Chapter Text
Magnus looked out at the sea, incredibly blue with sun giving the water a pleasant zen type of moment. It was always best in the early morning hours or near twilight hours, the breeze was always pleasant even when it was cold. He had taken many into his home where they perished, sneaking into the abode did not work well for all. No one could capture his heart, though many tried. His heart was the key to the curse, bestowed upon him from his father; Asmodeous.
The demon of hell stated to him, he needed a lesson and who but a King of Edom can teach his offspring the nuances of discretion but sometimes, there were measures that needed to be used as only a parent would think of and Asmodeous wasn't above that teaching module even if it was harsh. Sadly for him and offspring, it would take time but being immortal, this was not an issue. It was more of an inconvenience, but one the King would not change; he would watch his Prince grow from the experience and ascend to the royalty meant to be in Edom. Royalty meant everything to Asmodeous, and his son needed to learn the place meant for him. Instead of parting, and one night stands his son would waste his time with, he would need a mate and that was that. One fit for a Prince to help ground his son.
After Camille broke Magnus romantically, Asmodeous built a special house by the sea for his son. Asmodeous did kill her in the house and he loathed her. The large stone castle home that looked very inviting in due to a spell was an allure of a cottage was very picturesque and it was now cursed because of her and to a degree Asmodeous. The King was clear on his wishes, only the worthy could lift the curse and be able to leave the castle home with Magnus. The non-worthy wouldn't be able to leave and die in the castle turning into ash and blow away to the sea. The sea was inviting and easy to look at and even if Asmodeous was teaching a lesson, he wanted something for his son to enjoy while he waits for his intended and eventually bring his son home with a mate (female or male it did not matter) worthy of Magnus.
The only concession made was his son's closest of friends whom he had not romantic relationship could visit and leave but Magnus could not, it was the castle. And the curse was for him, he could walk on the beach and enjoy the scenery, he needed something more he still had his magic for those requirements but he was not allowed to leave and nor could he enjoy someone who was not deemed worthy. The castle provided anything else Magnus would require. Those someones never fared well at the Castle. Asmodeous made the building have it's own nuance, it would only allow for Magnus' wishes but curbed his desires for the pleasures of the flesh, it would have to be the someone special. The castle would know, lift the curse and his son would hopefully be happy, no more sadness for Magnus Bane. The castle did provide for the Warlock, food and whatever extras the male needed was always provided.
Magnus liked his castle by the sea, it had a soft white shell coloring to the building to match the four towers, all of the rooms were spacious and it was easy to update to his liking. His warlock friends helped with decorations and he loved the company and the uniqueness of the castle. None of these beings were attached to the castle or part of the spell that was ominous for romantic or thief like beings. Those who wanted to steal from Magnus died as well. Magnus being the smart warlock that he was, knew he'd have to break the spell. Ragnor and Catarina were helping him with books they found to remove the warding that Asmodeous created but it had not been fruitful as of yet but they would keep looking, they would leave all books behind for Magnus to study if anyone find his way out it would a High Warlock. At least his prison was pretty and to the décor of his preferences.
He didn't need a staff but did so from time to time, probably loneliness; they were not allowed to stay long only to care-take of general maintenance and cleaning of the castle for Magnus, while the warlock could use magic to do those things, the company kept the loneliness at bay even if for a short time period. Asmodeous wasn't completely cruel to his son even if the lesson was bestowed on Magnus.
The warlock enjoyed his abode in general but hoped the fated one would appear. He would discuss these issues with his father once he was free. He would communicate with him now but his father was not listening and no matter the amount of 'working it out' fell on deaf ears. Asmodeous wasn't taking calls from his son in any shape or form.
##
Alexander Gideon Lightwood was given the task to find the warlock Magnus Bane, he is a 'high warlock' and very powerful, he was in Brooklyn. The Clave and his father thought this mission was of importance, since the warlock had not been heard from or seen in some time, though short as the time was, having this Warlock was pivatol. His stature was deemed important and if they could re-open negotiations with the warlock it would be a boon. Not to mention keep Asmodeous at bay if it was at all possible. Warlock Rey was useful but very irritable and working with him more difficult than wanted or expected. If the Clave could re-connect with Magnus Bane, they would work out the terms of employment opportunities and an alliance with the warlock faction.
Unknown to Alec, the name he preferred, the Clave knew of Magnus' type. Sending the Lightwood boy would appeal to Magnus, the only issue is being a Lightwood but Imogen Herondale deemed that it would be an advantage despite bad blood as it were in the past. While Lightwood was very secretive about his sexuality, it was suspected even if not unknown in general. Imogen counted on the appeal to lure Bane out of hiding.
