Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“There are so many ways to be brave in this world. Sometimes bravery involves laying down your life for something bigger than yourself, or for someone else. Sometimes it involves giving up everything you have ever known, or everyone you have ever loved, for the sake of something greater." ~ Veronica Roth, Allegiant

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"If I don't get to say it tomorrow, Happy Birthday, Magnus,” Alec said, with a slight tremor in his voice. “Your friendship has meant more to me than you can possibly know."

Magnus frowned at Alec's seemingly random comment and rolled over on his side so he could face his best friend. 

They'd come outside hours ago to catch a few quiet moments before the chaos that would be Magnus' 25th birthday celebrations the following day. Stargazing had always been their thing and even though they were far older than the young boys they had once been, that much had never changed. When the pressures of the kingdom got to Magnus, or when melancholy weighed Alec down, they would escape out of the palace and come over to a small clearing by the river, their private little haven where the two of them could forget about the world and just be. 

"What do you mean?" Magnus asked lightly. "You'll be there tomorrow. Where else would you be if not by my side?"

There was a brief, unreadable flicker on Alec's face before it was replaced by that gentle smile Magnus knew so well. "I only meant that we have no idea what tomorrow could bring. And I wanted to make sure you did know just in case something did happen," Alec said, and something in his tone bothered Magnus, but he chalked it up to exhaustion.

"Well, I appreciate you, more than I can put into words. There were times I needed a friend more than anything in the world. Being a prince isn't easy but you've always been there," Magnus replied softly, reaching out to brush a stray lock from Alec's face. "You mean the world to me, Alexander"

Alec closed his eyes, as if relishing the sound of his name from Magnus’s lips. He memorized the sensation of Magnus’s gentle fingers brushing over his forehead. Time was slipping like water from his hands and Alec would be damned if he forgot this moment. If only he could freeze time, Alec thought idly, as his eyes roved hungrily over Magnus’s beautiful face, taking in every detail.

He opened his mouth to reply to Magnus but the church bells began to toll the midnight hour. Alec swallowed and sighed before he pushed himself to his feet and held a hand out to Magnus. "Come on, we better get inside before your father sends someone for us. After all, you've got a big day tomorrow, birthday boy."

"Ugh," Magnus groaned dramatically as he let Alec pull him off the ground. "Don't get me wrong, I love parties, but I like them on my terms, not all the pomp and circumstance."

"You'll be fine, you always are. You'll get there and Raphael, Catarina, and Ragnor will be waiting with a drink in hand for you and ready to keep you from saying something you shouldn't to a foreign dignitary," Alec said as he threw the blanket they'd been laying on over his shoulder and placed a hand on the Prince's lower back to guide them back into the palace.

Alec wanted to imagine himself at Magnus’ side tomorrow - laughing and joking as they had every year before. He wanted to imagine the stolen moments away from curious eyes or people vying for the prince’s attention but to do so would be to give himself hope that he knew was fruitless.

At this time of night, the castle was quiet - no doubt any staff members outside the guards who were currently awake were hard at work preparing for tomorrow's event.  There were banners to hang, flowers to arrange, and stages to be set. Alec knew that Asmodeus would spare no expense to make his son’s coming-of-age party something the kingdom would remember.

"I still haven't figured out what I'm going to wear," Magnus groaned as they made their way through familiar halls. "What if I pick the wrong thing and I'm the laughing stock in all the royal gossip for the foreseeable future?"

"You know that's not going to happen. You'll be dazzling in whatever you choose," Alec replied as he tipped his head in acknowledgment to the guard standing outside the royal wing. “What about that navy and gold jacket that you wore to the Moonlight Festival last year? Pair that with those pants you picked up during your trip to Alicante a few months ago and those gold and opal necklaces that Catarina got you for your birthday last year. You’ll look like a shooting star and you’ll be the envy of every royal in attendance.”

“Now that’s an idea,” Magnus replied with a hum, tapping a finger on his chin as they arrived at his room. “I think that’s precisely what I’ll wear. I don’t know why I haven’t paired those pieces together before. Oh, Alexander, whatever would I do without you?”

Those words sent a pang of pain through Alec’s heart knowing what tomorrow would bring. He and Magnus hadn’t been apart since they were young children but starting after tonight, Magus would have to learn how to live without his best friend by his side…well, in a way. 

He forced a small smile to his face and considered placing a gentle kiss on the prince’s cheek knowing that this would be his last opportunity to do so. He wasn’t sure how Magnus felt about him, if there was ever something more there than simply being friends since childhood, but for Alec… for Alec it was different. 

As a boy of twelve, Alec had scoffed at romantic notions of love and happily ever afters. He’d had a crush on Magnus since he was thirteen, knowing that he could never do anything about it because once the prince turned twenty-five, Alec’s life, as he knew it, would be over. 

That day was tomorrow and this was Alec’s final goodbye - even if his best friend, the man he loved with all his heart, didn’t even realize. 

“You’d find a way, I’m sure,” Alec replied softly, pushing the longing to just have this one moment, this one kiss, this one thing for him, out of his mind. He would only end up confusing Magnus, and the other man had far too much on his mind to have to deal with Alec and his feelings. He had been keeping his love for Magnus under wraps for more than a decade at this point, surely he could continue to do the same for a few more hours? Even this heartache was beautiful, because it was a reminder to Alec that he still had a heart, for now.

“Get some sleep, my prince, you have a big day tomorrow. Who knows what the future has in store for you?” 

For the both of us , Alec thought inwardly.

Magnus let out a sigh and pulled Alec into a hug, who e froze as the prince embraced him tightly. Alec tried to not be too obvious as he breathed Magnus in, taking in the man’s familiar, comforting scent, one last time. The familiar, comforting whiff of sandalwood, coupled with something distinct Magnus, was like oxygen to Alec, and he desperately took it in, hoping it would tide him over for the rest of his days.

 “I’ll see you tomorrow then?,” Magnus asked, beautiful golden eyes locking with Alec’s, stealing his breath away, “Bright and early as usual?”

No, you won’t and I’m so, so sorry, Alec thought to himself as he once again wrapped his arms around Magnus and rested his forehead on top of Magnus’ head. 

“Only wild horses,” Or your father and an age-old Bane family ritual, “ could keep me away.” 

Maybe in another world, the two of them would have ended up together. Two people in love, content in gazing at the stars, spending a life together wrapped in each other, no chains of duty and obligation dragging them around, stripping them of their free will. 

Were it up to him, Alec would have happily signed up for a life by Magnus’s side. In a twisted way, it would still happen, although not in the way Alec wanted or hoped for. 

Magnus gave him one final squeeze before letting go and slipping silently into his room, leaving Alec alone in the hallway save for the one guard at the end of the hall. 

He took a few moments to compose himself, pushing all his sorrow and pain to the back of his mind, before heading back through the twisting corridors to his own room. The ritual might be for Magnus but Alec still had the biggest part to play. He was, afterall, the one who would be going through it. The sacrificial lamb brought up for slaughter , Alec thought darkly.

