Not all rescues are are done by heroes... (for alec_lightwood)

[magna_bane]

The last week had to be the most intense she'd lived through in all her life. Valentine may have used her over and over again through her life, but he was respectful for the most part. If harsh and cruel. Enough to make her stay loyal. His son... his son on the other hand proved everyday how much she hated him with what he said and did. And no matter how much she'd tried to keep him from hurting the young nephilim, it only enraged him more not deterred him.

Which led to events she'd rather wipe from her mind. The screaming and the fighting as he'd tried to force himself on the teen that didn't deserve it. Ne never deserved that. She couldn't let it happen. Which was why she traded herself as willing for the first time. The demon hybrid jumped on it instantly and drug her out of the room none too kindly. At first her mind reeled as he practically dragged her forcefully up the stairs to his room. They had to get there... it was the only way she could hide what she would do.

And time to build up the spell that would knock him out for a day or two.

Not that he didn't get her beat up before she got him. But that really only came from his anger at her for helping the abnormal freak of a nephilim. Something she resented him for calling the teen down in the dungeon. How dare he call that boy that, when he himself was an abomination. It took effort to get back down stairs walking calmly. No one really thought much of her clothes being torn or even the bruises. They'd heal. And they all knew about his fixation with her.

It got her where she needed to be. Into the room with the wounded nephilim. With a wave of her hand a pulse knocked out all of the guards and unlocked his bindings all at once. Rushing to his side, she slid her arms about his waist to help him up. "I need to heal you. You can't run like this..." Hopefully she could do that without taking too much time and them getting caught. "But not here... we're too exposed here and too easily cornered. Can you walk at all?"

Comments

[alec_lightwood]

Part of Alec couldn't comprehend what was going on around him. He'd been separated from his parabatai and captured by the monster that had killed his little brother. A monster who seemed to think himself better than the Shadowhunters even though he was part demon who thrived on others' pain. He kept waiting for Jace to find him, yet his parabatai never rescued him.

He'd been tortured physically and mentally until the only things that kept him sane was the steadily fading hope that Jace would find him and the strange girl who kept visiting him, trying to heal him whenever Sebastian grew bored with him. Sometimes he wondered why she bothered. Was she keeping him alive so that her master would have more time to play with him? Or was it something else...

Each day seemed to get worse no matter what she did until Sebastian had decided to escalate the torture in a way Alec hadn't expected considering how Sebastian constantly called him an abomination. He'd fought as much as he could, acting more like a trapped animal than a nephilim until the girl had offered herself to Sebastian to keep the man away from Alec.

As soon as he realized what she'd done, Alec tried to stop her, but Sebastian seemed to think this was another way to break him, dragging the girl off to do who knew what to her. Forced back into the shackles, he'd waited for Sebastian to return, dazed from pain and guilt until the girl returned.

A strange pulse of magic washed over the room and the cuffs unlocked. Blinking at her, he couldn't quite understand what was going on. She had helped him before, but she was still Sebastian's servant. Why would she help him escape?

Swallowing thickly, he ignored the pain from old and new wounds and shook his head. "I can run." His voice sounded broken, but the words could be understood. "'M Nephilim. Different than mundanes." Even if he wasn't, he'd crawl if he had to if it meant getting away.

[magna_bane]

A million things raced through her head as she nodded her head to him. "I know. You're strong..." Maybe she shouldn't half carry him, maybe he might kill her in the end... but wouldn't death by someone just be much easier than death by the one she was betraying? The thought was hard and center, but it disappeared fleetingly because there was far more to worry about in that moment.

Leading him through the halls, she sought out the secret tunnels that she and Sebastian used sometimes when he had an errand to run he didn't want his men knowing about. A few guards had to be knocked out to get there... but she got them both there and toward the exit. Open ground... they needed to run. Not drag themselves across open space where men on watch might see them. Moving him to sit on near the tunnel entrance, she smiled at him gently.

"I should have done this sooner..." Smoothing his hair back she meant more than just healing him. She meant getting him out of there. And when she started to heal him, she realized it would take far of her magic more than planned. But she needed to get him away... And magic couldn't carry him if he couldn't make it. "It's... it's Alec right?" Finding more wounds, she poured her magic into him healing them and mending what she could. But she was getting weaker.

"Alec... you're going to have to run. Get away from here..." She felt more exhausted the longer she worked at it. But just a little more... "Get home. Find a way to stop him." And it killed her to think she couldn't help. But her going now would get them both killed. Her hands shook as she finished and everything felt foggy around the edges.

Sinking down on her heels, she pushed her hands into her lap to keep him from seeing how badly they shook from the exhaustion. Lifting dilated feline eyes to him, the normal vibrant gold looked flat and dull from using too much magic. "I know I won't make it far... not like this..."

[alec_lightwood]

It was hard to focus on anything but trying to stay upright and putting one foot in front of the other. What mental capacities he had beyond that were trained on trying to sense any sign that they were being followed. His injuries were serious, maybe worse than anything Sebastian had done to him before, but if he had a chance to get away...

He was panting and shaking by the time his rescuer helped him to sit on the floor. Pain ran through him with the rapid beating of his heart and Alec knew he'd probably end up crawling like he'd predicted. Without help, he wouldn't be able to stand up again.

If he hadn't been desperate and hurting, he would have wondered why she was doing this but instead he closed his eyes briefly at the gentle fingers in his hair. "Yes. Don't know your name." He might have heard it, but if he had, it would have been when Sebastian or the guards were with him.

As her magic moved through him, Alec whimpered softly, unable to hold back the sound. The pain slowly eased and he could feel the injuries changing - healing - in some way that was different than the iratze. Slowly, he opened his eyes, shivering as the magic seemed to not just heal but return the strength he'd lost since he'd been captured.

He wasn't as strong as he'd been before Sebastian had dragged him into the dungeon, but he was strong enough to get away... and to help her.

