But Clarissa was not the reason why Victor snapped like that. Jealousy, wounded pride and poisoned thoughts were the real culprits. Alec had to pay the price. A price that was not his fault. Victor was never held accountable. During our walk in the rain, Alec told us that Victor left their shared flat and never contacted us again. A note with eight words was all that remained. 'I'm sorry. I love you. Victor' If I had been in Alec's place, I would have looked for him and found him and confronted him. That's no way to end a relationship. Alec however, just wanted to put this chapter of his life behind him. And this pain that Alec described so impressively, his tears and the sadness in his eyes just hit me abruptly.

"Are you okay baby?", murmurs Alec in my ear and I swallow dryly. He loosens his grip, releasing my hand and wrapping his arm around my waist. Something is happening here right now. Something important, but I can't put my finger on it. I don't have the words. I feel like I'm losing my footing, losing myself. It feels strange, crushing.

"Would you like to lie down? You're all pale", asks Alec quietly.

"No. I'm fine", I reply, freeing myself from his grip.

Purposefully, I take two steps forward, drop my bag I'm still holding right at Jace's feet and pull Clarissa into a tight hug. I don't know her. And yet her friendly smile and sunny disposition cause me to greet her like an old friend. Somewhat hesitantly, she returns my hug and only then do I greet Jace with a handshake and a slight nod of the head. A silent agreement that this kind of greeting is perfectly adequate.

"Why are you carrying a bag?", asks Jace and I look at him in surprise. The bag. Raphael asked me to take a few things for a short trip. Now I know why. The hotel is out of town and I suspect that hardly any of the guests here will still be able to drive home. Weddings are like that. There is a lot of eating and even more drinking. Boisterous partying, dancing and singing out of tune.

"Apparently my best friend knows more about my husband's life than I do", I reply evasively.

"Jace, can you please take Magnu's bag to my room?", asks Alec, throwing his room key in Jace's direction. He gallantly catches the small golden key with one hand and bids a damp farewell to his red-haired friend.

"Let's move on." Alec places his hand on my lower back again and pushes me lightly in the direction of the second chair. A middle-aged man rises and holds out his hand to me. A Lightwood. Definitely. The facial features betray kinship with Gideon, but the distinctive features, the black hair and blue eyes are clearly not his. His hair is hazel, and his eyes are such a piercing green that I feel slightly dizzy as I look at the flickering dark spots in his irises. He doesn't like me.

"Magnus", I say with a smile and hold out my hand to him.

"Thomas Lightwood. I'm Alec's uncle and his boss", he replies, giving my hand a quick squeeze. Strong hands rough from many years of hard work briefly graze mine. A cursory touch, maintaining decorum. That's all it is.

"Nice to meet you, sir. Alec has told me a lot about you", I say, earning a sly chuckle. Behind Thomas, Gideon suddenly stands and whispers something in his presumed father's ear.

"Alec from you, too," Thomas replies, and Gideon can hardly contain his laughter.

Alec's hand is still on my back and he strokes my spine lightly. I feel increasingly uncomfortable and I'm sure it won't get any better as soon as I enter the ballroom. Alec seems to notice, giving me as much support as he can. His lips are close to my ear and I feel the warmth of his body leaning lightly against mine. Just enough to let me know he is there. It calms me.

"Leave Magnus alone. He hasn't done anything to you", counters Alec, pulling me possessively into his arms. Now I'm unrelaxed again. Alec is excited, his heart beating a few beats faster than normal.

"Come on, I'll introduce you to my sister. And the rest of my family." And again, I stumble after Alec. He pulls me through the entrance hall straight towards the large double doors of the ballroom. The music grows louder and louder and a couple approaches us. We are insistently scrutinised and I feel contemptuous glances on me.

"Wait Alec", I say harshly and pull my hand out of his.

"What?", he asks in surprise and I take a quick breath.

"What did you tell your family about me that they hate me so much?" I just blurt out the question that has been weighing heavily on me since I arrived here.

"Nothing", Alec replies. He lies. The book called Mimik lies open in front of me. The words just jump out at me. Lie.

"You're lying", I say. Alec runs his hand nervously through his hair and I shake my head, snorting.

"Don't fuck with me Lightwood. I'm doing this for Andrew and Raphael. Because they dragged me here. Not because I'm keen on facing the disparaging stares of your hunchbacked relatives. And I don't fancy the gossip either. Oh look, it's Alec's husband... The one-night stand... No tell me, in Vegas...? How scandalous... so wicked with the eyeliner and the dinner jacket certainly isn't his.... I heard he's an artist... Writer... He makes his money from books..." I ape the people I don't know. My mind plays tricks on me, puts words into my mouth that I cannot take back.

Unexpectedly, Alec grabs me by the collar, pushes me backwards into a small alcove and presses my back against the wall. I stare at him with wide open eyes. The impact of my body leaves a dull sound, my back aches and the air escapes from my lungs with a groan. Seeking a foothold, I claw my fingers into the wall, the rough plaster aching against the sensitive skin of my fingertips.

"Don't say that Magnus", Alec presses out angrily.