"Take my hands," Alec said. "And take my strength too. Whatever of it you can use to—to keep yourself going."
Magnus didn't move. "I thought you had to get back to the ship."
"I have to fight. But that's what you're doing, isn't it? You're part of the fight just as much as the Shadowhunters on the ship – And I know you can take some of my strength. I've heard of warlocks doing that – so I'm offering. Take it. It's yours."
“Alec... are you sure?”
“Yes,” Alec grabbed Magnus’ pale hands, grasping them in his own. The warlock’s face was pale and drawn, his usually gleaming eyes dimmed and tired. Alec’s head throbbed and he winced once, but ignored it. He hated seeing Magnus this way- it felt wrong, unnatural. The warlock was always a sweeping, glittering ribbon of vibrant energy, snapping and crackling with life.
This Magnus was as if someone had taken a dirty cloth and rubbed away everything that gave Magnus vitality.
“Magnus, please. Take it.”
“Okay.” Magnus closed his eyes, and immediately, Alec felt a strange, burning pull that started in his arms then steadily spread to his legs, his torso, and all the way down to his feet, creating a shimmering curtain of warmth.
It felt like heat was speeding through his veins, sapping the blood and energy from the muscles themselves. His hands started to shake and burn as if he were holding them in a fire as the collected energy pooled in his hands and he bit his lip to keep from making a sound.
Alec felt one last arc of heat slice through him and whoosh through his hands into Magnus’s. His eyes fluttered and he slumped forward, almost hitting the truck bed. Magnus caught him and cradled the Shadowhunter in his lap.
Alec forced his eyes open. His head was throbbing almost too painfully for him to stay conscious now. His body felt drained, empty. His very bones ached and his muscles burned.
But it was all worth it.
Magnus was his vibrant self again, his eyes glittering, his skin a glowing caramel.
Alec managed a weak smile and struggled to lift his hand. Magnus caught it and held it to his cheek.
“Magnus,” Alec whispered. “I have something to tell you.” The words slipped out, bleeding together in one quiet breath.
“What’s that, darling?”
“I love you.” Alec smiled briefly up at Magnus before his eyes slid closed.
