Not By Choice

Chapter Two

Edited 11/8/2021

June 16, 2017

Alec, Jem, Tessa, and Lily arrived outside the Buenos Aires Shadow Market and Alec was taken aback by the appearance of it, barbed wire was hung on every plank, and the wood and snarled loops of barbed wire made an impenetrable stretch of silver. There was a large, prison-like door in front of them which had a wide grille in which Alec spotted a werewolf's eyes shining from behind it.

"No Shadowhunters!" The werewolf snapped in Spanish.

Alec frowned and turned to look at the long line of Downworlders behind them, looking at him and Jem judgmentally.

"I'm a Warlock, too." Alec told the man in Spanish. "My name is Alexander Lightwood-Bane. I hear I'm allowed in."

"Am I supposed to just trust you?" The werewolf asked mockingly. "You could be lying which is typical for Nephilim. Can you prove you are Alec Lightwood-Bane?"

Alec nodded sharply, holding his left hand up, his silver wedding band gleaming in the light of the moon, power radiating off of it.

The werewolf's eyes narrowed, and he disappeared from the grille before another set of eyes took his place. A woman peered out at him, sharp blue eyes appraising Alec's appearance before her eyes flicked down to his left hand. She looked intently at the wedding band and murmured to him in what sounded like awe.

"The magic in your ring is strong." She told him. "Too strong, it comes from the very heart of hell."

Alec already knew that. Magnus had enchanted his ring with spell after spell right before their wedding, magic for protection, deflection, magic that guided his weapons, all the power that Magnus could possibly pour into his ring that could protect his husband, Magnus had done it. Everything that could act as Alec's armor and ensure that Alec would return home safe, to Magnus, to their children, Magnus had made sure was woven into the metal that formed the ring around Alec's finger.

Alec nodded again. "I know where that power came from." He raised his voice so that everyone could hear. "My husband, Magnus Lightwood-Bane wove this enchantment for me."

To Alec's surprise, the gate opened as soon as he finished uttering those words, and he and his friends were allowed entry. The werewolf guard led them through a tunnel that split in two, bowed to Alec which made him sputter, and promptly left.

Lily cackled. "Did he just bow to you?" She asked incredulously. She then rounded him to stand in his line of sight and curtsied. "I didn't realize I was in the presence of royalty. Your Royal Highness Lightwood-Bane."

Alec scoffed and waved the vampire off. "Please don't."

Jem chuckled lightly. "Technically he is royalty. He married Magnus, a Prince of Edom, and he himself is a Prince of Edom. His father is considered Demonic royalty."

"He's second only to Lucifer himself," Alec murmured, repeating his father's words.

Tessa patted Alec's back. "Why don't we take a quick look around the market and ask some questions?" Tessa suggested.

"Sounds great." Alec quickly agreed, pulling his phone out of his pocket when it vibrated.

MAGNUS 11:46 P.M.

Did you make it there safe?

ALEC 11:47 P.M.

Yes. Lily and I are with Jem and Tessa.

MAGNUS 11:49 P.M.

Please stay safe, darling. Text me every hour, I need to know that you're okay.