He let himself into his room and closed the door behind him with a sigh, leaning against it and taking a moment to get himself together. He’d known this day was coming and yet…a part of him still held out hope that the king would change his mind and let him stay by Magnus’ side exactly as he was now. 

He had naively hoped that his loyalty would be apparent, that it was clear as day that Alec would protect Magnus until his dying breath. He had hoped to be the exception.

It was evident now that wasn’t the case. Alec’s love for Magnus couldn’t hope to undo centuries-old tradition followed by the House of Bane. It was childish to hope that it would. As a king, Asmodeus was shrewd and unyielding, and it was likely that the depth of Alec’s love and regard for Magnus had not escaped his notice. But rather than prevent him from going through with this ritual, this knowledge had seemed to make Asmodeus even more resolute in performing it. 

Truly loyal beasts were hard to come by, he had heard Asmodeus mention in passing. Alec remembered a chill passing through his spine upon hearing those words. That was the day his hope had started waning.

He forced himself to walk across the room, each movement feeling like he was wading through tar. There were still preparations to be made and it was only a matter of time before Asmodeus came to find him so they could get everything started.

Looking around, Alec took in the place that he had called home ever since he was a little boy. Memory upon memory flooded through his mind, of Magnus throwing a rock at his window in the early dawn to run through the forest, of Magnus and him playing endless rounds of chess in the night with a small lantern glowing in the corner. Of Magnus sneaking into Alec’s room demanding he read to him, and Alec softly reading his prince to sleep, carefully watching the exact moment his eyelids fluttered close as sleep took over.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Alec started to pack up his meager belongings into the trunks that had arrived this morning - trying not to shed a tear as he packed away the little gifts that Magnus had given him throughout the years - like the puzzle box that he’d received from the prince for his birthday two years ago and the ring that he’d found waiting for him one morning to go with his own outfit for the Moonlight festival last winter. 

He’d have no need for human items after the ritual was complete tomorrow, after all, because he would no longer be human. 

He continued to pack away in a steady and meticulous manner until a knock sounded on his door, right as he was folding the last few of his cloaks into the final chest. He took a deep breath and turned toward the sound as the King let himself into the room. Asmodeus paused and glanced around the now barren space before turning his attention back to Alec. “I see you’ve finished cleaning up here. Just in time - the priests are ready for you downstairs. I assume that Magnus still is not aware of what will occur tomorrow?”

Sometimes, Alec wondered if this man truly was Magnus’s father. Cold and detached, he was nothing like his son. Even now, his tone was devoid of emotion, of the slightest specks of empathy. He spoke to Alec like he was disposable, no more valuable than a piece of furniture, a tool with a very specific function.

“No, Sir. He knows there will be a ritual but not what will be taking place. I kept the secret as requested,” Alec answered quietly, trying not to think about what Magnus’ reaction would be when Asmodeus finally shared the Bane Family tradition that occurred when a child came of age at twenty-five. Would Magnus have fought for Alec had he known, Alec wondered.

Of course he would have , Alec told himself firmly, despite his insecurities screaming otherwise.

“Good, come along. We have much to do before sunrise,” Asmodeus answered, turning toward the door and continuing down the hall knowing that Alec had no choice but to follow. That was Alec’s job going forward, was it not? To follow the master around like a good little pet.

When they reached the baths, there were three men in white robes waiting for them - two holding bowls of paint while the third had an ornamental dagger. The man with the knife tipped his head slightly in Alec’s direction. “Come forth, Alexander Lightwood, and let us begin the cleansing.”

The final flicker of hope in Alec’s mind extinguished itself as Alec crossed the room as ordered. There would be no turning back now. 

Alec had been raised knowing that this was his destiny. While Magnus had been in his princely studies, he’d been pulled aside as both tutors and priests alike drilled into him about his future duty in addition to each and every step of the ritual that he was about to take part in. 

Alec could recite the process both backward and forward. The priests' instructions were more for tradition than they were a necessity. 

The man with the knife raised it as the two others began to chant in a long-dead language that Alec couldn’t understand. He held his breath as the first slash of the knife cut through the fabric of his shirt like paper. Two more cuts had the fabric falling in pieces to the ground. The chanting continued as the priest cut away Alec’s pants until he was standing nude in front of them.

“Into the water. We will now begin your purification.”

Alec stepped slowly into the water, thankful for the small miracle that they’d at least heated the bath. He kept his back to the room and tried not to jump as the first bucket of water was poured over his head. The chanting continued - this time deeper and more melodic. Alec remained frozen in place as bucket after bucket was poured over his head. At last, the flooding came to a stop and a pair of hands pulled him from the bath back onto the tile floor as cloth was wrapped around him to begin to dry him off.

Once they were satisfied that their hard work wouldn’t just drip away, the two men holding the pots stepped closer. The knife was exchanged for a brush and the priest went to work. Alec remained still as the first symbol was painted on his chest. He didn’t need to glance down to know which one it was - he’d studied the symbols and their individual meanings - time and time again. Strength, Honor, Integrity, Justice, and on and on - all traits that they wanted him to carry with him through tomorrow’s ritual. The act felt like it took ages and by the time the priest was satisfied with his work, Alec’s muscles were trembling with exhaustion.

“It is done,” the man said, stepping back to admire his work as he handed the brush to one of the others and accepted a piece of cloth. “Please dress and we will lead you to the coliseum. You will spend the next few hours reflecting.”

Alec slipped the offered chiton on, wishing that he could have worn his own clothes but knowing it was pointless. What use would his favorite shirts be when they would only be torn to shreds later anyway? Finally, he turned his attention back to the priest and froze at what he saw.

In the man’s hand was a single vial made of dappled glass and filled with a liquid of the deepest crimson. Despite all of Alec’s studies, he was not prepared for the actual sight of the potion that would change the course of his life. 

“At dawn, the crowds will gather and the King and Prince will take their place on the dais. You will take the potion when instructed. May Raziel have mercy on you and may your transformation bring honor to the young prince, and the kingdom that he would inevitably defend”

There was nothing more to be said and Alec could only follow as the small procession took him to the gate that would lead into the arena. The priest took out an old iron key and unlocked the door, ushering him inside without another word. He heard the door slam shut behind him and the lock turn. He waited until the footsteps echoing down the hallway could no longer be heard before he let out his breath and took a look around. 

He’d been led into a small room at the edge of the arena - no doubt to have some manner of comfort before tomorrow’s event though the mere idea of comfort was laughable. There was no bed but he wasn’t meant to sleep anyway. Reflect , the priest had said. Pray, Alec added to himself mentally. 

Pray that the transformation he was about to go through wasn’t too painful. Pray that he would become something that made Magnus proud. Pray that Magnus wasn’t too angry at him for keeping his family’s greatest secret all these years and pray that there was still something left of him at the end of all this.

Pray that Magnus would still look at the beast as he used to look at Alec- tenderly and lovingly. Alec would pray for Magnus to become the greatest king the world had ever seen, and he hoped to defend him, if not as his partner, then as his loyal pet.

There were still hours left before the sun would rise and Alec took one last glance around the room, his eyes falling on a wooden bench and a single flickering candle that was no doubt supposed to last him until morning. 

