My head leant against Alec's bare chest, his hand playing with my hair as I laid in his bed with him.

The pad of my finger gently traced his deflect rune, Alec watching my every move.

His sheets and comforter covered over bare bodies, silence surrounding the room as we enjoyed each other's presence.

Suddenly, I looked up at Alec, my voice quiet, "I love you."

"I love you too." Alec's eyebrows furrow, tightening his grip of the arm that was around me, "Are you okay?"

"I've always loved you." My eyes were locked with his, "I just didn't realize it until Lydia showed up."

"When you told us you and Lydia were engaged- I felt like my life was over." I turn so I'm laying on my stomach, my arms folding on his chest as I was leaning my upper body on him, looking down at him, "Then, you kissed me in front of everyone at your wedding- and you chose me."

"I now realize that- that moment was the happiest moment of my life." I softly chuckle, "I mean- besides me crashing your wedding."

"I just- I don't know. This is the best relationship I've ever been in and- I haven't met anyone like you." I ran my hand through his hair once, "I guess- I'm thanking for you for choosing me."

Alec's hand grabbed my face, his other arm holding me closer as if we weren't as close as we could possibly be, "I'll always choose you- in a heartbeat."

I smiled lightly, pressing my lips into his for a few moments.

Alec speaks when I pull away, "I like this side of you."

"I didn't know this side of me existed before we started dating." I kiss his nose, teasingly saying his full name, "You've unlocked something in me, Alexander."

Alec didn't seem to mind when I said it, pecking my lips, the smile on his lips seeming permanent.

-

"Jace." I held my kindjals tightly in my hands, the breeze hitting my bare skin, "You're hurting."

Jace was smiling, "You didn't even touch me."

"That's not what I'm talking about." I stood up from position, "I'm talking about the Downworlders- about how Valentine almost killed me."

Jace's expression drops for a second, as he quickly recovers, "I'm fine-"

"I'm dating your parabatai, Jace." I shot him a look, "I always know how you feel."

"Jace, you didn't know-" I stared at him, "Don't blame yourself- it wasn't your fault."

"I never said it was." Jace avoided the conversation, "Come on, you got another round in you or you startin' to get tired?"

"I always have another round in me." Our swords swish together, "So- have you figured out what the pure angel blood does for you?"

"Other than the ability to activate that sword- I don't know." Jace grunts, "Maybe that's all it's good for."

"Oh, come on!" I took a few steps back, panting,
"I've got the ability to activate new runes without the need of a stele- Clary's got the ability to draw new runes, so you must be able to do something special like us."

Jace scoffs in laughter, "You mean, other than kick your ass?"

I spun, my swords meeting with his, "We're Valentine's experiments. If Clary and I have these cool new abilities- you have something too."

Jace pushes me back, his sword swinging for my head as I quickly ducked.

"Wanna go hand-to-hand?" Jace asks, tossing his swords to the side.

"Oh, I thought you'd never ask." I threw my kindjals to the side and charge towards him, as we were both on the ground in seconds.

I held Jace in a choke hold, "So- you gonna tell Clary?"

"Tell her what?" Jace grabs my arms that rolls forward, making me land on my back.

I groan, "That she's not your sister."

"You and Alec are the other people I've told." Jace exhales deeply, holding me down, "You know, She's lost so much- he's got a good thing going with Simon, you know I wouldn't wanna ruin that."

"You think you're so irresistible!" I rock back, my legs locking with his neck as I pulled him down and off me, "She's gonna dump him as soon as she finds out you're not related- if anything, any girl would-"

Jace stood up with me on his shoulder, jokingly speaking, "Would you?"

I dive down, catching myself on my palms, purposing falling forward and bringing him down with him, quickly getting on top of him and holding him down, "Did I mention how much better looking Alec is than you?"

"You don't mean that-" Jace rolls us over and holds me down, having my arm in his hold, his leg against my back, keeping me down, "I think you should worry a little less about my love life and a little more about your fighting skills."

"I'm recovering from almost dying!" I argued, trying my best to fight out of his grip but it was no use.

"You gonna tap out or not?" Jace laughs, keeping a hold on me.

I grunt, my palm hitting against the ground in defeat, as Jace laughs again, letting go of me.

"There you are-" Alec walks out to the courtyard, looking down at me, "You should be resting."

"Well- I am." I rolled onto my back, "See? I'm resting."

"Okay, come on-" He grabs me and throws me over his shoulder.

