Before I started this chapter I just have to say wow. We're at the 20th chapter guys. It may not seem big for you, but it's pretty big for me. With just over 4000 reads and about 200 votes I kinda feel honoured here. I would like to take a moment to thank you all you read this, it truly makes my day. :) I would also like to sincerely thank those who have been there from day one: @onewriterinamillion_, @Jenna_Barackmen, and @MariferBtr. I really don't think I would've made it this far if it wasn't for you lovely three. NOW ALLON-SY~! Also I know I have been a horrible person and not updated at all lately but a lot if things have happened this summer that have been uncalled for. But I promise you I am doing my best to work around them! :)
***
Today was the day that Robert Lightwood's judgement would be passed. Alec tightened the tie of his suit in the mirror; exhaling a sigh the glass fogged. His wiped it away leaving the mirror streaky, he noticed shoes beneath his eyes which hadn't been there weeks before. He hadn't slept well lately. He woke up screaming from his nightmares; most times consisting of Max or his father, or some sick combination of the two.
His heart thudded rapidly in his chest as he strode down the hall and knocked upon his sisters door. It creaked open to and Isabelle clad in a white knee length strapless dress. Even in mourning clothes she managed to make it look elegant white small diamond earrings and red lipstick. Alec dressed better then usual in a cream Armani suit which Magnus had leant him, paired with a blue tie which Magnus claimed, "brought out his eyes."
"Ready to go Iz?" Alec managed to croak out his voice Rough against his dry throat. In response Isabelle only nodded.
She brung the door to a close behind her. She was uncharacteristically silent, Alec took her hand reassuringly; rubbing his thumb across her knuckles with a soothing motion.
As they came into the institute's front hard to be escorted by the silent brothers she stopped to take a breath. "A shadowhunter's hardest job is suppose to be battling off demons. But I think this is hundreds of times harder then any demon we've faced, Alec."
Alec gave her a pitiful look, but he really couldn't pity her could he? Not when he was feeling the exact same thing. "I know Izzy. I understand."
With one last squeeze of her hand they separated and followed suit behind the silent robe clad brothers.
***
Magnus was already waiting for Alec at the hall of accords. Wearing white as well he blended in white the crowd well, save for the fact he still had in his ear piercings and his cat eyes were gleaming amongst the crowd, though no one seemed to really stare. Most of the shadowhunter world knew him and Alec were an "item", so it would be understandable to them why the high warlock of Brooklyn was here in Idris for the occasion.
He gave Alec a somber look, taking his hand they walked into the hall together; Isabelle on Alec's other side followed suit by her mother. Mayrse's head was low, her face tight with nerves getting the best of her. This was a serious matter.
After everyone was seated and settled Jia Penhallow stood in the centre of the room, her robes flowing around her.
"Today we stand here in judgement of the acts of Robert Lightwood and Jonathan Morgenstern under the hand of Raziel." Robert was in the centre of the room; his hands shackled, two men on either side of him.
Sebastian however was swarmed with men. It almost lived as if he was confined on a cage made of live bars. Sebastian was even paler then he normaly was; his skin almost translucent, he had been underground in the silent city for a mere week yet the darkness had seemed to drain his flesh of the little colour it possessed.
Alec's grip on Magnus's hand tightened as his fathers gaze with his from across the room, Magnus returned the gesture reassuringly.
"Robert Lightwood you shall be sentenced to twenty years to confinement, for the manslaughter of your son and defying the rules of the calve. Does anyone object to this sentencing?" Jia announced. No one made a sound. Alec saw Robert bite at his lips, he was really alone. This gave Alec a sick twist of pleasure; which he should have never felt for this man was his father, yet he did anyway with much regret.
"Johnathan, your crimes again the clave are innumerable and the only punishment believed suitable for you is death. The crowd gave cheers and whoops a agreement to the decision. Sebastian to Alec's surprise didn't even flinch; his gaze was dead panned ahead of him, staring into a void.
Victoria whom had sat silently besides him the entire time tensed. Alec glanced over at her; her glamour was concealing her face, her hands gripped what looked almost painful into the white silken fabric of her ball gown styled dress. Alec pondered at why this situation troubled her, but brushed it off as nothing. Victoria's business wasn't his to pry into.
The sentence was handed down swiftly and both Robert and Sebastian were escorted from the room. Alec looked over again and Victoria had vanished he looked back to Magnus and gave him a look and nodded his head back towards Victoria's seat, in response Magnus just gave a shrug of the shoulders and continued to gaze forward ly intently set in what Jia was saying.
But everything the older woman said was drowned out by Alec's thoughts like rushing water. Where had Victoria gone?