He took a seat and placed the vial of potion as far away from him as he could manage. Now, all he could do was wait.

Chapter Text

Magnus woke when the curtains of his bedroom were thrown open, flooding the space with unbearable bright light. He groaned and flipped his pillow so that it was covering his eyes. “Alec, why? Can’t you give me five more minutes? It’s my birthday. I should be allowed to sleep in.”

“And that’s exactly why you have to get up, Birthday Boy,” a voice that most certainly didn’t belong to Alec replied playfully. “You’ve got a ceremony to get to and you know that your father doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

The fact that Catarina was the one trying to drag him out of bed instead of Alec (who normally had the unfortunate task of dealing with him first thing in the morning) had Magnus shooting out of bed. “Why are you here? Where is Alexander?”

She rolled her eyes. “Why thanks, Magnus. It’s good to see you too.”

He sighed but he knew her well enough to know that she truly wasn’t upset. “Good morning, Catarina. It’s always a pleasure to see you, though I must admit I’m a bit perplexed as to why you are here and not Alexander. I was under the impression that you would never be caught dead in my bedroom at this hour after the unfortunate incident with the twins and their court jester.”

“Please don’t remind me,” she replied. “It’s been three years and I still have nightmares about what I saw.”

“You still haven’t answered my question, my dear. Where is Alexander this morning?”

A knock sounded at the door and she opened it to a servant with a tray. “Thank you,” she said kindly to the woman, taking it from her and placing it on Magnus’ bedside table. “Your boy asked me yesterday if I could make sure that you made it to the ceremony as he wouldn’t be able to do it himself.” There was a beat before a grin spread across her face. “I think he’s got something big planned for you. Something special.”

Magnus felt a blush rise to his cheeks at her insinuation - things weren’t like that between him and his oldest friend, but that didn’t mean that Magnus wanted that to be the case. Despite his best attempts over the years to take their relationship one step further, Alec seemed to be blind to his advances — gently pushing him away with comments about duty and status. “There’s nothing going on between me and Alec,” Magnus protested, popping a couple of grapes from the tray into his mouth. “Besides, it’s not like my father would approve if there was. Alec’s not royalty… there’s no political gain for him if the two of us hook up.”

“And when has that ever stopped you before?” Catarina asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. “Do you really want me to run through the list? And don’t talk with your mouth full, we have guests and the last thing that you want today is for your father to think you’re being rude.”

“Alas,” he replied with a dramatic sigh, pushing himself out of bed and wrapping a sheet around himself as he did. Catarina had seen his naked ass far too many times and wouldn’t let him hear the end of it if she had to do it again. “Those were merely flings; Alexander means far more to me than a simple night in bed — not that I don’t appreciate your presence, but I do wish he were here this morning.”

“I know you do, but trust in Alec and whatever surprise he has planned for you. Now, your bath has already been drawn; go and clean up while I lay your clothes out. What did you plan on wearing today? With something this big, I imagine you’ve probably already picked out the perfect outfit and accessories.”

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The ceremony was set to start as soon as the sun disappeared behind the mountains, but that didn’t mean that he was able to sit around twiddling his thumbs while he waited for it to begin. Other royal families had arrived over the last few days to witness his coming-of-age ceremony, and his father’s council had been in non-stop meetings for the last week trying to sign treaties and trade agreements while they were all under one roof. Today alone, he had sat through two trade talks and one horribly frustrating lunch with a couple of princesses who were hoping to catch his eye. They had kept him so busy that he had nearly forgotten about the ceremony altogether until his father had appeared. “It is time, my son.”

Magnus’ heart began to thump quickly in his chest. He had no idea what to expect of the ceremony — only his father and his advisors knew what was about to happen. He had some vague ideas, of course, based on what little his father had told him of his own coming-of-age ceremony and what he’d been able to find in the few relevant books in the library. He’d get his companion today — the legendary creature that would stand by his side and become a symbol of his rule.

He couldn’t help but glance at Shadow — the massive black wolf who had stood by his father’s side before Magnus had even been born — and then to the banners hanging from the rafters that represented his ancestors; Dragons, gryphons, stags, lions… what creature had his father chosen for him? What had he sent the palace hunters out to search for and retrieve? What would the creature say about the kind of king Magnus was meant to be?

His eyes fell to the door where his friends were waiting patiently for him to take his place on the dais. There was one face missing — one that he knew he’d need by his side for whatever was about to come. “Where’s Alexander?” He asked as his father led him towards the door. “I can’t do this without Alec. I won’t.”

Asmodeus rolled his eyes and tightened his grip on Magnus’ arm. “Alec has his own part to play in the ceremony. Come now, Magnus, don’t dawdle. He will meet us inside.”

The spectators were already waiting as Asmodeus and the prince stepped onto the platform. He heard Ragnor, Catarina and Raphael take their places behind them and Magnus tried to calm his nerves, his eyes scanning the room to look for any hint of his best friend.

“Friends, and fellow monarchs, I thank you for joining us today on the day of my son’s twenty-fifth birthday. By witnessing today’s ceremony, you are seeing a legendary part of history that few experience. Today, like his ancestors before him, Magnus will learn what kind of leader he will be. Today, he’ll meet his Guardian. Shadow has been my loyal partner since I was Magnus’ age and it is my hope that his beast will do the same for him.”

His father paused, turning to him with an unreadable expression. “Loyalty is the most important trait that a Guardian can have. Your beast is the one to stand by your side day in and day out. He will see your greatest moments and your lowest points. In the thick of war, he will protect you with unfaltering bravery. When you marry and have your own children, your Guardian will be there for them as well until it comes time for them to take part in their own ceremony. But how do you teach a wild creature that degree of loyalty when it has never known the meaning of the word?”

He turned back to address the crowd and Magnus could tell the feeling in the room had changed. The spectators were silent, hanging on every single one of Asmodeus’ words. “The answer to that question is that you can’t. A truly wild beast will show that kind of loyalty to no one but himself and that is why, to have a truly perfect Guardian, we must take something truly loyal and twist it.”

The pit formed in Magnus’ stomach as he watched the gate in the area below open and instead of some creature being led through the doors, it was his Alec who stepped in alone.

“No,” Magnus whispered, trying to move toward the stairs that would lead into the arena so that he could get to his best friend. “No!” He yelled louder, as two of his father’s guards grabbed his arms to pull him back. “Alec!”

His father narrowed his eyes and Magnus could tell that he wasn’t pleased by his behavior, but he didn’t care. Alec was down there and something was about to happen and Magnus knew that he needed to stop it or he’d lose Alec all together. “Alec has been raised alongside you to become your Guardian. Who is more loyal than the very person who was raised by your side? He has spent every day getting to know the kind of man you are. Becoming a Guardian is a great honor, Magnus, and it is one that he has known was coming. He is giving his humanity for your future, and for that you should thank him.”

Magnus continued to fight, desperate to get down below and take Alec in his arms. Whatever transformation his father had planned didn’t matter and he did not want to live in a world where Alec, this Alec, didn’t greet him in the morning. He’d rather fail his people, fail his country, or never be king than lose the man in front of him.

