It's the year 2038 and a deadly virus has consumed the world for more than 14 years.
In Denmark, an unknown politician took it upon himself to create a safe space from the infected. As long as you abide by the 8 Obligations, you are allowed to live...
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"Magnus, I need to talk to you." Jace stands in the doorway to the lab. Clary is behind him. Holding his hand. I can tell he is dreading this conversation. And I understand. I know what's coming.
"What's going on Jace?" Alec stands up instantly. Feet slightly apart and arms crossed. He can tell something is wrong too and is already cautious. Even somewhat agitated. And if I don't do anything to prevent this from going too far, Alec and Jace might never reconcile.
"I... I just need to talk to Magnus. Alone please, Alec."
"Then why is Clary here?"
"To take you outside..." Jace responds, and Clary releases his hand and steps closer to Alec.
"No. I'm not leaving. Whatever you are going to say to Magnus you can say in front of me."
"No Alexander." I interrupt them by putting my hand on his arm. "He can't. Not when you are like this."
"Like what?" he looks at me and I can see the hurt in his eyes.
"When you are defensive. You aren't even giving him a chance to come inside before you are judging him."
"That's not true..." Alec mumbles while looking at the ground. "I just... I'm afraid..."
"I know Alexander. I'm scared to... we all know what this is about. And if we are going to have a real conversation, you have to put your guard down and listen. Please, Alexander. For me."
He sighs and rolls his eyes, but I know he will give in. He won't do anything that could hurt me. I know that for a fact.
"Thank you." I whisper before turning towards Jace. "Come, let's sit down. All of us." I pull out a chair for Clary and she sits down with a soft smile. The others pull out their own chair too when I sit down. "Jace, I just want to say that I know what this is about. I knew this conversation was bound to happen the instant I saw the poster. Me being here is putting everybody at risk. I can't stay here."
"I'm sorry Magnus... I really am..." Jace's voice cracks slightly as he speaks, and I can tell he is being genuine. Alec isn't saying anything, but his body is completely tensed up. His lips are nothing more than a thin line and his hands are balled up in fists. Like he is ready to throw a punch at his brother. I sneak my hand over and rest it on his knee. Giving it a small squeeze. He swallows thickly and puts his hand on top of mine. And now I can see he is fighting back the tears. I was wrong. He wasn't ready to fight. He was trying to stop himself from crying. The strong masculine man is falling apart inside, and he doesn't want us to know... My heart breaks for him. I don't want to cause him anymore pain, but I can't stay either. I can't be the reason everyone gets killed.
"I'll pack my things and be gone by morning." As the words leave my mouth, so does a stifled sob from Alec. "Now please, go back inside the Hostel. I have a lot of packing to do." I want them to leave as quickly as possible for Alec's sake. He doesn't like showing emotions and he will hate crying in front of them. And I can tell he can't hold it back much longer. Luckily, Jace knows this too and he quickly escorts Clary out the door.
