Author's note: Hey guys I know its been a really really long time since I've updated this fic. Truth be told I got half way through writing this chapter about a year ago and then hit a block I couldn't seem to get past. I guess I kind of lost my inspiration for fic writing. However given the current world events I find I've got alot of spare time lately and I was able to finally get passed that block and finish the chapter. I'm actually excited to be writing this fic once again. So as I've said in the past I do want to reassure anyone who is still reading this fic that I will finish it eventually. There isn't actually too many more chapters left to go. Anyway enough rambling. I do have a couple of trigger warnings to be on the safe side. Once again there is some gore in the chapter though not too much of it. Also it does have some mentions of mental health and suicidal like thoughts so please if any of my readers do think that might be a trigger for them take care while reading this chapter. There are a couple of dream sequences which are in italics to help make it easier for you to follow. Also I'm not sure how magic works in the show or books but for this fic I've kind of made up my on laws on how it works. The title is from the song Memories by Within Temptation which seemed to fit this chapter. So happy reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 18: The Silent Whispers, The Silent Tears.

Lydia's POV

The ash rained down covering the ground in a thick snowy blanket as she ran through the stonepaved streets. The mountain behind her roared it's displeasure as it continued to angrily spew out molten hot ash, pumice and flaming rocks. The ash was so thick that it was hard to breathe and her lungs ached as they tried to drag in air. Looking back at the mountain she could see a towering dark column rising high into the sky, a billowing vortex of ash and toxic gas. All around her people were in the streets running pushing others out of their way in their desperation to escape the inescapable. The air was filled with a cacophony of sounds. Babies' cries, women's wails and the yells of men. The crunch of pumice and rocks hitting rooftops all vying to be heard over the harsh rumbling of the mountain. Then a new sound. She looked up at the whistling sound only to quickly throw her arms over her head and curl into a ball as a fiery ball of rock whizzed over her head and crashed into a building nearby. The crackle of flames joined in the horrific symphony as the building burst into flames. The screams of fright grew louder. Coughing she scrambled back to her feet. Lifting the hem of her dress, so she could move faster she continued on her way pulling her palla over her face to cover her mouth. It had little effect against the putrid ash that continued to clog her lungs. She had to move faster, they were running out of time.

As she continued through the streets she tried to push the panic down. She had to find him before they did. If they found him first they'd kill him. She couldn't lose him she loved him too much, how could she possibly ever go on without him. Ignoring the burning in her lungs, ignoring the whistling of the flaming debris crashing her world to pieces she picked up speed. She passed by a man who was on his knees, arms stretched up to the heavens as he begged for mercy. Not far from him a mother was sat on the ground with her back against a building, she was cradling her baby against her chest with one arm and clinging to her young son with the other. As the little boy cried his mother rocked him telling him it was all going to be ok as she fought back her own tears and fear. Looking away she focused on the path ahead of her. She had to find him and she had to get them out of here. She wouldn't let them hurt him.

She was brought to her knees again as the ground shook. Slightly further up roof tiles cluttered to the ground as they were shook from the building, Cracks appeared on the building quickly spreading, growing longer and wider until the building crumbled away collapsing in on itself and sending up a plume of dust that mingled with the ash. As hacking coughs were torn from her body a tendril of her dark hair fell forward and brushed against the pavement. She closed her eyes as she tried to calm herself and not let fear or panic consume her.

Opening her eyes again she found herself on the floor of a familiar building. All around her were bodies and she could feel wet blood beneath her hands. She quickly jumped to her feet and swung her seraph blade at the oncoming demon. She watched as it turned to dust when her blade made contact. Looking around the room rapidly she tried to locate John, she needed to make sure he was ok, she couldn't lose him. She quickly made her way through the room simultaneously searching for her love while fighting off demons. The air was filled with a cacophony of sounds, The whistling of blades swinging through the air, the shrieks of the demons as they attacked unrelentingly, the screams of the wounded and the whimpers of the dying. All clashing together in a horrific symphony. Then a new sound, the crackling of a portal opening and her name being called.

Looking over her shoulder towards the portal she saw Robin making his way towards her. Looking away again she continued her search for John and Arabelle. Then suddenly she spotted him he had been backed towards a wall and three demons were advancing on him. Lydia's heart stalled for a moment and then she took of running towards him. He sliced the first demon that lunged at him with his seraph blade. Without missing a beat he then thrust at the second before swiftly taking out the third. Lydia felt relief flood through her as he moved towards her. Despite the grim look of grief in his eyes, despite the carnage all around them he still managed to give her a small reassuring smile. She reached out towards him as he neared arms reach.

Then he clutched his hands to his throat in surprise. Lydia froze as blood swelled up over his fingers. She heard an animal like scream and realised it had come from her. She caught him in her arms as he fell to the ground. She heard Robin's shout of disbelief from somewhere behind her. But all she could focus on was John. He gently reached up and brushed away a strand of her hair with a trembling hand. He was trying to speak but instead all he could make was garbled noises. She could see the light in his eyes fading fast. "G...gg..oo...go" He choked out pleadingly.

She knew she was in danger that if she didn't leave soon she would die here too but as she knelt on the cold hard temple floor, with the mountain roaring in anger in the distance, she didn't care. She cradled her lover closer to her. She had been too late, they had taken him from her. Hot tears of grief trekked down her cheeks leaving trials in the ash that covered her face. The ground under her shook again but she paid it no heed. Lowering her head down she rested her forehead to his and whispered a promise of vengeance to him. "I will avenge you my love. No matter how long it takes. I promise one day you will live again Marik."

Alec's POV

The three of them rushed out of the room and down the hall towards Robin's room. "What happened?!" Alec asked urgently as they ran.

Robin shook his head a moment like he was still trying to process everything. "She collapsed. It looked like she was having some kind of fit, I managed to get her in a bed but I'll explain more when we get there."