Because Alec wasn’t just Magnus’ best friend. Alec was the person he had fallen in love with, the one he hoped that he could spend the rest of his life together with.

Alec had his heart, his soul, and everything in between…and Alec didn’t deserve to lose his life to make Magnus a better king.

Tears were streaming down his face as he continued to fight to his father’s guards to get to his best friend. Alec was now standing in the center of the arena. He wasn’t dressed in what he’d been wearing the previous night nor was it anything that Magnus had ever seen him wear before. The simple white chiton didn’t suit Alec - he preferred dark colors and tougher fabrics. He looked lost and scared and Magnus wanted to pull him into a hug and never let him go.

Asmodeus stepped forward, turning his attention to the man below. “Thank you for your service. May your transformation be swift and your Guardian form strong.”

Magnus’ ears were ringing and the world around him fell silent. He continued to struggle to free himself from the guards’ grasp but his entire attention was focused on his best friend. Alec looked up at him with tears in his eyes and the slightest hint of a sad smile on his lips. He was looking at Magnus, like he was trying to take in every single detail out of fear of forgetting. He raised his hand and it was then that the little glass vial containing the red liquid became clear. He unplugged the stopper and raised it to his lips, pausing only long enough to mouth a final message to Magnus before he threw back the potion.

The world ended — or at least, to Magnus it felt like it did.

Alec’s face scrunched up in pain and he fell to his knees as the magic began to take effect. Magnus heard screams but he couldn’t tell if they were coming from himself or his best friend. He was begging his father to stop the transformation but even he knew that it was too late. Alec’s body broke - bones snapped and skin ripped over, and over, and over again. Blood started to stain the sand and a pool began to form as there was suddenly far too much liquid for the ground to absorb. The sight burned itself into Magnus’ mind and he knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was something that would haunt him for the rest of his days.

The person down in the arena no longer resembled anything human and certainly no longer looked like his Alexander. He could only watch the mess of bones, muscle, flesh, and blood. Magnus was transfixed; horrified at what he was seeing but unable to look away, knowing that if nothing else, Alec deserved his unwavering support during this time. He wasn’t sure how long the process lasted, time passed by and night fell but Magnus refused to move. Finally, everything went still and silent, and he felt his father’s hand on his shoulder. He hadn’t realized that at some point he’d fallen to his knees.

“A Manticore,” his father said finally, putting a name to the trembling lump of fur and leather down below. Slowly, the creature got to shaking feet and gave itself a shake. “Strong, deadly, a beacon of truth. It’s said that one isn’t able to lie when in the presence of a Manticore — a helpful skill for a ruler to have. You and your Guardian will bring honor to the Bane family. There hasn’t been a match this strong since your great, great Grandfather and his dragon. I only hope that I’m around to witness the king that you will become.”Magnus turned his attention to the crowd; even through teary eyes, Magnus could see that most of the spectators had dispersed. “Thank you all for attending the ceremony. Magnus and his Guardian will take some time to learn what their future will bring and will make their first official appearance at the Winter Celebration two weeks from now. Tonight, join me in the Great Hall for a feast!”

The crowd began to disperse and the guards finally released him, knowing that he was too shocked to move. His father took a step closer and looked down upon him with disdain. “Alec was chosen for this honor, Magnus; do not mourn the loss of your friend. Instead, celebrate new beginnings.” He turned his attention back to the arena where the Manticore, Alec, Magnus had to remind himself, was standing, looking up at them. His warm hazel eyes were now golden with slit pupils — it was so vastly different from the Alec that Magnus loved but, by some miracle, that expression - so full of adoration and stubborn determination — was so Alec that he knew without a doubt that there was something left of his best friend inside the mind of the beast.

“This is a new era of your life, Magnus. You’re officially an adult and the future king. We will begin crafting your throne and crown in the visage of your Guardian; they will be completed by the Winter Celebration. In the meantime, I would recommend that you come up with a name more befitting a Manticore. Alexander is not appropriate for a legendary beast that will be standing at the side of a king.”

Magnus didn’t bother replying — knowing that there were no words that he could say that would convey to his father the horrors of what had just occurred. Asmodeus, to his credit, said nothing further — choosing instead to grab a fistful of Shadow’s fur and gesture to his guards to follow him out of the room. He listened to their footsteps echo away, and only when they had finally disappeared did he let himself look more closely at the scene below.

The Manticore was stalking around the arena, clearly still trembling and exhausted from the events that had transpired. He flexed his wings a few times and then stumbled, trying to get used to the feeling of the new limbs. He turned his head, his mane still wet with his own blood and examined his tail and its venomous tip. When He continued to pace the arena, Magnus realized just how much blood was still staining the sands.

He wasn’t sure how long he sat there but it couldn’t have been long. His friends surrounded him and their presence was now the only light in this impossible darkness. “Oh, Magnus,” Catarina whispered, dropping to her knees by his side and pulling him into a hug. It was her voice that broke through his catatonic state. He felt tears stain his cheeks as he began to sob. No one spoke as she continued to hold him until the sun began to rise once more and Magnus had no more tears left to shed.

“Had I any inkling of what the ceremony entailed, I would have warned you sooner. None of the books in the library mention the process… I assume now that it’s something only the king is privy to,” Ragnor said simply, placing a hand on Magnus’ shoulder and giving it a squeeze. “We can document it ourselves to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone again if that’s what you want. We won’t let Alec’s sacrifice be for nothing -”

“No,” Magnus gritted out, pulling away from Catarina abruptly and pushing himself to his feet. “I refuse to leave Alec like that. Look at him.”

“Magnus -” Catarina tried.

“No, I mean it, really look at him. He’s not a beast, not the way my father thinks. He’s still Alec. I can see it in his eyes; if there’s even the slightest hope that he’s still my Alec, then I refuse to just accept what just happened. If a potion was able to transform him into a Manticore then there has got to be a way to change him back.”

“Your father won’t like that,” Ragnor replied, always the voice of reason. “It’s been your family tradition. It’s a sign of your family’s ability to rule.”

“Fuck my father and his opinion. What kind of leader sacrifices those who care for them the most just to make themselves look stronger? If that’s what it takes to be Edom’s king, then the Bane family rule ends here. I’d rather have Alec as Alec than the throne any day.”

Until now, Raphael had been silent. He wasn’t one to speak just to hear the sound of his own voice. He reached into his jacket and took out a small brown package wrapped in a blue ribbon and a simple envelope. “Alec came to me yesterday morning when I was starting my rounds and asked me to do him a favor. He said if anything were to happen to him between then and now to make sure this made its way to you. He said it was his birthday present for you and he wanted it with someone for safekeeping, just in case. I believed the request was rather ridiculous considering the two of you are joined at the hip but I acquiesced…now we understand why.”

He handed over the package and Magnus could only take it with trembling hands. He undid the ribbon first and gently opened the paper, letting out a quiet gasp at what he found inside. Surrounded by soft cotton, sparkling up at him was a blood ruby — a gem incredibly rare and nearly impossible to make. Magnus had heard of them before but he’d never seen one in person, not even the castle vaults had one nestled away somewhere. It was encased in gold, dangling from a delicate golden chain.

