards of glasses.

"Magnus!? Mags!?" He shouted, his voice echoing on the whole apartment filled with dullness.

He opened his bedroom door and his eyes widened with horror. His husband was curled around in the center of the bed, sheets and pillows scattered around the floor,  eyes  bloodshot with his makeup all smudged and flowing down. His hair was down and messy and the man was completely naked, looking paler, lacking his usual natural glow. Alec's heart raced badly as he sprinted and sat beside Magnus.

"Magnus!? Mags? Love, wake up." From up close he could see that his lips were cracked and bleeding, and it looked like he hadn't taken a shower in days.

"Angels!! Magnus? Mags, wake up love. Please."

Magnus stirred, his eyes were heavy and he could taste metal in his mouth.

"Magnus? Hey, wake up love."

Magnus blinked his eyes when he spotted a figure next to him.

"A.. Alexander?" His voice was rough and croaky from his dry throat.

"Mags! Hey, what happened here?"

He blinked a few times to make sure he wasn't dreaming. "Alexander... W.. Water... I..."

Before he could complete Alec was back with water and some soaked cotton balls in his hands. He put it on the side table and helped his husband to sit properly, then cleaned the blood with the help of cotton balls. After making sure there was no blood on his lips he helped him with water.

"Slowly, Mags!" His eyes were filled with worry the whole time.

"M.. More.."

He filled the glass with more water and placed it on his lips. His fast heart beats refusing to slow down. "Magnus!? How long has it been since you've eaten anything or drank water?" He asked softly, voice laced with concern.

Once Magnus was in his full senses with enough water in his system, realization dawned on him. He lowered his eyes, unable to meet his shadowhunter's.

"Mags!" He said softly and placed his hand gently on his husband's cheeks. Magnus couldn't hold it any longer and tears started running down his cheeks.

Alec quickly placed the glass on the table and wrapped his husband in a tight hug. He winced in pain when Magnus unknowingly tightened his grip just above his left wing scar. He suppressed it down and let his warlock cry on his shoulders.

Magnus didn't know what to do, he couldn't meet his shadowhunter's eyes but he needed him, badly. 'What have I done!? How am I supposed to tell you that I..I kissed.. Camille.. that I.. I cheated.. No! It was Camille.. b.. but I got weak.. I let my guards down. I'm not ready to lose you. I can't. Not again. I don't know if I could, but if not telling you means having you for long enough, I'll add it to my existing pile of secrets.' he thought.

When Magnus' crying slowed down, Alec held his face in his hands and placed his lips softly above his eyes and pecked them gently.

"Magnus? What happened here? Are you okay now?"

"I.. Alexander.. I.." He sniffed, not knowing what to say but he couldn't keep everything from him. He could tell him half the truth, leaving the part where he cheated on his precious Alexander.

"Mags, look at me!" He spoke softly. "What happened, love?"

Magnus looked at him but still couldn't meet his eyes. "C.. Camille happened."

Alec's eyes widened with the information. Several thoughts started running through his mind. "What!? Was.. was she here? Did she hurt you?"

"No, I was at a client's.. when she... she's a vampire again, way more stronger.. more.." he trailed off and started crying again. "I'm sorry, Alexander!"

"Magnus, there's nothing to apologize for. I'll kill her if I see her again." He seethed with anger and wrapped his husband in a tight, comforting hug. He knew his husband was vulnerable right now, and Camille would have tried her way to get to him. Whatever she has done, she'll definitely pay for it.

He broke their hug when he felt his warlock getting relaxed under his touch.

"When did it happen, Magnus?"

"Th... this evening, seven to eight hours ago."

Alec sighed. "And you haven't eaten anything since then?"

Magnus shook his head, fidgeting with his husband's fingers absentmindedly, which were placed on his lap.

"Love, whatever she did, don't overthink it, okay. I'll make dinner for us."

"No, Alexander, I'm fine, there's no.."

"Magnus! I'm going to make dinner, you rest, okay?"

Magnus nodded, he couldn't bring himself to tell him the whole truth. Alec quickly prepared a dinner of spaghetti with meatballs for them and  took it to his husband, with a glass of juice for him. He fed his husband properly then helped him to clean up and changed him into more fresh and comfortable clothing. He himself changed into his night dress and cuddled closely to his husband.

"A.. Alexander, I.. I'm sorry, I was.. the apartment, I couldn't..." he was unable to form a proper sentence, he wanted to be with his shadowhunter, but the guilt was strong.

"Shh, Mags. It's okay. I don't care about the apartment, we'll clean it tomorrow. All I care about is you. Just sleep, okay. You need proper rest."

Chapter 8

A Dose of Malec

Alec was standing outside the door, shuffling and taking deep breaths now and then. 'I hope he's not mad.' He thought, then, after a final deep breath, he slid in the key and walked inside.

He was about to call for his husband when he noticed his silhouette curled up on the couch and sleeping peacefully. A warm smile appeared on his lips as he started walking towards it but almost stumbled when he stepped over something. He picked it up only to find it was a large empty bottle of red wine.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he kept it on the nearby table then walked towards the couch only to be hit by a strong scent of alcohol. Glancing at the coffee table he saw two more empty bottles and an almost empty wine glass. Tears formed in the back of his eyes and his heart tightened. Leaning down, he shook his husband gently. "Magnus, love..."

Magnus stirred, slowly fluttered his eyes open, his vision blurry as he placed his hand on the head. His head was throbbing and something was poking around his waist. Still half asleep, he reached for it and pulled out an empty wine bottle, and sighed.

Anger was building inside Alec, but when he noticed another bottle, he lost it completely. "You drank four large bottles of wine!? Seriously Magnus!?"

