Chapter Text
Prologue
There are three races of vampires on this earth. Dhampirs; half human, half vampire. Their human characteristics and amplified senses that come with being a vampire makes them lethal in a fight. They can survive on ordinary human food and sunlight doesn’t kill them. Their complex build makes them perfect guardians, protectors of the moroi. Moroi are pure vampires. They are thought to be superior to the other races especially if you belong to one of the twelve royal families. Moroi need blood to survive and while the sunlight doesn’t kill them, it’s definitely better if they’d stay away from it. That’s why the vampire world functions throughout the night and sleeps during the day. Some moroi are special. Almost every moroi specialises in magic, they are able to control one of the four elements; water, fire, earth or air. The moroi are a dying race and they need dhampir guardians to protect them from strigoi. Strigoi, they are the abominations of the vampire world. They are merciless killers and they do not abide by the government implied rules. For a dhampir to become a strigoi, they must be bitten. For a moroi to become strigoi, the moroi must drain a person of all their blood, killing them. Strigoi just like moroi need blood to survive and they will kill anyone and anything that crosses their path without hesitation. Once you’re strigoi, you are deprived of any humane emotions that you felt when you were truly alive. Strigoi are dead, unlike dhampirs and the moroi they don’t age and they don’t die unless you kill them. A moroi who has turned strigoi also loses their magic. Magic is pure and good natured and that is exactly what the strigoi are not. The moroi are the main targets of the strigoi and that’s why they need dhampirs, they are the ultimate weapon and as many believe the only hope for the moroi.
Alec Lightwood is a dhampir. The Lightwoods are a well-known family of guardians. They are considered to be the most skilled and intelligent, for a moroi to land a Lightwood would be like getting the golden medal in the Olympics. Alec has just graduated St. Raziel’s Academy for dhampirs and moroi. An academy where the moroi and dhampirs learn all the functions of the world on top of magic practice for the moroi and guardian practices for the dhampirs. Alec has graduated at the top of his class. He has dedicated all of himself to all of his lessons and passed them all beyond exceptional. That’s exactly what his parents have expected of him. No, not to do well but not to tarnish the perfectly crafted image of the Lightwood name.
Alec Lightwood is the best of the best and he knows it, but that doesn’t mean he likes it. The pressure and expectations that come with his name have taken away many opportunities from his life, as a teenager he should’ve been able to go to parties and enjoy his teenage years before he is chucked on to a path where his life is in constant danger. Alec never had and never will have the luxury of these things but that doesn’t mean his siblings can’t. Being the eldest son Alec willingly took all the crap that their parents threw at him and his siblings, he took all the criticism and chastising so his younger siblings could enjoy their teenage years and not be tormented for it. So in a way Alec can’t complain, and he’s not going to. He knows what his purpose is and he knows what he’s fighting for, so he might as well be good at it. Alec knows that his destined path is to be a guardian and protect his assigned moroi, so that’s exactly what he’s going to do and nothing can push him of that path, nothing.
Chapter 1
Walking towards the room where Alec will be assigned to his moroi, he can’t help but feel his hands shaking and his legs screaming at him to run. ‘’They come first’’, is a saying that every dhampir has drilled into their brain since they were born. Alec must do everything he can to protect his moroi. Die for them as much as kill for them. He has to. But can you really blame him for scratching his neck where his promise mark is permanently tattooed as if somehow he’ll be able to get rid of the ink and make a run for it, where he won’t be accountable for every single thing that happens to his moroi in just a few hours. A promise mark is gifted to every dhampir that has graduated from their Academy and now are ready to undertake the role of a guardian. A guardian who will be responsible for the life of a moroi, and that is not said lightly, it carries more weight than most people are willing to carry.
‘’C’mon Lightwood, get your shit together’’. Alec hisses at himself as he rubs his hands together and knocks on the dark wooden door.
The door is opened by another guardian wearing all black- the usual guardian attire- he motions for Alec to take a seat at the side of a rectangular table that has nothing but a few glasses of water placed on it. On the opposite end sit familiar faces, which would surely make someone else feel more at ease, but not Alec, definitely not at the pointed gazes that his parents are pressing on him right at this moment.
