❛ SIMON NIGHTRAVEN ❜

VI.

Today 9:39 p.m.

"Hi, Magnus. It's Simon. You know me. Well, you called me Soames last time we spoke, but we've hung out. I'm calling to, uh . . . to-sorry if this is out of line-suggest that you maybe take Alec back.

"I think it would be good for morale. Honestly, Alec was really horrible to Clary when they first met, and if he turns all cranky again, I don't know what Clary's going to do. In those days, Clary had way fewer weapons and way fewer brothers.

"This time it's different. Her boyfriend is on fire. She's got enough problems. I guess what I'm saying is that we'd all appreciate it if you took one for the team.

"Not that I'm part of a Shadowhunter team.

"Shadowhunters don't let vampires join the team.

"This message probably seems selfish, and also crazy. I honestly do feel bad for Alec. He's a good guy. Much less annoying than Jace. I've always felt like, given the opportunity, we could be friends. Maybe bros. Maybe we could be bros who shoot arrows together.

"It may at this point be obvious that Isabelle forced me to make this phone call. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to say.

"Here's the thing. Alec looks really bad.

"Ow, Isabelle! I mean, he's looking fine, he's a very handsome guy. Much better-looking than Jace, if you ask me. But he's obviously really down. Anyone can see it.

"I don't really notice how guys look most of the time, but even I can see it. He has black rings under his eyes, and his sweaters seem to be coming apart with despair. His mom is worried because he's not eating, and I heard Jace hinting about hairbrushes yesterday. Of course, for a badass warrior, Jace is kind of prissy.

"I don't know what happened between you guys, but I know when someone is sorry. I can tell you, whatever he did, Alec is sorry.

"If you could give him a break, that would be great. Okay. I guess that's it.

"Please don't ever tell Jace I said he was a badass."