Confidence [The Mortal Instruments] {Rewritten}

I Alec's P.O.V

"You, with your self-control and wisdom, can still unleash devastation when your ego or honor is wounded. Faeries, we've just witnessed one of their retaliations. Lastly, Shadowhunters, we boast about our angelic blood, but that doesn't make us inherently better. Our actions define us." I turned the spotlight on Shadowhunters, challenging their superiority complex fueled by angelic blood. "It's not about being a werewolf, vampire, warlock, faerie, or Shadowhunter – it's about what we do with our abilities. Let's not succumb to stereotypes and preconceptions. Look at the atrocities committed by Shadowhunters like Valentine and Sebastian. Did we punish the entire Shadowhunter community for their deeds? No. So why start now, especially with two Shadowhunters who fought alongside us in this war and face exile because of their faerie heritage?"

The room fell silent, but I stood unflinchingly, liberated by the truth I had spoken.

"Are we truly allowing an individual with such a mindset to address us in such a derogatory manner?" Horace Dearborn erupted in a fit of rage, leaping from his seat. As one of the most influential figures of this generation, he held sway over a considerable number of Shadowhunters who were now starting to align with his views. However, his ascent to power wasn't through honorable means; he achieved dominance by exploiting his position, engaging in blackmail, and manipulating his fellow Nephilims.

Before Jace, my parabatai, could unleash his fury upon Dearborn, I raised my hand, signaling for calm. The room was charged with tension, and the anger radiating not only from Jace but also from Izzy, my mom, dad, Aline, Helen, Aline's mother, Jordan, Maia, and even Magnus, who struggled to control his magic, was palpable. It warmed me to know that, despite the challenges I put him through, Magnus still cared.

"Mister Dearborn, I may be what you derogatorily refer to as a 'faggot,' but at least I stand by my principles and speak the truth. More than I can say for you," I asserted with an unwavering poker face. Secretly reveling in the satisfaction of seeing his eyes nearly pop out and his jaw hit the floor, I continued, "Or should I remind you of your not-so-clean secrets? The blackmail, the abuse of power to impose your desires over the rights of fellow Nephilim– all actions unbecoming of someone in your position."

His glare intensified with hatred, enough to suggest he wished me to be buried six feet underground. Yet, when faced with stern looks from my father and Jia Penhallow, he begrudgingly silenced himself, retreating to his seat with an air of obedience. The new Faerie Queen, surprisingly, shot him a dark glare, expressing her disapproval of his outburst. It was a momentary victory, a reminder that sometimes truth and honesty can wield more power than the manipulation and deceit employed by those like Dearborn.

"So, Alexander, what do you propose?" Jia inquired with a firm tone, yet a trace of fondness underlining her words. Despite my disdain for being addressed by my full name, I sensed genuine concern in her question.

Taking a moment to ponder, my gaze swept across the Accords Hall until it settled on the Blackthorns, a family that had lost everything but their unity. Inspiration struck. "Firstly, we should initiate dialogue with the Wild Hunt and request the safe return of Mark Antony Blackthorn to the Shadowhunters. Moreover, they must pledge to refrain from any further harassment towards him or his family," I suggested, feeling a pang in my heart as the grateful and hopeful looks from the Blackthorn family met my eyes.

"A fair proposal," acknowledged Jia before turning her attention to the new Faerie Queen. "Do you believe you can facilitate this?"

"The Wild Hunt doesn't typically heed my commands, and it could pose challenges. Nonetheless, I will do what I can to assist," she replied, a small smile possibly hinting at gratitude for the support I offered.

Encouraged by the positive response, I continued, "If the faeries should not compensate for all the damages incurred in this war, doing so would plunge them into poverty, we should reach a compromise. They could contribute half of the reparations through their labor. This way, they can actively rebuild the structures or whatever was destroyed with their own hands." I clarified as I noticed the confusion in the gazes of those present.

"Furthermore," I added, gathering my thoughts, "I have learned through a reliable source that the Morgenstern still possess a significant amount of money. Given that both Valentine and Sebastian share responsibility for the chaos, it seems only fair to allocate those funds towards aiding in the reparations." Taking a deep breath, I aimed to calm my nerves and buy time until a more comprehensive solution surfaced.

"We must refrain from punishing anyone with faerie blood, especially considering that Helen and Mark fought valiantly for us during this war. It's absurd to exile them for something beyond their control," I asserted with unwavering determination, challenging anyone to dispute my stance. "Moreover, confiscating all their weapons serves no purpose. Who among us would want our only means of defense stripped away?"

A voice from the crowd, an unfamiliar Nephilim, interjected with skepticism, "So, we just let them rebuild their army to potentially attack us again?"

"Absolutely not. Their military strength and weaponry should be diminished, not eradicated," I responded firmly, locking eyes with the inquisitive Nephilim. Refusing to be intimidated, I vowed to speak my mind freely from now on.

I maintained my composure as Aline's mother finally spoke up, expressing gratitude, "Thank you for voicing your opinions, Alexander Gideon Lightwood. We will deliberate on your ideas privately, and once a final decision is reached, we will reconvene." With that, every ambassador and high-ranking member of each species, excluding the fairies, stood up and exited the Accord Hall.

"Mister Lightwood, thank you for your assistance," the voice of the new Faerie Queen brought me back from my contemplation. I looked up to see her smiling at me. "Even if your ideas are not accepted, you should know that we, the faeries, do not forget. We will remember the way you defended us and tried to help us."

"Don't mention it, Queen Whitewillow. I've had enough of this attitude," I replied, eliciting a genuine laugh from her. The exchange marked a moment of connection amid the tension, a fleeting bridge between our worlds.

"I want to assure you that if things don't unfold as we hope, I'll exert my best efforts to bring Mark Antony Blackthorn back from the Wild Hunt," she said, surprising me with her commitment. It dawned on me that I must have left a profound impression.

With her declaration delivered, she added, "I've said all I needed to. I'll leave you to your family." As she walked away, the Blackthorns seized the opportunity, and I found myself tackled by their overwhelming gratitude.

"Thank you, Alec!" They exclaimed in unison, enveloping me in heartfelt embraces.

"Well done, Alec! You put them in their places," Jace praised me once I managed to escape the tight grip of the Blackthorn family. I gladly accepted his offered hand, pulling myself up.

"Who knew you had it in you, brother," Izzy teased me, although her eyes revealed a genuine sense of pride.

"Let's hope they'll listen to reason and make the right choices," added Clary.

As the atmosphere shifted to a more somber tone, I took solace in the knowledge that I had done everything within my power. Satisfaction filled me, and all that remained was to await the outcome of my efforts.