Maryse Lightwood is a dhampir, a skilfully trained dhampir woman and the leading head of many dhampir missions. She is a cold woman, contempt with maintaining a perfect image and fulfilling every need and expectation that is placed upon her shoulders. Beside her is his father, Robert Lightwood, a moroi. Dhampirs can’t have children together only moroi couples and a dhampir with another moroi. In most cases as a moroi man sleeps with a dhampir woman they would immediately abandon them and move on with their life leaving the dhampir woman alone to raise a child. Many dhampir women give up their guardian destined lives to raise their children, however some and not enough women leave their children to the academy and continue their life as guardians. They don’t completely abandon them, there are reunions and some manage to maintain healthy relationships with their children as long as both sides understand that there is a job to do and they can’t give it up to have a pitch perfect family. The Lightwoods are an exception, Maryse Lightwood was assigned to Robert Lightwood and throughout years of constantly being around each other they fell in love and had three children. Robert Lightwood acts as a spokesman for the moroi, who helps to initiate the best ways to improve the lives of the moroi. He is a practical man who has his priorities sorted, he’s not father of the year but unlike most moroi fathers, he is present and makes an effort of some sorts and that’s good enough for Alec.
‘’Sit’’ His mother instructs him cooly, all business and professionalism. No congratulations on your promise mark Alec, I knew you could do it. But in all honesty Alec doesn’t expect anything else. His parents love him, they don’t say it and they don’t really show it in the public eye, but when they’re alone during the extremely rare evenings where their little family gathers for dinner, they have at least one conversation that doesn’t include guardian business, and even though none of the members of the family would admit it, those evenings are the evenings they look most forward to.
‘’You know why you are here, yes?’’ His father asks him without looking him in the eye, focused on a folder that lies open in front of him instead.
‘’Yes, I will be assigned to a moroi. I’m just not quite sure why you’re doing that.’’ He takes the risk of asking. Instead of chastising him like always for never being sure of anything his father simply nods his head in acknowledgement and pushes the open folder towards Alec.
Alec pulls the folder close to him but doesn’t look at it just yet. He can’t be seen to be too eager, that would show immaturity and he also wants to know why his parents are the ones assigning him a moroi.
‘’It’s us because this specific moroi isn’t just any moroi. He is a well-known moroi and his reputation precedes him and unlike every other moroi he did not ask to be assigned a dhampir.’’ His mother shakes her head in that way that she would every time Alec or his siblings did something she did not approve of but would not voice aloud.
‘’You have to understand Alec, that this moroi is in a lot of danger, he has made many enemies and continues to make more. He is an important asset to the royals and we cannot lose him. He also happens to be close friends with our Queen Vasilisa Dragomir, she personally asked us to provide him with one of our best guardians.’’ His father fixes his jacket as he finishes talking and fixes Alec with a stern look. Alec understands that this is his way of complimenting him and Alec takes it in with a nod as he leans in to look at the file in front of him.
‘’Magnus Bane.’’ He tests the name on his lips and lets his eyes skim through the information laid out in front of him.
‘’He already has five guards with him and he lives in a pretty closed off unit.’’ Alec almost felt like they were insulting him, placing him with other five guardians in a house where nothing has happened in the past year, when even some royals don’t get as many as three guards, that means the guy is of importance but it also means that Alec will literally have nothing to do. If he works with other five guardians, he will probably end up doing paperwork and even though Alec would not complain out loud, he really doesn’t want to sit around and do paperwork.
‘’These are temporary guards. Mr. Bane has agreed to have only one guardian but while the assignation is completed he has been travelling with five guardians who take shifts at making sure he doesn’t try to escape again.’’ His father informs him, his voice turning sharper as he says the last words. Huh, it seems like this Magnus guy has caused some personal trouble for his father. Alec can’t help but smile inwards, it’s pretty hard to piss off his father so cheers to the Magnus guy.
‘’You will be Mr. Bane’s guardian Alec. I trust you to do your job and do it well. Everything you need to know is in that file, you will be leaving in two hours to meet with Mr. Bane.’’ His mother tells him strictly and Alec yet again feels like he’s being chastised. He knows the importance of this job, he made sure he’d never forget it and he promised himself when he was receiving his promise mark that he will do anything in his power to make sure his moroi is safe and he will keep that promise.
‘’Okay.’’ Alec states simply and clearly. He’s surprised at how much confidence and solidarity he manages to put in one simple word and it seems like his parents are too. His mother takes out a thick pile of paperwork and places it in front of Alec with a pen ready to sign.
