💖FROM HATE TO HEART 💖

HIDDEN FEELINGS

💗 CHAPTER -16💗

Alec wakes up early in the morning, expecting to find Magnus somewhere in the palace. The soft morning light filters through the grand windows as he begins his search.

He checks the royal gardens first, where Magnus often enjoys the fresh air and blooming flowers, but the benches are empty, the dew still untouched.

Frowning, Alec moves through the palace halls, his boots echoing softly against the polished marble floors. He glances into the chambers expecting to see Magnus lost in one of his beloved books, but the room is silent, the air still. The grand hall is equally quiet, with only a few servants starting their morning tasks.

Confusion starts to creep in, mixed with a hint of worry. Magnus is usually up before him, always busy with something — writing letters, reading books or simply enjoying the stillness of the early hours. Not seeing him feels... wrong.

Determined, Alec finally seeks out his sister, Izzy, who is overseeing the palace staff's preparations for the day. “Have you seen Magnus?” he asks, trying to keep his tone calm despite the unease stirring in his chest.

Izzy looks up with a soft, knowing smile. “ No I haven't I think He’s in his bedroom  Alec. He’s still asleep — peacefully, for once.”

Relief washes over Alec, releasing the tension he hadn’t realized he was holding. He thanks Izzy and strides back toward their shared chambers, his heart beating just a little faster.

As he quietly pushes open the heavy oak door, a wave of warmth greets him. The soft glow of the morning sun bathes the spacious room in a golden light. His gaze lands on the large bed, and there, nestled among the silk blankets and plush pillows, is Magnus.

Magnus lies curled on his side, his long lashes resting against his smooth cheeks, his chest rising and falling steadily with each peaceful breath. His usually styled hair is loose and soft, a few stray strands falling across his face, catching the gentle light.

Alec stands frozen for a moment, completely enchanted. Magnus looks so serene, so beautiful, like something out of a dream. Alec steps closer, his movements careful and quiet.

He sinks down onto the edge of the bed, leaning over just enough to gently brush the stray strands of hair from Magnus’s face. His fingers linger for a heartbeat longer than necessary, savoring the softness.

Magnus stirs slightly at the touch, his brow furrowing for just a moment before he relaxes again, unconsciously leaning into Alec's warm hand. His lips part slightly as he breathes out a contented sigh, still deep in sleep.

Alec watches him, utterly mesmerized. In this moment, with the world outside forgotten, all he can see is the man who is infront of him sleeping peaceful and safe in his comfortable bed.

His heart tightens with emotions he has buried for far too long. Watching Magnus sleep so peacefully feels... intimate. Too intimate. A wave of guilt rushes over him — they are friends, bound by respect and trust, even if his feelings run deeper than he dares to admit.

He starts to pull his hand back, retreating into the safety of distance, but at that exact moment, Magnus stirs again. His lashes flutter, and slowly, his amber-gold eyes blink open, still hazy from sleep. For a moment, he simply looks at Alec, his gaze soft and unguarded, as if still caught in a dream.

Alec freezes, caught in the intensity of Magnus’s sleepy yet piercing stare. He can’t bring himself to move or speak. Time seems suspended between them, the air growing thick with unspoken words and unacknowledged longing.