It was breathtakingly gorgeous.

He felt Catarina startle next to him. “How on earth did Alec get his hands on one of these?” She asked quietly.

“I suggest you open the letter,” Raphael said, stating what should have been obvious. Magnus ran his finger under the envelope, freeing the letter inside. It was Alec’s familiar scrawl and the same paper that Magnus knew that he kept by his bedside table. A few words were blurry and tear-stained and it was obvious that Alec had been crying while he’d been writing it. Magnus’ heart broke further.

Magnus -

I write this knowing tomorrow will be the last day I spend with you as we are now. I’m sure that as you read this the ceremony is over and the truth of our upbringing has been revealed. I’m truthfully sorry for my part in the deception. I never wanted to hurt you but I was sworn to secrecy since the day that I was old enough to understand what my part in your future rule would be.

I hope that even if we no longer have our stolen moments under the stars or the quiet commentary on the other members of your father’s court, you know just how much you mean to me. I don’t know how I will come out of this transformation - your father tells me it’s impossible to know just how the potion will affect me once it’s taken. Know that no matter what form I take, you will always hold my heart, Magnus Bane.

I wanted to give you your birthday gift in person but I knew what was in my future. As this will be the last time I can gift you a token of what you mean to me, I wanted to get you something special and I wanted to make sure this made it into your hands. I’m sure you're aware of what goes into making a blood ruby and how incredibly rare they are because of that. Whenever you wear it, know that I’m not only protecting you with my body as your Guardian, I am protecting you with my heart and soul as well.

I love you, Magnus. I love you more than life itself. Know that whatever the future may bring, I will be by your side through all of it. It is my honor to become your Guardian.

Yours forever,

Alec.

Chapter Text

Magnus read the letter to himself half a dozen times before he was finally able to tear his eyes away from the paper. “Alec loved me,” Magnus whispered, still holding the letter in shaking hands. “All this time… I thought maybe that he didn’t feel the same way about me.”

Catarina gently cupped his chin. “That boy loved you so much, he was able to craft a blood ruby. He wanted you, Magnus, we all could see it. He knew what was coming for him in the future… he didn’t want to hurt you anymore than he had to.”

He studied the ruby in his hands and tried to picture Alec pouring his blood, sweat, and tears into the magic gem in his final days. The only way to craft a blood ruby was a true, deep love. The spell to make the gem would have spoiled if Alec had felt anything less for Magnus; and now he was holding the very proof of Alec’s feelings with the pristine gem in the palm of his hand. Although the protections surrounding the gem were supposed to be untraceable, if he closed his eyes and really focused, Magnus was certain that he could feel the magic pouring off the stone.

As much as he wanted to keep a hold of the necklace, he knew that the safest place for it was close to his heart. He handed it over to Catarina without another word and she knew him well enough to understand what it was that he was asking. She took it from his hands and gently fastened it around his neck for him. Magnus’ hand instantly went to the gem and he held it tightly. It felt warm in his hand ― like Alec’s love was radiating from the stone was trying to get his attention.

“I love him,” Magnus said softly, turning his attention down to the arena where the Manticore continued to pace. “I love him so much. I can’t let this be the end. I need Alec ― and yes, he sacrificed himself for me and he’ll be there by my side in some fashion but…if a potion turned Alec into a Manticore then there has to be some sort of magic that can change him back. I can’t be the only one in the Bane family to want their friend rather than their Guardian. There has to be a way; I refuse to accept that there isn’t. I owe it to Alec… for everything he’s given me, I owe it to him to fix this.”

Ragnor’s hand came to Magnus’ shoulder and the older man gave it a squeeze. “Are you sure, Magnus? If it could be done, don’t you think one of your ancestors would have done it already? And even if it could be done, do you really want to put the boy through that transformation again? What would Alec want?”

Magnus had to stop himself for a minute; his mind was already starting to spiral with trying to come up with a plan to get the love of his life back. What would Alec want? Would he prefer to live the rest of his life as a monster? Or would he want a future where the two of them could possibly be together? He watched as the Manticore stared back at him, golden eyes slowly blinking at Magnus’ attention. The transformation had been gruesome, but Alec was strong and he loved Magnus ― and Magnus loved him just as much in return. He owed it to the other man to at least try; and if a solution could be found, and Alec had managed to retain even the slightest bit of his consciousness, maybe Magnus could give him a choice.

The Manticore made a confused chirping sound and, for the first time, Magnus realized that hours had passed since the initial ceremony ― he’d been too caught up in his own grief to realize that he had yet to check on Alec. He scrambled to his feet, startling Catarina in the process, and bolted down the stairs into the arena. Alec was surprised by his sudden appearance and seemed to become suddenly self-concious of his transformation. From the tip of his barbed tail to the whiskers on his face, every bit of him was trembling with fear. As Magnus tried to get closer, the Manticore backed up until he was pressed against the stone wall with his tail between his legs.

The sight broke Magnus’ heart.

Alec had been by his side nearly every single day of his life up to this point, Magnus knew him better than he knew anyone else. He could only imagine what was going through the Manticore’s mind (and, after seeing how Alec had reacted, Magnus was now more sure than ever that there was still something left of the man he loved). Alec’s claws retracted and he let out a plaintive mew as he looked at Magnus with wide, terrified eyes.

Instead of inching closer, Magnus dropped to his knees instead, trying to ignore the blood and sand and Lilith-knows-what else that was soaking through his pants. “Alexander, my Alec…it’s alright. I know you’re scared. I know you’re hurting and I wish more than anything that I could take that away, or that I could go back in time and prevent this from happening in the first place. I swear to you, I will go to the ends of the earth to find a way to free you from this curse, Alec,” he said softly, reaching a hand out but remaining still.

The Manticore mewed again and tried to shrink in on itself even further. “It’s alright, Alec,” Magnus continued, keeping his voice gentle and trying not to let his feelings bleed through. “I know everything is different… I know that it seems like you’ve changed. You have claws and fangs and wings and a tail…but you are still you, alright? I know that you’re worried because you aren’t used to your new form; you think you’re dangerous, but you could never hurt me.”

Minutes passed, but Magnus remained in place, giving Alec the time he needed to come to the same conclusion. His legs began to fall asleep, but he refused to move. Finally, the Manticore took one tentative step closer, and Magnus held his breath. His first step was followed by another until Alec stood close enough such that his breath ruffled Magnus’ hair as the creature towered over him. He continued to hold his hand out, waiting for the acknowledgement that the two of them were going to be okay. “Trust me, Alec. It will all be alright. I’ll find a way to get you back because… I need you. I love you. I never wanted this for you. Please just…trust me. Please.”

He squeezed his eyes shut as tears began to form, trying to calm himself before he broke down again. When he felt soft fur press into the palm of his hand, he felt himself relax and opened his eyes with a sad smile. “Thank you, Alexander. Thank you for trusting me.”

His friends had remained behind to give the two some space, but Ragnor finally joined them in the center, helping Magnus to his feet. “Come on, you two. I highly suggest we find you somewhere quieter, cleaner, and infinitely more comfortable.”