After Alec has read through all the terms and conditions and signed all the pages he needed to sign, an hour went by meaning he had an hour to pack and leave. Before he exits the room his mother stops him at the door and reaches for Alec’s face with her hand, but after glancing at the guardian stationed near the door she settles for Alec’s shoulder and squeezes it gently. She smiles at him and takes her hand away turning towards the guardian barking out orders. Alec sighs and exits the room. Yup, family of the year, Alec thinks as he makes his way to his living quarters to pack.
There isn’t enough time to say goodbye to Isabelle and Jace, so Alec heaves his luggage in the back of a van and climbs in the passenger seat next to one of the guardians that has been assigned to Magnus Bane. Alec opens up his email and starts typing out a goodbye to his siblings promising them to find time to keep them updated. Alec pulls out the folder belonging to Magnus Bane and reads through the information that he has read at least five times while he was packing. The guardian next to him peeks at the folder and scoffs causing Alec to turn to him confused.
‘’Is there a problem?’’ Alec inquires and he winces at how harsh he sounds but the guardian next to him doesn’t seem fazed by it.
‘’Problem? Nah man. I have been working for Bane for the past six months and throughout ten years of being a guardian I have never met anyone who has made me want to run for the hills and away from this job.’’ Alec frowns and thinks just how much trouble will this Magnus Bane guy will be causing him.
‘’I don’t have a problem, but he certainly does.’’ The guardian says nodding towards the profile. ‘’And plenty of them.’’ He adds on. Alec huffs out and leans back into his seat, eyes refocusing on the folder in hand. He flips the pages back and forward as they drive towards the manor house that Magnus Bane has occupied.
The whole ride is quiet except the short exchange at the start but since the guardian didn’t seem to mind it, Alec didn’t let himself get overworked over his terrible socialising skills.
Magnus wondered towards the voices in the corridor, rolling his eyes as he caught snippets of guardian business. Honestly don’t these people have social lives beyond guardian duty, Magnus thought to himself as he placed a now nearly empty glass of wine on the nearest surface and made his way towards the chatter. Magnus never wanted a guardian, many thought he was foolish for thinking so but really he just didn’t feel comfortable with other people risking their lives for his, besides he can take care of himself he doesn’t need anyone making him feel like he is incapable of protecting himself, because he is, Magnus thought stubbornly.
As soon as Magnus entered the entryway of the corridor he was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with a quite admirable figure of a certain guardian who stood facing away from Magnus. Most dhampirs were very attractive what with their human characteristics that were so unlike moroi, who tended to be taller, slender and quite fragile looking not to mention pale as though always sick. However the person in front of him was quite different from other dhampirs. He stood towering over two other guardians with a clear poise of authority but unlike so many other dhampir guardians who carried themselves with an edge and constant tension, which made them look hard and uncomfortable, this particular dhampir looked graceful and relaxed, like he knew exactly what he was doing, he was in his element and he had a hundred percent certainty that nothing could go wrong as if he was assured by God himself. He wore the usual guardian clothing. Black, plain and simple. It would usually make Magnus gag if it didn’t fit the body of this mystery man so well. Magnus hummed as he raked his eyes over the strangers body one more time before he made his presence clear by coughing aloud. The three guardians turned towards him and Magnus smirked as he saw the gorgeous man he was drooling over just a second ago look at him with those exceptionally beautiful hazel eyes, he raked Magnus‘ body with confusion and surprise as if he did not expect Magnus to be like he thought he’d be.
“And who are you?” Magnus cooed as he approached the man purposefully swinging his hips from side to side. Magnus resisted the urge to wink at the young man in front of him as he blushed when he got caught staring at the elegant movements of Magnus’ hips.
“This is Alec Lightwood, your newly assigned guardian” Raj, one of Magnus’ temporary guardians that have been assigned to him by his dear friend Vasilisa, exclaimed a bit too cheerfully.
“Looking forward to leaving me so soon dear Raj?” Magnus faked a pout and then grinned when Raj rolled his eyes and blew out an exasperated sigh.
He slammed a clipboard on the so called Alec Lightwood’s chest and left through the door yelling “He’s all yours” through his shoulder.
Magnus smiled upon Alec and stretched out his hand. “Pleasure to meet you Alec, I am Magnus Bane an-“ Magnus was interrupted by a snort coming from his side, he glared at the other remaining guardian that stood just a few feet away from Magnus. “And soon to be the biggest pain in the ass” He proclaimed smirking to himself.
