Not Just a Mundane//An Alec Lightwood Story

- 7 -

Selena's POV

Simon pulls up beneath a bridge, his van coming to a stop in the shadowy, unsettling surroundings. We all step out, and I glance around, instantly feeling the eerie vibe of the place.

"Yeah, this place isn't creepy. Not at all," Simon mutters, scanning the area with wide eyes.

" Don't tell me you're afraid." Izzy smirks, teasing him.

" Are you kidding me? I was born afraid... which sounded a lot better in my head," Simon realizes, and I can't help but giggle at him.

"Let's check it out," Alec says, his voice cutting through the tension.

"I'm sticking with him," I say quickly, moving to follow Alec.

Clary takes a step toward us, but Jace places a hand on her arm, stopping her. "Wait, here a minute. I wanna see if it's safe," he says before heading off with Alec and Izzy.

Clary looks annoyed. "Why does she get to go?" she asks, pointing at me.

"For some reason, I trust her enough," Alec yells back, flashing me a small smile.

"Why are we even doing this?" Simon mumbles. "We don't know these people."

I roll my eyes, but before I can respond, Alec speaks, his tone more serious. " Hey. If something goes wrong, if something happens to her, that's on us. You know that, don't you?" He's talking to Jace now, his voice tight with concern.

" Yeah. And you know exactly what'd happen if Valentine gets the Cup before we do," Jace replies.

"She's lost everything, Alec," I say softly, causing both of them to turn and look at me. I nod toward Clary, standing behind us, looking lost.

" I know exactly what that feels like. And what's your problem with her anyway? Your family always used to welcome strays." Jace states.

"You were never a stray," Alec says, his voice softening as he looks at Jace.

"The point is, nothing's changed. We're in this fight together. There's just two more of us now," Jace says, his gaze flicking to me, as if including me in the circle.

I smirk, crossing my arms. "Thanks for the recognition."

Jace gives a small nod. "Of course."

"You stay close to me, alright?" Alec says to me, his eyes locking with mine.

I nod, "Alright."

" Wow, big bro. It seems to me like you're beginning to care.," Izzy teases, a grin spreading across her face.

"Izzy, not now," Alec mutters.

I laugh. "Relax, both of you."

"Clary, come on! It's all clear," Jace calls out, waving her forward.

Clary and Simon join us, and I fall in line beside Alec and Izzy, just like they asked. As we approach the entrance to the City of Bones, an eerie sensation crawls over me, like eyes watching from the shadows. My skin tingles with goosebumps, and I can't help but glance around cautiously. Izzy notices and leans in.

"Hey, you alright?" she asks softly, her brow furrowing.

"Yeah, just... I don't know, something feels off," I reply, shaking my head as if it'll chase the feeling away.

"You have to understand, the Silent Brothers aren't like us," Jace says to Clary, his tone serious.

"They lack your charm and superior people skills?" Clary quips, trying to lighten the mood.