Wanting to keep the Manticore close, Magnus grasped Alec’s mane in his hand, afraid that if he looked away, something even more terrible would happen to him. “Back to my room?” He suggested as they ascended the stairs and headed back inside. “I think we both need some privacy,” he said with a sigh as they navigated the familiar halls. His stomach growled, and he realized that he hadn’t eaten anything since his lunch before the ceremony. “I think we could both use some food…” He stopped as another thought crossed his mind. “What do Manticores even eat? It’s not like he can hold a fork.”

“I imagine it’s much the same thing that Shadow eats,” Raphael answered with a roll of his eyes. “I can stop by the kitchen and check with the cook; I’ll get something sent up for the two of you.”

“And I’ll head to the library and pull some books,” Ragnor added. “If you do truly intend to find a way to change Alec back, then that’s where we’re going to want to start. I’ll find some books on your family history and some that could possibly contain the spell that transformed Alec in the first place…but I wouldn’t get your hopes up if I were you. I’ve read a majority of the books in that library and I don’t remember any of them mentioning…this.” He turned and left them without another word, Raphael following him down the hallway.

He felt Catarina’s hand on his shoulder as she gave it a gentle squeeze. “Come on, you two, let’s get you settled in your suite while we wait for the others.”

The royal family’s rooms were on the other side of the castle, so making their way through the halls was unfortunately unavoidable. Magnus couldn’t help but notice that people pressed themselves to the wall as they passed, giving them a wide berth. He twisted his hand into Alec’s mane tighter, minimizing the remaining distance between them. He could hear their harsh whispers, and if his human ears were picking up the cruel, heartless words, Alec - with his undoubtedly better hearing - could as well.

Raj stepped in front of him, a wolfish grin on his face. “I hear that,” he said, jabbing his thumb towards the Manticore, “is Lightwood. It’s fitting, is it not? He’s always followed you around like a loyal hound ― and now he truly is one. He’s better this way. Less scowling, no need to listen to his constant whining. ‘Magnus this, Magnus that.’”

He felt Alec press against his side, trying to make himself smaller despite his enormous size. “Don’t you dare talk about him like that. Even as a Manticore, he’s a much better man than you’ll ever be, Raj. Now get out of my way and if I see your face again, I’ll permanently rearrange it,” Magnus said with a snarl that could have put Alec to shame.

“Yes, Raj,” another voice chimed in, that had Magnus pivoting quickly to find the new arrival. “Magnus has had quite a long day and I’m sure he has better things to do than be subjected to your harassment. I suggest you take your leave before I have you removed,” Camille said sweetly, even though Magnus knew that she was anything but sweet.

She raised one perfectly manicured eyebrow at the other man and Raj turned and walked away with a grumble. Camille turned toward Magnus, Raj already forgotten. “Happy Birthday, Magnus. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to say it earlier but you were rather busy…and I must say, congratulations on your Guardian’s form ― a Manticore is truly a breathtaking creature. Deadly, brave, strong…”

“No,” Magnus spat, truly tired of everyone and everything. “You were there. You saw what happened. And he is not an it, he’s Alec. It’s Alec and I would much rather have him as a human and not suffering for my sake.”

“I know you had your little crush on him, Magnus, but it was never going to work between you two. He was a nobody and you are a prince. One day, you’ll be King. You need a Queen by your side with a strong family and the respect of the people behind her, and the ability to rule by your side. That was never going to be your Alexander. You and I both know it. Alec was made to serve, not to rule. I know you are hurting now but you’ll soon see things are better this way.” She leaned forward to brush the back of her hand against his cheek, surprising him before he could pull away. “I’m here for you though, just like a good queen should be.”

“That’s enough, you vile bitch. Magnus is in mourning, having lost someone dear to him, and you’re using this as a way to try and get your ass on the throne? Get away from him or I’ll have you removed,” Catarina snarled, putting herself in between Magnus and Camille and pushing the woman away. Beside him, a low growl started in Alec’s throat and a quick glance down showed that the Manticore’s hackles were raised.

“Do what she says, Camille,” he found himself adding, no longer bothered by her unwanted presence despite her disgusting words. “I don’t think Alec appreciates your presence either. It’s his job as my Guardian to protect me…do you really want to find out what that means? I assure you, the teeth are not for show and I’m sure that the venom in his tail is not something that our healers can cure.”

She still looked like she wanted to argue with him, so Magnus just pushed past her; trusting that Alec and Catarina would follow. When they finally reached his room and the three of them were safely inside, Magnus slumped against the door with a sigh. “Why do people have to be so horrid?”

“You’ve always known Camille was a bitch. She only cares for status and power,” Catarina answered as she guided him toward his bed and pushed him gently down. “And Raj is just angry that you turned him down. He’s always been jealous of the relationship that you have with Alec. The two of you are thick as thieves.”

Faced with the plush sheets, his last resistance to the exhaustion melted away, leaving him only wanting sleep. Maybe when he woke up tomorrow he’d find that all of this had simply been a dream. Alec will be opening his curtain in the morning with sass and a smile. He glanced down at the Alec who had taken a seat in front of him and rested his head on Magnus’ knee. He ran a hand throughthe Manticore’s mane with a sigh. “You know I didn’t mean that right? I care that you’re protecting me, but I don’t want you to have to give up who you are to be my Guardian like. You’re more than just my Guardian. You’re my best friend…and the man I fell in love with.”

Alec let out a gentle huff and Catarina squeezed his shoulder once more. “I’m going to draw a bath for you and then stop by Alec’s room to get some of his things. I don’t expect we’ll find a way to turn him back tonight, but some mementos of his life before can’t hurt. Raphael should be here soon with your dinner. I want you to eat and then you can rest.”

Magnus shook his head. “I can’t sleep. We’ve got research to do. I’m not going to leave him like this.”

“And you’re no good to him if you can’t keep your eyes open. Bath, food, rest, Magnus. We’ll start the research - after all, that’s what friends are for.”

She left the two of them alone a few minutes later and Magnus turned his attention back to Alec once more. Wide, golden eyes stared back up at him. His fur was still stained with the blood and other remnants from his transformation. He couldn’t bear to look at the evidence of the atrocity his father forced upon Alec any longer; he cupped Alec’s chin with both hands. “Come on, I’m pretty sure that Catarina meant the bath applied to you as well. You’re covered in sand and mud and…” He paused, not wanting to say the words out loud out of fear of upsetting Alec. “Come on. We’ll get you cleaned, and then I’ll take care of myself. I don’t think you’ll fit in the tub though…”

Thankfully, Magnus’ bathroom was large (the benefits of being a prince, he supposed) so, despite how large Alec’s new form was, they both easily fit inside the space. He grabbed a towel and dipped it in the water. “I don’t know if the cats’ aversion to water applies to Manticores as well, but I’ll try to make this as quick and painless as possible.” Alec playfully bumped Magnus’ hands with his head and then stilled, letting Magnus get to work. Magnus wouldn’t bother getting everything off, but if he could get the worst of it, then he’d consider it a success.

