ꜰʀᴀʏᴇᴅ |ᴀ.ʟ.| ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡʜᴜɴᴛᴇʀꜱ ꜰᴀɴꜰɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ {ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀᴍɪʟʟᴇ ꜰᴀɪʀᴄʜɪʟᴅ ᴛʀɪʟᴏɢʏ #1}

{𝔸𝕝𝕖𝕞𝕚}

Before we jump into my favourite chapter of Book 1, I have an announcement!

Book 2's cover has been created by the lovely ani1315 and, as of now, you can all see it in BOOK 2!!!

I have published book 2 without any official chapters yet to showcase the beautiful cover artwork and to reveal the release date of Unraveled - October 25th!

So run on over, check out the cover art and add Unraveled to your library! I am so excited to embark on Book 2 with you all but, for now, enjoy one of the final parts of Frayed!

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ALEC'S POV

"When you first proposed to Lydia, I'll admit, I was wary" My mother praises, her usual look of polite appreciation plastered to her face as she straightens the lapels of my marble white jacket - the closest you could ever get to prideful for her, "But now...You've made me so proud."

All I can manage is a weak, fleeting smile and a brisk, business-like handshake for my father. This would, for anyone else, be a happy occasion but not for me...the woman I really wished were preparing to walk down the aisle was nowhere to be found but I knew she wasn't going to come.

It was hard to admit, but she'd been right about everything. Getting into a relationship with a Fairchild? One of Valentine's children?

That would be the final nail in the Lightwood name's coffin.

"All right, are you ready for this?" Jace asks, eyeing me skeptically. Though I'd probably never tell her, I was beyond glad Izzy had forced a meeting between Jace and I to straighten things out. Without him...I doubt I could make myself go through with this.

"As ready as I'll ever be" I sigh, playing with my cuff

"Good" Jace confirms, straightening my lapels again...was that supposed to be a comforting gesture?

If so, it wasn't doing any comforting.

"I'm glad you're here with me" I admit

"Wouldn't be anywhere else" Jace assures me, clapping his hands either side of my shoulder, the black shining leather of his own suit glinting in the low light of the room

Making my way up to the podium, I stand by the large crystal-like rock, where Lydia would be joining me soon and I can't help but chance a glance at the empty seat in between Simon and Clary, where Cami ought to be.

I know my sister had invited Magnus and Camille to the wedding but I'd know better. Magnus would support Cami, no matter what and Cami would never come.

I knew it was painful enough to see me with Lydia at all, let alone watch me get married to her. I could always see it in her eyes, despite the calmness and composure she placed perfectly onto her face whenever Lydia and I were around...I could always see through her.

The thudding of the Brother's staff shatters the soft bubble of conversation and everyone falls silent instantly, even before the Brother can call them to attention.

"The ceremony is about to commence."

Mere seconds later, Isabelle rounds the corner, holding my wedding bangle and a ceremonial stele on an ornate pillow, her glamorous golden dress billowing a train behind her.

Trust my sister to upstage the bride.

Then Lydia turns the corner, her beaded white dress flowing neatly down her frame as she walks down the aisle, red roses clasped in her hands, a striking contrast to her white dress and blue eyes. She's beaming, practically soaking in happiness.