his hands scrubbed over his face as he stepped into the institute. in all honestly, london was not his favourite place in the world. once upon a time he would have saw it’s appeal. and sometimes he was still able to when he managed to push away his biases. it was an old city and it showed with it’s unpainted buildings. it held it’s own beauty that he would have found charming. but the memories of the things that happened here tore at his heart, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. he had his heart broken in this city. once he thought that this was his home. and it had been. he had camille by his side and he was in love. but then he was disposed and staying had been too painful. perhaps he should bring alexander and their children here with him the next time if he wanted to find beauty in the place again.
but with all that’s going on, there was little chance that he was allowing them anywhere near this place. even as he walked into the institute an unfamiliar chill came over him. he played it down to it being different. it’d been close to a century since he came here and being here now was far too soon already. his jaw was clenched as he darted his gaze all around the place. it wasn’t a surprise considering the time but it was still disconcerting for things to be this quiet especially after everything that just happened around here.
in all honesty he wasn’t sure why he was so affected by malcolm fade’s death. after all that he’d done, it was what he deserved.but magnus always felt something when he heard about the death of a warlock, especially one who had been a good enough person for him to call a friend. the malcolm that he knew wasn’t the same one who died. then again maybe that was exactly who he was but magnus was too busy finding the good in him to see any different.
he wandered around the church, running his hand lightly over everything that he passed by. old memories with tessa and will and camille flashed in his mind as a small smile creeped up at his lips. once upon a time they would have been his family. but now he had alexander and max and raphael. a family to actually call his own rather than simply borrowing the love of others. when he reached the sanctuary, a look of amusement appeared at the number of times he snuck over here with camille in the middle of a party.
he was getting lost in his thoughts when he heard footsteps coming towards him, a frown curling at the corners of his lips. it was muted but he could hear the urgency of it, like whoever it was coming here was breaking into a run. blue flames lazily curled from his palms, his gaze steely a she waited for the stranger to come.
the surprise was probably evident on his face when he saw who it was. he’d only heard whispers and rumours of the boy. they were very impressive rumours but the boy who was standing in front of him.. disappointed. his head was tilted to the side, eyes studying the boy. it was odd how the other reminded him of will so many years ago and later stephen or even jace. you always knew a herondale when you saw them apparently. ❝ you’re the herondale boy. ❞
〖🌟〗 Sky blue eyes widened upon coming into contact with a Warlock. Fear twisted the boy’s gut --- there wasn’t supposed to be anyone here! Those blue eyes hardened into a steely look --- scowl marring his golden features. Even barefoot, he didn’t care what he looked like --- a raggedly, sleepy mess. Sunshine hair was mussed, attitude hitting the fan. There may be fear inside of him, but on the outside --- it could go to show that he’d burn the whole world if he didn’t get out of here. His mind was racing a million miles an hour. The Herondale wouldn’t listen to reason, he’d probably have to be forced to. 〖🌟〗
〖🌟〗Lips pressed together firmly --- blue irises narrowed on the Downworlder. His father had always told him to stay well away from them. Even Malcolm Fade. He was in this mess because of that other guy! Body moved, bare feet soundless on the linoleum floor --- and the boy didn’t even have Marks yet! The door was right behind Magnus, probably where he entered. If he could just slip by --- that name. His attention had been diverted from the other door. Azure eyes focused on the Warlock more now so than ever --- a glare burning, piercing through the High Warlock, a scowling on his face. He wasn’t a Herondale. 〖🌟〗
❝ my name’s kit rook. maybe you should use it sometime --- or none, that’d be better, yeah? ❞
〖🌟〗 He wasn’t Jace --- he couldn’t hide his feelings all that better. His voice was shaky, wit trying to cover up his fear, his anger, his sadness --- he’d just lost his father and he really didn’t trust anyone here. He wanted his life back. Standing here, showing weakness to this Warlock --- he was taught by his old man never to do that. Yet, here he was, feeling defeated already, but keeping up a brave face --- sort of. 〖🌟〗