It took longer than Magnus would have liked; Alec’s fur was, apparently, fairly resistant to his attempts at stain removal, but he was able to get Alec clean enough eventually. The water in the tub had long since gone cold by then, so he was quick in taking his own bath, having the princely luxury of two very nice tubs. Catarina had set out a comfortable set of clothes for him and he was thankful that his friends knew him well enough to know exactly what he would have picked for himself right now. He ran a hand through Alec’s still-damp mane. “Come on then,” he said quietly. “Let’s see if Raphael brought us something to eat. You and I both know better than to disobey anything Catarina asked us to do.”

When he returned to his room, he wasn’t surprised to find that all his friends were waiting for him. Raphael had indeed returned and Magnus’ table was full of a number of dishes and a plate of steaks that he knew had to be for Alec. Ragnor had a number of books spread out on the desk and he glanced up as Magnus entered. “Before you ask, there’s nothing yet. I’ve just gotten started with your family history.”

Before Magnus could reply, his bedroom door opened to reveal a panicked looking Catarina. “What’s wrong? What more has happened now?” He found himself asking, steeling himself for more bad news despite praying that none would come.

“Alec’s room ―” she said quickly, shutting the door behind her, her face falling as she did. “It’s been entirely cleared out. Everything is gone.”

Chapter Text

“Gone? What do you mean gone?” Magnus asked incredulously. He knew Catarina wouldn’t lie to him but he was having a difficult time processing her words given everything else that had happened over the course of the day.

“Gone as in completely cleared out,” Catarina replied, an air of sadness in her tone. “The few people I did ask didn’t seem to know what had happened to it. “There was no intention of Alec returning. I’m sorry, Magnus, but there was nothing left in there for me to grab but this.” She held out her hand, revealing the silver necklace with the deep blue sapphire that he’d gifted to Alec during his birthday earlier that year. The reflection of the fire flickered across the facets of the gem and he couldn’t help but replay those moments in his mind.

“I got you something,” he’d told Alexander when they’d finally been able to sneak away from the party that Magnus had insisted he throw for his best friend, and were sitting in a hidden part of the garden enjoying the cool breeze and the clear night sky. “And before you say anything, I know it’s not really your style, but I did see it and think of you.”

He had Alec close his eyes and placed the sapphire necklace in his open palm. “I picked this up when we were in Hallowfall a few months ago. I had to have Raphael distract you so that I could sneak away and buy it when you weren’t looking. I wanted you to be surprised.”

“Is that why he launched into a twenty minute argument about the preferred method of planting Flicker Flower in the fall?” Alec grumbled, his eyes still closed. “Magnus, that conversation was unbearable. How could you do that to me?”

“I just asked him to distract you,” Magnus replied with a chuckle, nudging Alec to get him to open his eyes. “I had no say in how he intended to do it. I think he just likes when he can get your eyebrow to twitch.”

Alec stared at the sapphire stone encased in a silver filigree and hanging from a delicate chain with wide eyes and a surprised expression on his face. “I thought it would look good with that jacket you have that looks like the night sky. You know it’s one of my favorites on you. I know jewelry isn’t really your thing, but I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind once I saw it.”

“Magnus, it’s beautiful,” Alec whispered, running his finger over the gem’s facets. “I don’t…I don’t deserve something like this.”

“Of course you do, Angel,” Magnus had practically purred, taking the necklace from his friend’s hand and fastening it around his neck. “You deserve everything in this world and more. There,” he said, turning Alec around so he could inspect him further. “It’s perfect, darling. Very fitting for you if I do say so myself. I hope you’ll forgive me for submitting you to one of Raphael’s lectures on proper cultivation techniques so that I could sneak away and obtain it.”

Alec huffed fondly and rolled his eyes, and Magnus knew that he was already forgiven. “At least it was Raphael,” he had said after a moment. “Pretty sure if you had left me with Ragnor it would take more than a pretty necklace to make it up to me. We’d probably still be in Hallowfall.”

“Please,” Magnus replied dramatically. “If I ever have to sit through another hour long lecture about types of rice, it would be too soon. Speaking of, let’s get back to the party before the others come looking.” He’d grabbed Alec’s hand and led him back inside, handing him a glass of wine as a server passed. “To many more years of friendship,” he mused, tipping his glass against Alec’s before throwing back the red liquid inside. “Happy Birthday, Alexander.”

----------

Alec had worn that necklace every day since his birthday, and seeing it now in Catarina’s hand as the only remnant of the man he’d once been nearly brought tears to Magnus’ eyes once more. He took the stone from her with shaking hands as Alec bumped into his arm with a quiet mewl. “No, I don’t think it will fit you either,” Magnus said, his voice breaking as he tried to keep the tone light. “We’ll find a solution though, darling, I promise you. For the necklace, for your transformation, all of it.”

“The two of you should eat and get some rest,” Catarina said, giving Magnus’ arm a gentle squeeze. “Alec’s been through a lot physically and you’ve been through the ringer emotionally. We’re not going to find any solutions to the problem at hand immediately.”

“I can’t, Cat,” Magnus said sadly, though he let his friend lead him to the table in the center of the room. “I have to fix this. Alec deserves better.” He stared at the fork that she’d shoved into his hand, but he couldn’t bring himself to take a bite. Raphael placed the tray of steaks on the ground in front of Alec, who sniffed at it cautiously.

“Magnus,” Ragnor snapped, his voice just harsh enough to pull Magnus from the spiral that he felt he was about to go into. “You and I both know that you’re not going to be useful to anyone tonight in the state that you are currently in. I know you want to help Alec, but the best way that you can do that is to be well-rested and ready to attack the problem head-on tomorrow. How would you feel if you missed something vital that could help him because you were too tired to keep your eyes open?”

The older man’s tone softened. “Let us help, Magnus. You don’t have to do this alone. You need to focus on taking care of the two of you. Catarina and I can start the research, and Raphael can run interference for you in the meantime. I don’t think either of you realize how tired you are.”

He could practically feel the exhaustion setting in and he knew that Ragnor was right. He forced himself to take a few bites of the meal though his appetite quickly disappeared. Alec, it seemed, didn’t have any of the same qualms, quickly devouring the multiple steaks in a few snaps of his jaws. He pushed the plate away from him and glanced over toward his bed. “I don’t think Alec’s going to fit,” he said regretfully. “And even if he did, his size would probably break the frame.”

Catarina took his hand and pulled him across the room to where they’d laid out numerous pillows, blankets and furs in front of the fire. “We hope this will get Alec comfortable enough tonight. We can try to figure something better out in the morning. For now, the both of you need your sleep. We’ll leave the two of you alone to rest, and we’ll all be back first thing in the morning, alright?”

His friends left without another word, and Alec joined Magnus by the fire where he was frozen in place staring at the pallet on the floor. “I’m sorry for all of this,” he said again, knowing that he’d spend the rest of his life apologizing even if they managed to get Alec back. “I truthfully didn’t know what my father had planned. I should have done more research or prepared myself better…if I had known what to expect, I could have stopped him. I would have fought for you, Alec.”