Magnus jumped when he heard the yell, not aware that his husband was right beside him. "Al... Alexander!?" his voice was hoarse as he rubbed his temple. "When... when did... you came? Ugh... My head!"

When the shadowhunter didn't answer, he blinked rapidly to clear his vision then looked up, only to meet the tear-filled angry eyes. His face was stern and the stance was a clear indication that he was trying his best not to yell. Gulping, he lowered his eyes and only then did he notice the empty bottles and the strong alcohol scent in the surrounding area. he made the motion to wave his finger so that he could clean the mess, but Alec held his hand, making him slowly look up.

"Don't you dare clean the mess with your magic!" Alec spoke, trying his best not to shout, but his angry tone was enough to convey how hurt and mad he was.

Magnus gulped and lowered his hand, shifting uncomfortably in his place. He did not like the look on his husband's face, its rare to see that man in anger and god bless the ones who become the victim of it, and right now, it looked like he was going to be that victim. Clearing his throat, he slowly lifted his eyes but noticed angry tears sitting on his reddening cheek. 'shit, no! It's not good!' he thought.

"Alexander, I... I was --" he stopped when Alec raised his hand in the air, eyes trailing over the empty bottles and guilt built inside his heart. "A... Ale-"

"DON'T!"

"Alexander, look I-"

"Don't Magnus! I'm in no condition to hear anything right now, just take your pillow and blanket from the bedroom, you're sleeping on the couch. Goodnight." with that he left for the bedroom and slammed the door shut making him jump.

He waved his wrist and his pillow and blanket appeared beside him then stood up, cleaned the table and threw all the bottles in the bin then walked back and made himself comfortable on the couch. A few teardrops fell on his nose tip as he missed the warmth of his husband. He wanted to go in the bedroom and cuddle with him, but he knew better, Alec was in no condition to talk or even listen. He knew he made a mistake, made him angry, and now he needs to find ways to make it up to him.

_______________________________

The golden rays of sun scattered into the living room through the vast windows, waking up the warlock who was curled on the couch. He slowly opened his eyes and tried to turn around thinking he was in his bed, which resulted in him falling off the couch.

"Agh.... Damn it!"

He stood up and sat on the couch, holding his head in his hand. Yes, his head was still hurting. Sighing, he picked everything then went into the bedroom and looked around for his husband. The low sound of a running shower gave him his answer. Keeping everything back in its place, he sat on the bed and started waiting.

After a few minutes, Alec walked out and went into the walk-in closet, clearly ignoring him because he saw a flash of anger when he walked out. When he came out, he was completely dressed and ready to leave, but Magnus held his hand. "A... Alexander?" Magnus spoke carefully but was met with silence. "Alexander, please... are... are you still mad at me?"

Alec's mind was playing the images of last night, the last time he had seen Magnus like that was when he had lost his magic, draining himself in alcohol and not talking about it. He doesn't want to remember the consequences led by that ever again, but there it was in front of his eyes all over again.

"Alexander..... please say something."

"What do you want me to say, Magnus!?" Alec jerked his hand then turned towards him. "Just... Why!?"

Magnus withdrew his hand and lowered his gaze. "A... I..."

Alec waited, scanning his features, his expressions then sighed heavily. "Leave it!"

Magnus's head snapped up, and he held his hand again. "No! Wait, please!"

"What!?"

"Alexander, I'm really sorry, look I took them out because... after our call I thought I'd set something up for our night. I was in the middle of it when I got a call from some clients, they said it was an emergency, so I left in hurry, but it turned out to be complete bullshit. I was pissed and exhausted, so I thought a few drinks wouldn't do any harm, I don't know how I ended up finishing... *gulp* 4 bottles. I'm sorry..."

Alec's eyes were wide as he kept staring at Magnus. "I can't believe this!" He shoved his hand harshly and clenched his fist.

"Alexa-"

"Stop it, Magnus! Just Stop it!" Magnus looked at him astounded, unable to say anything else.

"Magnus, If you don't want to say it or don't want to talk about it, just tell me, I'll understand, or at least I'll try to but don't lie to me on my face like this."

Tears fell on Magnus's cheek as he lowered his head and played with the wedding band. "I'm sorry, I really am. I just didn't want you to-"

"Didn't want me to what, Magnus!?" Alec yelled, "Do you have any idea how I felt when I saw you with all those bottles lying around you, whatever the reason!? Do you, Magnus!?"

Magnus kept gazing at the floor, unable to say anything.

"It pains Magnus! It hurts me seeing you hurting yourself over something..." He trailed off and tears escaped from his eyes.

Magnus looked up at him, surprised by the confrontation. "You-"

"I'm not a blind Magnus. I know the nightmares are giving you a hard time, the memories of that day; it hurts me too. But I can see clearly what those nightmares are doing to you, just tell me how can I help, I can't see you like this. I love you so much to lose to like this!" He finally said it out loud but not completely, knowing that confronting everything will only backfire. He doesn't want to face the consequences of it.

Magnus looked at him for some time, taking in every word he said. 'Nightmares, right! That's what you know. If you'll know the truth, No, No! I won't let that happen.' He thought.

"Alexander, I'm really sorry. Please forgive me? To be honest, I didn't lie completely, I did take it out for dinner, but then I don't remember when I fell asleep and... " He trailed off. "I promise it won't happen again. Please forgive me?"

Alec looked at him sternly, scanning him from eye to eye, taking in his every word. He walked towards him and stopped when they were only inches apart. Magnus looked at him with worried eyes.

"Do you promise you won't hurt yourself again like that?"

"I promise, Alexander. Am I forgiven?"

