SHAPESHIFTED (✓)

11. Deep down below, what lies is pure love.

Alec sighed heavily, he knew Magnus was right. He couldn't ignore his mother forever. "I... you're right, I should talk to her. Thank you, Magnus."

"I know I'm always right, no need to thank me, darling."

Alec rolled his eyes at him. Just as he was about to reply to that sassy remark, they heard fainting silent footsteps near the door, a footstep he was vaguely familiar of.

Izzy was shocked by the talk of her brother and Magnus. She had gone to her brother's office, thinking she'd help her brother with the new problem they were facing, but she was not prepared for the words she just heard. Her brother taking help from THE MAGNUS BANE to get rid of his engagement, moreover talking to him like they've known each other forever!

She stumbled and was about to trip when she caught her balance but was definitely sure she was now caught red-handed. No chance her observant brother, one of the best warriors they had, wouldn't have heard her now.

"Iz! Inside the office, now!" She heard her brother yell.

She walked in and looked at both the men with shock painted all over her face. An uncomfortable silence filled in the room when they both looked at her. Her mouth was hung open with shock filling in her eyes.

"Hello, Isabelle," Magnus said, breaking the tension in the room.

"Iz! Really!?" Alec said, completely frustrated.

She looked between both the men, then pointed towards Magnus. "You... just came here to help my brother? You know the Augustines? There's no trouble in downworld, that was an act?"

"You quoted everything really well, Isabelle." Magnus beamed at her. Alec glared at him but kept quiet.

"What in the name of Angel is going on, Alec?"

Alec sighed. "Since none of you were helpful with this forced relationship Mom set me up with, I got help from where I could." He said, pouring every word out with the all amount of saltiness he possessed.

Izzy looked at her brother in disbelief. 'This is new.' she thought. "But, when and how?" She asked.

Magnus was not sure his witty replies could help in this situation he was caught up in and didn't want to do anything to trouble the poor nephilim, hell, he didn't want to do anything which could end up in him not getting the answers he desperately needed.

Thankfully, Alec was quick to come up with lies and was an excellent liar because of his past experiences.

"I might have gone to Pandemonium after patrolling yesterday, gotten drunk, and told him everything about it, and he in return had offered to help me."

"You got drunk? But.. you don't get drunk easily, Alec. How much did you have, big brother? And were you with him the whole night?" She asked, her tone clearly filled with concern.

"Iz! Please, I was frustrated with all of this, so please, don't!" He looked at her with a look that only she was always able to understand.

Izzy saw that look on her brother's face and decided not to trouble him any further.

"But, Magnus, you don't do anything for free, so what do you want in return? How many gold coins you offered him, big brother?" She asked.

"Isabelle, sweetheart, my services here definitely have a big price, but the deal is between Mr. Lightwood and me, so I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that."

"Fair enough." She said fiercely with a smirk on her face, her shock completely gone by now, which was replaced with concern for her brother.

"But, big brother, please take care of yourself." She squeezed his arms gently, having a silent conversation with him, they always shared when either of them was suffering and didn't want to speak about it. Alec nodded, she gave him a weak smile and left.