NUMB

13 - A fire shot by a father

It's been one week since the murder of French Secret agent Stephen Herondale and his wife, Celine Herondale, and recently, their family was attacked in a brutal accident that caused Jace Herondale, who was Stephen and Celine Herondale's son, major injuries but Imogen Herondale, who was serving NYPD as commissioner for the last ten years and was Stephen Herondale's mother, died in that accident.

The prime suspect in their murder, Magnus Bane, an interior designer, and an ex-military cadet has been granted bail yesterday evening. Police claim there are pieces of evidence that prove Magnus Bane is being framed, but our sources have confirmed that Magnus Bane was apparently the one who was convicted for murder and smuggling in the military six years ago.

Now the question rises whether Magnus's Bane deserves to roam freely? It's said that old habits die hard, so will it be correct to say that our police is favoring criminals now, or is Magnus Bane actually innocent? If we believe that he is, then who is responsible for murdering high, reputed officials? And the bigger question lies that what is the FBI doing? Why are they not able to catch a murderer who is attacking their own kind? Are they sold or have they gone to slack? Can we trust them with our security-

"Seriously, son?" Valreen stood head high, arms crossed over chest after switching off the television.

"Look, Uncle Val, I'm famous," Magnus said in a cheerful yet bitter tone.

"Magnus."

Sighing, he leaned back on the couch, unshed tears stinging his eyes. By far, there had been no search operation declared for Asmodeous, so he knew, or more likely hoped, that Victoria Stewart chose to keep silent. But on the other hand, somehow the vulturous media gold ahold on the information of his past and now, he was a known criminal in the entire world.

After the bail, he was back in his house, but with the obvious security from the cops and a secret one from his father's trusted people, which also included Valreen. "Why is my life like this?"

"Life isn't fair for anyone, kid. Some struggle more than others and some hide behind the pretense of perfection. You have battled with your demons stronger than anyone I know, well except Alec."

"You seem to know Mr. Lightwood pretty well," Magnus said, moving to give space to Valreen just when Queen Elizabeth jumped on his chest, meowing sadly.

"Even your cat knows you're depressed, son." Valreen petted Queen Elizabeth's head. "Yes, I have known Alec for a long time and I know that he needs someone in his life, to be his anchor, but he's stubborn to not let anyone in. I didn't know much about his past before I met him, but he had clearly been through a lot and this all makes it way obvious why he keeps a wall around him."

"To shield his fragile heart from breaking when people fake their feelings, to prevent himself from being used. I know the feeling, uncle Val." A faint memory flashed in front of his eyes, a memory of him fighting with the people he trusted with the true identity of his father and them using him, playing with his feelings after everything fell apart. He had spent all his life protecting Asmodeous from the police whenever they crossed paths. Living life as an orphan when he had a father wasn't easy, but it was necessity. A necessity he grew used to. "You told me you know Mr. Lightwood, but how did you two meet? I mean, does he know that you're-"

"No, he doesn't. I know he would understand but it's my choice not to tell him." Valreen said, "As for how we met, I was working on finding a traitor in Asmodeous's gang who was smuggling LSD inside fifteen years ago when I met this kid who tried to sell me cocaine. He was naive, innocent, didn't know what he was doing but the only thing he knew was trying to fit in. I did find who I was looking for but continued to visit downtown just for that kids sake, to grow a bond with him.