Alec didn't answer, instead, he put his fingers under his chin and tilted his head upwards kissing him passionately, tasting his morning breath. Magnus relaxed into the kiss and grabbed Alec by his waist, making the kiss deeper. They broke after some time.

Magnus buried his face on his shoulders and hugged him tightly. "Thank you." He murmured. Alec kissed him on top of his head. "Never do it again!" Magnus nodded, without breaking their hug. Alec was about to break their moment when Magnus pulled him in his arms tightly. "Stay!" Alec smiled and kissed him around his neck, sending shivers down his spine.

Magnus felt relaxed and loved around his Shadowhunters embrace. 'what was I thinking last night, why!? When I kept it aside; why was I thinking of breaking our marriage again, how can I doubt Alec like that? He won't do anything to hurt me, I know the answer to it, Camille, that stupid phone call, she deceived me and I let her, I doubted him because of her, but still how does she know about him coming home late! Dammit! What am I thinking, it's Camille!' He didn't realize that he was silently crying on his shoulders, drenching the shirt with his tears, which Alec noticed.

Alec started rubbing his back slowly, all the anger built in him vanishing completely. All he wanted was Magnus to be normal and happy again, whatever it takes. He felt him relaxing around his arms making him chuckle.

"Are you planning on falling asleep on my shoulders?" He waited for the reply with his world-famous sass, but he didn't.

"Magnus?"

He looked down and noticed that his eyes were closed, the silent sobbing was stopped and his breath was coming evenly, chest rising and falling like harmonious beats. He looked so peaceful.

"Magnus!? Love? Are you actually asleep? Or you're playing with me?"

He waited again hoping his warlock didn't fall asleep on his shoulders, but he didn't reply, confirming that he did, making him sigh.

"Really Mags?" He smiled to himself. He tried to gently move him but instead, the cute warlock stirred and grabbed him tightly, still asleep. Alec smiled and shook his head, still stroking his back gently.

"Magnus!? Love? Sorry to break your sleep but as much as I'm loving it myself, I have to leave for work!"

Magnus stirred a little but didn't wake up. Alec sighed yet again then carefully and gently broke their hug without breaking his sleep, then picked him bridal style and put him on the bed. He removed his slippers and put blankets on him then kissed him on his forehead, running his fingers through his soft hair gently.

'You're so cute like this, sleeping peacefully. Just a few more days Magnus, then everything will be alright. Today I'll finally know how I can become immortal, then we can be together, forever, Magnus!' He thought then kissed his forehead again. He picked a pen and paper from the drawer and wrote something on it, then kept it under the alarm clock. He looked at his sleeping beauty and kissed him again.

Epilogue

The polar white stars were sparkling and shimmering in the Alicante skies like bejeweled grains of sand allowed to sparkle in silence. The adamas of the demon towers were giving a bright glow on the streets, highlighting the people walking on it. Everything was perfect and there was a calming silence.

All the couples gathered on the rooftop of Magnus' loft for a much-needed get-together. It's been more than a week since Malec's anniversary and everything was getting back to normal. Magnus was getting used to the new lifestyle and powers. He had started gaining control over his magic and the newly developed wings with the help of Alec and Daniel, or more precisely Daniel, as his wife is a warlock too and he made the same mistake as Alec. It was a struggle for him in the beginning, but as his husband said, he was one of the strongest warlocks to ever exist, he had gained control over himself sooner than expected.

Alec was more than happy to see his husband getting back to normal. He was no longer crying and zoning out at times, his nightmares have reduced a lot, he still gets those sometimes, but it's not that bad like before, which made him realize that he did the right thing by becoming an immortal. He got out of his thoughts when a strong pair of arms wrapped around his waist tightly.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Magnus asked.

Alec turned around in the cage of his husband's arms and pecked him on the lips. "Thinking about my charming husband."

"Hmm... I am charming!"

"Stop making us uncomfortable and get your asses back here, right now!" Izzy shouted in the background.

Both men rolled their eyes together at that.

"Shall we?" Magnus asked.

"Shouldn't keep the birthday girl waiting!"

They both walked towards the center table Magnus had conjured for the celebration. It wasn't just a get-together, it was also Izzy's birthday week and she was celebrating every single day of it. But today was actually her birthday and she was on cloud nine.

There was a huge vanilla flavored cake kept on the table which was yet to be cut, and there were several gifts scattered around the table. On a separate table nearby, the arrangements for the dinner were done. She had already celebrated her birthday in New York in the morning with the whole family and they all decided to keep the night for the couples only as they haven't had a chance to spend time together in ages.

"Seriously, both of you. At least wait till we are gone! Jeez!"

"Shut your mouth, Herondale. You know that I bear you only because of Alexander, right?" Magnus said.

"You know what, Magnus, I love you too!" Jace said mockingly.

"Okay, cut it! I can't stand you both sometimes!" Alec said while shaking his head.

"Can we now focus on my birthday!"

"Izzy, did you realize you're cutting your birthday cake for the sixth time?" Jace said.

"It's my birthday, I'll do whatever I want!" She shrugged.

The others sighed and shook their heads. They know how Isabelle Lightwood gets when she's excited and wants something. When everyone was finally gathered near the table circling around her, she cut the cake and made the wish, a wish she really wanted to come true. Everyone sang for her and gave her birthday wishes. This was her day after all. They then grabbed their plates and filled them with whatever cuisine they wanted, which Magnus had summoned for them.

After filling their plates they sat on bean bags or mini couches Magnus summoned to decorate the place, savoring the delicious food on their plates.

"Okay, where are my gifts? And don't tell me these empty boxes are my gifts! I'm not a fool!" Izzy said fiercely.

