"It did not work," he said, appearing to be sadden by the news himself. But Alec knew better than to trust how warlocks acted, because that's precisely what they did; act. He heaved a sigh and nodded his head. "Three strikes and you're out," people would say. And that is what had happened; the third strike. 

"I am so sorry for your loss," the warlock's eyes glinted, "he was very beautiful." Alec held an angry stare until the warlock looked away from discomfort.

"You can go now." Alec told him, he was incredibly impatient with warlock dealings and was definitely sick of this one in particular. The warlock's face wrinkled unpleasantly, clearly not pleased with the hospitality.

"I will be expecting my full payment in the mail then, shadowhunter." And with that he walked away, using his magic to slam the Institute's doors behind him. 

"Jesus Christ." Alec mumbled, what a terrible day. 

"Is that who that was?" Jace, always Jace. He turned around to see the blonde smirking at him with one hand running through his hair. Alec sighed and shook his head, normally he would smile back with all his depressing thoughts out of his mind but it was different this time. All he could think about was that sleeping boy laying in the infirmary not knowing he had Alec's job resting on his shoulders. 

"Mayrse wants to see you." Jace's voice showed he knew what Alec had been thinking and disliked having to be the bearer of bad news. Alec nodded his thanks and walked away. If this day could get any worse he would be surprised. Maybe not too surprised actually. He knocked on the door and heard permission to enter. Mayrse stood at the fireplace, her eyes cast down looking inside it. There was no fire going, but it smelled fresh of smoke.

"Alec," her voice was sharp, snapping him out of his thoughts. 

"Mother." He met her eyes, not realizing that he had also been staring into the empty fireplace. 

"How did it go?" She asked curiously, as if the answer was not obvious. 

"He's still asleep." Mayrse nodded her head slowly, her eyes wondering like she was collecting her thoughts visibly. 

"How many warlocks have been in here to diagnose him?" 

"This would be the third." Alec said, it sounded quiet and stressed in his ears. She nodded her head again, and then walked over to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. 

"The Inquisiter will not be happy to hear this," she told him, her blue eyes looked dark. "What are you going to do?" Alec looked over her shoulder and at the fireplace. Feeling as blank and cold as it appeared.

"I have no idea." He whispered.

________________

Paris, France

It was beautiful, he thought to himself. The view was just like how he had remembered. He stood tall on the balcony of a beautiful french household, overlooking the cobblestone street below with the setting sun glistening in the rain drop pools. He sighed to himself and took a sip of his red wine, a vacation was just what he needed right now. There was too much danger at home at the moment and he decided it would be better to hideout here for a while. Beautiful France; gorgeous, magnificent France. He slowly walked back in to the house where everything was quiet and comfortable. He quickly noticed a piece of paper sitting on the side table near the fireplace and immediately walked over. He read the message and then drank down the rest of his wine. 

"Godamnit." He cursed, reading it over once again.

--

Dear Magnus Bane,                                                                                                                                                          

We request your help. Please come as soon as convenient.

- Maryse Lightwwod, the Head of the New York Institute

--

He gazed outside and took in the site one last time before preparing to return to New York City.