Not Just a Mundane//An Alec Lightwood Story

- 11 -

Alec, Izzy, and I had just finished securing the perimeter when we joined Jace and Clary in the line outside Hardtail. The thumping bass from inside reverberated through the air, setting the mood for the night.

"All clear," Alec said to Jace, his usual seriousness on full display.

Izzy, however, was unfazed by the mission's tension. Linking arms with Clary, she asked, "Do you think red's my color?"

I couldn't help but laugh. " Iz, with a body like yours, everything's your color."

"Good point," Izzy said with a wink, looking down at the ruby necklace draped around her neck. "Damn, I make this necklace look so good."

Alec, however, was clearly not amused. " Will you take it off? I'm certain Magnus Bane doesn't want drool on his ruby when we make the exchange." 

Izzy smirked at his concern. "You know, I wouldn't be so sure."

I quirked an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

"Most men like when I admire their jewels," she teased, causing Clary to chuckle, while I let out a laugh, struggling to catch my breath.

Alec shot her a stern look. "Can you just give it to Jace?"

Izzy sighed dramatically. "You're such a buzzkill," she said, unclasping the necklace and handing it over to Jace.

Once past the bouncer, we entered the packed club, where the music seemed to hit a whole new decibel. The sea of bodies swayed in time with the beat, making it hard to move through. As I tried to make my way through the crowd, I felt someone grab my hand. I turned to see Clary pulling me along with her.

"Blend in. But keep your weapons ready," Jace instructed, his eyes scanning the room. He and Clary split off from us, heading toward Magnus, who stood ahead in his usual flair of bright colors.

Izzy scanned the crowd for any signs of trouble, her eyes sharp and calculating, which gave Alec and me a brief moment alone. His hand landed on my waist as we navigated through the crowd, and the unexpected touch sent a ripple of warmth through me. I tensed slightly, glancing up at him.

"What is it?" I asked, concerned something might be wrong.

"Nothing," he leaned in close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin as he spoke over the pounding music. "Just wanting to keep you close. Can't trust these Downworlders."

I smiled softly, but his comment made me reflect on our complicated situation. "You know, I'm still trying to understand how you don't hate me through all of this."

Alec's gaze softened. "Why would I hate you? You haven't given me a reason to."

"Not hiding some deep, dark secret?" he asked, his tone teasing but also a little serious.

"Not that I know of," I joked, grinning up at him.

"Then we're fine," he assured me, his voice steady. He seemed like he was about to say something more, but his eyes suddenly sharpened as he noticed a familiar figure lurking near Magnus—a Circle member.

His grip on me tightened ever so slightly, the lightness of our conversation dissipating as the seriousness of the mission returned in an instant.

I unsheathed my seraph blade just as Alec pulled an arrow from his quiver, swiftly firing it into the chest of the Circle member. The man fell to the ground, lifeless. We moved quickly toward Jace, Clary, and Magnus, who were already eyeing the assassin with suspicion. Alec stepped away from me, approaching the fallen figure, and checked his pulse. Magnus, watching Alec closely, appeared intrigued.