The Manticore let out a sound that sounded like a chirp, pushing Magnus towards his own bed with his head. He had to dig his heels in to prevent Alec from guiding him across the room. “No, let’s…lay down together. Like we used to do under the stars. As long as you’re like this, I’m going to be by your side. I’m not my father…our friendship doesn’t end just because you now have wings and teeth and claws.” My love for you doesn’t stop here just because you walk on four feet instead of two, he wanted to say.

When it was clear that this wasn’t an argument that Alec would win, the Manticore settled down, spinning three times to make himself comfortable before relaxing into the pillows and trying to find the best position for his new, still unfamiliar limbs. Eventually he stilled and glanced back up at Magnus hopefully. “I’m coming,” he said softly, trying to figure out the best position for him to fit before Alec lifted a wing and Magnus settled underneath, pulling a blanket over his legs and resting his head against the Manticore’s shoulder. He ran his fingers up and down Alec’s foreleg, taking in just how warm his best friend was in this form. “You’re like a fire yourself like this,” he said absentmindedly. “It’s much warmer than that ratty old sweater you liked to wear,” he said, though the joke fell flat when he was reminded that everything Alec possessed, save the necklace, had been removed.

“I don’t know what to do, Alec,” he said after a moment, the tears returning to his eyes once more. “In all the stories my father ever told me about our family, the Guardians have always been there, but they’ve always been these powerful, fantastical beasts. I thought, maybe, that my family went out to find them and brought them back. I never considered where they had come from, or why we were the only ones that seemed to have Guardians. I…I’m afraid there’s no fixing this.”

Alec was purring deeply trying to comfort him, but all Magnus could feel was more guilt setting in. “I mean, I figure that there has to be a way to fix this somehow. If a potion made you go through this transformation, there has to be a way to reverse it - at least, that’s what I would assume but…magic is so few and far between these days. What if we can’t find anything in the books about someone trying to do this before? What if we can’t find the right person to help with the spell?”

He knew his thoughts were spiraling but, despite the comfort that Alec was trying to give him, he couldn’t pull himself out of the hole. “I can’t be the only one in my family to find this entire thing…horrific can I? Surely there was a Bane in the past nowhere near as cold as my father or my grandfather who looked at someone they grew up with, that they cared for, and thought, ‘I can’t let this be the end.’ I won’t give up on you, you know that, right? Even if I’m old and grey and on my deathbed, I’m still going to be looking for a way to fix this for you and if it takes all of my life and longer, I will make sure there’s someone fighting for you… for all of you because I know that there are other Guardians still out there somewhere.”

He shifted his position so that he could glance backward at Alec and make himself a little bit more comfortable. “I don’t know how much my father told you about my family history or what it is you were going to become but…knowing him, it probably wasn’t a lot. ‘This is a great honor and one you should be thankful for,’” he said, mimicking his father’s voice to the best of his ability. “You had the same lessons I had as a child but… I can tell you again. I really don’t know what else I can do at this point.”

The story of how the Bane family came to have Guardians as their companions was something of a fairytale to children in the Kingdom. A Bane relative of long ago was in the middle of a brutal war. He’d lost everything near and dear to him - his family had died at the start of the war, and his betrothed had passed from fever not too long after that. The king remained strong, trying to fight for the survival of his people and the peace of the realm, but when his best friend since childhood, the very man who became the king’s fiercest warrior, was injured during a battle, the king finally broke.

He sat by the man’s bedside, tears in his eyes, praying that his friend would make it through. It was said that one evening as the battle continued to rage outside of the window, a spirit came to the king and offered him a choice. His friend could pass peacefully during the night and the king could lay him to rest with all the honors of a fallen warrior. If he didn’t remain strong, Edom would lose the war and his people would perish. The other option was contained in a small silver vial - it would return his friend back to full health, but it would change him. If they went with the second choice, it was likely that their kingdom would win the war, but they would change the course of the Bane family line forever. The vial contained both a blessing and a curse.

The soldier managed to draw a final breath and pleaded with his king to do what needed to be done. The king poured the contents of the vial down the man’s throat and the spirit disappeared. Where once was the friend he knew like a brother, a fierce dragon soon took its place. From that day on, Guardians had stood by the king’s side - protecting the kingdom from whatever troubles came its way. Each crown prince was blessed by the appearance of one on the day they finally came of age. The beast that arrived would determine what kind of rule the new king would have.

“I’m so stupid,” he sobbed, turning so that he could bury his face into Alec’s mane. “So incredibly stupid. It was all right there. We thought it was a story, just another one of those that any parent would tell their children before bed. The king’s friend, the vial, turning into a dragon…the details are all so specific that they couldn’t be anything other than reality.”

He stroked his fingers through Alec’s mane as the Manticore made a sound that Magnus could only guess meant that he agreed with him. “And you’ve known this entire time. You’ve been with me since we were both toddlers. When did he first tell you what your fate would be? How long have you been living with this secret? You never told me what you knew - did he swear you to secrecy?

“I’ve failed you - if I had been a better friend, I would have seen the signs. You probably desperately waited for me to figure it out, hoping that I could stop this without you having to betray my father’s orders. How many times were we sitting in peace and quiet, and you had wanted to bring it up despite whatever my father had said? How many times had the words been on your lips, but I’d brushed you off with a random comment or a joke?”

Alec was snuffling at his neck now, trying to drag him out of the emotional spiral he was in. “I’m not going to fail you again. I promised you and I mean it Alexander. This entire family tradition ends here with me. I don’t want another son losing their best friend. I don’t want anyone else to have to go through the physical pain or the heartbreak because ‘it’s for the greater good.’ I’d rather have you by my side blushing when I flirt and making sarcastic comments back at Raphael than have you like this, and until someone tells me that there’s no longer any hope, I refuse to believe there’s not a way to get you back.

“We’re going to start tomorrow. Every plan I have, every plan my father has - they’re gone. Ragnor, Catarina and Raphael will come by tomorrow. We’ll raid the library - even the books in the Restricted section, and I don’t care who I have to kill to get at them. We’ll find something…and if we don’t, if we have to travel and check in the libraries, or with the scholars, of either kingdom, we’ll do it. I would go to the ends of the Earth to bring you back to me. Screw my father, screw the kingdom and the council. I don’t care about any of that and I would gladly walk away from it all if it meant reversing what my family did to you.”

Alec made a huffing noise, and it was only because Magnus knew his best friend so well that he could make sense of the inhuman sound. He sighed and relaxed into the Manticore’s side a little further. “I know we had plans…I talked about the changes I wanted to make and how I wanted to be a different kind of king than my father, but that was before all of this, Alexander. How can I possibly imagine a future ruling Edom without you by my side like we had planned? I know you’re still here, and I will love you no matter which form you take, but I had dreams…ones that I didn’t even tell you about. I kept them close to my heart because I was afraid that if I said something that they wouldn’t come true.”

He encouraged Alec to tilt his head down so his ear was a little bit closer to Magnus’ lips. Even though they were the only two souls in the room, this was still a secret that he felt that he shouldn’t voice too loudly. “I’ve always wanted you to rule by my side, Alexander, as my consort. I never planned a world where you’d be serving me instead and…if I can’t have that, if I can’t have you with me as equals, then I don’t want to rule at all.”