I hung on his shoulder in defeat, waving at Jace as Alec went back inside, "Bye Jace!"

-

"Iz." I sigh deeply, staring at her state in sympathy, look at Alec from across her bed.

"Izzy, tell us what to do and we can do it." Alec said, staring at his sister, "Whatever you need."

"I'm okay." Isabelle gripped her bed quickly, curled up into a ball, puddles of sweat soaked in where she laid, her hair a sweaty mess, as sheets of sweat kept dripping down her body, her voice shaky, "I just need to sweat it out."

"Izzy." Alec sat by her bed, grabbing the bowl of water, squeezing the excess water from the small towel, as I have Isabelle lay on her back, Alec placing it on her forehead, "Izzy-"

"Stop!" Isabelle gasped, breathing laboriously, as I instantly gesture for Alec to pull the towel away, as she sits up quickly, "It burns!"

"This is worse than I thought it would be." I crouched, leaning my elbows against the mattress, Alec and I exchanging the same look.

Isabelle was trembling, hugging her knees, "No one knows, right?"

"No- nobody." I shook my head lightly, letting out a pained chuckle, "They all think you have the flu."

Then, Alec and I's phones buzz in unison.

I pulled mine out, sighing at what I saw.

"What is it?" Isabelle looked between us, her voice shaking.

"There was a demon attack." Alec inhales sharply, "They need us."

"You have to-" Isabelle began to say.

Before she could even finish, Alec cuts her off, "No- Izzy, We're not going to leave you like this."

"Alec, go- they need you both." Isabelle presses, "I'm gonna be fine- I promise."

-

"What's this sand on the floor?" Alec asks, observing the dead body on the ground.

"This looks like a demon attack." Clary looks between us all, crouched with Alec.

Jace's arms were crossed, "I've never seen a demon cause this kind of hemorrhaging."

I looked at Luke, "Is there any security footage we can look at?"

"Nothing in the bar." Luke shook his head, "Maybe CCTV caught something outside on the street."

Alec stood up, "We should get them back to the Institute."

"Yeah, that's a good idea." Jace agreed, instantly stepping back when a woman walks overs to us.

"Detective Garroway?" She stood in front of him, "Who are you talking to?"

"Just dictating some notes while they're still fresh." Luke made up an excuse and held up his phone, "Something you should start doing."

"That's a great idea!" She nodded, "They didn't mention it in training, but it makes perfect sense. Is there some special app for that?"

"Uh can you pull the car up?" Luke changed the subject, "I'll meet you out front."

"Okay." She nods, before slowing walking away from us and leaving.

Jace looks at him, "New partner?"

"She's pretty." I deviously smiled at Luke.

Luke sighs, "She's driving me crazy."

-

"Hey-" Magnus looked at me when I walked into his apartment, "You must be reading my mind- I was just about to call you."

"Well- we need your help, so I was heading your way anyway." I walked over to him, holding up a miniature bag that held evidence, "There's a Greater Demon on the loose- It's been leaving this on its victims."

"Oh, dear." Magnus takes it from my hand, "This sand, it's from Duduael."

I cross my arms, "Which is a dimension of Hell?"

"The worst dimension." Magnus exhales deeply, "Did you find this on their face?"

I shot him a look, "Yeah?"

"How did he get loose?" Magnus thought out loud to himself, "He's been shackled for centuries."

My eyebrows furrow, "Who, Magnus?"

"The demon who taught man the weapons of war." Magnus went in depth, "A Greater Demon, Azazel, one of the princes of Hell."

"Of course- a prince of Hell escaped and is on a killing spree." I sigh, walking past Magnus, then, I looked around, "Why is it so dark in here? You never have your curtains shut."

"Hello, Zee." I heard Raphael's voice, making me spin around instantly, as he was stood next to Magnus.

"You're so lucky I have more self control than Alec when it comes to Izzy." I inhale sharply, staring at him, "What is he doing here?"

Magnus inhales sharply, "Raphael has something important to tell you."

My arms drop to my side, "Honestly- nothing he says matters to me."

"Isabelle's in trouble." Raphael began, as I instantly cut him off.

"You're damn right she is." I scoff, "She's suffering withdrawal back at the Institute because of you feeding her addiction."

"She just came by the DuMort, begging for a bite." He told me, making my heart drop.

Instant worry filled me, my voice falling quiet, "What? Did you-"

"I didn't touch her." Raphael confirmed, "You have my word. But- there are plenty of vampires more than eager to take a bite."