"Seriously Izzy, you used the transparency rune!" Alec shook his head in disbelief.

"What? I wanted to know what you people got me!" She shrugged.

"Then thank the angels that we didn't put your surprise here!" Jace said while shoving her hands away. "Hands off my bacon!" But she was fast, she quickly grabbed one piece of bacon.

"A surprise? You guys really planned a surprise for me?" She asked while chewing on the bacon.

"Why not, Isabelle, a woman like you with such a strong and fierce nature deserves everything."

"That's so sweet, thank you, Magnus."

"You're most welcome, Isabelle." He clicked his fingers and four different sized boxes appeared near them, two of them were really huge, one was from Magnus and the other one from Clary, the other two boxes were kept on the table, a big box one was from Jace and the smallest one which mostly looked like a card was from Alec. When they were done with their dinner, he waved his hands and all of their empty plates disappeared.

"Seriously, big brother! What is it? A sorry card?"

Alec sighed and shook his head. "Just open it to find out."

"Fine! But first," she looked at all the four boxes then looked at one of the bigger boxes which had 'Happy birthday future Parabatai' written on it. "I'll open Clary's."

She jumped from her couch and quickly walked towards it, opening it as quickly as possible, without caring about the wrapper. Everyone shook their heads at her excitement and Alec looked at Magnus wondering how similar they both are when it comes to gifts. A loud gasp and high-pitched squeal brought him back to reality.

"By the angel! It's beautiful. Thank you, Parabatai." There was a beautiful black dress worn over a dummy with some silver jewelry over it. The dress was speaking of confidence and fierceness just like Izzy.

📷

"This is for our Parabatai ceremony, Izzy. We decided on black, so here it is. You have to wear this only, else I'll get upset." She fake pouted.

"Don't worry, Clary, I'm definitely going to wear it. And now I get to choose yours."

"I'm sure you'll choose the best for me, like always."

Izzy walked towards her and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Clary."

When they broke the hug she looked at the other gifts. "Now, let's see what my brother-in-law got me." She looked at Magnus and smiled.

The box was similar to Clary's but a little wider. She quickly opened it like the previous one and gasped. There was a beautiful antique gold-colored draped gown worn over a dummy with some light antique gold jewelry on it.

📷

"By the angel! It's gorgeous. Thank you, Magnus." She walked towards him and gave him a gentle hug, as she was aware of the new unknown powers he now possesses.

"I hope you liked it, Isabelle."

"Like it? I love it, Magnus. Though, I need to think of an occasion to wear it."

"Hope you'll find one soon."

She hugged him once again then walked towards the table picking up the bigger box first. As soon as she opened it she gasped and covered her mouth then looked at Jace.

"Jace! Oh my god! I don't know what to say. How?" She looked at different weapons and advanced weapons forging tools, tracing her fingers over them gently. These were the tools one can find only with the iron sisters and she was only able to use them once when she had forged Glorious.

"I'll be honest, I got a little help from Clary. I noticed your frequent visits to the weapons room and I knew you missed being there. Everyone knows your love for weapons, Izzy. So I thought this would be the best gift for you. Happy Birthday!"

"Thank you so much, Jace." She kept the box on the table and hugged him tightly. When she broke the hug, she looked at the final gift and sighed. "Now, let's see what your sorry card reads, Alec."

"It's not a sorry card, Izzy!"

"Seriously, Alec, what is it? You could've done better than a card. Magnus, at least you should have helped him." Jace said.

"To be honest, Jace, even I don't know what's in that, he didn't let me near it."

"You were that embarrassed, Alec," Izzy said, raising an eyebrow at him.

Alec sighed and shook his head. "Just open it, Izzy."

Izzy obliged, she removed the unnecessary wrapper quickly then opened the thin box, but when she saw the contents of it, her eyes watered. She looked between the box and her brother. "Alec.." She softly breathed out, put the box on the table, ran towards her brother, and hugged him as tightly as possible.

"Izzy! You haven't even seen it completely."

Everyone looked at the siblings with confusion.

"Okay, what's in that box that he got this treatment from you and not me!?" Jace said, slightly offended.

"You won't believe it, Jace," Izzy said, she picked up the box again and ran her fingers through the contents of it softly, then picked up a tiny bracelet from it which was slightly broken from several edges, but by looking at it, it was clear that it had been tried to repair recently.

It was one of her favorite bracelets she used to wear in her childhood a lot. It never was perfect as it was handmade and gifted by Alec himself on her 4th birthday, but she always loved it because her big brother had put effort to gift her something when he was barely 7 himself. It was too close to her heart that she never removed it from her hands but it got broken by Max accidentally when he was six months old and was playing with her. She doesn't remember if she had ever cried like she did that day. She lost it after some time and never found it again.

Next, she picked up a silver necklace which was in the same condition as the bracelet. She laughed softly at that and a teardrop fell on her cheek. The necklace had a wooden pendant that had a Lightwood symbol engraved on it. She remembers it really well, it was handmade by both her brothers and was gifted to her on her 13th birthday. She lost it when she was on a hunt with Maryse and both Jace and Alec got mad at that. She kept it down on the table then picked up the next thing.

It was the first-ever dark red colored lipstick she got when she was around six years old and started gaining interest in makeup and dressing up. She used to watch Maryse dressing up and wanted lipstick like her, she created a fit until she didn't get it. She didn't know how, but Alec managed to get her one and she was way too happy about it. Her happiness only lasted till the time Maryse found out and took it away.

She kept it on the table then picked up the next item, a princess tiara she got from Alec when she was barely two years old. She always used to play with it a lot, until she broke it and then lost it which made Alec mad and it took her nearly a week to convince her brother and get an apology from him. She looked at her brother with tear-filled eyes and kept the tiara on the table gently.