He couldn't leave her. Not after what she'd done to save him. Even if she hadn't told him she couldn't escape on her own, he would have realized it from how exhausted she looked. She'd given him everything so that he could be free.

"I'm not leaving you." His voice still sounded terrible, but it would mend. Catching her arm, he draped it over his shoulders, making sure that his uncertainty didn't show as he caught her up and held her to his chest as he wobbled to his feet. For a moment, Alec expected them to end up on the floor, but then he caught his balance and moved closer to the entrance.

Checking for any guards, he bolted out of the tunnel, sprinting across the open ground, knowing speed was the only advantage they had until they were somewhere with cover. For some reason the guards never noticed them and once they were out of that clearing, Alec slowed to a pace that he could keep up for while, knowing they needed distance between them and Sebastian's followers.

Eventually, he found a spot to rest, gently easing the girl to the ground and kneeling beside her. "Are you still with me?" It'd been something he'd been afraid of, but he'd been too afraid to stop to check on her.

[magna_bane]

The sight of him barely recovering and pulling it together as she healed him twisted something in her chest. It made her think of the first time Sebastian drug her into the dungeon to see his latest prize. She made a point to never watch what he did. And seeing the hunter bleeding and in pain had fractured the resolve to pay her life debt. And the moment he'd beat her for healing him... it shattered it.

Seeing him like this broke her heart... even if he was being restored. "Magna... well.. they call me Magnus." Her voice was soft as she answered in a softer soothing tone. Anything to keep him at ease for now. It was the least she could do. And maybe she didn't even realize when she whispered 'I'm sorry' to him.

It almost felt fitting to die this way. She'd not felt that much remorse working for Valentine. But the regret grew daily when the man died and his demonic son took over. Saving Alec might be the one redeeming act she'd done in her wretched life. Not that she wanted to die looking weak.

Meeting his eyes, she smiled softly, hoping to reassure him. His eyes were beautiful. Alec had to be the purest soul she'd ever met. And he proved that when he declared, albeit roughly, that he wouldn't leave her. She would have argued or protested but her vision blurred out from the pressing need to sleep and regenerate. The bruises Sebastian left on her bloomed and got darker instead of softer because of the loss of power.

Gasping softly as he picked her up, she felt like the world went in circles and blurred entirely before she blacked out. Somehow from point a to point b, she managed to wrap her arms about his neck. And until she felt contact with the ground, she didn't even try to open her eyes. Her eyelids felt extremely heavy but she pried them open just a little bit.

Slivers of dulled out gold peered up at him through black lashes as she attempted to smile. The attempt failed and her eyes slid back closed. "Barely..." Her arms and legs felt like they had lead in them, but she managed to push her fingers into her hair and huff a heavy breath. "Nothing a few days of sleep won't repair..."

But she really didn't have that much time.

[alec_lightwood]

As he had carried her, Alec hadn't thought of anything except getting away. Slowly, reason had crept through and he'd done as much as possible to cover his tracks, It might not be enough with someone like Sebastian on their trail, but it was a start. There was only so much he could do with an unconscious girl in his arms.

Thankfully, she was unconscious. There had been a few times that he worried that he'd lost her, a thought that had caused his chest to ache. She'd protected and rescued him...

Mentally he cringed over what Sebastian might have done to her, not understanding why she'd told him that she was sorry when she'd done such a thing to help him. When her arms crept around his neck, Alec let out a sigh of relief, grateful that she was still alive.

But his worry returned when Magnus barely opened her eyes once he had set her on the ground. "You can't die on me." Alec wouldn't allow it. Not when she had saved him and they had a chance to get away.

"I'll find us somewhere to rest." He wasn't sure where but there had to be somewhere safe. "Just don't... leave me okay?"

[magna_bane]

Drifting away, she felt like she could possibly sleep for a week. But Alec talking to her had her trying harder to stay focused. Humming a soft sound at his demand she not die, her lips actually managed a tiny upward curl. "I don't plan on it."

No one died from utter exhaustion. Not usually. Moving her hand from her hair, she curled it softly over Alec's. "Just need sleep." Her thumb barely moved, but it slid along the side of his hand. Not much of a rescuer at this point.

Idly she attempted the motions of squeezing his hand, but it was faint and with little strength. "Alec... I won't leave you." Not if he wished for her to stay. And she'd do all she could to keep him safe for as long as she was allowed to live.

[alec_lightwood]

Letting out a shaky breath, he gave Magnus a weak smile. "Good. I don't..." Alec wasn't sure how he should end that sentence. He didn't know Magnus, but she'd done so much for him that he couldn't let her die.

Catching her hand, he gently held it between his to try give her some comfort. "You can sleep while I carry you." But where could they go? They needed somewhere safe but Alec wasn't sure where that would be.

"Magnus, do you know if there's somewhere we can hide?" He wasn't even sure if she could hear him, but he wasn't sure what else to do. They couldn't keep running, especially with Magnus needing to sleep.

[magna_bane]

Her fingers softly curled over his as he gathered it between his. Blinking her eyes slowly open, the slit of her pupil was dilated and wide in a pool of dull gold. Turning her head to focus on him, she barely tapped his hand with a slow moving fingertip.

"I'm sorry." She didn't mean to be a burden. She meant to save him. Not weigh him down and make him carry her weight. "But thank you..." His willingness to let her sleep while he walked was more than appreciated. Even though she knew she would stay awake for him to keep him company.

Searching her mind for a place that Sebastian would never look, her eyes moved as though looking through a map before closing them again. It gave a dull ache in the brain that came from not enough sleep. "Amidst mundane... there's a village not far to the north. He ignores them for now... but no more than a day. We need distance. He'll wake up by tomorrow evening..."

[alec_lightwood]

"There's nothing to be sorry for. This is my fault." If he hadn't been captured she wouldn't be going through this. And if he hadn't been the 'abomination' that was bonded to Jace, then maybe Sebastian wouldn't have been interested in him.

