Crowns ~ Alec Lightwood

Faith

"You're the head of the institute! Can't you demand to know what's happening with Clary?" Izzy fumed.

"I've tried," Alec replied, "The Council is freezing me out."

"Try harder! Jace and Rory have been taken over by Lilith, Clary is in trouble with the Clave, and we have no new leads or-"

Alec angrily slammed his hands down on the table, "I'm trying!"

Izzy jumped and stumbled a step backwards. Guilt flashed in his eyes and he turned his back to her, running his hands over his face in frustration.

His voice trembled, "I'm trying, Izzy...okay? I really am. But...Rory is my rock and I can't think without her. I can't focus."

She sighed, "I miss them too."

"And Jace! I broke my promise to my parabatai. And now he's lost again."

Izzy didn't say a word as she pulled her brother into a tight hug. He loosely wrapped his arms around her and she whispered reassuring words.

Their moment was interrupted when Magnus knocked on the door briefly before entering, "Sorry to interrupt."

They glanced at his tired figure and Izzy smiled, "It looks like someone needs a coffee."

"No, thank you. I already had six," he waved off, "I was up all night researching the dark magic Lilith is using on Jace and Rory. I may have found a way to free Jace...but I'm not sure about Rory yet."

"How?" Alec questioned.

"Based on your descriptions, it seems Lilith has Jace locked in some kind of a mental cage. I'd assume it's the same with Rory, except Lilith is physically putting herself in her body. The only solution is breaking that cage by blasting them with enough magic to eviscerate her presence," he informed.

"You have the power to do that?"

He sighed, "It would help if I had Aurora's magic. But since I don't, I've found another way to get more. I found a synthesis spell that will allow me to temporarily channel the warlocks."

"How many warlocks?" Izzy asked.

"I'll need at least about a dozen to match Lilith's strength," he shrugged, "And a few more to match Aurora's. I'll have to call in some favors but it should work."

The siblings smiled but Magnus held a finger out to stop them, "But there's just one tiny catch...only the high warlock has permission to organize something on this scale."

He sighed, "Aurora was the one to distract Lorenzo Rey last time. But since she's not available..."

"I'll help," Alec offered, "Whatever you need."

A knock came from the door. The three turned to see Underhill standing in the doorway.

"We found this one passed out on the roof this morning," he informed, pulling a man into view.

Magnus gasped and moved forward, taking the man into his arms.

"Who the hell are you?" Alec asked, stepping closer in an authoritative way.

The man lifted his beaten face, "My name is Jack Morrison...and I'm here to get my sister back."

-

Lilith chained Rory to a column as she spoke to the repossessed Jace. Rory grunted and pulled on her chains, shouting loud curses at her captor.

Jace unzipped a bag and a person furiously jumped out. Rory watched as a blonde girl gasped and stood up.