Valentine's Arrow

19: Familiar Faces are Familiar No Longer

CHAPTER NINETEEN

ALEC

"Okay," Magnus said. "You wanted to talk to me. So talk."

Alec looked at him, wide-eyed. Magnus had turned up that morning just before they were all scheduled to leave for Idris. Countless times, Alec had imagined just what he would say – but now that Magnus was actually standing in front of him, with his mesmerizing slit-pupil cat eyes, and his cool, sharp gaze, Alec couldn't think of a single thing to say. Besides, the news he had just heard was still sharp in his mind. "What?" he said finally.

"I assumed that was the meaning of all those phone calls," Magnus said. "And why you sent all your stupid friends over to my apartment. Or do you just do that to everyone?"

Alec cleared his throat. "Aren't you ever going to forgive me?"

"I-" Magnus broke off and looked away, shaking his head. "Alec. I have forgiven you."

"It doesn't seem like it. You seem angry."

When Magnus looked back at him, it was with a gentler expression. "I'm worried about you," he said. "The attacks on the Institutes. I just heard."

Alec felt dizzy. Magnus forgave him; Magnus was worried about him. "Did you know we were leaving for Idris?"

"Catarina told me she'd been summoned to make a Portal. I guessed," Magnus said wryly. "I was a little surprised you hadn't called or texted to tell me you were going away."

"Ah." Alec fiddled with the hem of his shirt. "There was... a bit of news we heard yesterday."

Magnus's brows furrowed slightly. "What news?"

Alec's breath hitched in his throat. "Rebecca's been turned into an Endarkened."

Magnus was silent for a moment. "Are you sure?"

"The head of the London Institute sent word." Alec's voice was ripped raw with anxiety. "Eyewitness accounts say that she was right beside Sebastian, the whole time." He ran a hand through his hair. "That's got to be the only reason, right? I mean... Rebecca would never do this, she'd never side with that murderer. Not after Max, and she still blames herself for what happened to him..."

"Alec," Magnus gripped his former boyfriend's shoulders. "Rebecca.... She is a strong girl. She will return. Just... don't abandon her. Keep your faith."

Alec gripped his hands. "What? You talk as if you know-"

"I don't," Magnus reassured him. "Go to Idris. You're safer there, but don't be trusting, and don't let your guard down. I need you to live," he breathed, and turned around, very abruptly, and walked away.

I need you to live.

Alec sat down on the frozen stone bench and put his face in his hands.

REBECCA

When Rebecca returned to the apartment, she found Sebastian waiting for her, his face unreadable. He wore red gear. His blessed iron sword was in his hands, and he was running a finger along the edge of the blade lovingly. "Where were you?" he said, his eyes flicking up to look at her.

"Out for a walk," Rebecca said. "Not a crime, is it?" She made for the kitchen for a glass of water, but in one fluid motion, he stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

"Meliorn has informed me that the Clave has called off its search parties for you," he said. "I guess they got tired of searching for you, huh?"

"I guess." She tried to maneuver around him, but he grabbed her wrist.