She gasped when she saw the next content of the box. It was a beautiful calligraphy pen made out of the feathers of Alec's wings. Looks like her recent interest in calligraphy didn't go unnoticed. She wanted an old-styled feather pen for calligraphy and now she has one.

"By the angel! Alec, how did you make a pen with the feathers of your wings?"

"They molted a few days ago, so I thought why not put it into use. And I saw how much you admired them so.." he shrugged.

She kept the pen on the table delicately then took out the next content which was actually a card but not a sorry card. On the front cover of it was a collage of her and Alec's pictures from their childhood till now. She opened the card and on the next two pages, there was a handwritten message from her big brother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy 23rd birthday, Izzy.

I didn't realize when my little princess got this big when she became a strong, fierce, and full of confident women. I'm really proud of the person you've become. I knew that you were always outspoken and confident, but I didn't know that deep down inside you were empty. I'm happy that you found someone like Simon. You both are meant for each other.

I feel really lucky to have a sister like you, Izzy. You knew about me when I didn't know myself, supported me, and understood me. And for that, I can never thank you enough. I know I can never say it out loud to you ever, so I'm writing it here, thank you for inviting Magnus to my wedding that day, I don't want to imagine what would've happened if he didn't crash it that day. I know it was his decision, but you played a big part in it, you saved me from myself, Izzy. And thank you so much for that. I don't know what I did to deserve a sister like you, didn't know when my little princess became this mature. To be honest, I didn't know what to get you, so this was the only thing I could think of.

Happy Birthday, Izzy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izzy wiped the tears falling on her cheeks as she finished reading the card, then looked at her big brother and wrapped him in a tight hug. "Thank you so much, big brother."

Alec kissed her on top of her head and stroked her hair gently. "Happy Birthday my little princess!" He then picked up the tiny tiara from the table and placed it on the top of her head. Izzy laughed wholeheartedly at that.

"It won't fit me anymore, big brother." She smiled at him. "Though, how did you find all these?"

"I had my ways and my new powers as well. It helped."

"It was the most beautiful gift I got until now. Thank you."

"Wow, you both are such sibling goals." Simon finally spoke who was quiet the whole time.

"Shut up, Si! Don't you dare say anything, you didn't even get me anything, not even a card."

"Izzy, calm down, please. I did get you a gift, it's not just here right now."

"Really Simon, then when were you planning to give it to me? After the day ends?"

"Umm.. actually no. I was planning to give it to you after we talked to them about what we wanted to talk to them for a long time. So can we talk to them about it first?"

"What the hell did he just say!?" Jace asked.

Izzy ignored her brother and took Simon's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Are you sure, Simon?"

"Thousand percent, Izzy."

"Um.. what is going on?" Clary asked.

"We both want to talk to you all about something," Izzy said while holding hands with Simon.

"And that is...?" Alec asked.

"Actually, big brother, you are all aware of the recent call for help from the Ohio Institute as they witnessed the disappearance of downworlders at a frequent rate."

"What about it, Isabelle? I tried reaching for the high warlock of Ohio, I got no response but I got a reassuring message from her that she's not available for a meeting at the moment. Did the shadowhunters tell you something?"

"Actually yes, Magnus. I went there recently and found out that these disappearances were similar to the ones we witnessed when Aldertree tried to remove the downworlders from New York. We.." she looked around at all the attentive and curious expressions of everyone and continued. "We found Gabrielle Penn, she's... she's dead, Magnus."

Alec held his husband's hand tightly, he knew that they didn't know each other personally, but learning something bad about your own kind was hard.

"How?" Was all Magnus asked.

"When we found her, she was a mundane, she told us about what happened. Apparently, there was some shadowhunter who knew Aldertree and had worked with Valentine as well, he had the same mentality as them. We tracked down his secret lab and saved many downworlders but he ran away, the Ohio Institute is searching for him. Because Gabrielle was a 900-year-old warlock, her immortality caught up to her and she died after a few days."

"Izzy, I don't get it, what's the point here?" Clary asked.

Izzy exchanged a look with Simon. "We thought it was the last of heavenly fire which was used on Luke but we were wrong. We found more of heavenly fire in that secret lab and I took it to the New York Institute. You people are the first one to know about it, no one in the institute knows because we.. umm.."

"What is it, Izzy?" Alec asked.

"We want to use it on me," Simon answered for Izzy. Everyone's eyes went wide at that.

"Good riddance," Jace murmured under his breath, earning a kick on his shin from Izzy and Clary at the same time.

"Simon, are Elaine and Becky okay? Is everything all right? I thought you were liking with us, this world, even you said yourself th-"

"Slow down, Fray. I'm not planning on leaving you all. And Mom and Becky are fine. It's not that... it's, umm.." He looked at Izzy, who squeezed their intertwined hands gently. "I... I want to become a Shadowhunter."

"You've got to be kidding me! Is this why you weren't using your vampiric powers recently in your training?"

"Yes, Jace, that's why. And before any of you ask, I'll clear everything myself. We both wanted this for a long time and we are sure about it. It actually started as a joke, she saw my archery and suggested me to be a shadowhunter, but when I actually thought about it, saw you all training together, fighting for each other, the family you have, I couldn't help but want to be a part of it. And most importantly, I want to do it for Izzy, for my beautiful girlfriend. I want to feel again, every single part of it."

"Aww.. that's so sweet Simon. But are you really sure? It won't be easy to turn into a mundane then a shadowhunter, anything could happen."

