To Alec, love alwaysmeant this: his shining city of eternal light. The land of lost dreamsreclaimed, his first kiss and his last.

Happy birthday, Alexander," Magnus murmured."Thanks for remembering," Alec whispered back.

You're pining," said Jace.Alec shrugged. "Look who's talking. 'oh I love her. Oh, she's my sister. Oh why, why, why—

What welcome?” Magnus asked. “I’d say it was a pleasure to meet you, but it wasn’t. Not that you aren’t all fairly charming, and as for you—” He dropped a glittery wink at Alec, who looked astounded. “Call me?”Alec blushed and stuttered and probably would have stood there all night if Jace hadn’t grasped his elbow and hauled him toward the door, Isabelle at their heels.

Oh, yes.” Magnus seemed to have perked up. “Are you the one with the blue eyes?”“He means Alec,” Clary said helpfully.“No. My eyes are usually described as golden,” Jace told the intercom. “And luminous.”“Oh, you’re that one.” Magnus sounded disappointed.

Where's Magnus?" he said. AS he looked toward the kitchen, Clary saw a bruise on his jaw, below his ear, about the size of a thumbprint. "Alec!" Magnus came skidding into the living room and blew a kiss to his boyfriend across the room. Having discarded his slippers, he was barefoot now. His cat's eyes shone as he looked at Alec.

Instead of replying, Alec reached down and took Magnus's hands. Magnus let Alec pull him to his feet, a questioning look in his eyes. Before he could say anything, Alec drew him closer and kissed him. Magnus made a soft, pleased sound, and gripped the back of Alec's shirt, rucking it up, his fingers cool on Alec's spine. Alec leaned into him, pinning Magnus between the table and his own body. Not that Magnus seemed to mind.'Come on,' Alec said against Magnus's ear. 'It's late. Let's go to bed.

He recognized and accepted this strange new feeling: that he would rather be hurt himself than hurt Alec.

So I'm your first ever Shadowhunter, huh?" Alec said when they separated at last."You're my first so many things, Alec Lightwood.