After a few more tense moments they finally reached Robin's room. Lydia was laid on top of the covers. She was extremely pale and the glisten of moisture on her forehead along with her flushed cheeks showed she had a fever of some kind. Her body was twisting and convulsing, her hands gripping and releasing the covers beneath her as she muttered under her breath. Isabelle was sitting next to her trying to bring down her fever by dabbing her head with a damp cloth. Her eyes were tense with worry as were Jace's who was standing at the end of the bed sometimes pacing back and forth whilst Clary stood in one corner watching the scene with uneasy eyes. Alec felt cold dread as he took in Lydia, something was clearly very wrong. "How did this happen?" He asked turning to Robin urgently as Magnus moved to examine Lydia.

"She had just left the room when I heard this thud outside the door. When I went out there she was on the floor and she was having some kind of seizure. She had this in her hand." Robin explained as he held out a tarot card. Alec's dread deepened as he took the card from Robin. It had been torn in half. Turning it he held it up for Magnus and the others to see.

"The Lovers." Magnus identified the card before turning his attention back to Lydia. "This is the Dark Lady's work, I can feel her magic." He continued.

"Why is it ripped?" Jace asked suddenly. "The card." He continued when everyone looked at him blankly.

"That doesn't matter right now." Alec answered. "What matters is figuring out how to help Lydia. Can you do that spell you did before with the bracelet?" He asked Magnus.

"I don't think that would work this time."

"Why not." Robin asked. "If it worked last time?.."

"This time its different." Magnus cut across him. "Usually when a warlock casts a spell on a person thery're casting it on... well its hard to explain but everyone has a... a well its like a lifeforce or energy I suppose, some would call it a soul but its not a one dimensional thing. Think of it like an onion, an onion has lots of layers so does this essence. When you cast a spell usually it only goes as deep as the first couple of layers. The deeper the enchantment goes the harder it is to break and the stronger it becomes. Last time the enchantment was near the surface so I was able to cast a barrier between her and the enchantment to stop it going any deeper. But this time..." He shook his head sadly, fear in his eyes. "Well its like its completely taken over her."

Fear overtook Alec. Robin rubbed his forehead and looked at Lydia distressed. He looked on the verge of tears. Lydia was continuing to mutter nonsensically. "What is she saying?" Izzy asked. "That's not english." She looked around at the others.

"No it's Latin." Jace realised. "Why is she speaking Latin?" He asked befuddled. No one had an answer for him.

"Isn't there anything you can do for her?" Alec asked Magnus desperately."

"I can try and treat her symptoms. I pretty sure its the fever that's keeping her unconscious. If we can lower it we might be able to wake her. Then at least I can ask her some questions and figure out what the enchantment actually is." Magnus went to work as he spoke. As he ran his hands over Lydia the blue glow of his magic trickled from his hands. Half an hour later and Lydia began to stir. She blinked a few times before slowly opening her eyes.

Her gaze was still a little unfocussed and she sat up abruptly clutching her chest and coughing like she was finding it hard to breath. Alec moved beside her a rubbed her back comfortingly. "Hey Lydia, do you remember what happened?" Alec asked her softly.

"There was ash." She croaked out. "Falling from the sky, and fire."

Everyone in the room looked at each other confused. "What do you mean Lydia, where was there ash and fire?" Izzy urged her gently.

"He was bleeding, dying I didn't get there in time." Lydia was still rambling, she was clearly very distressed and very confused. Alec didn't know how to help her and he felt frustration building within him.

Robin moved forward and knelt in front of Lydia taking her shoulders he gently got her attention. "Hey Lydia focus on me ok. Do you know who I am?" He questioned her delicately.

Lydia nodded. "Robin." She answered.

"And do you know where you are?" He continued all the while gently stroking her shoulder in comfort while keeping his voice soft and measured.

Lydia looked around the room for a moment in confusion, taking in her surroundings. Then she nodded again. "I'm at the New York Institute." She seemed alot calmer now and less confused.

"That's good." Robin smiled at her. "Ok can you tell us what you remember? Start from the beginning right after you left the room."

Lydia took a deep breath then began to explain. "I went out into the corridor and I saw that tarot card on the floor." She began to explain gesturing at the card still in Alec's hand. "I knew it probably had something to do with the Dark Lady so I picked it up so I could bring it to show you. But when I touched it this jolt of energy, like an electric shock went through me and I remember feeling myself fall. Then when I opened my eyes I was in this street. It wasn't anywhere that I recognise, yet I seemed to know where I was going. It was some kind of town but it looked ancient like it wasn't from this time. There was ash raining down and fiery debris. And in the distance there... well there was a volcano and it was erupting. But I felt like I had to get to someone, someone I loved. I was so afraid that someone was going to kill him. But when I got to him he was already dead. It was all so unfamiliar to me, the place the people but it felt so real, like I had lived it. Like it was a memory or something." Lydia finished.

Alec caught Magnus' expression as he appeared to have a moment of horrifying realisation. "What is it Magnus?" Alec asked hopeful that he might have an answer. Everyone turned to Magnus expectantly.

"Well it sounds to me like the Dark Lady might have put a linking spell on you. Linking you with the Dark Lady. I think these visions that you saw are actually her memories."

A moment of tense silence filled the room. Then Lydia seemed to gather her thoughts enough to ask. "Why would the Dark Lady link herself to me? What does she gain from that."

"I'm not sure. It's rare for a Warlock to use a linking spell like this. When you link yourself with someone several things happen. First you can both see each other's memories, sometimes even their thoughts. But as the link deepens you can also begin to feel the other persons emotions, sometimes you can even see through their eyes. But there is a risk to this kind of spell as in the past it has been known for the two that are linked to begin to lose grasp on reality and forget who they are. They become confused by the mix of memories and emotions to the point where they begin to lose their minds."

"Is there anyway of breaking the enchantment?" Jace asked futilely.

Magnus shook his head. "Like I said before in order to break the enchantment I would have to get under it. Then create a barrier between the spell and Lydia. If it were a weaker Warlock I might even have been able to force the spell out, so to speak. But with this spell its too deep and too strong. The only other way to break an enchantment is to overload it. Add more power to it until it shatters the spell. It's how Caitlin broke the Dark Lady's shield at the warehouse."