"I'm sure, Fray. Besides, I've been training with the best shadowhunter, so I'm certain nothing bad will happen. I want this, for me and for us." He beamed at Jace, making him scoff.

"I'm just going to say one thing, Simon. I'm really happy that my sister found a person like you. And, about your archery skills, I want to see it." Alec said with a smile.

Izzy looked at her brothers and friends then at Simon, whom she was really proud of. "Thank you, all of you. I don't know how you people who've reacted to this, but I'm happy that you all accepted it."

"Why wouldn't we, Izzy. That vampire does annoy me but if you're happy then we all are happy for you. And, besides, don't let my training fail, Lewis. I've been training you for years, so if you're going to become a shadowhunter now, you shouldn't be an ass about it."

"He's not like you, Jace," Izzy said while smacking his head, making others laugh.

"I'm only going to say, all the best for your new life Simon," Magnus said.

"Thank you, all of you. It means a lot."  Simon said.

Izzy looked at him with pride and curiosity. "Now, Si, where's my gift?"

Simon shook his head at his girlfriend's curiosity. "Before that, Izzy, I want to say something to you."

Izzy sighed. "Fine, Si."

Simon moved towards her and held her hand in his. "Izzy, I don't know how to say this. I know I do talk a lot, but.. okay," he cleared his throat then continued, "Do you know when I got to know about this shadow world how freaked out I was, and your brothers only added to that misery." They both chuckled at that. "But, when I first saw you, I had an instant crush on you. The way you activated your angelic rune, you were hot and beautiful and sexy and I couldn't keep my eyes off you." Izzy winked at him at that and his face became red, but he didn't back off from what he was saying. "But, when we started to know each other, I saw a woman with a fierce and loving heart. You weren't just beautiful from the outside, you're beautiful from the inside."

"Aww... Si, thank you."

"I'm not done, Izzy. So, I was saying.. how beautiful your soul is. You saved me, several times in all these years and I can never get tired of that." He smiled at that, making her smile get wider.

"When.. when I died and became a vampire, I saw myself as a monster. I know I got help from Clary and Raphael to get used to that lifestyle, but you Izzy, you put a meaning to it. When Heidi put my family through that misery and I... I bit Becky, all I saw myself as the monster I was, but you, you held me together, told me that I wasn't a monster and that wasn't my fault. I was lost, didn't know what to do, where to go, but you stood by me, showed me the path which I wasn't sure about. You were there for me when I was going through hell." Simon had tears in his eyes and so did Izzy's.

"Simon,-" Before she could say further, he put his finger on her lips. She pecked on it and nodded, making him smile a little.

"You made me realize that I'm much stronger than I thought about myself, I was empty, lonely, and completely lifeless. But you put life into me and made me smile at the toughest of times. You were always there whenever I needed you." Izzy now had tears flowing down her cheeks.

"Do you know Izzy, when I thought that I had feelings for Clary, or for Maya, I thought I was searching for the right person for me, but deep down inside, I knew somewhere that I was falling for you. I was just trying to lie to myself that why will an amazing person like you fall for a nerd like me, I was just happy with the friendship we had."

"Simon..." Izzy breathed out in her choking voice, unable to form words at that. She was way too overwhelmed with the emotions flowing through her. So she squeezed their intertwined hand gently and smiled warmly at him.

"You are such an amazing, strong, fearless, understanding, compassionate, fierce, caring, loving, and independent woman, Izzy. I don't even have the right words to describe you. I feel so lucky to have someone like you in my life, someone so special that I never thought I would ever have. Do you remember when we made that pinky promise? That we'll stay single for life." They both laughed at that with tears still falling on their faces.

"Look at the irony now, Izzy. We've been together for five years and these five years are the best years of my life. You made me into this new confident person I'm right now, you saw through me and loved me even at times when I didn't deserve it. I guess that's what true love does to you. You made me a completely different person. You make me feel human again, make me want to cherish every single second with you. You're such an amazing person, Izzy, and I feel really lucky to have you in my life. So, that's why I wanted to ask you this."

He bent down on one knee and took out a small box which was in his jacket's pocket the whole time and opened it to reveal a beautiful rose gold colored ring which had a beautiful diamond on its center and was engraved with love knots on both sides, having small cut diamonds on it. Izzy gasped and covered her mouth with both hands.

"Isabelle Sophia Lightwood, will you marry me?"

Tears were running down from Izzy's eyes uncontrollably. "Yes! Yes, a million times yes, Simon. I love you so much."

Simon put the ring on Izzy's ring finger, got up, and picked up his fiancée in his arms, grinning widely. Izzy shrieked and started laughing, then took his fiancé in a passionate liplock. A collective clearing of throats caught their attention and they broke the kiss, blush creeping on both of their faces.

Izzy looked around and noticed that both the couples were standing far from them on either side of the roof, grinning widely and there was a huge circle surrounding her and Simon, made up of different varieties of roses. That's when the realization hit her.

"Wait, did you all know that he was going to propose?"

"Isn't that obvious, Izzy!" Jace said.

"Umm, Izzy, I obviously asked your family first for your hand, and they.. kind of helped me out," Simon confessed. Izzy couldn't help but smile at that. She was feeling ecstatic right now.

"Congratulations, Izzy. I'm really happy for you both." Alec said.

"We all are!" Clary chimed in.

"Now, this calls for a celebration!" Magnus said and waved his hands. A huge bottle of white wine appeared on the table and Alec glared at him.

"Just this once, Alexander. Please!" Magnus fluttered his eyes at him making him shake his head.

"Cut him some slack, big brother. Chill out."

"Fiiine!" Alec said in defeat.

