✓ | Hushed Whispers ⋆ Will Herondale [2]

CHAPTER TWELVE: STRONGER

◤Once upon a time, we were set on paths that weren't supposed to meet, but something changed. Unexpectedly, they've intersected. And I am glad they did, because it allowed me to have you in my life. It brought me joy to finally have someone who understands me, someone who is like me. You are someone I have grown to love very much, Gabriel Lightwood. You should know that.◢

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CHAPTER TWELVE: STRONGER

FRIENDS were a rarity in the world of Shadowhunters. Their lives had been busy with exhausting training sessions, long theory classes and important meetings, leaving almost no time for other activities. However, when Marie Wayland found a chance to talk to Sophie before the Council meeting, she was more than glad to seize it.

Currently, the two brunette girls were tucked away in Marie's chambers. Sophie's hands were working their magic on Marie's brunette locks, taming them in neat and overly stunning sets of braids.

The Consul's daughter had to look presentable in a Council meeting.

"You look divine, Marie," Sophie put her hands on the brunette's shoulders, smiling at Wayland girl in the mirror.

"And none of it would have been possible without you, Sophie," Marie returned a wide grin. "You are truly one of a kind."

The girl bowed her head, trying to hide the faint blush that was forming on her cheeks. "If you don't mind me asking, who are you going with? To the Council meeting, I mean. Miss Charlotte, Miss Jessamine and Mr. Henry had left long ago and I reckon Miss Gray and Mr. Carstairs said they were going to take a walk before the meeting. As for Mr. Herondale, I haven't seen him lately. Should I order a carriage for you?"

"Don't worry, Sophie. I am-"

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. The girls shared a glance before Marie muttered a single "come in."

"Good afternoon, ladies," Gabriel's brunette head peeked through the door. "I sincerely hope I am not disturbing anything."

Sophie glanced at Marie, offering her a teasing smile. By now, Sophie had heard all about Marie's engagement to Gabriel, so she couldn't pass on excusing herself and leaving the two alone.

"Hello," Gabriel approached Marie, his smile widening as he did.

"I was wondering if you were going to come," the brunette girl mirrored his features, getting up from her chair. "Since you replied to none of my letters, I couldn't help but think that you changed your mind about attending the meeting."

"And leave you to deal with our fathers alone?" The Lightwood raised his eyebrows, a smirk dancing on his lips. "That's almost like throwing you into the lion's den. Besides, I'd say I have a tendency for saving your life."

"You wish, Gabriel Lightwood," Marie shook her head, a smile dancing on her lips. "You wish."

"Well, last time I checked," he said. "You were the one who got hurt on our mission. Speaking of which, I am terribly sorry that I wasn't there when you woke up. My father - he said-"

"Jem told me everything. Don't worry."

It was always like this with Gabriel. Even though they have only recently become closer, they quickly grew a liking to each other; they didn't hesitate in making fun of each other, but knew where to draw the line. Both of them wished to protect the other one, for only they knew how cruel life was on them.