"Well great we can do that then." Robin answered triumphantly looking relieved.

But Magnus was once again shaking his head. "The power it would take to break this enchantment. Well firstly I don't think I've got enough power to do it, especially not after... Well after what she did to me in that warehouse. Though I'm recovering I'm still not at full strength. Even if I did we'd still have the problem that the amount of power to break the spell if we were able to achieve it would also likely kill Lydia."

Alec felt the last glimmer of hope he had slip away. He looked at Lydia and saw tears beginning to form in her eyes. She must be so scared. To be told that she could slowly lose her mind, that she could die. She must feel more under the Dark Lady's control than she ever had been before. There had to be something they could do.

"We have another problem." Lydia's quiet voice trickled into the silence. She slowly looked up at them all. "You have to lock me away somewhere."

"Wait?! What!?" Exclaimed Izzy.

"You all heard what Magnus said. She might be able to see through my eyes. At the very least she has access to my memories which means anything I know she does to."

"But Lydia..." Clary started.

"No buts. I can't know anything. You'll never be able to stop The Dark Lady if she knows what your every move is going to be."

"Lydia honey we've got time. The link between you it will take some time to grow strong enough for her to see through your eyes. Right now she can just see some old memories and they'll be just as confusing to her as hers are to you. I don't know if locking you away someplace is really necessary right now." Magnus tried to reassure her but Lydia continued to shake her head.

"Its better to be safe than sorry. Look guys I trust you all. I know you're going to figure this out. I can't help you in the usual way but I can give you as much information as possible from any memories I do get. But for now at least its going to be best if I know as little as possible." Lydia reasoned with them. She caught Alec's eye and gave him a pleading look.

Alec sighed but nodded his head at her in understanding. "Lydia's right." He addressed the rest of the group. "We're going to figure this out, break the enchantment and stop the Dark Lady. But we have to protect ourselves and Lydia in the meantime. Which means keeping her in the dark as much as possible. Any information we give Lydia might also be accessible to the Dark Lady." Lydia closed her eyes and nodded in relief as the others also reluctantly agreed. Alec moved forward and placed a gentle hand on Lydia's shoulder. Her eyes were still glistening with tears as she looked up at him. "We'll move you to one of the suites ok. You'll have your own bathroom and kitchen. If you need anything else to make you more comfortable let us know ok."

Lydia nodded again and whispered a quiet thank you. As she began to slowly rise onto unsteady feet Clary and Izzy both stepped forward to support her. Alec nodded at them as they helped her from the room. Once she had left he turned to the others in the room. "We need to get to work. The faster we work the less time the enchantment has to take hold."

"Ok where do we start any ideas?" Jace asked while crossing his arms. Alec rubbed his forehead in an attempt to massage away the building headache. The events of the day were beginning to have an effect on him. The breakdown of his marriage to Lydia, the kiss with Magnus and then learning about the Dark Lady's enchantment on Lydia had all of his thoughts chasing each other around his mind. His head was a jumbled mess of thoughts and emotions. He felt the light pressure of Magnus' hand on his shoulder and instantly felt calmer more relaxed. He gave him a quick smile of thanks before turning his attention back to the problem at hand.

Lydia's POV

Lydia had never felt weaker in her life as she stumbled through the halls of the Institute towards one of the suites. Her legs were shaking, her head felt like it was splitting open and she felt like every last drop of fight she had in her had been sapped away. She took some comfort in the warm presence of Izzy and Clary on either side of her. Two pillars of strength holding her upright as they moved through the halls like some strange participants in a three legged race.

As they finally made it to the room and Lydia ungracefully flopped onto the bed she tried not to let the fear and panic take over. The idea that she might slowly lose her mind, that her mind might be taken over by the Dark Lady made her feel more hopeless than ever. The thought of it truly terrified her. There was already so much she had to deal with without this to worry about to. The fact that Alec and her still had to inform everyone that they had separated, that she and Alec still had to have their wedded runes removed to make the divorce official. Her kiss with Robin was also playing through her mind. Now this. Lydia felt like her head might explode.

"You should try and get some sleep." Izzy's urged her gently. Lydia just nodded her head and laid back on the bed. As the fog of sleep drifted over her she was vaguely aware of Izzy and Clary leaving the room and softly shutting the door behind them. Then she faded away into the darkness.

The heat of the day made her gloomy room feel stuffy, but that didn't stop her from dancing around humming a soft haunting tune as she worked on her potions. Her long dark tresses were sticking to the back of her neck and there was a glistening of moisture on her skin but she did not care. She was content. As she was lost in her work she didn't notice the dark shadow come into the room. It stalked closer to her, its footfalls making no sound. Suddenly two warm arms wrapped around her waist. She started for a moment , surprised before she let out a small laugh and sank back into her lover's heat.

"Come now Marik, what have I told you about sneaking up on me while I'm working." She tutted at him teasingly. She felt the rumble of his laugh vibrate through her as he snuggled closer to her.

"I'm so sorry my Lady, but you are just too irresistible. I could not contain myself." He whispered seductively into her ear before pressing a series of soft kisses down her neck as she laughed softly in response. "How goes the work?" He asked as he pulled away a little.

"It's going well, just two more potions and we'll have everything we need. Then nothing in this world will ever be able to stop us. We will be the most powerful beings to ever walk this earth." She informed him as she turned to face him. He gave her a wicked smile as he tugged her closer to him and placed his kiss to her lips.

"Just you wait my love, soon we'll have everything we have ever dreamed of. We are so close to achieving all we have ever wanted. All I ask is that you trust in me." Marik looked intently into her eyes as he spoke. She found herself nodding her head and staring back at him just as intently. "I'd sell my soul for you my love, at any moment. Without hesitation," She declared passionately. He only grinned wider at her and pulled her in for a kiss once again. As the heat of the day grew so to did their passion and soon they were lost in each other all thoughts of potions and grand plans were chased from her mind as she she lost herself in her lover.

