Love me in the Shadows of Our Memories (🇬🇧)

Chapter 11 - Each sunrise brings forth a newfound strength

Hearts endure fractures,

Yet hearts mend,

Scars linger,

They sculpt us,

They serve as reminders,

They fortify our strength.

Magnus - present

Magnus didn't see Alec for the remainder of the day—neither during the reunion with Izzy and Jace nor when embracing Maryse and Luke, or when meeting with all the others who had been important to him twelve years ago. It was almost as if Alec had vanished from the scene. However, what surprised Magnus was that no one seemed to be bothered by it. It was as though Alec's absence was a regular occurrence, and nobody seemed inclined to inquire. He was afraid that asking might bring up questions he didn't want answered. After all, he didn't know if Alec had confided in someone among his closest family and friends about what happened. Shame burned on his cheeks as he recalled their conversation, and he wished he could take his words back.

The afternoon came and Magnus didn't have time to think about it any further. The scheduled meeting with the new teacher for his children was coming up. Although integrating Cahya and Jarin into the school system so swiftly after arriving in New York raised uncertainties, Magnus hoped the structured routine would help them settle faster, providing a distraction from life with Nate.

After the meeting with their teacher, Cahya and Jarin got to know their classmates. It was the first time for the twins to attend school. In past years, Magnus had taken care of teaching them the basics, such as writing, reading, and arithmetic. Fortunately, Nate's bunker contained a small collection of books, allowing him to educate his pups in other subjects, such as American history. His own experiences in homeschooling had helped him.

The day swiftly passed, and before Magnus realised it, their second day in New York concluded. Exhausted and weary, he collapsed into bed, succumbing to sleep almost instantly.

The next morning arrived, and Magnus harboured hope for an opportunity to talk to Alec. Magnus went to the main hall with his children for breakfast, like many other residents of the bunker. They found a table on the edge of the room. While his pups relished their morning meal, Magnus absent-mindedly toyed with his food, lacking any appetite. The conversation with Alec had been replaying in his mind since early morning, and more than once he had scolded himself for hurling such accusations at Alec. It had been completely unjustified, no matter how much Magnus had been hurt by the fact that Alec was now married to someone else. No matter how much suffering he had had to endure over the last few years. None of that gave him the right to treat Alec like that and accuse him of such things.

Magnus scanned the room. Izzy and Jace were sitting a few tables away with their parents. Magnus waved to them as they looked over. He had considered joining them at the table, but ultimately didn't dare. Despite the joy of seeing each other again, the familiarity of the past was missing.

"Papa, why aren't you eating?" Cahya inquired, giving him a puzzled look.

"I'm not hungry this morning. I'll eat later."

"Can I have your pancake then?" she asked.

Magnus smiled and nudged his plate toward her. "Of course."

"Thanks, Papa," she expressed, devouring the second pancake with gusto.

At that moment, Alec entered the hall accompanied by John, the doctor. It took Magnus only a moment to realise John was the new man at Alec's side. They joined their family at the table.

Magnus sighed softly, ignoring the painful pull in his chest. He glanced at the clock above the entrance door.

"You need to go. School starts soon," he informed his children. "Shall I take you there?"