Succumb // Alec Lightwood

|1|Reminiscence

Laughing.
That's what I mostly hear from young mundanes. They go about their lives without a care in the world, oblivious to what's hidden within the shadows.
I've walked through these streets many other times and I've always found them laughing about the littlest of things. I remember when I was once as happy as them, but that was a long time ago.

I kept walking, the laughing getting louder and louder the closer I got to it. I always chose to ignore mundanes as I never felt the need to associate myself with any of them. I had no reason to. They had their own simple lives and mine was nowhere near that.

I hadn't realized that I was walking towards the laughing until I found myself a couple feet away from the source of it. I was surprised to see three young Shadowhunters: a girl with tan skin, black hair, and brown eyes, beside her stands a boy with similar features, although his eyes are more of a brown-green color, and a blonde, blue-eyed boy.
I quickly hid behind a couple of trees. I contemplated whether to approach them or not. I've been on my own for a couple of years. The last Shadowhunters, or actual living beings for that matter, that I spent any time with were my parents. By now I have the social skills of a rock, not that it was any different before.

Failing to notice that they were making their way towards me, I turn to leave, only to come face to face with the three. They look at me curiously probably wondering who the young Shadowhunter that they had never seen before was. Meanwhile, I study each of them, trying to figure out their next move. Would they speak to me? Do they think I'm a threat? Will they attack?
We're all alert. Paying close attention to any slight movements. We've all been similarly trained. Whether it's a shadowhunter, downworlder, or mundane, you can't let your guard down. You can't be too trusting.
The long silence was kind of uncomfortable. I could see the uneasiness in the three. Evident by the constant shifting in place and weary glances they'd throw at each other. I'm sure that was also the current expression I had. Who wouldn't be nervous when they're suddenly facing a stranger? Even if it's your own kind.

Thankfully the silence doesn't last much longer. Blondy takes a small step forward, asking "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
I wasn't sure if I should answer him or not. It's not like they're much of a threat. However, with the institute full of expert Shadowhunters right behind me, escalating the situation may not be such a great idea. Instead, I resort to toying with them a little. If I don't answer any questions maybe they'll just end up letting me go. I doubt it, but it's worth a shot.

"Young Shadowhunters shouldn't be out here without their parents..or a weapon" I say in a mocking tone.
"Then why are you out here?"
"We have weapons" the other two say simultaneously.
"And you know how to use them?" I quiz, crossing my arms. "You don't look much older than me. I'm sure you haven't been training that long."
"I'm 10 and my brothers are 12. How old are you?"
"You really haven't been training too long. Are you sure you can actually protect yourselves? I don't think your parents would want you to get hurt now would they" I stated, ignoring her question. This seemed to anger the blonde.
This is actually pretty amusing.
"Do you want me to show you how well we can protect ourselves?" he questioned as he readied his blade. I just chuckled at his actions. Did he really think I'd be afraid or the least bit intimidated?
He took a few steps forward but the raven haired boy placed his arm in front of him, stopping him in his tracks.
"You never answered his question. Who are you? What's your name?"
I stood there for a moment looking at him as he did the same. He let his arm drop to his side. Blondy made no more attempts of moving forward.
"What are your names?" I inquire, once again ignoring their efforts at an interrogation.
"We asked first" the girl commented. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "What are we? 5?" "Plus, if you don't tell me then why should I tell you?"
They pondered on this, not knowing what to answer.
Suddenly someone calls from the institute, "Alec! Izzy! Jace!"
I smirk.
They look towards the institute at the sound of their names being called. They focus back to me, a bright smile adorning the girls face.
I look at her quizzically. I glance at the boys and notice them giving her the same look.
She strides forward, her smile widening.
"Why don't you come back to the institute with us? I know you don't trust us, but I think that you can learn to just like I know we'll learn to trust you. I promise that we'll never do anything to hurt you or cause you to lose any trust in us."
"That's a big promise. I'm not sure you can keep that in a world like ours. I'm a stranger to you anyway" I respond.
"I promise." That's all she said.
I glanced at the two boys behind her. The raven haired one nodding his head, agreeing with the girl. Blondy was obviously not on board with taking a stranger into the institute. He let out a frustrated sigh, giving a quick "whatever" and muttering something under his breath.

Life is full of empty and broken promises. When it came to me it seemed nobody could ever keep theirs. So I don't know what made me do it. I knew that they wouldn't be able to keep it. Maybe it was the last bit of hope that I had left. I don't know, but I followed them. I let them lead me up the steps into the institute, into a life that I wasn't prepared for.

First chapter!! I hope you really like this. I enjoyed writing it. I'll try to update again sometime this week. Just let me know what you think in the comments.
-XxdeadpoolsspideyxX