Lydia awoke with a start. She felt like she was in an oven. Placing a hand to her cheek she could feel the heat radiating from her. Stumbling out of bed she staggered to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Her face was flushed and her hair was a tangled mess. She tried to take some deep calming breaths but the heat was stifling and unbearable. She turned on the cold tap letting it run for a few moments before she splashed some icy cold water on her face. For a moment it gave her some relief but soon that unbearable heat was back. She was burning up. She tried to make sense of the dream she had just had. It was obviously another one of the Dark Lady's memories. She was sure it was in the same place as before though without the fiery debris and falling ash. This Marik had clearly been important to her and Lydia couldn't help but wonder what it was they had been planning together. She was just thinking that she should write it all down in case there was something useful that the team could use when suddenly a wave of nausea came over her and she rushed over to the toilet bowl and threw up. After she fell to the cold tiles of the floor and tried to catch her breath. Her vision blurred and the room became a hazy twisted mess of colours. Then it went dark and she was once again lost in a memory.

She was still on the temple floor clutching Marik close to her as his blood soaked into her tunic. As she continued rocking him back and forth the ash slowly began to build around her. It covered every surface and was now falling at a more rapid rate slowly burying the whole city. But she paid it no heed. What did anything matter anymore now that he was gone? As his weight grew too heavy for her tired arms to support anymore she slowly lowered them both to the ground. She thought back to those nights they would lay together and stare at the starry night sky as the cold night wind brushed over their skin. How he would play with her dark tresses and whisper about all the grand plans they had dreamed of together. How he would whisper that she was his dark haired lady to her. He had always loved her hair the most. As she lost herself in her memories she slowly stroked Marik's hair and hummed a quiet tune to him, she felt the ash continue to rise around them. Her chest felt heavier now, the air slow to enter her clogged lungs. But she paid that no heed either. The ash clung to her eyelashes making it hard to see, blurring her vision. So she just closed her eyes and pulled Marik closer to her. Maybe she could just fall asleep and when she awoke she would be with her love again. She tried to breathe in again but the ash was so thick, she could taste it as it was drawn into her lungs, she was suffocating.

Her lungs were burning as the water moved around her, looking around her she could just make out the metal walls of the boat. Above her head she could hear the muffled sounds of footsteps and voices coming from the top deck. The burning in her lungs intensified as she fought against the instinct to take a breath. Her vision began to blur and the throb in her leg became duller. Closing her eyes for a moment she tried to remain calm and gather her thoughts. She stared down at where her leg was trapped and tried to tug it free but instead she just had a blinding stabbing pain shoot through her leg. As the echo of the Dark Lady's laugh vibrated through her bones she gave in to the urge to breath and with a gasp water flooded into her lungs. Her pain began to subside as her vision turned to black once again. Then she heard a voice speak out from the darkness. "Please...don't leave me here alone." Robin she recognised. Opening her eyes she found she was floating on her back staring up at the blue sky watching clouds peacefully float by as the waves gently rocked her back and forth. She sensed a presence next to her and turned her head slightly. Robin was floating next to her, he was wearing shades on his eyes and looked completely relaxed almost like he was asleep. Lydia smiled softly. She remembered this day. Their first day at the beach together on the hottest day of the year. She had only been at Lisbon for two months but in that time had grown so close to John, Arabelle and Robin. They were her family now. This was a nice memory. Lydia closed her eyes again and let herself relax as her hand softly brushed against Robin's. She sighed in contentment she could stay here, happily lost in this memory forever.

But all too soon she was pulled back out of the memory and thrust back onto that cold temple floor. The ash had grown so thick now that it had buried them both completely up to their necks. Her breathing had slowed to an almost stop. As the ash rose above her head finally entombing her along with her love she remembered a promise she had made to him. "Promise me my Dark Haired Lady." He pleaded with her as he toyed with the end of a strand of her ebony hair fondly. "No matter what else happens you will complete our plans, with or without me."

"I promise my love." She whispered back as she rested her forehead against his. He smiled in return and tucked her hair behind her ear as he kissed her forehead. Remembering the promise relit the fire within her and gave her the strength she needed to fight back. She pressed a quick kiss to Marik's cold forehead and whispered her promise of vengeance to him, her promise of life again. Then though it took all the strength she had within her, she let him go, she shuffled out from under his weight, she tore open a portal and fell through it leaving her love behind. As she fell onto damp grass she rolled and coughed out the ash then took a deep gulp of fresh air. Trembling she rose to her feet and let anger and vengeance flood into her, burning hot through her veins as her whole body trembled with it. No matter what it took she would make that Priestess pay for what she had done. She would have her revenge on her and any of her bloodline that follow her. No matter how much time passed those who had wronged her would pay the price. Looking up at the night sky, soaked in Marik's lifeblood she screamed her grief at the uncaring stars.

As the bathroom came back into focus Lydia tried to regain some composure, taking deep breaths she tried to stand. But her legs were trembling too much and she collapsed back to the tiled floor in a heap. She let out a groan as another wave of nausea came over her. Shivers ran down her spine despite the burning heat of her skin. Her body ached and her head was pounding. She could feel herself begin to lose consciousness again and she tried to fight it off. But it was useless and once again she was sucked into the cold darkness.

Alec's POV

Alec sighed and pressed his fingers to his temples trying to rid himself of the tension building there. He stared back down at the map in front of him. He had spent most of the day gathering information on every sighting, every known location the Dark Lady had been. They were hoping they would be able to spot a pattern. A particular area where she was sighted more often and that maybe could give them a clue as to where she was hiding. But the more Alec stared at it the more it just looked like a bunch of random dots on a map. No correlation, no pattern. Was he missing something? He let out a frustrated huff and shoved the map away from him in a burst of anger.

"Whoah there! Are you ok." Magnus' voice came from the doorway. Alec looked up at him feeling some of the tension ease. He could see that Magnus looked tired and worried. But just seeing him made Alec feel a little better.