Alec looked between the two men and raised his dark eyebrows. He stretched out his hand and shook Magnus’ warm tanned one that was decorated with a variety of rings. Magnus smiled at Alec and then fixed the other guardian with sad puppy eyes “Not you too Francis” he put his free hand over his heart and heaved a sad sigh.
“It’s Fredrick” the other guardian grumbled but Magnus attention was drawn to the black haired man next to him, who hastily ripped his hand from Magnus’, red heat covering the tips of his ears in embarrassment as he noticed he was still shaking Magnus’ hand throughout the whole interaction. Magnus’ lip twitched in what was sure a mocking smile but he decided to spare the young Lightwood.
Something pure and innocent was brewing behind those delicate hazel eyes and it made Magnus feel safe and assured that everything will be alright as long as he remains in the presence of this stunning guardian. However as enticing as those eyes are they’re also proven to be dangerous as Magnus could barely pry his gaze away.
“Mr. Bane, I’m sure you’ve been informed of this arrangement. You will no longer be protected by the five guards that Queen Vasilisa assigned to you. They were temporary until you would be assigned a definite guardian, and only one according to the deal you made.” Magnus liked the sound of his voice, but it was dulled by the sophistication and finality that they were spoken with. Magnus could sense that the young Lightwood disapproved on the one guardian deal but it was that or nothing.
“Yes, I’m aware of everything don’t bother retelling me what I already heard a hundred times from Francis” Magnus put a hand up to shush Fredrick as he was about to protest against Magnus for the incorrect use of his name but then settled for a sneer instead. Magnus could see by the tight setting of Alec’s jaw that the man was not entirely pleased with Magnus for dismissing this so light-heartedly but Magnus really couldn’t be bothered with extra guardian details.
“And please call me Magnus” This time Magnus actually winked which caused the younger guardian to blush. Magnus would’ve continued to tease Alec but the other regained his posture by placing his hands behind his back and standing taller as he hovered over Magnus. Magnus was quite tall himself so he was impressed and slightly intimated by the dhampir’s height. The seriousness and determination that overtook Alec’s face made Magnus groan inwardly. Damn guardians always so stubborn and professional, no fun, Magnus thought as he plopped down on the sofa that he marched to with a little less grace that he displayed earlier.
Alec followed close behind with Fredrick who took a post by the door while Alec stood in front of Magnus. Magnus checked out Alec shamelessly but stopped when he noticed how Alec’s lips pressed into a thin line underlying disapproval. Magnus rolled his eyes and motioned for Alec to sit on the sofa opposite him. Alec made himself comfortable although he still looked out of place as his shoulders tensed when he did a quick scan of the room he’s in.
“Alright tell me, what is it exactly that you will be doing for me? What exactly are the arrangements that have been made? “ Magnus asked as he placed his head on his fist as he leaned against the arm of the couch. The sooner he gets this whole business over with, the better.
From the moment Alec laid his eyes on Magnus Bane, he understood that this man was going to be trouble. It was evident in the sly movement of his hips, the elegant yet teasing flourishing of his hands and the unmistaking flirtatious tone that he continously teased Alec with. Magnus Bane was attractive there was no denying that for Alec, he was tall and yet not exatcly up to match with Alec's height, which Alec took great pleasure in taking adavantage of as he towered over Magnus whenever he wanted to show Magnus that there was no point in arguing with Alec as he delivered his final point. Magnus only pouted and went back to refilling his drink. He did this quite often throughout their conversation, it came to a point where Alec had to snatch the bottle away from Magnus as he yet again stood up in the middle of Alec‘s speech and went to refill his drink, which he didn‘t manage to as Alec snatched the bottle away before Magnus could even land his hands on it. Magnus steered away and went to reach for a bottle on the other side of the room but Alec beat him to it and stood infront of the cabinet that was filled with various brands of alcohol that Alec wasn‘t even tempted to pronounce the names of.
“Stop that“ Magnus proclaimed as he tried to push Alec out of his way, but Alec stood as solid as a wall which blocked all of Magnus‘ sluggish attempts to rid Alec from his position. Exasperated and definetely done with Magnus Bane, Alec ran a hand through his hair and face and groaned as he tried to resist the urge to flip Magnus Bane out the window.
“Will you please sit down? We‘re not done discussing the details of your arrangement.“ Alec tried to reason with Magnus as calmly as he could without flipping Magnus off. The man just looked at him with soft brown eyes and was about to smile but once his eyes focused on Alec‘s face, his eyes narrowed as only now realising that it‘s Alec he‘s talking to.
