Jayson Bane || Alec Lightwood

1.6

When Jayson collapsed to the floor, the sound immediately drew Magnus's attention, prompting him to rush into the living room. Navigating through the crowd, he quickly reached Jayson, pushing others aside. "What happened?" Magnus demanded, his stern voice cutting through the room, his gaze fixed intently on Jayson's prone figure. All eyes turned towards Jace, who, under Isabelle's urging, stepped forward with a look of betrayal quickly masked by indifference. "I took his pills?" Jace offered, more as a hesitant question than a statement.

As Magnus released Jayson, resulting in a noticeable thud, Simon winced. "Ouch...That's gonna hurt later," he commented under his breath. Magnus, now standing, fixed a fierce glare on Jace, his cat-like eyes shimmering. "Was that a question or a statement?" he growled. Jace defensively raised his hands. "How was I to know he'd blackout without them?" he retorted.

Snatching the pill bottle from Jace, Magnus lectured, "You Shadowhunters might depend on your runes for healing, but not all ailments can be cured by magic." His actions and words raised eyebrows among the group, who watched as he used his magic to lift Jayson, then carried him away.

For Jayson, the sensation was akin to being on a roller coaster, his memories flashing before his eyes. Among familiar moments with Magnus, he glimpsed unfamiliar faces - a girl with vibrant red hair playing tag, their laughter echoing silently, and a young boy sitting on his lap, strumming a guitar. These memories felt known yet unreachable.

Suddenly engulfed by warmth, Jayson felt as though he was drowning, gasping for air until he found himself lying in his bed. "Wha...w-when did I get here?" he mumbled, standing with difficulty, the room spinning as he moved to the living room in nothing but briefs and pink fuzzy bunny socks. "M-Magnus?" he called out, his voice groggy.

Magnus rose from a chair, cautioning, "Jayson, you shouldn't be walking. You fell pretty hard." But Jayson shrugged off his concern, mentioning a strange dream involving a girl and a boy reminiscent of familiar faces. Magnus's panic was palpable as he offered Jayson two blue pills, insisting they'd alleviate his headache.

Jayson's suspicion grew as he questioned Magnus about the children in his dream, his frustration evident. Despite Magnus's attempts to reassure him, Jayson defiantly discarded the pills, demanding the truth. Magnus's frustration peaked, and with a swift gesture, he compelled Jayson to take the medication.

As Jayson mechanically swallowed the pills, devoid of control, Magnus issued a stern warning before exiting. Jayson remained, immobilized by fear and confusion, his headache mysteriously vanished but left to ponder the implications of Magnus's actions and the fleeting glimpses of unknown memories.

Feeling a sense of unease lingering in the air, Jayson struggled to shake off the effects of Magnus's influence. With his mind still clouded by questions and suspicions, he found himself unable to move from where he stood, his limbs feeling heavy and unresponsive.

As the minutes passed, Jayson's thoughts raced, his mind grappling with the implications of Magnus's behavior. The memory of the unfamiliar faces from his dream haunted him, their significance elusive yet undeniable. He couldn't shake the feeling that Magnus was hiding something crucial from him, something that could unravel the fabric of his reality.

Despite his efforts to regain control of his body, Jayson remained rooted to the spot, a prisoner of his own uncertainty and fear. The silence in the room was oppressive, each passing moment stretching into an eternity as Jayson wrestled with his thoughts.

Then, a voice shattered the stillness, breaking through Jayson's internal turmoil. It was Bella, her tone laced with concern as she approached him cautiously. "Jayson, are you alright?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for any sign of distress.

Jayson struggled to find his voice, his throat dry and constricted. "I... I don't know," he admitted, his words coming out in a hoarse whisper. Bella's brow furrowed with worry as she reached out to steady him, her touch grounding him in the midst of his turmoil.

"We need to figure out what's going on," she declared firmly, her determination shining through her eyes. Jayson nodded weakly, grateful for her presence amidst the chaos swirling around him.

With Bella's support, Jayson managed to regain some semblance of control over his body, albeit shaky and uncertain. Together, they made their way back to Jayson's room, seeking refuge from the turmoil that gripped them.

As they settled into the quiet sanctuary of Jayson's room, the weight of Magnus's cryptic warning and Jayson's unsettling dream hung heavy in the air. But amidst the uncertainty and fear, there was a glimmer of hope - the unwavering resolve to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

In the dim light of Jayson's room, the oppressive atmosphere began to ease slightly, replaced by a sense of tentative calm. Bella sat beside Jayson on the edge of his bed, her presence a comforting anchor in the midst of his turmoil.

"Jayson, we need to confront Magnus about what happened," Bella insisted, her voice firm with determination. "He can't keep manipulating you like this."

Jayson nodded in agreement, a flicker of resolve igniting within him. "You're right. I can't let him control me or keep me in the dark any longer," he affirmed, his voice tinged with determination.

With a shared understanding, Jayson and Bella rose from the bed, their steps echoing softly in the quiet room. As they made their way back to the living room, Jayson's heart raced with anticipation and apprehension.

Magnus was seated calmly in an armchair, his expression unreadable as Jayson and Bella approached him. Sensing their presence, he looked up, his gaze meeting Jayson's with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.

"Magnus, we need to talk," Jayson began, his voice steady despite the tumult of emotions raging within him.

Magnus regarded him with a cool detachment, his cat-like eyes betraying nothing. "Of course, Jayson. What is it that troubles you?" he inquired, his tone smooth and unruffled.

Summoning his courage, Jayson plunged ahead, determined to uncover the truth. "I need to know about the memories I saw, the ones with the girl and the boy. Who were they?" he demanded, his voice tinged with urgency.

For a moment, Magnus's facade wavered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. But just as quickly, he composed himself, his expression once again neutral.

"The memories you saw were... complicated," Magnus began, his voice measured. "They belong to a past that you've chosen to forget, for your own protection."

Jayson's mind reeled at Magnus's words, his confusion deepening. "Chosen to forget? What does that mean?" he pressed, his voice tinged with frustration.

Magnus hesitated, his gaze flickering briefly to Bella before returning to Jayson. "There are things from your past that are better left buried, Jayson. Trust me when I say that some memories are best left untouched," he explained cryptically.

But Jayson refused to be placated by Magnus's vague assurances. "I want the truth, Magnus. I deserve to know who those people were and why they're haunting my dreams," he insisted, his voice firm with resolve.

Magnus's expression softened, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. "Very well, Jayson. But be warned - the truth may not be what you expect," he cautioned, his tone grave.

With a deep breath, Jayson braced himself for whatever revelations lay ahead. With Bella by his side and a newfound determination burning within him, he was ready to face whatever truths awaited him, no matter how unsettling they may be.