Magnus Bane didn't hide his bi-sexuality and was more than confident about it. Lightwood would be perfect to lure the elusive warlock out of hiding. And if he perished, she would not care. She would never allow her grandson Jace on this mission even though he requested to go with his parabatai. Imogen had other plans not only for grandson but her own ambitions.
The tracking would be important and Alec found warlocks who were friends of the infamous Bane, they wanted him free from his prison and would help the Nephilim as best as they could with some coordinates and spells of protection. Catarina Loss, Ragnor Fell and a vampire Raphael Santiago were the most helpful. They actually knew where Alec needed look for Magnus but not allowed to give specifics of location but nothing was stipulated that they could not get him nearby. The only time Asmodeous was vague without realizing it, not a mistake he makes often. Perhaps he wanted his son found and released, it was an idea.
It was believed his father was the problem and Asmodeous was infamous for being the Prince of Hell in Edom and sometimes or most times, there was a price for being related. This time however, these warlocks paid Alec large sums of money along with gems, gold and expensive trinkets with only one stipulation; it was Alexander Lightwood himself and no other was to find Magnus. He was reluctant at first with the offers but it was made clear to him in his orders to not upset the warlocks, thus he accepted payment. Alec would put everything in a private vault he had for himself. In addition whatever protection spell or trinkets that would be provided was gifted to Lightwood. An unusual development was to avoid the Clave and do not tell them about their 'arrangement' but Alec didn't spend time on the oddity. The hint was imparted him and he would investigate when he had the chance. Shadowhunters were to help everyone and he took that responsibility seriously.
Cat, Ragnor and Raphael went to a warlock seer and the crystal ball showed the Castle they knew about but seeing the Lightwood boy with his tall build, dark hair and hazel eyes sealed what needed to be done. Magnus did have a type and this male was it. They agreed on waiting for Lightwood to make contact and do what was needed. Seer Nina told the trio that her crystal ball was specific and they should follow what they had been seen. The Seer was very confident that the male they saw in the crystal would be the one to lift the curse. Cat and Ragnor gave her as much information about the circumstances and it seemed she was very intuitive with the dilemma. Raphael missed his father figure and would help anyway he could, if any extra input was needed he would impart and even employ his own curse being vampire came with it's own advantages. The seer was touched by the fondness of three beings and provided any extra elements from her stash to help.
They appreciated the information and formed a plan to help Magnus and they truly believed Lightwood would be the one to break the curse. They were not allowed to give Lightwood all of the details but they would be able to help as best they could. The important thing the Seer was certain of, this male would be the one, she said she felt it in her bones.
Catarina Loss was the most expectant of his ability and purposely went through Magnus' apartment and found jewelry which consisted of rings and necklaces that she requested Alec wear to help him track Magnus. Cat gave him a photograph of Magnus and Alec eyes widen, this warlock was gorgeous. She told him that it would work best if he had these items on his person, the magic imbued on them would help his already innate ability to track. Alec accepted the items and placed them on his person, little did he know he would not be able to remove the magical items until he found Magnus Bane or if ever when he found him. She warned him the nuance and he accepted the new development, clearly Bane was a beloved friend.
Cat also gifted the extra items from the Seer as well. Alec was starting to think this mission was way over his head. He put the extra items in his the extra pockets of his Shadowhunter pants. Alec had his weapons if he needed them but he had never been so happy to have a pair of work gear clothing with the extra space. Alec took the picture out to look once more at the dark haired tan Asian beauty with lovely cat eyes. Cat did inform him he may have them glamoured and would be brown. It looked like Magnus had a unique style of clothing but it suited him. He put the photo back in another pocket that was small enough to not ruin the image.
##
The Island was small but scenic, loads of beach and the water was inviting, it would be the most amazing vacation site, Alec thought. The warlock Catarina gave him a portal to the location that would bring him close to the lost Warlock. He would be able to get back to New York if he used a specific stone bestowed up him with his connection to Jace, his parabatai. Cat told him he wouldn't need that if he freed Magnus. Magnus would be able to use his own powers to bring them to the City.
Alec walked the white sandy beach for a couple of miles admiring the palm trees and foliage and amazing looking flowers that dotted the grass areas that outlined not only foliage but lead to entrance to the beach. On the beach itself were lots of sea shells and a few sea animal sunning themselves or enjoying the water. It was an amazing paradise. Alec looking at the shimmering grains as he walked on and stopped abruptly to notice a castle near by not too far in distance. It was exactly as Catarina, Ragnor and Raphael described, four point towers, two in front and two in the back. The glass windows was adorned special looking ornamental animals, flowers and magical symbol at the corners of the glass near the end of panes. The ornate door matched the rest of décor with symbols in a line from windows to the bottom.