Brushing his thumb over her hand, he tried not to think of how Sebastian might have hurt her. Magnus had said it was just exhaustion and she wasn't bleeding. The bruises were ugly but they didn't look like they were a sign of anything worse.

He'd be able to tell for certain when he found the village. Hopefully there would be shelter were they could rest before his strength gave out. "I'll get us there."

Part of him wanted to ask what Magnus had done to Sebastian, but he wasn't sure if he should since he didn't know what had been done to her. "I'm going to carry you again. Just hold on like you did before."

This time, he was more careful as he lifted her, the desperation he'd felt earlier fading to just an instance that they move. One she was settled, he began to walk, taking care to find ways to cover their path so that it'd be difficult to track them.

Eventually, he found a trail that led to the village, choosing to stay at the outskirts instead of drawing notice as two strangers in town. After scouting the area, he found an abandoned cottage that seemed solid enough to keep out the weather and far enough away that no one would see them sneak inside.

As he watched the cottage, he looked down at Magnus, not wanting to leave her alone but afraid to go inside without knowing if it was safe. "Magnus, can you wake up for a few minutes?"

[magna_bane]

"If I'd done something sooner..." Not just healing or taking our guards... the only one she'd not 'taken out' had been Sebastian himself. He terrified her sometimes. And it made her a coward at first. Until he went too far. "It's okay... we just... need to get moving." Before guards puzzled over missing team members and went looking for their knocked out leader.

A soft shiver ran through her at the brush of his thumb and something fluttered inside. He made her feel warm and content. Cherished, oddly enough. A small smile worked its way onto her lips. "I know you will."

She managed to wrap her arms about his neck and nestle her head under his chin. Keeping her breathing steady, she fought off the exhaustion so he wouldn't be on his own. Not that she mustered up enough energy to talk. It felt a lot like drifting on a breeze in and out of focus.

When he finally stopped, she forced her eyes open and looked about. She could make out the cottage, but not well with the tired blur. "Yeah. I can."

She squeezed his shoulder softly. "Put me down. I won't be going anywhere." Even crawling seemed like a terrible idea.

[alec_lightwood]

"You did enough." More than enough if Sebastian had hurt her in the kind of ways he had when he'd focused on Alec. But he would make sure she knew that later when they were safe.

Her silence would have worried him if he hadn't known how exhausted she was. It was enough to know that she was alive and that in a few days she'd be well.

Guilt edged his thoughts even though Alec knew he had to leave her, but the idea that she'd be unprotected bothered him. "I have to make sure it's safe."

Putting her down as gently as he could, he took her hand again, squeezing her fingers lightly before letting go. I'll be quick. I promise." Before he could change his mind, he turned toward the cottage, moving with all the stealth that he'd learned while growing up. He wasn't as skilled as Jace, but he was a fully trained Shadowhunter.

When he was certain that there was no danger and the house was abandoned, he returned to Magnus. "There's no one here. We should be safe for awhile."

[magna_bane]

Nodding to Alec, she understood. If she didn't think putting a glamour on him would drain her to passing out, she would have done it. So she hoped he'd be okay. Offering him a tiny smile, she clasped her fingers about his gently. Finding something to lean against when he set her down, she forced her eyes open and watched him move through the cottage.

In a way, she was proud of herself for getting him healthy enough to move like that. It meant she'd healed him well. Now if she could just find some ounce of energy left in herself. Then she wouldn't feel so useless. Healing wasn't her specialty so it took it's toll on her each time she did something massive. And this case... she didn't want to think about it. It might make her go back and get herself tortured and killed facing Sebastian down.

The guy was not a one person job.

But the clouded thoughts dispersed when Alec came up to her again. Tipping her head back, she looked at him curiously happy to see the half-angle whole again. Slowly lifting her hands to him, she wondered if she could drag herself there. That had to be better than wearing him out. But getting to her feet would end up being a lot of work. "After a rest a little while... I might be able to put a strong glamour on it..."

[alec_lightwood]

Once he knew that there was no one watching, Alec's thoughts turned to Magnus and his fears for her. She said it was just exhaustion, but could someone with magic die from overusing their abilities? It seemed possible. Why else would there be spells to share strength if it wasn't possible?

Or he thought there were spells like that. Alec had read of them in some of the obscure texts that his siblings never bothered with.

It was tempting to offer to share his strength with her but since he had just been healed, he didn't know what it'd do to him. One of them needed to be strong enough to fight in case Sebastian's men found them. Maybe after he'd rested for a few hours, he could offer to help her.

"We don't need the glamour." Especially if it would keep Magnus from healing. "Shadowhunters are used to having just minor magics. We'll just be careful." Anyway, Sebastian would probably be expecting them to use magic. Maybe if they didn't, it'd keep him from noticing them.

Lifting her up before Magnus could consider trying to walk, he carried her to the cottage and easing her down onto the bed. The mattress was dusty but he'd checked to make sure nothing was inside that might be an unpleasant surprise. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he looked around the small house.

"I think whoever lived here picked up whatever they needed and ran away. I doubt there's food but I can look for water." What energy he had was fading, but Magnus needed him to take care of her.

[magna_bane]

"Alec..." She started to protest him, but she knew he was right. If she used her magic, they'd be left vulnerable completely if she couldn't even regain consciousness. Sighing softly, Magna nodded her consent. "Very well. You are right."

Preparing to steady herself on her feet, she made a soft surprised sound as he swept her up. Her reaction was slow as she wrapped her arms about his neck, but they moved of their own volition to steady them both. Tipping her head, she rested it on his shoulder. Saying thank you and showing gratitude had always been just a sign of loyalty or ceremony. Never something truthful and genuine. So now that she felt that... truly felt it... she felt shy saying it more than once.

Breathing in slowly as he set her on the bed, she instantly sank back onto the musty mattress. It could have been pure granite and it wouldn't have mattered. Her eyes fluttered closed and she hummed a happy sound to not be mobile. "Many do... running from his taint."

