NUMB

32 - The Violent Aftermath

TW: Contains violence and graphic mentions of blood, injuries, and death.

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The recent attacks on the FBI Headquarters, Crimson Dragonfly Organisation Headquarters, NYPD, and local smaller police stations have left the entire city in shock and fear. Hundreds of people are feared dead, and many more are injured within these institutions. But the blasts have also caught the nearby cafes and residential areas in their lap, and many civilians residing there are feared dead as well. The source of these blasts is unknown, but some are claiming it to be done by the notorious mafia, Night Ghosters, or a terrorist activity led by sleeper cells.

We have no official information on how many officers and agents this blast had taken life of, but it is assumed to be the majority of the people present inside. As of now, the only death confirmed is that of Jocelyn Morgenstern, wife of Valentine Morgenstern and founder of Crimson Dragonfly Organisation. We will continue to.....

The voice of the reporter faded into oblivion as Magnus' mind tried to comprehend what he was listening to. Blasts, deaths, the city starting to drown in bloodshed, all of this even before the sun properly settled in the sky. No, this wasn't just some terrorist activity like the reporter said, it was definitely Night Ghosters, definitely Robert's doing.

"No....." Alec's voice reached his ears, followed by a clatter of plates and cutlery falling on the floor, breaking his chain of thoughts. He turned back towards the couch and noticed Alec and Maryse's worried faces and the breakfast that had fallen on the ground. "No... dad... he went to the headquarters... no.... Emmanuel, Elijah, Izzy, Vicky.... No...."

Keeping the television remote that Magnus was holding in a death grip on the shelf, he walked towards the couch and gently held Alec's hand, even though his own heartbeat was thrumming badly. "Alexander... breathe. It's still early, they might not even be there."

"But what if they are, Magnus?" Alec asked in a shaky breath. "Fuck! This can't be happening... I need to get there... I need to-"

"Hey," Magnus squeezed Alec's hand that he was holding. "Breathe. I'm coming with you. I need to contact biscuit too, check on he-"

"Fuck! Jace... he was with her at CDO... no... no..." tears fell on Alec's face uncontrollably, and Magnus' heart broke seeing that sight. This man had finally started to recover, to smile, and now this.

"We're going to check on everyone, okay?" Magnus tried to keep a level head, but even he was scared to find out who died in these blasts. "I'm contacting Uncle Val. See what he knows."

Alec nodded and gripped his hand tightly. Magnus turned towards Maryse, who was already pale and holding onto her new wedding band, which Lucian had gifted her. "Maryse..."

"Go," she spoke before Magnus could say anything further. "Go, check on others. I'll take care of the little boy."

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*NYPD Headquarters*

*Alec's POV*

The overlapping noise of fire trucks, police vans, and ambulance sirens reached their ears before they even arrived at the location. Alec's heartbeat kept thrashing in his ears like a constant buzz as they pulled the car to a stop and got out. Everything around them was shrouded in dark smoke, while the fire team tried its best to tame the raging beast. The splash of water hitting the torn-down buildings contrasted with the crackling of the fire. Everyone was shouting commands, and people were crying and screaming. The adjacent cafe's windows and half of the establishment were blown to pieces, with dead bodies lying everywhere.

The NYPD building was nothing but a giant grey wall, partially collapsed, and some officers were dead under its pile. It was no less a horror zone right in front of their eyes. The air was thick and suffocating as everyone kept yelling and screaming on top of their heads.