Cat warned him, he could not just use the door. Alec would have to scale the castle and enter through a window. It was a condition that had to be followed for him to get to Magnus. Weird, Alec thought but it didn't look like it would be too hard. The way the castle was built it would be easy to scale it or he could use a rune and leap to a window, open it and enter. The closer he got he felt a strange feeling pass over him. Alec shook it off and once he was with one of the towers with a window to the left of it, it would be one he would chose. All the towers had windows to either the left or right depending which tower you were looking at, he was going to use the far west front tower of the door.
As Alec looked up, that weird sensation occurred again and he shivered. It didn't surround him and he guessed it was all that warlock magic gifted him before this journey. He touched the stones and they felt warm to the touch. He looked around for no reason other than his shadowhunting instincts kicked in. Alec looked back at the sea and it seemed to be inviting him which seemed odd to him. What had he gotten himself into, he told himself 'get it together Alec, it's just an old odd castle'. He told himself to shake it off all of the odd feelings he was having. He reminded himself, 'its now or never' and 'doing this at night would not be a good idea,' With resolve he decided to scale the tower, it seemed to have hand holds in the stones to make climbing easy.
Alec reached where the building met the flat part of the circular part that lead up to the peak of the tower. He was glad he didn't have to climb that, once there he looked to the left and easily moved to the window. Alec was amazed at all the hand holds leading to the window, what an odd castle he thought.
The window opened easily which surprised Alec, he thought he'd have use one of knives to force the window open. It was almost like it was expecting him and that was an odd thought. The Shadowhunter climbed in with graceful ease. Once inside he looked left and right and didn't see anything out of the ordinary, it was a well furnished bedroom with ornate art of all kinds and desk and some doors probably leading a closet and bathroom. He walked in further to look around and the window slammed shut. Not often Alec gets startled but was eerie, he walked back to window to discover he couldn't open it.
“Okay, this is really weird,” he spoke out loud. Mostly to calm himself and as far he knew nobody could hear him anyway. It was such a strange place. 'Magnus Bane lives here,' he thought maybe it was magic that he was feeling. He got to the door and looked out to see what he could see in the new surroundings before leaving the room in search of the High Warlock.
Alec left the room and the door slammed shut, “what the hell,” the Shadowhunter tried to open the door and it would not budge. “Shit,” this is getting too creepy and I fight demons for a living, he thought. He mused sourly, 'what else could happen'. He walked down a long winding staircase forgoing the other bedrooms. The strange thing was he felt like he was being lead magically to somewhere.
He followed a magical breeze if such a thing existed, he learned long ago not question the odd things that he encountered. He entered what seemed to appear like a lavish living room or parlor. There comfortable couches and chair, a ton of book shelves completely filled and statues and all sort antiques through the room. The fireplace was already roaring, it wasn't too hot as night was approaching and staved off any coolness or sea breezes. There was Magnus sitting in a chair watching the fire with a drink in his hand.
Magnus was so tired of this curse. Another person to die sometime tonight if not sooner. He looked in the direction of the castle's next victim and was shocked to see a shadowhunter and a pretty one at that. He couldn't look away; tall, dark and handsome. Why didn't his friends tell him about this male. His hazel eyes mesmerizing, the rune on his neck some serious attention if he had anything to say about it. Lovely lips that begged to kissed, where did this man come from and he didn't want him to die in the castle, there must be a way to save his life.
“Hello Darling, and who are you.” Magnus practically purred and he could not stop a smirk or leer pointed at the Shadowhunter.
The shadowhunter blushed but found his voice,“Hi, I'm Alec Lightwood.”
“Alec Lightwood,” Magnus now paused in his thoughts, the Lightwoods had not been good to him and this was an unexpected development for him. “Magnus Bane.”
“Yes, I know I was sent by your friends to help find you.” He showed Magnus all of the magic trinkets on the shadowhunter. “The Clave wants to make amends with you.” Alec said sincerely.
Magnus noticed no malice in the Lightwood boy and an earnest reply, “interesting.” Magnus thought that sometimes things surprise him and that is hard to do at his age.
“Have a seat by the fire, I'll get you a drink.” Magnus thought he might as well be hospitable, afterall the poor thing would be dead by morning. He thought a shame really since the boy was very easy on the eyes.