He tried to give him a smile before shaking his head and asking. "Did you get any information from the Warlocks in the city?" Magnus and Jace had gone out to talk to some of the Warlocks in the hope that they might be able to give them some information on where the Dark Lady might be. He felt a rush of disappointment though when Magnus shook his head resignedly.

"No I'm afraid not. Most of them refused to speak to us altogether. They're afraid of her. They don't want to risk getting involved in case they end up on her rader or she turns her anger onto them. Those who did talk to us had little to offer." Magnus informed him, his voice tired and strained. "One Warlock did tell us though that she had heard that the Dark Lady was still in cahoots with Valentine and that they were planning something big together. So there's that to look forward to." Magnus continued sarcastically.

Alec nodded his head slowly. "Can the Warlock been trusted? Do you think they are they a reliable source?" He asked.

Magnus nodded. "I think so. It came from Chelsea Wright. She's the Warlock whose sister was killed by the Dark Lady and hung up at the pier last year." He explained. Alec nodded again. If Magnus said the Warlock was reliable then he believed him, he trusted Magnus's opinion. Still it wasn't the best news. Not only had the Dark Lady linked herself to Lydia but she and Valentine were also planning something. There was only so much they could deal with in one go. Letting out another groan Alec rubbed the back of his neck. Magnus moved towards him before coming to a stop behind Alec's chair.

Alec gave him a questioning look. Magnus just shook his head at him and gave him smile. Leaning down he rested his cheek against Alec's wrapping his arms around Alec's chest, enveloping him in warmth. "You are way too tense." He informed him.

Alec chuckled at that. "Yeah that's sort of become my natural state of being lately." He answered wryly.

"Well how about I help you out with that." Magnus suggested sending shivers through Alec's body. Magnus pressed a kiss to his cheek before standing back upright and beginning to massage the tension out of Alec's shoulder's. Alec let out a groan of relief and pleasure and let himself lean into Magnus' touch. His head fell back to rest against Magnus' stomach. They stayed like that for a while. Alec feeling the rest of the tension ebb away, enjoying being with Magnus. It was nice to be able to relish in Magnus' touch without any feeling of guilt accompany it. His marriage to Lydia wouldn't be officially over until they had their wedded runes removed, and they still had the unpleasant task of telling the rest of the family. But this. Just being with Magnus was the best feeling in the world, and right now it was the only thing that made sense to Alec, the only thing that was right and good in his life.

They were both pulled out of their relaxed haze by Alec's phone suddenly going off. Sighing Magnus dropped his hands back to his sides as Alec reluctantly pulled away to check his phone. "The others are back. We chould go meet them find out if they've found more information." Alec said while looking over his shoulder to Magnus. Magnus nodded in agreement and they both made their way to the Op's Centre.

When they reached it they saw Jace sitting next to Clary holding her hand with Izzy in the chair opposite Clary. Simon was next to Izzy and Jocelyn and Luke were next to Simon. They all looked around at Magnus and Alec's approach. "Hey. We got in some reinforcements." Izzy said tilting her head at Simon, Luke and Jocelyn. "Figured the more help we have the better chance Lydia has."

"My pack is ready to help in anyway you need." Luke informed them.

"Yeah and I don't have a pack or anything but I want to help however I can." Simon also voiced. Alec felt a wave of gratitude towards them.

"Thanks guys we really appreciate it." Alec thanked them sincerely. Then he paused a moment. "Where's Robin?" He asked noticing his absence and expecting him to be there.

"He had to make contact with the Clave." Jace explained. "He should be back soon." Alec nodded in understanding.

"How is Lydia doing?" Jocelyn asked.

"I checked in on her around lunchtime. She was still asleep, guess she's feeling pretty worn out." Izzy answered a worried look on her face that was reflected by everyone else in the group.

Alec opened his mouth about to address the group when he heard footsteps approaching from behind him. Clary gasped and got to her feet. "Robin! What's happened?!" She exclaimed. Disturbed by Clary's distress Alec quickly snapped around to see what was up with Robin. It was immediately obvious that something wasn't right. Robin's shoulders were tensed as were his fists by his side. He looked ashen and like he was trying to hold back tears. He looked devastated and also somewhat angry. Everyone else also jumped to their feet and clammered around him.

"Robin?" Alec asked softer as he finally reached them. Alec placed a firm supporting hand on his shoulder. "What's happened?"

Robin shook his head for a moment gathering himself. "I contacted the Clave asking for permission for my mission here to be extended given the more recent events." He explained. Alec nodded, of course Robin had to stay they needed his assistance with Lydia and the Dark Lady. But Robin shook his head at Alec. "They refused. I still have to return to Lisbon tonight."

"What?! They're sending you back? But we need you here! We need all the help we can get!" Jace cried out indignantly. Behind him Jocelyn and Luke had grim but unsurprised looks on their faces. Clary was shaking her head an angry look in her eyes. And Izzy well she was just as angry as Jace.

"Exactly! Don't they understand how important this is? Don't they want us to catch the Dark Lady!?" She ranted.

"They dont think I'm essential to the mission. That you'll all be able to manage without me and that my skills are better served back at the Lisbon Institute." Robin explained flatly. Silence filled the room for a moment while everyone quietly seethed.

"But...Lydia." Magnus whispered softly looking at Robin sadly. Robin just shook his head again and stared back at the ground as he tried to fight back down the tears that were welling up. Unable to even speak. Alec felt an overwhelming sense of pity and sympathy for the guy. Alec wasn't an idiot or blind he knew how Robin felt about Lydia. He couldn't imagine anything worse than being forced to leave the person you loved most when they were at their most vulnerable. For a moment he imagined how he would have felt if he had been told he couldn't stay near Magnus when he was recovering from the Dark Lady's torture. To be told he couldn't even stay in the same country. He didn't think he'd be able to bear it.

"We'll protect her, look out for her." Jace reassured him fiercely.

Robin smiled at them all then. "I know you will." He answered with certainty.

