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The sight of Jace storming in his loft was a usual occurrence for Magnus. It neither fazed him nor evoked any surprise.
But this time was different. Jace used the doorbell just as any other client of Magnus usually did, and he waited patiently to be invited in. That was strange on itself, making Magnus try to estimate what was wrong.
''Alexander just came from the Institute. I think he's in the bathroom, should I call him?''
''I actually came to see you,'' Jace explained, something earnest written on his face. ''But if it's a bad time, I could come tomorrow,'' he offered helpfully, looking ready to walk out if Magnus so much as wished him gone.
That mere fact was the most peculiar sign of all.
''It's as good a time as any,'' Magnus replied and offered him a seat. ''What is the issue?''
And could Magnus even do anything to fix whatever was wrong? Without his magic, he was constantly doubting whether he really contributed to anything, let alone to whatever substantial crisis Jace was facing.
Was Clary the thing that brought him here?
She had recently returned to the Institute, reuniting with Jace and finally cutting through the despair he fell into while believing her to be dead. Maybe Clary had a hard time adjusting, or maybe Jace was searching for help against Jonathan.
Magnus might not have any magic, but he knew many warlocks who did, and who could be persuaded to assist if he speaks to them.
''I owe you an apology,'' Jace said with waves of emotion, his head bowed.
''For what?'' Magnus followed confused.
''For not realising what a huge sacrifice you made because of me. For not even thanking you when that was the least I could do. I know I'm a couple weeks too late to say this, but better late than never,'' he said sincerely, breathing out hard. ''The hold Lilith had on me was broken because of you. I'm finally myself because of you. You are the reason I broke free right before I do something I could never live with. You saved Alec's life, you prevented me from killing others, you comforted my parabatai and watched over him while I ran to find Clary.''
''How could I not? Alexander needed me.''
''This is what I mean. You were there for Alec when I wasn't, and I never thanked you for that either,'' Jace admitted, raising his shoulders. ''Thank you for saving me Magnus. You paid the highest price out of all of us. I'm aware that I can never bring back your magic, or your immortality, but if you ever need anything, all you gotta do is ask.''
Magnus was speechless. ''Did Alexander give you a hard time after you found Clary?''
''He didn't have to, I felt it through the bond,'' the shadowhunter confessed. ''He loves you so much. But I came to speak to you on my own. I'm sorry it took me so long.''