Opening her eyes just a little to look at him, he fingers gently pat the mattress. "Lay down. I will not be awake much longer so water is not important. Rest with me?"

[alec_lightwood]

It was difficult to keep his worries from taking over as he watched her, knowing that her exhaustion was because of him. He wondered why she'd done it. She'd given herself to a monster, then returned to rescue him. Magnus had been one of Valentine's followers and then Sebastian's.

Alec was someone that Sebastian hated on principle for his preferences. The fact that he was in love with Jace had made him the ideal target. She should have hated him just as much as Sebastian did, but instead she'd saved him.

Now he had to do everything he could do to save her.

Stretching out beside her, he almost asked why she'd done it but he remained silent, keeping as much distance between them as possible before realizing that no matter how much he wanted to reassure her that he wouldn't hurt her.

"Can I..." Pausing he tried to think of what to ask. "I don't want you to get cold, but I don't want to hurt you."

[magna_bane]

Magnus let her mind start to sinking... like going under the surface of water that completely surrounds you. She was aware of Alec. Could even feel his warmth through the thin silk of her clothing. And part of her wished he was closer as the sun lowered on the horizon and left the air colder.

Furrowing her brow, she rolled onto her side and drew her legs slowly to her chest. If anything she could stay warmer this way. Possibly. Maybe? Normally she could do something with magic... now she couldn't. And she didn't even know if Alec dared fall asleep with someone like her in the room with him.

Then his words broke through the darkness and got her to open her eyes. Feline eyes ran over his face slowly before she let them fall closed. "If you're offering to keep me warm... I would appreciate it." A small smile pulled at the corner of her lips. "But... don't feel like you have to."

She'd really never had anyone give her something so subtle and gentle. Something kind. Kindness really never made an appearance in her life. It was a curious thought.

[alec_lightwood]

As Magnus curled up to try to stay warm, Alec was sure that she'd want him to stay away. She might have helped him, but that didn't mean that she wanted to be near him. Their escape had made being close a necessity but that didn't mean she wanted that to continue.

Meeting her gaze, he wasn't sure if she was offended or not. "Yes, that's what I'm offering." Noticing her smile, he began to shift closer. If he wasn't so tired, he would have blushed as he wrapped an arm around her, pressing against her so that she'd stay warm. "I'm doing this because I want to."

Keeping his hold on her light so that she'd know she could easily move away, he hoped that he'd be able to keep her warm enough. "Try to get some sleep. I'll keep watch."

[magna_bane]

She didn't even realize that her body shook with cold until his warmth wrapped around her. Letting out a shaking breath, one hand rose to press softly against his arm. It felt oddly easy to sink into him like they were made to fit. But then, she felt exhausted to the point of blacking out. Still... the feeling never felt familiar to her. Not like this.

Curling her fingers over his arm, she tipped her head to touch his chin. "I am happy you want this. I do too..." Not just for warmth. No. More like security and warmth and everything beautiful that made up Alec. Things she couldn't possibly be made of...

A small sound left her that she surprisingly labeled as content. When did that happen? Never before now. "I will..." Sinking further into him, she almost let out something that sounded suspiciously like a purr. Snuggling into him, she let her mind submerged in the darkness and soon she was out cold breathing deep and even in his arms.

[alec_lightwood]

Curling around Magnus when he felt her shivering, Alec froze when her hand went to his arm. Holding his breath, he waited for her to tell him to let go, slowly relaxing when she moved closer.

"I'll try to keep you safe." He could have made the promise more reassuring but they were both tired and Alec wasn't sure completely she'd healed him. Alec felt whole, but he was tired, exhaustion wearing at his thoughts. And he knew that there could be injuries that weren't completely healed that he didn't know about.

Smiling as she snuggled into him, he kept an eye on the door. She felt frail in his arms, like she'd used up everything she had to put him back together again. He couldn't let her be harmed after giving so much for him. As she slept, Alec tried not to focus on the even sound of her breathing. His thoughts become fuzzy but he forced himself to stay awake, refusing to completely rest until Magnus was aware.

[magna_bane]

Something about the honesty in his words made her smile. He didn't lie and say everything was okay. The entire situation could never be defined as okay. He'd gone through hell there no matter how much she tried to stop it. And now hell was on their heels. Stopping here to hide didn't really fall into the category of 'safe', but they must.

Yet, he'd try. He'd try to keep them safe even when he had little left to give. That something in Alec that had caught her attention as fast as the dark blue eyes and the raven colored hair. Strength and will, beauty and elegance... but kind and something like timidity lie inside. And the idea of Sebastian breaking that...

Shaking the thought off, she let herself sleep, deep and silent until the energy built back up in her blood and body. That's when dreams begin to seep in. Somewhere in the night, her arms had moved to wrap around him. Something odd for her as she never reached for anyone. Not when the only one to get her 'in bed' was the one person she despised most. The person that invaded her dreams now with cities dripping in blood.

But for all he did to her against her will in reality and dreams, the thing that finally jolted her out of her sleep were images of him forcing himself on Alec. A sharp gasp disrupted the even breaths and her eyes flew open. The glittering gold quality came back to the irises as the slit pupils adjusted to the low light in the room. Fingers curls sharply into the material under them... which was tattered remains of a shirt against warm skin that wasn't her own.

Focusing on the person holding her, the memories flooded back and she exhaled softly in relief. Releasing his shirt, she moved one hand up to lightly touch his chin with her fingertips. Magnus didn't believe in love... but her heart told her he was someone she could love. But it would never happen. She wasn't his type. For so many reasons other than that one.

"Alec?" Voice soft and cracked, she smoothed her fingers along his jaw.

[alec_lightwood]

As Magnus slept so deeply, it was difficult for him to stay awake. She seemed at peace, or so exhausted that her sleep was interrupted. The slow, steady rhythm of her breathing almost causing him to lose his fight to stay awake. At least struggling to not sleep kept him from thinking of everything that had happened before Magnus had managed to convince Sebastian to leave him alone.

