𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋 ━━ ISABELLE LIGHTWOOD

61

ONCE THEY HAD SAVED Clary and Alec from the witch who claimed she could resurrect Jocelyn, they had returned to the Institute. And a couple of hours later, they bid farewell to Jocelyn. Kade had skipped the Rites, he didn't like to attend these things.

Isabelle and Clary went to see the Iron Sisters ages ago and Kade was lying in his bed. He wanted to know more about himself but he had no idea how. Surely, stuff like that wouldn't be lying around in the library. He wondered whether there was anything like that— what was happening to him— before. Maybe some other shadowhunter went through that. . . maybe a million years ago.

Kade didn't even know what questions to ask. But he wanted answers nonetheless. He realised that only one person could clear his mind; Magnus. That was how he found himself standing in front of his apartment, ready to knock when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned around, his brows raising when he saw Jace there.

The latter looked equally surprised to see him. "Kade?"

"What are you doing here?"

"I need a place to stay," Jace informed slowly, biting his tongue when Kade's expression turned into one that could easily be described as fury. He quickly put two and two together. "Aldertree is so dead. I'll deal with him the second I get back."

"Please don't," Jace shook his head, sighing. "It's fine. I. . . I'll figure something out. For now, this is the best thing for me. Just trust me on this." Kade shot him an unsure look but then he sighed. "I'll still make his life a living hell."

Jace smiled, "I support that a hundred percent." His eyes shifted to the door, "so, what are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to Magnus," was all he said. Jace only nodded as he brought his hand up and knocked on the door. Seconds later, it was opened, revealing Magnus and Alec. The four of them exchanged looks, the couple seeming both awkward and confused.

Silence settled between them until Kade broke with it a small, "are we interrupting something?"

"No," Alec was quick to say as he fixed his hair. "W-what are you guys doing here?"

"We came to join the fun, of course." Kade's answer earned him a small glare from Alec. He snickered as he walked in and strolled over to the small bar as he poured himself a drink as if he was at his own place. "I'll never get over how hard my ship sailed." The warlock rolled his eyes at the boy but he smiled nonetheless, he had missed him. But he knew he didn't come here to have a drink with him. He was dreading this moment.

"Don't you have anything better to do?" Alec's question earned him the middle finger which he dismissed with a shake of his head. He turned to Jace who flashed him a small, sheepish smile. "I need a place to crash. I was hoping Magnus had a free room. . ."

The warlock let out a loud exhale, as Alec pursed his lips and raised his brows but said nothing. "Come in," Magnus said after a while to Jace who shot him a thankful smile as he did as he was told.

**

"HOW ARE THINGS between you and Alec?" Kade asked as he sat on the railings on the balcony. His drink rested on the surface beside him while he faced the city below him. He liked Magnus's apartment, although he'd never admit that out loud. The Warlock had taste.

"Good," Magnus answered, "he's never been in a relationship before, did you know that?"

"Of course I knew that."