Work Text:
The reception is in full swing when Clary finds Alec out on one of the Institute’s many balconies. The sun has sunk far below the horizon and the chill of the autumn air seeps into her skin, raising goosebumps where it hits as she steps up beside him. She folds her arms across the railing and looks out at New York, taking in a deep breath as she reminisces.
She’s been through hell with the Lightwoods. Literally.
But in all the time she’s spent with them, she’s never seen Alec like this. There isn’t a tense muscle in his body as he grips his ring between his fingers, spinning it around and around. He’s smiling absently, like he’s not even aware of it or Clary’s presence, eyes too busy lingering on the engraving that decorates the inside of the metal. It takes a few moments for Clary to get a good look before she realizes what it is, but the effect is immediate once she does.
She stumbles back from the railing with a gasp as the rune comes to her, blazing and beautiful. In just a few seconds she feels the power of eternity, of a love so great it defies time. She sees the outline of it, the curves and edges, the strength that’s needed to hold it.
She sees Alec, not just as the Head of the New York Institute, or Magnus’ husband, or her friend. She sees his desires. His future.
The rune is a map that only she can draw, and only he can follow.
It is destiny.
It is his.