Chase

Chapter 6

Sylvia stood outside of the Institute, wrapping herself in the jacket she'd borrowed from Isabelle. It was also neon pink, and she'd been embarrassed to wear it, but in the cold she was glad she had it. She stared up at the imposing brick building, elaborately gothic in style, with imposing stained glass windows like those of a church. Looking over her shoulder at Isabelle for reassurance, she began to climb the numerous steps leading up to door. There, Isabelle placed her hand on the door, and it swung open at her touch. Inside, the building was even more imposing, with high vaulted ceilings and a two corridors leading off into semi darkness. The air inside was chill, and as Sylvia stepped over the threshold she shuddered, although whether it was from cold or fear she didn't know.

Suddenly, her ears (which were keener than those of humans) picked up the clip of high heels coming towards them down the right corridor. Half a minute later, a woman came into view, looking agitated. Sylvia could immediately tell that this was Alec and Isabelle's mother. Like them, she had black hair and striking blue eyes, set in a pale marble-like face with high cheekbones. She too was covered in marks, but unlike her children, most were faded with time. She was tall and elegant as she walked towards them on a pair of scarlet high heels, and her face revealed she was less than pleased to see them.

"Isabelle! What is this all about? Who..." The woman broke off upon catching sight of Sylvia, standing unconfidently and awkwardly in the midst of such an impressive building. Before she could say anything else, Isabelle began to explain.

"This is Sylvia. She has no place else to go. Could she stay at the Institute? We've got plenty of spare rooms, I'm sure she could stay-"

"She's a warlock." Isabelle's mother interrupted, looking horrified. "The Institute doesn't cater to the whim of Downworlders."

"Under certain conditions, an Institute is obligated to provide shelter and assistance to any Downworlder in need of it. You know this, Maryse." Magnus supplied. "Besides, I'm sure your children can vouch for her trustworthiness.

The woman... Maryse... looked at Magnus suspiciously.

"Well, I vouch for her." Isabelle said.

"Me too." Alec said quickly.

"What? Oh, yes, I vouch for her. Highest recommendation and all that." Jace supplied casually.

"So I suppose the matter is settled." Magnus said, looking directly at Maryse. She did not object.

"Fine." Maryse looked directly at Sylvia, her glare making her go cold. "But heed this warning. If you betray the Institute or any of its members in any way, or are suspected of doing so, the Clave will not be lenient. Isabelle, you can show this girl to her room."

Maryse stomped off down the corridor. Jace and Alec followed. Isabelle beckoned for Sylvia to follow her.

"Wait," Magnus interrupted behind her. She turned. "I want you to meet me at my apartment tomorrow at 3 o'clock. Please don't be late, I have better things to do with my time than standing around waiting for you all afternoon."

"What for?"

"If you're going to become a part of the Shadow World, you need to know how to defend yourself. And that means you need to know how to do magic. Me, being the both charitable and extremely accomplished warlock that I am, have taken it upon myself to teach you. Do not waste my most generous offer. 3 o'clock sharp." With this, he winked, and swept out of the building, leaving a cloud of glitter in his wake."

Sylvia turned again to Isabelle. "Have you ever noticed that Magnus is kind of... eccentric?"

Isabelle grinned. "It'd be hard not to. Come on, I'll show you to your room."