Later it would catch up with him, probably at the worst time, but Alec knew that he needed to be watchful. Magnus needed him to protect her.

His thoughts turned ti Magnus over and over. She had saved him when she had been one of Sebastian's followers. She'd shown him kindness when the others that Sebastian kept near wanted to torture him to get back at the Nephilim. But Magnus had shown him kindness, trying to help him even if it'd made things worse for herself.

As soon as he noticed her breathing change and she wrapped her arms around him, he snuggled closer to her, holding her to try to offer some comfort. Whatever she dreamed off was frightening her. Tentatively, he brushed his fingers through her hair, trying to soothe away whatever nightmare had caught her.

When her eyes opened, he pulled away slightly, unsure of how she would react to being held, but unwilling to let her go of her and have her get cold. Letting out a nervous sligh when Magnus touched his face, Alec realized that her eyes were closer to the gold he remembered when she'd snuck into his cell to heal him instead of the flat color they'd been when they were escaping.

He wasn't sure what she wanted, but if harming him was her intent, she could have done that before. Maybe she needed to know he was real and not one of her nightmares. "I'm here, Magnus." Moving slowly, he carefully brushed her hair away from her face. "You had a bad dream."

[magna_bane]

Something inside flared in warmth as her senses registered little things. The way he pulled her closer and the gentle hand in her hair. Her memory remembered pain in such touches, not tenderness. And when her vision cleared, the sight of concerned blue eyes set her back.

Customarily she laughed at poetry and love songs. They meant nothing to her. But there was a line from some sappy poem somewhere that mentioned something about drowning in someone's eyes. A thought that made her roll her eyes on a good day. And where she found blue eyes and dark hair attractive, this was the first time she knew what it was like to 'drown' in someone's eyes.

Blinking a few times, she drew in a deep breath and gave a bare nod. She didn't feel as heavy now. The lead seemed to be removed from her limbs so it didn't feel like she dragged her body to move. Her lashes lowered slightly before speaking softly. "I'm glad you're okay."

Her fingers barely brushed his neck as she closed her eyes. "Sometimes... memories make the worst dreams." Curling her hand softly about that spot where neck met shoulder, she just wanted to feel his pulse and make sure he was alive. "Are you okay?"

[alec_lightwood]

Watching Magnus, he wondered if he'd done something wrong. Maybe she didn't want to be touched. After the things Sebastian had probably done to her, it wouldn't surprise him if she didn't.

Alec was about to pull away when she nodded and he stayed where he was, holding her carefully and gently playing with her hair. "I'm okay because of you." Guilt shadowed his eyes, but he didn't look away no matter how much he might want to. "Thank you for helping me."

As her eyes closed again, Alec held her close, unable to ignore his guilt. "I'm sorry. It's my fault he did those things to you." It was his fault but he didn't know how he could make that up to her.

[magna_bane]

"Glad you're okay." Her voice softened in relief as he reassured her. Fingers moving slowly on his neck, she hummed a soft sound at him. "You're welcome." Catlike eyes moved to his and she smiled at him, this time with more strength from actually having rest. "I only wish I'd done something sooner."

Fear had kept her immobile. It kept her from saving him before it escalated. Fear of Sebastian consumed people and had them run like the family that lived here. "I won't let him hurt you ever again..." She said the words softly, not realizing they'd been out loud. This promise she made would not be shaken.

But then he said those words looking so guilty. Opening her eyes, she furrowed her brow then wrapped her arms about his neck gently. "I didn't let him get too far before I temporarily scrambled his brain. He's... gotten further and much crueler in the past. Which... isn't your fault."

[alec_lightwood]

The hand at his neck and the warmth from having her in his arms was making it difficult for Alec to not give in to his exhaustion. His thoughts felt sluggish and he knew that his reflexes were dull. Hopefully Magnus was right about no one searching for them near a mundane village since Alec wasn't sure that he could put up much of a fight if he needed to.

"You did enough. If you hadn't helped me..." He'd be dead now since he would have fought Sebastian until the half demon killed him. He might not have been killed this time, but eventually he would have either escaped or provoked Sebastian until his temper caused him to lash out at Alec and end his life.

"It's still my fault." She'd been hurt saving him from Sebastian and now the monster would come after Magnus to punish her for what she'd done. What might have happened before might not have been because of him, but Sebastian would try to hurt her as much as possible. "I promise I'll protect you. We'll protect each other."

[magna_bane]

Through dark lashes she managed to keep her eyes open and watch him. She noted his exhaustion and she knew he'd not slept. He'd kept his word and watched over her the entire time. So now... it really was only fair if she return the favor...

Lifting her hand, she smoothed his hair back gently. "When we're both not tired and hurting... we'll talk more." The pad of her thumb swept over his brow and she offered him a small smile. She refused to think what would have happened if Sebastian hadn't shown her the nephilim. If he'd not thought she'd be as disgusted as him that he loved men. None of that ever mattered to her... And seeing him forced the way she was living into dangerous clarity. "I want you to rest... I won't sleep as deeply now. I'll keep an ear out."

Her jaw clenched at the thought of Sebastian and the way his hands would sweep her skin sometimes. It caused a shudder to run up her spine. "I rather not think of him touching me or anyone else..." Sighing, she pulled him closer and turned her head to press her face softly into his hair. "Deal. We'll protect each other... starting with you sleeping now..."

[alec_lightwood]

"Okay." He knew he should stay awake. Magnus was still exhausted and he'd promised to protect her. But even with Magnus' magic healing the worst of his injuries, he needed to rest. His eyes closed after he returned that smile, too tired to try to pretend he wasn't worn down completely.

Later it would probably surprise him that he didn't mind having Magnus close when she had been one of Sebastian's followers. Now, she was a comfort, making Alec feel safe enough that he could relax. "I shouldn't..." Not when he felt her shiver and knew that she was thinking of whatever had haunted her dreams.