Izzy and Simon opened the bottle together, then they filled their glasses and started chatting, laughing, and dancing around, enjoying the moment to their fullest, completely oblivious of the pair of blood-red eyes watching them from the infinity of the skies the whole time.

"So, you are the new angel that bastard created! Alexander. Gideon. Lightwood. It's never happening. There was only one immortal shadowhunter that lived and will always live. You are nothing in front of me. You have to die, Alexander Gideon Lightwood. You all have to die." With those last words, he shot his dull black wings through the clouds and vanished into the infinity of the skies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE END

Chapter 4

Confrontations and Truths

It was almost 5:30, the dusk was setting in as Alec walked out of his office, mumbling something under his breath. He looked around to find a taxi which he got after 5 minutes, then got in and left for Catarina's house.

*At Catarina's apartment*

Catarina was pacing in her living room, glancing at the clock again and again. Her worries were deepening with each passing second when her doorbell rang. Sighing, she waved her hands and opened the door.

Alec walked inside and gave her an apologetic look. "Sorry, Cat! I'm.... 15 minutes late." He said while hugging her gently.

"That's not what I'm concerned about Alec, you asked me to meet you urgently and not tell Magnus about our meeting at all, what's going on!?"

He was about to answer when a soft voice echoed the whole house.

"Aallleeecccc!"

Madzie came running down the hall and hugged Alec's leg who was around Alec's waist height now. She was growing faster and learned a lot in all these years. Catarina had officially adopted her, and they formed a really great bond over the course of years.

A wide smile appeared on Alec's face as he bent down to her height and gave her a tight hug. "Hey, sweet pea!"

"Magnus didn't come?" She asked in a sad voice.

"No, sweet pea, I had some important work with your mom, that's why I came. We'll surely come soon to meet you, okay?"

"Okay!" she said enthusiastically, her sadness completely gone.

"Hey Mads! Go to your room sweetheart, we have some important work to discuss." Catarina said to her softly but a slight tone of worry was visible in her voice.

"Okay mommy, bye Alecc!"

"Bye, sweet pea!"

After she left, Catarina sighed, crossed her arms above her chest, and glared at Alec. "Alec! Are you going to tell me what's going on?"

"Cat! Calm down, can we please sit and talk?"

Catarina sighed yet again. They walked towards her mini balcony where there was a coffee table with two wooden chairs placed around it. She waved her hands and summoned a hot coffee for herself and hot chocolate with marshmallows for Alec.

"Thank you!" Alec said as he sat down on the chair.

Catarina was still looking at him firmly.

"So, to answer your question, Magnus is not fine."

"What!? Alec! What happened to him, has his powers-"

"Cat! Cat! Calm down! There's nothing wrong with him. He's completely fine, he's just not fine emotionally."

"Emotionally!?"

"Look, Cat, it's our anniversary in 6 days, I want to do something for him for which I'll be needing the help of a warlock, and I obviously can't take Magnus' help, so that's why I wanted to meet you."

Catarina let out a breath of relief, which she didn't know was holding. "Alec, I'm still confused, how is Magnus' mental health and your surprise plan related?"

Alec took a deep breath and composed himself before speaking. "You're aware of the biggest attack that happened in Alicante about a month ago, which almost resulted in war?"

"Yes, Alec, I obviously am, that's the reason I'm in Alicante. They needed the powerful warlocks from around the globe to fix the broken wards, you know it really well those are no ordinary wards. But, what about it?" a frown appeared on her forehead, not understanding where this was headed.

"Well, in that attack, I was in the field and Magnus was also called. It was not a small attack so they called everyone that can fight that battle. We both were on the field fighting side by side, but..." Alec cleared his throat, his eyes starting to flood with tears with those memories.

"Alec?" Catarina asked softly.

Alec closed his eyes and a teardrop fell on his cheek. "I... I almost died in that battle."

"What!?" Catarina's eyes went wide. "Oh my god! Alec... why nobody told me about this!? Why am I hearing about it now?"

"You were at the Spiral Labyrinth, Cat. We wouldn't be able to contact you even if we wanted. And, you know Magnus, he hates talking about things like these."

Catarina sighed and gave a slow nod.

"Anyways, I was in a coma for 10 days. My recovery was really slow, but I recovered. I knew Magnus was by my side the whole time, I was able to hear him, hear everything happening beside me, I heard him crying, begging me to wake up, to not leave him this soon, that... he won't be able to live without me, he cried on my arms, didn't sleep for a day!" He paused as tears kept running down his face.

Catarina gently squeezed his arms.

"When I recovered and went back home, he didn't allow me to go back to work for days. I had to convince him, remind him that I'm an inquisitor, I don't have that much fieldwork now, but... he never was able to get over it." He took a deep breath and continued.

"He told me he was fine, but I know he's not Cat! He still cries at night, thinking I'm asleep and not hearing him. whenever I've come home early, I've heard him crying, saying things like... like I'll die someday in a battle or I'll grow old one day and die and leave him forever. But I've always ignored it, knowing that I won't be able to comfort him no matter how hard I try to. And also, because he thinks he's hiding from me. If I confront him, he'll become defensive and more secretive, he'll push me away."

He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Catarina reached out and gave his shoulder a light squeeze. When he opened his eyes, tears were shining brightly in them.

"I... I can't see him like that, Cat! He had a past full of pain, he had been in and out of relationships, had bad ones like Camille. You know all about it better than me, I know he's scared that I'll grow old one day and die. My mortality is scaring him, I love him and I'm worried about him."

"Oh my! Alec... I can't believe Magnus didn't say a word to me. But how can I help you with this?"

"I... Is... I... I... Is...."

"Alec!?" Catarina frowned, her mind going only in one direction with Alec's confrontation.

