Work Text:
Isabelle was sitting at her brother’s bedside, their joined hands pressed on her forehead. She was grateful that the others were in the library, discussing Valentine and the Mortal Cup. She had been trying to appear strong and composed in front of them but the truth was that she was terrified to lose her brother and she didn’t want Jace, and even less the mundane girl following him everywhere, to witness her in a moment of weakness.
“Please Alec, wake up,” she whispered against his wrist. His skin was cold and clammy, his face paler than usual, his breathing ragged. Unshed tears burned the inside of Isabelle’s eyelids as she prayed to the Angel to let her brother live.
She had no idea how long she stayed there, whispering prayers against Alec’s wrist for him to wake up. The worst possible scenarios were forming in her mind when a loud explosion put a stop to her spiraling thoughts. Startled, Isabelle cursed softly.
“I’ll be right back,” she told her unconscious brother, pressing a kiss on his forehead before exiting the infirmary to investigate the source of the explosion.
**
Isabelle had rushed to the library looking for Jace and Hodge. But instead of her adopted brother and her tutor, she found papers and books on the floor as well as blood and a sticky black gooey substance covering most surfaces. She took a deep breath to calm her rising panic and searched the Institute for a sign of life. But the Institute was deserted except for herself, her unconscious brother, and Church, who was pretending to be asleep.
Isabelle closed her eyes, willing the panic away. She had to find a way to save her brother, without anyone’s help, and panicking now would not help anyone. Alec had always been there to protect her and keep her safe. It was her turn to be strong for him, to keep him safe.
She returned to the infirmary, stopping in her tracks as she spotted a silhouette leaning over her brother. She was preparing herself for a fight when the man turned his head, and her eyes met a pair of gold green cat eyes.
“What are you doing here?”, Isabelle blurted.
“I heard your brother was injured” Magnus replied simply, his eyes returning to Alec.
“How did you find out?” Isabelle asked, now standing close to the warlock and studying his every movement intently. Blue magic escaped his fingers and surrounded her brother, “Who told you about my brother?” Isabelle insisted but Magnus gently grabbed her by the elbow and led her to the door.
“You can wait outside.” The warlock's expression was sombre as he gently pushed her in the hall, and Isabelle wondered if Alec’s injuries were more serious than they initially thought.
“Your brother’s injuries are severe but he’ll be fine. I just need some peace and quiet. I’ll get you as soon as I’m done.” Magnus reassured her, his voice calm and steady. He waited for her to take one last look at her brother before closing the door.
**
Isabelle spent the following hours pacing the floor in front of the infirmary door, wondering why it was taking so long. She sat on the floor, her back against the wall, her head hidden against her knees as the darkest scenarios started playing again in her mind as time dragged by.
“Your brother will be fine,” Magnus’ voice startled her out of her thoughts. She scrambled to her feet, a hopeful smile on her face as she took a look at her brother’s form in the bed. “You should get some rest, you’re exhausted.”
"No, someone has to be there”, she started to argue, but Magnus stopped her.
“Don’t worry, I’ll stay with him and make sure he’s fine. You can see him in a few hours. You both need rest”
Isabelle wanted to argue more, but as she watched Magnus return to Alec’s bedside and whisper something to her brother, she knew she could trust Magnus.
**
She returned to the infirmary a few hours later, stopping in the doorframe. Alec was holding Magnus’ wrist, he seemed asleep and no longer in pain. Isabelle watched as the warlock brushed a strand of hair from Alec’s face, the touch gentle and she couldn’t help but smile. Alec opened his eyes at the contact and his gaze locked with Magnus’ in awe. The warlock smiled softly at her brother, his lips moving, but his voice was too soft for Isabelle to hear. A smile slowly formed on her Alec’s lips, making Isabelle’s smile bigger. Isabelle backed out slowly, leaving the two in their own world for a moment longer.
***
“How did you find out about Alec?” Isabelle asked the warlock again a few hours later, but Magnus only winked before turning her back on her and leaving. Isabelle groaned at the retreating figure before going to her brother’s side and took his hand.
“How are you feeling?” she inquired worriedly.
Alec smiled weakly and squeezed her hand. “Better,” his voice was weak but she could see he meant it and she returned his smile.
“I told you Magnus was nice. I knew you two could be friends.” She grinned at the sudden redness appearing on Alec’s cheeks. “You should get some sleep. I’ll come back later with some soup.” She kissed his forehead like he used to do when she was sick as a child.
“As long as you’re not the one cooking it,” Alec replied, a soft laugh escaping his lips at his sister’s scowl.
As she made her way to the kitchen, Isabelle couldn’t stop the smile spreading on her face. Her brother, who so rarely smiled, who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, trying to please everyone, finally found someone who could make him happy.