But his good intentions couldn't keep him awake. He was already starting to slip into unconsciousness. Not even the thought of what Sebastian had almost done could force away his exhaustion. Her promise almost dragged him under but he struggled to speak. "Tired..."

Too tired to fight to stay awake. His hand eventually stilled, tangled in her hair as his breathing slowed to a soft, steady rhythm, holding her close as he finally allowed himself to sleep.

[magna_bane]

"You should." Her voice was a soft soothing sound in his hair as her fingers slipped through it. Gently they unsnagged tangles and tenderly rubbed his scalp and the back of his neck. "I'll wake you if there's danger."

Continuing the soft ministrations, she let her eyes close but she never drifted off enough to stop the gentle touches. She continued to soothe him, mind still resting as it focused on simpler things. This knot was stubborn... his hair is soft... there's tension in his neck or his breathing is deep and even.

Even if she made a point to listen to everything, her forethought was on him. Making sure he rested peacefully with no interruption. He needed it to heal completely. Magic could only help so much.

The only other thing she paid attention to was the rebuilding of her magic. Sebastian had no issue working her till she passed out. The feeling hadn't been new... It only took one time to realize he did it to make her defenseless. Then she started to lie to get around it. But for Alec... she'd not worried about that. It felt a little liberating...

[alec_lightwood]

No matter how much he feared that they'd be found, he was too exhausted to fight to stay awake. The gentle tone o f her voice and the soothing feeling of her fingers in his hair kept most of the nightmares away. Occasionally some murky, half formed memory crept into Alec's dreams but Magnus' presence caused them to scatter before they could disturb him.

He slept deeply, holding her close, curling up almost protectively around her even if he was too tired to truly protect her. At times he twitched or made a quiet sound as if his injuries still pained him, but not completely waking. Magnus' magic and being Nephilim would help him heal quickly but it would take time and still pain him.

As he slowly began to wake, the nightmares crept through his mind, memories and fear twisting together until he could feel Sebastian near, ready to punish Alec for his feelings for Jace. Then, something shifted and Sebastian was dragging a girl away... one who was offering herself to let Sebastian drag her away...

He couldn't let her be hurt. He had to protect her. He couldn't let...

"No." Jerking awake, he blinked at Magnus, his fear for her still clinging to his sleep dazed mind. "Did he hurt you?" The words tumbled out before he really realized that he was awake and they were safe. Unconsciously, he began running his hand along her back, trying to give comfort even as he struggled to shake off his nightmare. "You're all right?"

[magna_bane]

When Alec's shoulders tensed and the muscles of his back seemed to knot up, she pulled herself from that trance state easily. Rubbing at the tense muscles with one hand, she continued to card through his hair with the other. When he jerked to consciousness, her brow furrowed just a little in confusion. Even knowing what ailed him was a dream... it still made her wonder what he'd dreamt of... he had much to chose from.

Then it became clear as the first question he asked was that one. "The damage he did this time was little to none. Bruises heal quickly." This time being the key part of that phrase. Oh... he'd hurt her before. But she didn't let it get that far this time. Not that she could dwell on the memories when his hands were so soothing on her back.

Gently tracing the side of his face, a small smile pulled at the corners. "I'm all right. Are you?" Winding her fingers idly in the silken hair, she let herself take a cursory look of him to gauge any wounds that still lingered. The act was much easier after resting. She could be in better shape, but this was still good.

[alec_lightwood]

For a few moments, all he could do was stare at Magnus, afraid that she'd disappear if he blinked. Or she would suddenly become bloody and broken like he'd expected after a session with Sebastian.

Instead, Alec saw someone who was exhausted, but whole. Physically at least. Knowing that couldn't keep him from pulling her close, holding her to reassure himself that she hadn't been horribly injured by the monster that had killed Max.

His hands kept moving gently along her spine as he tried to calm his racing heart. Magnus was safe and whole. Sebastian wasn't nearby. They could relax for a moment at least. "I'm okay. I had a bad dream."

A few images from it still lingered in his mind, but the feeling of her hands in his hair soothed him in a way that it probably shouldn't. Magnus had been working with Sebastian, but she had also protected him.

"Why did you do it?" The words were spoken before he could think of holding them back. But her answer was important and he needed to know the truth before they planned what they'd do next.

[magna_bane]

Something about the way he hugged her made her melt into his arms. Closing her eyes, she let one arm wind about his neck. Turning her head, she pressed her face softly into his hair as her fingers tangled into the strands at the back of his neck. "I understand..."

What Sebastian did to him... That didn't go away just because you got away from him. Sebastian made sure that you remembered him for a long time after. Leaning back to look him in the eye, the glitter of her eyes almost glowed in the low light as she searched his face.

Her expression went still and quiet at his question and her lips parted to breathe in slowly. "To answer that question, I'd have to tell you my life story..." It wouldn't make sense without all the details, but... "I can attempt to summarize. I owed a life debt to Valentine. He requested I watch over his son. I hate his son."

Idly curling her fingers through his hair, she half closed her eyes. "He forced me to go 'see' his new amusement. I hated the dungeons. And you..." Her brow furrowed slowly before she had to look away from him. "I don't know how to explain it. In a way I couldn't stand watching you in pain... and in another way... you gave me that last reason to break my oath."

[alec_lightwood]

Holding her was a comfort. Having her in his arms felt too real to be another part of his dreams. They'd both escaped. They were safe. The nightmares had just been his fears coming alive in his unconscious mind.

Meeting her gaze, he managed a small smile. Magnus would understand. She had seen what Sebastian had done and even before she'd distracted the man from Alec, she had been the target for his amusements. "It'll get better." Not just for him, but for her as well.

As Magnus told him the main reasons for her actions, Alec didn't pull away. His parents had been charmed by Valentine, becoming members of his circle so he knew that it was easy to become caught up in something horrible without realizing it until it was almost too late. The fact that she hated Sebastian was a relief since he didn't want her loyalties to be conflicted but he did momentarily wonder if she might be lying.

