Alec isn’t happy,†said Magnus, as if she hadn’t spoken.
“Of course he isn’t,†Isabelle snapped. “Jace—â€
“Jace,†said Magnus, and his hands made fists at his sides. Isabelle stared at him. She had always thought that he didn’t mind Jace; liked him, even, once the question of Alec’s affections had been settled. Out loud, she said:
“I thought you were friends.â€
“It’s not that,†said Magnus. “There are some people — people the universe seems to have singled out for special destinies. Special favors and special torments. God knows we’re all drawn toward what’s beautiful and broken; I have been, but some people cannot be fixed. Or if they can be, it’s only by love and sacrifice so great it destroys the giver.â€
Isabelle shook her head slowly. “You’ve lost me. Jace is our brother, but for Alec — he’s Jace’s parabatai too —â€
“I know about parabatai,†said Magnus, his voice rising in pitch. “I’ve known parabatai so close they were almost the same person; do you know what happens, when one of them dies, to the one that’s left—â€
“Stop it!†Isabelle clapped her hands over her ears, then lowered them slowly. “How dare you, Magnus Bane,†she said.
“How dare you make this worse than it is —â€
“Isabelle.†Magnus’ hands loosened; he looked a little wide-eyed, as if his outburst had startled even him. “I am sorry. I forget, sometimes . . . that with all your self-control and strength, you possess the same vulnerability that Alec does.â€
“There is nothing weak about Alec,†said Isabelle.
“No,†said Magnus. “To love as you choose, that takes strength. The thing is, I wanted you here for him. There are things I can’t do for him, can’t give him . . .†For a moment Magnus looked oddly vulnerable. “You have known Jace as long as he has. You can give him understanding I can’t. And he loves you.â€
“Of course he loves me. I’m his sister.â€
“Blood isn’t love,†said Magnus, and his voice was bitter. “Just ask Clary.
— Cassandra Clare
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