"By the Angel-" I inhale sharply, beginning to walk towards the door, "I never should have left her alone-"

"It's not your fault, biscuit." Magnus stops me, "Don't worry- we'll find her."

"Here's the address to the closest den." Raphael handed me a piece of paper, "There's a good chance she's there."

"We need to find her before Alec finds out-" I looked at Magnus, "Let's go."

Magnus opened a portal, as we both walked through it, the both of us searching where Raphael told us she would be.

Moments after we arrive, we notice the two dead bodies on the ground, similar deaths to the one I saw earlier.

I looked around, "Azazel did this."

"Biscuit!" Magnus called for me, as I walked over to him and notice what he was holding, "Izzy's necklace."

"It's broken." I slowly took it from him, "Where is she?"

-

Alec was staring at me with a hard look when we stood around the table in the Ops Center, "Why didn't you tell me?"

My eyes went in defensive at his sudden hostility, "You're the first person I told!"

"I thought Izzy had the flu-" Clary spoke up, "Why would she leave the Institute?"

Alec inhales sharply, "I don't know, but if he's hurt her-"

"She could have escaped." Jace said, "We don't even know if he has her."

Alec shook his head, and I knew the worry was getting the best of him, "She hasn't called, and she's not answering her phone- he's got her."

"But- she's still alive, I know it. I tried to track her but she must of activated her anti-tracking rune before she left." I said, "I can try parabatai tracking like you did with Jace-"

"No." Alec immediately denied, "Absolutely not."

"Alec- there's a possibility I could track her down." I stared at him in question, "I'm willing to do anything-"

"Well- I'm not, okay?" Alec shot back at me, pure sincerity in his eyes, "I'm not putting you through what I went through."

Clary cuts in, "What does he want?"

"I don't know, but we should inform the Inquisitor-" Jace began to walk away.

Clary shook her head, "But- she's in a meeting with the Alicante Council."

"I don't understand." Alec sighs, "Why Izzy? What does a Greater Demon want with her?"

Jace looks between us all, "I'm not sure I think I know who we could ask."

-

It was settled.

While the Inquisitor was in her meeting, we would summon Azazel and bribe Isabelle back, using Valentine as bait.

If he tried to escape, I'd take him out with my sunlight rune.

Clary now knew that Jace wasn't our brother, and it wasn't on the best terms either.

I walked out in the roof, after looking around the entire Institute, "There you are!"

Jace's back was turned towards me as I took a few steps closer to him, my hands in the pockets of my leather jacket, "Magnus is downstairs and the Inquisitor's Council meeting will be over in an hour- we don't have much time."

When Jace doesn't reply, my eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"Jace?" I stepped closer, "Are you okay?"

When Jace turns, my eyes notice the tears streaming down his cheeks, his eyes holding a red tint from crying.

"Jace-" My voice came out as a whisper gasp, concern washing over me instantly.

I held my arms out habitually, walking over to him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and pushing myself onto my tippy toes to attempt and meet his height so I could comfort him.

Jace bends, wrapping his arms around me tightly as I could hear him softly sob in my ear.

How broken he sounded broke my heart.

"It's okay." My cheek rested against his head, as I squeezed him, "I'm here."

-

"Is the courtyard glamoured?" Alec asked, making sure the chains on Valentine were secured.

"No one can see us." Magnus confirmed, standing on his rightful spot on the pentagram.

"I don't know." Alec exhales deeply, "Still seems like a risk."

"We have no choice." Magnus looked between us, "This is the only space big enough."

"Security cameras in the cell are down." Jace walks over to us, "We've got a half hour until the Inquisitor's done with her meeting."

Alec looks at me, "Are you ready?"

"Ready." I exhale deep and stand behind the wall, hidden so it was a surprise attack if Azazel attempted to escape.

Clary nods, "Let's do this."

"I call upon the power of the Pentagram." Magnus began using his magic, "Azazel, I summon thee. From within our realm, into this mystical confinement, I summon thee."

"You seek the Mortal Cup." Magnus continued, "We seek the return of our friend- for this exchange, I summon thee."

There was a loud thunder, and before we knew it, Azazel stood in the center of the pentagram, "Well if it isn't Magnus Bane."

"Brave move." The words seethed through Azazel's teeth.

"Return Isabelle Lightwood and we'll hand over Valentine." Magnus told him, "He can lead you to the Mortal Cup."