But if she was, he had the feeling she would have been playing up those visits more to gain his sympathies. His instincts told him that her words were honest and she had been horrified by what Sebastian had done. If she hadn't been, she would have let Sebastian attack him.

Brushing his fingers lightly over Magnus' hair, he tried to think of how to answer her. Whatever attempt at comfort he might give wouldn't be enough. "I don't know why I would be the reason for you to break your oath, but thank you."

Patiently he waited for her to meet his eyes again, and his smile became reassuring. "Whatever breaking your oath might mean, I'll do everything I can to protect you."

[magna_bane]

Part of her wanted to point out that Alec didn't understand what it meant to break an oath like this. What Sebastian would do to her. She remembered him once whispering in her ear that she'll beg for death if she ever dared betray him. She had to look completely away from Alec and rub at her face as though the physical movement would clear all thoughts of him away.

"I don't regret breaking it. At least I'll know I did one thing right in my life." Because she expected to die for it. Even if Alec gave her the benefit of the doubt, the other Nephilim wouldn't. Not to someone like her. Just like Valentine always told her. "They say that you can't choose your parents. You can't. And you also can't choose the person that takes you in."

Slowly sitting up, she pressed her palm to her forehead and winced when elaborate jewelry snagged in raven strands. Softly touching her fingertip to the gold metal, the hair unwound from the metal till she could pull it out. Waves of silken ebony tumbled down her back before she grimaced at the tears in her clothes. She shouldn't waste magic... but being near naked didn't help either. A soft blue light spread from her fingertips and the clothing mended slowly. Not that it was any thicker or warmer than before.

Finally turning her head to look down at him, she smiled a little and scooted closer for his warmth. Gently pulling off the arm bands and bracelets, she dropped it all in a pile off to their side. She'd sell them for clothes and food.. but if anyone was caught with it... Sebastian would brutally murder them. "I know you will... but please don't feel like you have to. We both know there are places where others won't let me follow you..."

[alec_lightwood]

When Magnus looked away, Alec curled protectively around her, offering what strength he could. He might not know what the decision might cost her, but he knew how hard it must have been to put herself in danger for him. Sebastian was terrifying and she'd still stood up for Alec, defending him when Alec had begun to lose hope that anyone would help him.

"You did more than one right thing. You healed me." It might not seem like much, but her visits had kept him sane after he'd realized Magnus didn't want to hurt him. "I probably would've died if you hadn't kept healing me."

Considering the idea of who had taken her in, he started rubbing her back again, trying to ease her fears. Jace had been lucky that he'd been sent to live with Alec's family but Magnus hadn't had that reprieve. "It's not your fault that he took you in. He convinced lots of people he was right. My parents fell for it too."

His eyes widened slightly as he watched her mend her clothing. It shouldn't have surprised him that she could do such things. Magnus had healed him, but it still seemed strange to him that she could fix something that wasn't alive.

He could help reaching out to touch one of the tears that had magically mended, almost expecting it to be a glamour. "You saved me. But even if you hadn't, I would feel that I have to protect you." The idea that there were places that she couldn't go made him pause, considering the dangers she might be in... and that there were some in the Clave that didn't believe that Alec belonged either. "You're not the only one they disapprove of, Magnus. I'm not exactly the ideal Shadowhunter."

[magna_bane]

Glittering gold eyes lifted to him and she smiled just a little. "I hated seeing you in pain. I hated him hurting you. Where I couldn't stop him... I stopped anyone else." She tipped her head a little and turned her body to face him. "I wouldn't have let you die..." Just like she wouldn't let Sebastian violate him.

Her brow furrowed a bit more as his hand moved over her back. "I didn't know there was any other way." It wasn't a matter of convincing. It was a matter of what was. "My mother killed herself and my father tried to kill me. He was the one that picked up a cursed child and took it home with him. I owed him for that. I just didn't realize his son would be an abomination."

Sighing softly, she paused when he touched the material. "Did you need me to fix your clothes?" Slowly lowering back down next to him, she scooted close to leech off of his body heat.

"Why do you feel like you need to protect me? I can cause immense natural disasters and raze an entire city. The first I didn't do on purpose and the second I never tried, so you know. But regardless... I just want to know..." It made her smile and feel young again. Pressing a hand softly to his chest, she let the soft blue light ripple over his clothes and mended the fabric as best she could. "You're the most angelic nephilim I have ever had to pleasure of meeting..."

[alec_lightwood]

"You stopped him when it mattered." He didn't have any illusions of what Sebastian might have done if Magnus hadn't stopped him. There probably wouldn't have been enough of him left for Magnus to heal if Sebastian hadn't been stopped. His rage over Alec being Jace's parabatai would have driven him to eventually killing him. "Thank you for protect me from all of them."

"You're not cursed." Having magic didn't make someone a monster. There was more to it than that. The choices a person made were just as important. "You were loyal to someone who was your family. You can't be blamed for what either one of them did and you did the right thing when you had to."

The others might not see it that way, but Alec knew that Magnus wasn't evil. If she was, she would have tormented him while he was helpless or enjoyed watching Sebastian torture him.

Glancing down at his tattered shirt, he began to protest that she didn't need to waste her energy on him, but she began fixing his clothes before he could speak. Magic tingled along his skin, slightly unnerving, but not painful.

Part of him went still when she described her abilities and he couldn't help wondering what he could do to help her once she was rested. Then, he shook off his doubts. He'd had the same thoughts when he'd become Jace's parabatai but he'd still managed to be useful. Alec could watch her back and protect her like he did Jace.

"Sebastian isn't going to happy about what you did. He's going to come after us both. I might not be the best Shadowhunter, but I can help protect you." He knew that was true... He wasn't the best. So her compliment made him flush slightly. "I'm not angelic. And there are some who don't believe I should be a nephilim. But I'm glad we met."