Alec clapped him on the shoulder. "And we'll keep you updated on how she's doing and what's going on. I promise." Robin nodded in gratitude.

Izzy moved around the table and wrapped Robin in a tight hug which he gratefully returned. "What time do you have to leave?" Clary asked sadly.

"The portal is scheduled for 10 tonight." He answered subdued.

Looking up at the clock Alec saw that it was just past 5.30 pm. There was still a few hours. "Ok well stay for the meeting?" Alec suggested. "Then we can pop in on Lydia and check how she's doing before you go?"

"Sure." He agreed. So they all moved back to the table and took their seats. "So what do we know so far?" Robin asked.

"To be honest we got a whole lot of nada." Clary started as she gestured between her and Izzy.

"I spoke to the Vampires. They weren't exactly welcoming after the whole Camille debacle, but they agreed they'd keep an eye out." Simon debriefed them. "As much as they hate us, alot of them are still angry at the Dark Lady for the two Vampires that were killed at the pier last year." He further explained.

"I had a similar result." Magnus put in. "The sister of the Warlock that was killed..."

"Chelsea?" Robin asked. "She was the one who told us where to find the Dark Lady last time. Did she have some information." He sounded a little hopeful.

"Nothing that would help Lydia and nothing good I'm afraid. All she said was that she had heard that the Dark Lady is still on Valentine's payroll and that they were planning something big." Magnus explained.

"Well that sounds ominous." Clary said somberly.

"I don't suppose you've got any ideas what that plan could be?" Alec asked Jocelyn desperately and without much hope.

"His plan in the past was to destroy all downworlders and remake a new shadowhunter army. So it's probably related to that. But how he plans on doing that? I'm sorry but I just don't know." She answered.

"He can't make the Shadowhunter army without the Mortal Cup though right?" Jace pointed out. "Do you think he's planning to steal it again?"

"Potentially but that would be a risky move considering its locked away in Idris under the Clave's protection." Alec explained. "Still I'll let the Clave know of our suspicions so they can take extra precautions and be on the look out in case Valentine does try something. Anybody else got anything to report?"

"My wolves have The Dark Lady's scent from the warehouse and are trying to track her." Luke supplied. "But we're having some issues. It seems anytime one of them gets too close to her they wake up dazed and confused someplace with no memory of where they've been. But it does tells us that she is definitely still in the city somewhere."

"That would make sense. The nearer she is to Lydia the better control she'll have over the enchantment on Lydia." Magnus explained.

"What about Valentine have we got any information on where he might be?" Alec asked. All he got in response was a whole lot of head shaking. "Ok well keep trying everyone. And thank you for all your efforts." Alec concluded the meeting before turning to Robin as the others began to disperse. "Come on lets go see how Lydia is doing. We might not be able to fill in her in with any information but at least we can keep her company for a bit."

They walked to Lydia's suite in a comfortable silence. Alec could tell that Robin was still feeling really down about being sent back to Lisbon whilst Lydia was ill. He wished he could think of something to say to make him feel better. But the only thing he could think of was to repeat Jace's earlier reassurances. "We really will take care of her. Lydia is our family, we all love her. There are no lengths we wouldn't go to if it meant keeping her safe."

"I know Alec and I'm really thankful that she has you all. It's just..." Robin paused obviously struggling to find a way to articulate what he was feeling.

"It's ok I get it." Alec said. "It's all good and well to know there are people looking out for her but it still doesn't make it easier to be away from someone you care about when you know they are suffering." Robin nodded his head in confirmation. "I'm sorry. It's not fair that you have to leave." Alec said quietly still reeling somewhat at the injustice of it.

"It's ok. It's not your fault. Just the Shadowhunter way right. Duty before anything else." Robin sounded defeated and maybe a little bitter. But before either one of them could say anything else they reached Lydia's door. Alec reached out and knocked. They waited a few moments for a reply but when there was none Alec knocked again a little louder this time. Still there was no answer and Alec felt an uneasy feeling creep up on him. Ignoring it he called out. "Lydia? It Alec and Robin. Are you awake." The silence from the other side of the door was deafening. Alec felt the panic grow as he exchanged a worried look with Robin. "She's probably asleep." He whispered to Robin trying to reassure himself as much as Robin. Robin didn't look all that convinced. "Lydia we're coming in ok." Alec called again. When there was once again no answer he pushed the door open and they both entered the gloomy room.

Alec felt a jolt of fear go through him as he took in the empty bed. Looking over to the left he could see that the kitchen was also dark and empty. But then he spotted that the bathroom light was on and the door was open. He and Robin rushed over to it both calling out Lydia's name. Alec's heart stopped as he caught sight of Lydia trembling on the bathroom floor. Her face was flushed and her eyes fluttered behind closed lids. Robin reached Lydia before Alec did, pulling her into his arms and cradling her.

"Get Magnus!" Robin urged him.

Alec's run back to the Op's centre passed in a blur. "Magnus!" He cried out in panic as he burst into the room.

Magnus looked up from where he was standing chatting to Luke, Jocelyn and Simon. Jace, Clary and Izzy also looked around from the computers nearby. They all took one look at his fearful expression and came running after him. As they all burst into Lydia's room they saw that Robin had moved her to her bed.

"We found her on the bathroom floor!" Robin explained urgently. "I tried to wake her but..."

Magnus moved over to her and immediately started muttering incantations whilst the blue smoke of his magic wrapped around Lydia like a protective cocoon. The rest of the group waited in a tense silence. For Magnus' diagnosis, for Lydia to open her eyes, for some sign that it was going to be ok.

After what seemed like an eternity Lydia began to groan a little her eyes fluttering open though not staying open for long. She seemed to be drifting in and out of conciousness. Magnus lent down and whispered something in her ear to which she nodded wearily before closing her eyes again and laying still. Magnus began to shoo everyone out of the room and into the hall. He pulled the door to but didn't close it all the way so they could still keep an eye on Lydia. When he turned back to them all he had a grim look on his face.

"What is it?" Alec asked. "Is she ok?"

