"Alec, you're making a mistake"

"No, I'm gonna fix what you broke. And I'm gonna do it on my terms."

The words flow into my ears before I can process them and I turn the corner, spotting Robert's back and catching Alec's eyes.

I turn on my heel instantly, heading back the way I came.

"Camille!" Alec's voice rings out behind me but I don't stop until his hand grasps my arm, rooting me to my spot, "Wait. I owe you an explanation."

"Oh damn right you do" I spit, "What hell is that? 'We're getting married?' It's bullshit, Alec! You don't even like her!"

"It's not that" Alec whispers, dragging me into an empty room and shutting the door

"Then what is it?!" I shout

"Shh, keep your voice down" Alec pleads and I stay silent, exhaling angrily, "I don't know how much you heard just then but I'm doing this to save my family, to restore out name. This is what you wanted me to do, to go after my job as Head of the Institute."

"I never thought you'd do this" I whisper, the hurt seeping through my voice before I can contain it, "Marry some random woman you barely know. My cousin of all people."

"Distant cousin"

"Oh, so not the fucking point!"

"Then what is the point?" Alec snaps, getting angry now, "Have you changed your mind? Huh, have you?"

His words catch me off guard and I shake my head slowly, trying to collect my thoughts.

Being Head of the Institute, saving his family name...it was so important to Alec. The mere act of marrying Lydia alone was proof of that.

I feel the tears budding behind my eyes. I want so badly to tell him I've changed my mind, that I'm gonna be selfish and choose to forget everyone else but him and I...but I'd been selfish enough for one day.

It was so painful witnessing the chaos that ensued with my selfishness in resurrecting Simon. I couldn't do the same with Alec. I couldn't even think about it.

"Don't do it" I breathe shakily, "Don't marry her. There are other ways to-"

"Have you changed your mind?" Alec enunciates. He was still livid.

"No" I cry, a tear sliding down my cheek, "No, I haven't...I can't"

"Then I'm going through with this" Alec states, "And nothing you can say will stop me. This isn't about you and me, it's about my family, my name and my status. That's all I've cared about and it's all I'll ever care about. You had your chance."

I don't say anything, just sit in the silence as Alec leaves the room, leaving me to stew with my thoughts.

As soon as the door closes, I'm plummeted into darkness.

Pulling my hands to my face, I sob into them, myriads of questions bombarding my thoughts.

Why now?

Why couldn't I just collect myself more and allow him to get to where he needed to go and then be together?

Why did Lydia come now?

Why did the Lightwoods ruin their name to such a point that Alec had to sacrifice so much in order to stay honourable?

Why did I have to make a selfish choice and be happy or deal with being selfless and miserable?

Why did I have to be so attracted to Alec Lightwood?

***

Short chapter, I'm sorry but there's a lot of Alemi in here, plus this is my fourth chapter posted within like 4 hours so I hope that makes up for it.

I also hope you like the way I'm taking Alec's character in, bringing in his more vulnerable side.

Plus, we already know the other charachters and I wanna flesh out Cami's charachter a little more, bring more depth and explanation to her, explore her desires and thought patterns and priorites etc. I just find it really interesting.

Anyways, I hope this is working for you and that you're enjoying it! Let me know if you are and comment as much as you like! I love hearing your thoughts!

Happy Reading xx