[magna_bane]

"If I had to do it again, I'd likely get you out sooner. But I don't regret the decision to help you." Snuggling in closer to him, she tucked her head down to rest her forehead against his shoulder. The mess of raven hair would have to be fixed later. Maybe she'd just cut it all off? It was an option.

Closing her eyes, she made a soft nervous sound. "One good thing has come out of this awful mess." The words were soft. But after years of wondering why she existed, her thoughts led her down the path of thinking it was to keep him safe. To save him. He had a purpose and those that loved him dearly. That's what counted. She did the right thing.

When she finished mending his clothes, she let her body relax again. Where it didn't take much energy to do that, she wasn't at top power to begin with. But at least they'd both be completely clothed now. That counted for something when you were on the run.

"I won't let him hurt you. Not again." Voice quiet, she finally lifted her head to meet his eyes. "And I know you will keep me safe as well." A small smile pulled at her lips. "We'll watch where the other can't see." Warlocks couldn't be anyone's parabatai, but she could still keep watch over him.

"I've met many nephilim... none have stirred my heart as you have."

[alec_lightwood]

At that sound, his arms tighten around her, trying to protect her, but not knowing what might be scaring her. It made him wonder what the 'good thing' might be that she was focusing on. "What's that, Magnus?"

It was silly, but having his clothes looking mostly like they had when he'd been captured was reassuring in some way. It helped make their situation seem normal. Giving her a soft smile, he shifted so they both could be comfortable. "We'll have to find you clothes tomorrow. Something warm and not so conspicuous."

She'd still be noticeable but not so much as she would be in her silk and jewelry. "And some food." Right now he wasn't hungry, but Alec knew that in the morning, he'd be starving after being healed so quickly. Magnus would probably feel the same way after using that much energy.

Her words reminded him of Jace and he had the feeling that if she did stay with him, then they would eventually be bound together even if there was no rune to connect them. "That's what I'm good at. I watch and protect those who are important to me." His family and now Magnus.

Looking into her eyes, Alec wondered what she saw in him. She'd given up everything she knew and broken an oath for him. "I don't know why I'm the one that would be different but I'm glad that you don't regret what you did."

[magna_bane]

Tipping her head up, she turned over her words carefully in her mind before she finally smiled. One hand rose and she gently traced his face with the tips of her fingers. "I made sure that you are still alive and in this world. And that is a wonderful thing."

Snuggling deeper into him, she let her hand fall away to just rest against his chest. She started to purr so very softly there against his chest before smiling just a bit. "I can try to change the shape of the head band so he can't trace it to me... and we can get money." She didn't want to leave a trail of ruin in their haste to run away. "Something warmer would be nice..." Even if heavy clothes bothered here now.

"Mm.. now you'll have someone watching over you. I'd say it's about time." It made her feel happy. Useful. Even important. The realization that they needed each other was... rather nice.

Holding his gaze, the purr deepened just a little and became more audible. "I don't either... but I'm glad it's you."

[alec_lightwood]

It seemed strange that he could mean so much to her. She had barely known him before she'd saved him. Technically, Magnus still knew little about him. But for some reason she had thought he was special and deserved to be saved. He was grateful for that but it still surprised him that he could be so important to someone that wasn't a member of his family.

But even before she had rescued him, he would have helped her escape if she had wanted to be free of Sebastian. He would have helped anyone who wanted to get away from the madman, but there was also something special about Magnus. She might not see that but he believed that she wasn't truly evil and she deserved a chance with people who wouldn't abuse her. "And it's a wonderful thing that you're alive too. You deserve to be free of him."

For a moment, he wondered what that strange noise was, then slowly realized that her catlike eyes weren't the only part of her that reminded him of felines. Magnus could purr. The sound caused him to smile as he brushed his fingers through her hair, starting to untangle it like she had for him. As he worked at some of the tangles, he considered the jewelry she had taken off and the idea of selling it. "It'd be better if we buried it. No matter what we do to it, he'll still be able to track it."

Sebastian still might be able to. The thought caused his stomach to drop and a chill to slide down his spine. "Does he have spells on any of it that would allow him to find us?" If it did, then they had to get away even if they were both tired.

But they'd have each other... something that Alec hadn't expected. The idea of someone who wasn't family wanting to protect him was strange, but it was something that gave him hope he needed after what Sebastian had done to him.

As the purr intensified, he snuggled her more, amazed at how much she sounded like a cat. "And I'm glad it's you that saved me. I'll help you find somewhere safe."

[magna_bane]

Part of her waited for the punchline. The notion that her magic made her useful and necessary in a war. But none came. Alec said it simply. He said it like her life actually mattered and not the magic that coursed through her blood. Her heart sped up and the purring became a soft rumble in her chest. "I hope that I will be someday." Running from Sebastian didn't mean he'd give her up. Not that easily.

But the concern melted away like ice under the heat of the sun as Alec worked through her hair. Eyes closed and tipping her head into his hands, she shamelessly purred and moved into his touch. No one had ever been so gentle with her. Not since so long ago with her mother before the magic made itself known and her eyes changed. "Hm?" It took a moment to even realize what he was saying. "Oh.."

Re-focusing her mind, she gathered her scattered and melted thoughts. "Well.. I don't sense any magic on them. I am one of the best warlocks in the land... None could put a spell on them that I wouldn't notice. And if he marked them, I could destroy that by remaking them so any mark would be destroyed. But you're right... I don't want him to track us... or get anyone killed. Not over me."

Lifting golden eyes to him, she smiled at him with a warmth she'd never bestowed on anyone. "We'll figure it out... I'm all right with burying them. I have no emotional attachments to anything I own." Or to anything in life for that matter. Though... she had a feeling that was changing.

Melting further into his arms, she slowly wrapped her arms about him. "I know you will." Because Alec was honorable and kind. Beautifully noble like none she'd ever seen or met in her life. "When did you want to try to move on?"