"Valentine Morgenstern." Azazel notices him, "The man who dares to dream big."

Azazel inhales, "It is a tempting offer, but I don't have your friend Isabelle."

Alec was quick to speak, "He's lying."

Jace shook his head, "I'm not so sure."

"There's no time for debate." Magnus' voice was strained, "The barrier's weakening."

Jace shook his head at Alec once more, "We can still find Isabelle, but we can't let Azazel get away."

"Jace is right-" Clary agreed, "Zee, now!"

This was my cue, as I stepped out by them and felt the familiar searing on my palm, facing it towards Azazel, but it quickly faded.

I looked at my palm in confusion, hitting it with my other palm, trying once more but there was no use.

"Guys-" I kept trying, "It's not working!"

"What are you talking about?" Clary looked at me, her eyes wide.

"Nothing's happening!" I raise my voice, but no matter my attempts, nothing happened.

"You thought you could contain me?" Azazel roared and send us all flying back, suddenly it being dark.

There was a piercing pain in our heads that Azazel caused the minute we fell to the ground.

I gasped, my hands clutching my head as I let out a pained scream of pain, as I could heard everyone's else's screams as well.

Arms wrapped around my head, as I was pulled into a chest, the familiar scent immediately making me recognize who it was; Alec.

He was letting out cries in pain, but held me close, hoping that muffling the screams would help my pain lessen.

"Stupid warlock." Azazel spat at Magnus, then went to Valentine, "Now a present for you, my dear Valentine."

When Clary screamed out Jace's name, something suddenly flashed in him.

His eyes glowed gold like mine did, as he got up and flipped behind Azazel.

He pulled out his seraph blade, swinging it at Azazel, only for him to disappear before he could touch him.

Then, the pain stopped and suddenly it was lighter.

One of my hands was on Alec's back, the other on his chest as we all slowly sat up and stared at Jace in astonishment.

I swallowed, "How did you do that?"

"I have no idea." Jace admits, then sighs, "Doesn't matter- he got away."

-

"Hey, you okay?" Alec walks over to me after I said goodbye to Magnus, "How's your head?"

"I'm fine, Alec." I gently smiled at him, facing him, placing my hands on his chest, "Thank you for asking."

Alec gives me a small kiss, before his phone rings. He fishes out his phone, his eyes widening at who was calling him as he almost instantly answered, "Izzy!"

"I'm okay." The minute I heard Isabelle's voice on the other line, relief rushes through me, "Look- I know I shouldn't have snuck out."

"It doesn't matter, you're-" A smile formed on Alec's lips, "You're alive."

Isabelle exhales, "Of course I'm alive."

"No, there was a a greater demon attack." Alec stammers, "And I just-"

"I'm so sorry." Isabelle apologized, "I should have called you, but I figured you'd be so angry with me, and-"

"Izzy, I'm not angry." Alec told her, "I just I want you back home- safe."

"I'm safe." Isabelle trails off, "I promise. And, um in a good place- I'm getting better but I can't come home, not now."

Alec lets out a shaky breath, "If it was something I said, I just want you to know, just-"

"No- no, it's not you." Isabelle exclaimed, "You've been great- this is just a battle I need to fight on my own."

"I love you, Alec." Isabelle exhales deeply, their relationship making my heart warm.

Alec swallows, "I love you, too."

"I love you too, Zee-" Isabelle adds in, making my eyes widen, "I felt how relieved you got when Alec answered the phone."

"I'll be home soon." Isabelle said her goodbyes, Alec slowly spilling his phone into his pocket, his eyes connecting with mine.

In unison, even more relief broke out on our faces as I pushed myself onto tippy toes, pressing our lips together.

authors note:

PLEASE READ THIS AUTHORS NOTE

ok serious question, if i wrote another alec book, yk zalec, would y'all read it

cause it's in the making and I'm having doubts of actually publishing it

it's about zee being raised by valentine until she's ten, sent to institute and raised there until she's eighteen until she's kidnapped by valentine and raised by until she's 21.

valentine forced a warlock under his control and takes zee's memories of everyone and everything she's known after him and makes her completely devoted to him and the circle.

when zee gets captured by the institute and finds out about valentine taking her memories, she sticks around until she gets her memories back, while jace, isabelle, alec, and her mother are trying to jog her memory and bring her back onto the right path, all while clary showing up and they're all dealing with her creating more problems while trying to find jocelyn.

comment and lemme know pls !

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