As everyone stared expectantly at him Magnus sighed. "Her fever is back. I've managed to lower it again but to be honest I don't know how long that's going to last. She seems to be deteriorating at a much faster rate than I anticipated." He explained.

"So what do we do? How can we help her?" Robin asked.

"Well right now she needs to rest. She should be more with it in an hour or two." Magnus told them.

"And after that?" Izzy questioned. Magnus just shook his head not having an answer for that. A solemn silence echoed in the hall.

Then suddenly Alec had a spark of inspiration. "Wait maybe there is something we can do?" Everyone looked to him, hoping that he might have some kind of solution. "Didn't you say that the Dark Lady was most likely staying nearby Lydia so that she could have better control over the enchantment?" He asked Magnus as a plan began to form in his mind. He just hoped he was right about this. Magnus gave him a nod of confirmation. "So what does that mean exactly, if we move Lydia further away from the Dark Lady?"

A look of realisation came across Magnus' face as he caught onto Alec's plan. "You think by moving Lydia somewhere else further away it will weaken the link between them?" Magnus asked.

"Will it?" Alec asked hopefully.

" I honestly don't know." Magnus confessed. "As I said linking spells are so rare that not much is known about them. But it could work. It wouldn't break the enchantment but it might slow it down."

"Ok but where would we move her?" Izzy asked.

"Well it needs to be somewhere secure where we can protect her properly if the Dark Lady comes looking for her." Jace pointed out.

"Maybe she could stay at the Jade Wolf?" Clary suggested looking to Luke who nodded his agreement.

"It's an option but the further away the better." Magnus reminded them.

"I feel like Lydia needs to be involved in this discussion." Jocelyn voiced. "We should probably discuss it further once she's awake. She should be the one to decide were she goes. If she wants to go at all."

"Why wouldn't she want to move? If its going to make her better?" Clary asked confused.

"Because it might not." Robin stated matter of factly. "And because if it doesn't she might want to be in her home and with the ones she loves if she..." He trailed off unable to finish the sentence but they all knew what he meant.

"Ok so we'll talk about it some more when she's awake. I'll come get everyone once we've filled Lydia in." Alec broke into the somber mood that had settled over them all.

"I'm going to sit with Lydia for a bit if thats ok. I don't have much time left before I have to head back to Lisbon." Robin requested.

"Yeah of course." Alec answered. "We'll see you in a little bit. Call if there's any change."

Lydia's POV

When she opened her eyes again it was to a dimly lit room, she could tell that it was late in the evening. Sensing a presence beside her she turned her head a little to see Robin sitting in a chair next to the bed. He had his elbows on his knees and he was hunched forward, his face buried in his hands. "Hey." She croaked out just barely above a whisper. Still it was enough to make him start for a moment before a look of relief came into his warm eyes.

"Hey back at you." He greeted her lightly moving to sit on the bed next to her taking her hand in his. "You had me worried for a second there."

"What happened?" She asked tiredly as she tried to regather her thoughts.

"Alec and I found you unconscious on the bathroom floor." Robin filled her in. "Magnus said your fever came back."

Lydia shook her head struggling to remember to no avail. She could tell that there was more to what had happened than Robin was saying but before she could question him she noticed his eyes flicking to the clock. "You got somewhere you need to be?" She joked. But any mirth she felt soon faded away when she saw the expression on his face.

"Actually yes." He admitted looking at the ground to avoid eye contact with her. "Lisbon."

Lydia suddenly felt ice cold despite the fever still raging through her body. "You're still going back tonight?" She asked.

Robin looked at her sorrowfully. "I tried to appeal for an extended stay, I really did Lydia but the Clave refused. They think I'm needed more in Lisbon." He pleaded with her to understand.

Lydia could feel a lump form in her throat but she reached out and grasped his hand giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's ok. How long do we have before you have to go?"

"Couple of hours." He answered her. Lydia felt tears pricking at her eyes as she tried not to think about saying goodbye to him. "Um I should go and get the others. They'll want to know that your awake. Also there's something we need to talk to you about." Robin informed her hesitantly.

As she watched him leave the room Lydia felt a sense of doom come over her. She couldn't help but wonder if the next two hours would be the last she'd spend with Robin. She had no idea when she would see him again, if she would even survive this. When she heard footsteps approaching the door again she shuffled herself into a seated position and tried to look less tired than she felt. She smiled at everyone as they came into the room.

"Hey how are you feeling?" Alec asked.

"A bit better." Lydia lied. "Robin said there was something you wanted to talk to me about."

"Um yeah... the thing is Lydia..." Alec tried to start but he couldn't seem to finish the sentence instead looking over at Magnus for guidance.

Lydia also looked to Magnus expectantly pleading with her eyes for him to tell her whatever it was. He kept her eye contact for a moment before finally explaining. "The truth is Lydia that the enchantment is having more of an effect on you than I originally thought it would. Its taking over you alot faster."

Lydia felt her stomach drop. "But Alec's got a theory." Izzy tried to reassure her quickly.

"What's the theory?" She inquired.

"We think that if we put some distance between you and the Dark Lady it might slow the spell down." Alec answered.

"Will that work?" She asked Magnus hopefully.

"In all honesty Lydia I dont know. There's a good chance it might but it also might not have any effect at all. It could even potentially make it worse. We just don't know."

As Lydia tried to process all the new information she looked around the room meeting each persons eyes searching for some kind of answer. She eventually locked her gaze onto Robin. He gave her a pointed look and she instantly knew what he was trying to communicate. That his offer to join him in Lisbon still stood. Sighing she looked away briefly. "Can I have some time to think about it?" Lydia asked.

"Of course." It was Magnus who answered. "But I should warn you Lydia. It would be best not to take too much time. The longer we leave it the stronger the hold on you will grow."

Lydia nodded her head to indicate her understanding. One by one they each gave her a hug and then left her to her thoughts. She had alot to think about. On one hand she couldn't deny that the temptation to go to Lisbon with Robin was high. If Alec was right then that would put a good distance between her and the Dark Lady which would buy alot more time for everyone to figure out how to stop her and Valentine.