"I want to become immortal!" He announced.

At first, Catarina's eyes went wide, but then a light smile appeared on her face. "Look, Alec, I'm happy to see the love you have for Magnus, but becoming immortal-"

"It's not just for Magnus, Cat! I'm doing it for myself as well. I want to be with Magnus forever. I can't think of being apart from him even for a day, and, about watching my whole family dying in front of my eyes, with Magnus being by my side, I know I'll handle it!"

Catarina was so awestruck by his determination. 'Magnus is really lucky to have Alec, I'm so happy for you Magnus Bane!' she thought. "But there's one more problem, Alec, you have pure angel blood running in your veins, if you want to become immortal-"

"You think I came without homework, Cat!?" He took out a piece of paper from his pants pocket and kept it on the table. She took it and carefully opened it but then her eyes went wide.

"Wha... Alec, from where did you get this?"

"I was looking through the history of Shadowhunters and Immortals when I got this. The only thing I got to know this far is that," he pointed at the sketch on paper, "his name was Kasper Windermere, the first Shadowhunter to become immortal, half angel and half Shadowhunter, he became half-angel through a spell, but I'm not able to find the rest of it."

Catarina's eyes were wide. Noticing that, Alec took her hand in his catching her attention.

"Look, Cat, I want to become immortal, but Shadowhunting is my life, my career, it's what I've taught since childhood, I can't just give up on it. And I know I'll regret if I become immortal by using demon blood, you all know me. So that's the only option I have. Please, help me Cat!"

She couldn't help but give a wide smile at Alec.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You know, Magnus has been my best friend for centuries, I've seen him falling in and out of love, being with people, caring for them, and getting heartbroken but I've never seen anyone caring for Magnus the way you do. Magnus is really lucky to have you in his life. I'm really happy for both of you."

Alec's cheeks flushed red at this. "Thank you, Cat!"

"But for what you want, we need to search in every place possible. We can start with Book of White; Magnus gave it to me to keep it safe, I'll bring it."

"Okay, let's do it."

-----------------------------------------------------------------

* A Few hours later*

"There's only a small part of the spell mentioned in it, Alec." Catarina rubbed her temples as she turned the book towards Alec. They searched for hours but were only able to find a few details.

"Hmm... but that means it's possible right? We just need to find the rest of it." He was really happy with their findings.

"Alec, are you really sure? There's little mention of it, and... it's written there that it has consequences, that's why it's removed."

"What consequences?" He frowned.

"This spell is irreversible, so you can never turn back to mortal ever again and the only means that can kill you is.... is your own will, as an angel you'll only die when you desire to be."

"How is the other one a consequence?" He asked, confused.

"Alec, no one desires to die, and there's no mention whether Kasper Windermere is alive or dead."

"I don't see any problem with any of the above!"

Catarina sighed. "You are so determined, aren't you?"

"Cat, I can't see Magnus like this anymore. With our anniversary coming, I want to surprise him in the best way possible. I want our anniversary to be about him, his happiness, and I know he'll be happy, so yes, I'm determined to do anything which will make him happy. I'll look for more information tomorrow at Gard's library."

Catarina grinned then out of nowhere, giving him a tight hug. "Magnus Bane is a hell of a lucky man!"

Alec pulled out of the hug but then his eyes fell on his watch, it was 10:30. "Shit! Oh, no! Shit! Shit!"

"Alec, what happened?"

"We planned a dinner at 7 today and it's 10:30, Magnus is going to kill me, I need to run!" He said in a hurried tone.

Catarina laughed and shook her head. "Go, get your husband Alec!"

"Bye, Cat!" With that, Alec rushed out of Catarina's house.

__________________________

Magnus was pacing in their living room, eyeing the cold food kept at the kitchen counter and at the clock alternatively. It was almost 10:45. His eyes were filled with the pool of tears that were ready to shed at any moment.

'Where are you, Alexander? You promised you'd make it for dinner.' He sighed and started pacing again when a sudden thought struck him. 'Is... Is he all right? Did something happen to him? Did he go for the hunt? No, No! But he should be home by now then!'

He was about to change into his regular clothes to go out in search of him when he heard the jingle of keys and the door opened making him let out a breath of relief.

Alec walked in and noticed that Magnus was standing in the center of the living room with worry-filled eyes. 'Shit! I'm screwed' he thought then cleared his throat before speaking.

"I'm sorry, Magnus, I... Umm... I...." He kept shuffling in his place, unable to meet the eyes with his husband's.

"Where were you, Alexander?" Magnus almost choked on his words.

Alec noticed this, 'he was crying again, shit! I'm sorry Mags. Just a few more days and you never have to worry about it ever again' he thought.

"I... I was actually with Izzy; she was at the meeting too... I met her after a long time, so after we were both done with our work and meetings we decided to meet for a coffee. We met and started chatting and didn't realize the time. I'm sorry Mags! I should've texted you, I forgot, I'm really sorry." He said half truthfully, Izzy was at the meeting, but she was in a hurry so they only talked for 5 minutes, then she left but she's still in Alicante.

He then took out the flower bouquet he was hiding the whole time, with a sorry card placed on top of it. "I hope this will make up for it, I'm so sorry Magnus!"

Magnus was completely on the verge of crying right now, he was trying to hold his tears back, as he kept glancing between the bouquet and his husband. 'I missed my chance again, how am I supposed to say anything when you keep doing things like this' he thought, unable to keep his tears back he started crying.

"Magnus!?" Alec kept the bouquet on the couch then hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry Magnus, I'm sorry!" 'I know why you're crying Magnus, please don't be scared love, just a few more days!'