The Warlock of Notre Dame

What Makes a Man?

The Warlock of Notre Dame: Chapter Seven - What Makes a Man?

Alec POV Five Minutes Before Fire: "I must be losing my mind. The fact that I'm letting you even step foot in my shop right now is absolutely bonkers!" Raphael groaned, pacing around his antique store while rubbing his temples.

"I know I'm the last person you want to see right now. My being here puts you and every vampire in Paris in danger. I wouldn't have come unless it was a dire emergency. The Nephilim can't check your store during the day. That will give me time to lay low and leave by sundown."

Raphael dropped his hand to his side, glaring at me. "Do you really think they won't know you're here? If you thought of this plan, I'm sure there are more who will think as you do. I thought you were supposed to be the smart one."

He was right. There was a chance at least one Nephilim will consider that I'm hiding in here. Even if they did though, there would be nothing they could do about it. It was against accord law to force the vampires into the sunlight. There is no viable way for Jonathan to check this place until nightfall.

Eliot peeked out of the blinds hanging over the door window, and he frowned. "I see figures in black approaching. They may be Nephilim."

Raphael groaned before shooting another glare in my direction. "Fine, head upstairs and don't make a sound. All the Paris vampires are up there sleeping. If you wake them up, they may just kill you themselves."

I nodded in understanding before running up the stairs, not going all the way up them. It was foolish of me to stand at the top of the stairs, but I couldn't help but listen in.

The bell for the store jingled, signifying that someone had entered the shop. I held my breath, hoping it wasn't Jonathan Morgenstern. Raphael was the first to speak to the guests.

"What do you want Nephilim? This is a Downworlder or Mundane establishment only. No Shadowhunters allowed. Tell me your business and get out."

There was a moment of silence before Jonathans voice answered him. The sound of it sent cold chills up my spine. He was all the way downstairs, but it still felt like he was pinning me to the wall, whispering things in my ear.

"I'm looking for someone named Alec Lightwood. There was word that he was spotted in this shop not too long ago. If you are holding him, Raphael, I suggest you give him up at once."

How were they able to find me so fast? Did someone really see me walk in here? I thought I was being so careful.

Raphael was fast to respond. "I don't get involved with the DDS. Even if they claim to help Downworlders, they are still made up of ex Nephilim and I trust you as far as I can throw you."

He meant that too. The fact that he was helping me at all was shocking. Raphael made it plainly obvious how much he distrusts the DDS. Every time we try to help him or any other vampire, they always brush us off. They have too much pride.

"Guess you don't mind me checking upstairs then," Jonathan inquired, making me tense up.

"Actually, I do mind. All the vampires of Paris are up there sleeping. Do you really want me to wake them all up after just falling asleep? Nothing is worse than a cranky vampire. Also, the sun is up. If we let you check the place, we would have to go outside to be out of your way, and that won't be happening while the sun is up. Come back tonight and you can check it all you want."

"All the more reason to think he is here," Jonathan seethed, making me tense up more, leaning against the wall.

"I only care about my own kind. Why would I risk getting in trouble with Nephilim to protect any other? Leave this place and come back tonight if you still don't find him by sundown. I guarantee that while you are here, badgering me, he is closer to getting out of town."