“I don't drink.” Alec replied.
“Humor me,” Magnus winked at him and was graced with a sweet flush of cheeks and Magnus did admit to himself, it was adorable.
A martini appeared in Alec's hand. “Thank you?”
Magnus laughed, it had been so long since he flirted with anyone. Most that dared enter the castle couldn't find or died before he met them. Sometimes he would get a glance before they perished. It would be a shame for that to happen to the Shadowhunter.
Alec made a face, “this is good.” Then coughed which made Magnus laugh.
“I'll get you something different.” Magnus offered.
“No, no.” Alec explained “It's fine, I never had one before is all,”
They shared a second drink but this time, Magnus offered a beer and a mojito for Alec to chose from. Magnus snapped his fingers a serving table appeared at the side of Alec's chair with the drinks. Finally the warlock could not take it. “This place is cursed, you should not have come.” Alec's surprised face was amusing for Magnus.
“I didn't know.” Alec looked at all of the magic things he was wearing and wondered if that is why Cat, Ragnor and some Seer gave him all of the things with very little explanation other it would be needed. “Your friends gave me all sorts of magic charms,” Alec now knew he was in over his head, he should have asked more questions of everyone. He stood up and walked to Magnus and showed him everything given to him.
Magnus was impressed with everything, maybe this Lightwood would escape with his life. “Well handsome, that is quite the collection you are wearing.” The warlock smiled when he noticed another blush on the shadowhunter. Magnus felt something for this male, he hadn't had that feeling in a long time. And he had not known for very long and he no longer cared that he was a Lightwood. This shadowhunter was not only impressing him but charming him as well.
Alec smiled and thought about all of things he'd collected on the journey to find Magnus. “What's the curse about?”
Magnus frowned at the question, “lets enjoy the evening and fire place.” He wasn't ready to say the boy would die but then something strange happened in his heart. The walls around his heart had already fallen and he only met Alec perhaps two hours ago. It amazed him.
“Okay, I didn't mean to pry.” The shadowhunter looked at the warlock with admiration and felt some affection for him as well. He was something to behold and it gave him butterflies in his stomach. He didn't have much experience with romance but the whole evening felt like a date and it made him smile.
“What are you thinking darling,” Magnus noticed the smile and loved it.
“Nothing, I'm enjoying myself.” Alec answered honestly, he couldn't remember having fun doing anything but archery. He felt charmed by Magnus, it added to his beauty. If he was to admit to himself, the flirting was enjoyable. He'd have to take a few pointers, so that he could flirt back. He was smitten immediately and felt a warmness in his heart. He didn't know what love was outside of family but he was sure this was it.
They talked and drank until Alec fell asleep which Magnus laughed, he snapped his fingers and Alec was on the couch with a blanket over him. Magnus went to apothecary it appears the Shadowhunter would need a headache potion that is if he survives. He felt sadden by that thought and it hurt his heart as well. Magnus wondered if love at first sight was a real thing or not. He was becoming a believer in the concept. After making the potion and putting it by the couch, Magnus took the other couch and while he tried to stay awake to watch over Alec, however he passed out.
Magnus woke up early and jolted in worry, was Alec dead. He wiped the sleep out of his eyes and looked across the room and the sight shocked him. The shadowhunter was still here and alive; sleeping deeply on the couch. Magnus had to know for sure, he got up and walked over and noticed Alec's chest rise and fall. It wasn't enough he gently touched his neck then wrist which confirmed that the shadowhunter was indeed alive. The warlock went so far as to confirm further with magic and it was true, his Alexander was here with him. He had learned whole name during chats before falling asleep and yes, he considered the male his and to his delight he knew the feeling was reciprocated toward him.
The warlock knew based on how the Shadowhunter looked at him, smiles and easy laughs.
Magnus looked around the castle which seemed to have changed while they slept. He ran from room to room, the building was no longer oppressive. The atmosphere had changed in this prison home. He could feel his magic in full force, he had realized the castle was keeping some of his magic from him. It had to be his father's doing, he was certain of it. Another issue to bring up with dear ol' dad. While his Alexander slept, he strode outside of the Castle and yet again there was a different feeling and his magic was hugging him. Even the sea was calm and the breeze warmer than usual. All of the elements were falling into place. “YES! Finally.” Magnus practically shouted. He could not wait to get his new love away from the castle and to his real home. He would deal with his father on his terms, he would protect himself and his new lover. They may not have made love yet but he knew, they would. This was the one that freed not only him but the Shadowhunter as well.