“I think I‘ve heard enough pretty boy“ Magnus replied with clear annoyance and spun around walking out of the room all together. Alec closed his eyes and counted to five before looking around the room as if someone is going to jump out and tell him that the moroi he‘s been assigned to was mistaken and he can go home. Unfortunately and much to Alec‘s dismay he was all alone in the manor with Magnus Bane as all the previous guards have dispatched much too early, eager to get away from Magnus once Alec arrived.
Pushing himself from the cabinet Alec followed Magnus out of the room, he caught Magnus closing the door behind him as he marched of to another room. Alec followed his lead and opened the door with more force than necessary and tumbled into an open space of what he guessed was the kitchen and on top of the kitchen table was Magnus Bane himself trying to pry open a bottle of wine. Alec crossed his way to Magnus in less than three strides and snatched the bottle from Magnus‘ hands once again.
“Why do you keep doing that? Ever heard of sharing is caring.“ Magnus said as he leaned back on the kitchen table. The lights streaming from the ceiling cast a perfect shade over Magnus‘ features and Alec found himself momentarily lost in the man‘s beautiful complexion. While Alec accepted his sexuality and attraction to men a long time ago, he was still deep deep in the closet with only his siblings being aware that he is gay. While nothing much scared Alec, the idea of anyone and especially his parents finding out that Alec is not straight terrified him. Sexuality was never a big deal in the dhampir world as the main priority was always about protecting moroi and as long as anything personal didn‘t stand in the way of that, it didn‘t matter. However, Alec was very aware of his parents views towards homosexuality and so Alec never came out. Tearing his gaze away from Magnus he reminded himself that the man in front of him is nothing but a pain in the ass that he has to protect with his life and not a piece of art to be drooling over.
“You‘re drunk.“ Alec stated and Magnus rolled his eyes and detached himself from the table in a very ungraceful manner that Alec had to bite down on his tongue not to mock the man swaying in front of him for.
“Okay, so I might be a little over inotoxicated.‘‘ Magnus admitted sheepishly and had the decensy to look slightly embarrassed. Alec rolled his eyes and stood by the kitched door which he held for Magnus gesturing for him to exit the room. Magnus held his head high and walked out of the kitchen a bit more composed than previously.
“I will show you to your living quarters and then I‘ll be on my way to bed.“ Magnus said as he yawned indicating that he‘s more tired that he tried to show. Alec followed him up the stairs and tried really hard not to rail his eyes downwards, he didn‘t know but Magnus was trying really hard to make it impossible for Alec not to look down. When they reached Alec‘s room that he‘ll be staying at for hell knows how long, Magnus was very cheerful to let him go but instead Alec grabbed on to his elbow and made Magnus face him.
Magnus raised his eyebrows suggestively and Alec rolled his eyes before stretching his palm out facing up.
“What?“ Magnus asked innocently even though he knew that there was no point in playing pretense. Still he‘s not going down without a fight, his drunk mind supplied him. Alec sighed in response.
“Don‘t pretend and don‘t think I didn‘t see you sneak that flask into your shirt from the kitchen.‘‘ Alec glared at Magnus and Magnus cursed his genes because damn those eyes. Magnus pulled out the silver flask from his shirt and slapped it on Alec‘s hand with unkind force, however Alec only smiled at him.
“I hate you.“ Magnus glared at Alec hoping he seemed somewhat threatening. Alec fixed him with a glare of his own “Well my job is not to make you like me.“ Alec replied with simplicity. Magnus huffed out a breath and spun around making his way to his own room.
Alec watched as Magnus tumbled over to a door down the hall murmuring under his breath, he slammed the door shut and Alec thought he heard him kick the door and groan in pain. Alec leaned back against his door satisfied that Alec is not the only one suffering from terrible company. Even though his parents and many other guradians would call his behaviour unprofessional and immature he didn‘t care because Magnus Bane is... well he‘s Magnus Bane.
Settling down all his belongings in his room Alec checked his email and smiled as his siblings wished him a good luck and made him promise to contact them whenever he could. Alec pulled on a jumper and headed outside to familiarise himself with the house and then later patrol the outside to make sure no one is lurking to harm the insufferable person inside the house.
Alec took a few laps around the house wondering into the chilling morning air- which was the time signaling that all the moroi should be heading to sleep by now, just how much trouble will Magnus Bane bring into Alec‘s life?