But then on the flip side of that argument if it didn't work and she started to lose her mind all the faster or if she died she would be away from the Lightwoods. Away from her family. But then at least they wouldn't have to see it.

If she went to the Jade Wolf or the Hotel Dumort then she might have put just enough distance between them but while staying close enough to her family to still see them. But then she didn't reckon the wolves or the vampires would be overly happy with her presence even if Luke or Simon vouched for her. Also that would mean she wouldn't be able to see Robin. Either way she would be missing someone.

She also had to think about the fact that where ever she went she would potentially be putting the people there in danger of the Dark Lady. It would be the same as putting a huge target on their backs. So maybe it was better to just stay put here in these rooms? She was so confused. She could vaguely hear Alec and Magnus' voices coming from the hallway. She wondered what they thought the best thing to do was. What they would do if they were in her position. As she moved towards their voices she could see them both standing close to each other through the gap in the door.

As she moved closer she couldn't help but smile a little as she saw Alec take Magnus hand and look at him with the softest of looks. But as she reached the door and pulled it open fully she saw Alec rapidly drop Magnus' hand and them both step back from each other. Pushing away the frown and trying to ignore the awkward feeling in the air Lydia asked "Hey I wanted to ask for your advice, what do you guys think I should do?" Lydia asked lightly trying to ignore the pit in her stomach.

"Lydia we can't decide that for you. It has to be your decision." Magnus urged her."

"But I can't figure it out I need more information." She pleaded with him. "What would happen if I were to do nothing at all."

"The spell will most likely continue to grow in strength at its current rate." Magnus answered her straight.

Lydia nodded it was what she had expected to hear. "And how long before I'm...you know not me, anymore?"

She could see that both Alec and Magnus looked uncomfortable at her question. Like they didn't want to think about it. But at her pleading look Magnus finally answered. "If it continues at the rate it currently is... a couple of days, maybe a week at most."

Lydia's heart dropped with ice cold shock. She saw Magnus look down at the floor like he couldn't bear to look at her. Alec closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. His shoulders tense. Lydia's mind was reeling. She had even less time then she thought. She looked back up at them. "Thank you I'm gonna..." She gestured back to the door. As she retreated back to her room Magnus caught her attention.

"Hey Lydia. For what its worth I do think Alec's plan could work. It could be worth a try. But the decision is yours." Lydia tilted her head at him in a sign of gratitude before closing the door fully this time. She needed space to think with no distractions. She paced around the room as she tried to come to a decision. But she just kept going round in circles. She looked up at the clock, it was just after 9pm. She perched on the windowsill and looked out into the dark night. Looking up at the sky she noticed that it was a starless night. The window was slightly open and the cool night breeze was a relief against her feverish skin.

She felt like she was a ticking time bomb that could go off at any moment without warning. Closing her eyes she enjoyed the feel of the wind rippling over her skin and gently caressing her hair for a moment. She knew she had bigger things to worry about but she couldn't help but think about Alec and Magnus backing away from each other when they saw her. She could understand why they felt awkward around her but it still bothered her. She didn't want them to feel like they had to act differently around her. She wanted them to be able to feel comfortable, to be themselves. The whole point of ending the marriage was so that Alec could have a chance with Magnus, a chance at love. She guessed part of what was bothering her so much was it felt a little too much like the charade she and Alec would put on for Robert and Maryse, that having to constantly think about how you're acting so as not to upset anyone. She definitely didn't want that for Alec and Magnus. She knew it would take some time but she hoped that awkwardness would pass, that they would all just be able to be comfortable around each other again.

She once again returned to trying to decide what she was going to do. But she just wasn't sure what the right the to do was. By the angel she wished she had some kind of sign or feeling that would give her some indication of what the best choice was. If she made others a potential target in an attempt to save herself did that make her selfish? Was it more selfish to give up and succumb to the Dark Lady's powers, potentially leaving her loved ones behind forever. Which choice was the right one, to fight, rage against the Dark Lady with everything she had left. Or to curl up under the covers of her bed and let what will happen, happen?

Sitting up a little straighter she squinted out the window as the sound of birdsong caught her attention. Welcoming the brief distraction she tried to look for the bird. Then there was the sound of little wings fluttering and chirping as the bird landed of the windowsill by her hand, drawn to the light of the room. It was a robin. It tilted its head and looked at her with its bead like black eyes. Its orange plumage shone bright despite the darkness of the night like a beacon of some kind. Lydia smiled down at it before softly asking. "I don't suppose you know the answer to my problem?" The bird just chirped in response. Lydia huffed and moved away form the window. Great now I'm talking to a bird, I really am losing it. She thought to herself. She looked back to the clock again. 9.30 pm. The robin chirped from the window again drawing her attention back to it.

Then something clicked and she had a moment of epiphany. Everything became clear. She needed to trust her friends, her family. She trusted Alec, she trusted his plan. She valued an trusted Magnus' advice and he thought Alec's plan was worth a try. She trusted that Robin could protect her and anyone else that needed to be protected. She trusted that her family would work tirelessly to find a way of stopping the Dark Lady, even in her absence. Looking again at the Robin she saw it was still staring at her like it was looking into her soul. She knew what she needed to do now. She was going back to Lisbon.

Authors Note: Ok so as a quick note I can't take full credit for the description of the eruption at the beginning as it is loosely based on the description of the vesuvius eruption given by Pliny the Younger which I drew inspiration from. Next chapter is actually going to be a lot lighter. Whilst there will still be some drama there will be some softer moments. I want to give my characters a little bit of a break as I've been really mean to them so far. So next chapter we'll be developing the Malec relationship up. Also I don't want any Lydia fans to worry we will also be following her to Lisbon and seeing how things develop between her and Robin. So I'm thinking maybe some first dates? Some frolicking in the sun? Obviously some kissing. That kind of a thing. So until next time and please guys stay safe and look after yourselves.