Detained [2] 《SHADOWHUNTERS》

Chapter Fifteen

"I'm planning to kill a warlock."

In the minutes after Andina uttered those words, Alec and Magnus just stared at her. The room was still, not even a spec of dust was disturbed. Andy shifted, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that was rising in her chest. She felt vulnerable with both of their gazes on her, like the two people who read her the best had teamed up to piece together a novel.

It felt like ages had passed them by when Magnus finally inquired, "Why?" His voice was wavering and clearly uncertain.

She bit her lip and sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're not gonna like this story," she muttered.

It didn't take long for the High Warlock's glitter-dusted lips to turn down into a scowl. "I already don't like this story," he said harshly, catching both her and Alec off guard. "Especially when it's being told to me by Valentine's daughter."

Neither of the Shadowhunters in the room had been expecting him to label her so harshly, but upon self-reflection, Andy decided she deserved it. That's why she was surprised when Alec muttered Magnus' name like a warning.

Magnus did look guilty for his comment, but Andy still didn't blame him. "I promise you, Magnus, that is not what this is about," she swore. As she thought of the situation, she muttered, "Actually, kind of the opposite."

She delved into the story before he could fit together anymore reasons to refuse her request. "Yesterday, we met a warlock. Clary went to see her to try and bring back her mother." She didn't miss the unplaceable look Alec was giving her at the mention of the deceased. She did ignore it, however. "Clary said she seemed okay at first, but–" Her voice got stuck in her throat as she recalled the crimes of the downworlder in question. 

Alec looked down to his boots, making Andy frown. She could tell he felt guilty about yesterday's events. Sighing, she continued. "She was tricking mundanes into seeking her out for medical care. And then, when they were vulnerable, she..."

Andy trailed off, trying to find a way to put the warlock's atrocities into words. Magnus' expression slowly dulled, realizing that if Andina could barely bring herself to speak of this, it had to be something despicable. "What?" He asked, somewhat impatiently.

"She– she locked them in a room with a demon," she finally managed to stammer. "She was forcing them to have warlock children, Magnus," Andy finished, eyes full of sorrow. "Then... she erased their memories and sent them on their way."

"Not necessarily," Alec spoke up, lifting his head. His hands were stuffed into his front pockets, a sure sign he was uncomfortable. "I talked to one of the women there and... Well, she couldn't remember, but she thought she had had more than one child." He gnawed on his lip as he thought to himself, clearly disturbed as he added, "what if she had?"

The two Shadowhunters shared a distressed look as silence fell over them. Magnus visually searched the room as he tried to make sense of the information being given to him. When he felt the eyes of the Nephilim land upon him, he reluctantly met their gazes.

"So, you were both there? You both saw this?" He asked the raven-haired man to clarify. Andy tried to ignore how hurt she was by Magnus' blatant distrust for her. She hadn't expected so much distance from him.

Alec nodded firmly.

Magnus leaned back on a dining table that hadn't been glass the last time Andina was in his loft, his face paled. Andy figured now was a good time to finish convincing him to help her. "She got away," she said. "Escaped through a portal with one of the kids. And I have a pretty good idea she's going to find another city and try to set up shop somewhere else."