Magnus, remember what happened the last time you tried to tango. Your shoe flew off and nearly killed someone.””It was a metaphor. He’s a Shadowhunter, he’s a Lightwood, and he’s into blonds. He’s a dating...

He knew Alec enough by now to know the conflicting impulses that warred in him. He was conscientious, the kind of person who believed that the others around him were so much more important than...

But Magnus, he thought. You never told me. Never warned me it would be like this, that I would wake up one day and realize that I was going somewhere you couldn’t follow. That we...

I hate it when straight guys think all gay guys are attracted to them. I’m not attracted to every guy any more than you’re attracted to every girl.

I’ve noticed the Fair Folk often say ‘perhaps’ when there is a truth they want to hide,” Clary said. “It keeps you from having to give a straight answer.””Perhaps so,” said the Queen with an...

The Clave would let you do anything you wanted. Look, everyone loves you.” He gestured out at the room full of Shadowhunters. They were all cheering as Robert spoke, some of them wiping away tears....

Are we ever going to get any coffee?” he said aloud, interrupting Alec midsentence. Alec subsided, his energy fading.

Magnus sighed. “Alexander, I’ve been alive for hundreds of years. I’ve been with men, been with women – with faeries and warlocks and vampires, and even a djinn or two.” He looked sideways at Maryse,...

Maryse: I am fighting for a better world for myself and my son.Magnus: I have no interest in the world you want or in your doubteless repellent brat, I might add.

And take my strength too. Whatever of it you can use to— to keep yourself going.

Alec flushed. “I think it’s more important for you to go than me. You’re Valentine’s son, I’m sure you’re the one the Queen really wants to see. Besides, you’re charming.”Jace glared at him.”Maybe not at...

It was a little sexy, Simon said. He felt much better, having fed, and couldn’t help but poke at Alec a bit. It wasn’t, said Alec. I had some feelings, said Simon.

It’s a girl,” Jace said, recovering his composure. “Surely you’ve seen girls before, Alec. Your sister Isabelle is one.

Demons don’t understand human hearts, not well. They see through a distorted glass and show you what you desire, but warped and wrong. Use that wrongness to push yourself out of the dream. Life is...

There she is.” Alec spotted his sister and waved her over, looking relieved. “Over here. And watch out for the phouka.””Watch out for the phouka?” Jace repeated, glancing toward a thin brown-skinned man in a...

Alexander!

Magnus gave Alec a sidelong look as they climbed the rickety stairs. Alec caught the glance, and his breathing quickened; his blue eyes were bright. Alec bit his lower lip, and Magnus stopped walking. It...

It—It’s my bedroom!” Alec spluttered. He seemed to be deliberately trying not to look at Izzy and Simon, who were indeed in a very compromising position.

You have to stop playing hard to get, Alexander. It makes things difficult.” He grinned.

You know what? Don’t explain. Just—put your clothes on, both of you.

You’re a Shadowhunter,” he said. “You know how to deal with injuries.” He slid his stele across the table toward her. “Use it.””No,” Clary said, and pushed the stele back across the table at him.Jace...

Magnus raised his head and looked up and over at Alec; it was a look that made Clary flush and glance away. There was so much love in it, mixed with exasperation and pride and...

Alec dragged the heavy canvas bag out of the back of the van, dropping it on the sidewalk. “Ready to go.” He announced. “Lets kick some demon butt!”Jace looked at him a little oddly. “You...

I just don’t see why the past has to matter.

Just ask Clary.

It’s me. I mean, Alec. Alec Lightwood.”There was a sort of silence, as if even the hallway itself were surprised. Then a ping, and the second door opened, letting him out onto the stairwell. He...

You dated a vampire? A girl vampire?” (Simon)”It was a hundred and thirty years ago,” (Magnus)”I haven’t seen her since.” (Magnus)”Why didn’t you tell me?” (Alec)”Alexander, I’ve been alive for hundred of years. I’ve been...

Wear that scarf,” he said, pointing to a blue cashmere scarf hanging on a peg. “It matches your eyes.”Alec looked at it. Suddenly he was filled with hate – for the scarf, for Magnus, and...

I get the feeling,” Alec said, and smiled, “she hasn’t forgiven me for betraying you, as she sees it.””Good girl,” said Jace with appreciation.”I didn’t betray you, idiot.””It’s the thought that counts.

And so what? I just killed a demon in my own house, and you’re going to be a dickhead about it because I’m not some spoiled-rotten rich brat like you and your sister?” Alec looked...

Maybe Alexander Lightwood would not break his heart.

We have a name,” said Jace. “Magnes B-“”Shut up.” Alec hissed, thwacking Jace with his closed menu. Jace looked injured.”Jesus,” he rubbed his arm. “What’s your problem?

Isabelle drifted over, Jace a pace behind her. She was wearing a long black dress with boots and an even longer cutaway coat of soft green velvet, the color of moss. “I can’t believe you...

Sorry. Are we twelve now? I don’t recall saying anything to Isabelle . . .

Once he asked me what I thought had turned me gay.””I hope you told him you were bitten by a gay spider,” said Simon.

Magnus reached for Alec, but instead of rising to his feet, he pulled Alec against him, his hand sliding up Alec’s back to knot in his hair. Magnus pulled Alec down and against him, and...

They always have to have the last word.

Because I am not your bitch,” Alec said, clearly pleased with himself.

Come on,” he said. “Let’s get back to Alec before he decides Isabelle and Simon are having sex off in the caves and starts freaking out.

He remembered Tessa weeping in his arms in Paris, and thinking that he had never known the loss she felt, because he had never loved like she had, and that he was afraid that someday...

You have something on your neck,” he observed.Alec’s hand flew to his throat. “What?””Looks like a bite mark,” said Jace. “What have you been doing all day, anyway?””Nothing.” Beet red, his hand still clamped to...