BAD BLOOD // Raphael Santiago

Three: Downworld cabinet meeting

"She's back, isn't she?" the low voice dripping with deep Mexican accent whispered as he watched his old friend smile awkwardly. His usually confident voice was far away from it now as he was seeing his friend's unsure presence. Magnus' usually cocky and slightly sarcastic self signaled that something was wrong. Like he was hiding something. Raphael knew that it had something to do with the rumor he heard back at the Dumort. 

Octavia was back. His Octavia. Emma and Ben had seen her at Hunter's moon, having a drink with a very certain warlock who had obviously missed to tell him the news.

"Don't answer, your expression tells enough," Raphael sighed loudly gritting his teeth together. He felt the anger burning inside of his dead body. Magnus rolled his eyes understanding why Raphael seemed to be pissed off. He didn't like being kept in the dark, especially when it came to Octavia.

"Don't pour this all on me, she could have told you herself," Magnus commented but shut up seeing his friend's irritated expression. 

They were about to portal to the Institute, for a weekly Downworld cabinet meeting.

"Why I have an odd feeling that she might be the center of conversation today," Raphael murmured. "I know you've told Alec Lightwood, so she will be there." 

"Who knows," Magnus said as he flicked his hand to create the round purple portal totally ignoring his question. Raphael was not a very big fan of portaling but the sun was still up, so he had no chances of getting to the Institute without Magnus' help.

"Ready my friend?"

"I hate portals," Raphael commented but Magnus was quicker and pushed him through the portal.

"Well get used to it."

Luke and Maia, from the werewolf pack and Seelie queen's usual envoy Meliorn, had already arrived at the institute and were sitting at a round table waiting for the two to arrive. Alec sat there as well, slightly agitated. 

"What's wrong, Shadowhunter? Something bothering you," Meliorn smirked smugly as he sat down at the round table. Alec hated the guy, he had been too friendly with his sister back in the day. Not that Alec was a big fan of any guy trying to get closer to Isabelle. Including Raphael. 

As Raphael and Magnus stepped in, seeing the others already in their places. Alec stood up quickly to shake hands with Raphael and Magnus to keep the meeting formal. As they all sat down around the table again,  Alec looked the downworlders worriedly not knowing how to begin the meeting.

"So, can we just go straight to point," Maia sighed rolling her eyes.

"I don't even know why the dog number two is here," Meliorn added pointing towards Maia. "She is not the alpha." 

"She's with me," Luke grunted shutting him up. 

"This is obviously about the bitchy Vampire at Hunter's moon last week, Magnus' friend," Maia continued. 

"Raphael, you know her the best, so maybe you could..." Alec started but was cut off by Raphael's hand. The vampire shot a nasty look towards Magnus.

"You speak too much of about my personal details Magnus," Raphael hissed at the warlock. 

"They deserve to know the truth, especially now. I know you don't want to see her or talk about her, but this is important Raphael."

Alec cleared his throat uncomfortably seeing a figure standing at the doorway. 

"Guys," he started nodding towards the door, but Raphael and Magnus continued causing a scene. Maia's face tightened and she clenched her fist as she noticed the shadow at the door as well. She was just standing there, still. Wearing tight jeans with a leather jacket, her long hair left open as she observed the room. She smirked to herself seeing the two bickering, just like the old days.