The sun rose up above the horizon as a piercing cry shattered the calm of the morning.

Within the Lightwood home, everyone's heads turned to the stairs, just as a tall, pale-skinned man with hair so blonde, it looked white, made his way up the stairs, ignoring anyone who attempted to stop him.

Just before he reached the large door that was at the end of the corridor, it was flung open to reveal a familiar face.

"What are you doing here?" Robert Lightwood growled, "Do you want to get caught?"

"Boy? Girl?"

Robert narrowed his eyes at Valentine Morgenstern, "Leave. Now!"

He was ignored, as Valentine pushed him to one side and strode into the room.

"Maryse, you're looking as lovely as ever."

Maryse Lightwood seemed to share her husbands' sentiment, barely reacting to the statement as she readjusted her grip on the baby in her arms. "What do you want Valentine?"

Valentine didn't answer, eyes focused on the baby in her arms, "And just what is our new Shadowhunter called?"

"… Alexander Gideon Lightwood."

Robert grabbed his arm and eventually managed to pull him out, sending his wife an apologetic look, before shutting the door behind him.

"Did you consider the demon blood." Valentine asked, matter-of-factly.

"Wha- No!" Robert glanced around to make sure nobody had heard them, "Our campaign against the Downworlders is just and deserved, but what you're suggesting- "

"- Could change the Clave forever." Valentine smirked, "Just think about it, for the next one." And then he was leaving, completely missing how pale Robert's face turned.

Later that night, as Alexander slept in his crib, Maryse turned to her husband, a worried look on her face. "What are we going to do?"

"Nothing… except that maybe hope that whatever happens to him, passes us by entirely."

Spoiler alert…. It didn't.

…10 years later…

"Mummy! Mummy!"

Robert was forever thankful that he'd taught his son enough manners, not to jump on the bed, especially when there were signs that Maryse might be pregnant once again.

"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"

"Your son wants to speak to you." Robert grumbled into Maryse's ear, wrapping his arms around her.

"At this time, he's your son."

There was a whine of frustration (not that Alec would ever admit to that), before Alec resorted to poking and prodding gently. "Mummy, you promised, remember?"

Slowly, Maryse opened up her eyes to see Alec pouting at her.

"Okay…" She sighed, pulling her son into a quick hug, before pushing herself into a seated position, "… okay, I'm up. Get dressed. You're representing the Lightwood name, remember?"

As Alec marched out of the room, Robert rolled onto his back and smiled at his wife. "Already planning his future?"

"He will be the Head of the New York Institute, if I have anything to say about it."

Robert just chuckled.

…..

Maryse couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as she strode through the corridors, Alec by her side, back straight and looking like the perfect Shadowhunter.

"Remember Alec, every important decision, that could affect the lives of thousands, is made right here in this building."

"Yes Mama."

"There have been times where Shadowhunters were not popular, but that's not our goal. We work to protect mundanes and others from threats."

"Yes Mama." Alec frowned, "And... I'm going to be one?"

"Yes." And a Shadowhunter only, was the unspoken statement, "You shall be the new Head of the institute, which means that you need to excel in your studies. No more barely passing grades."

Her tone was harsh, and Alec knew he was flushing.

They headed out onto a balcony, where Alec's attention was drawn to someone down below. "Who's that Mama?"

Maryse glanced at where he was pointing, a sneer appearing on her face. "That…" She sighed, "… Is a Downworlder. You can never trust a Downworlder Alec, I want you to remember this."

Alec frowned. From all the stories that his Father had told him and Izzy, Downworlders were monsters, who couldn't be trusted.

The man down below didn't look like a monster.

"But- "

"Madame Lightwood."

Alec turned as a man came rushing over, "Ma'am, there's a small matter that requires your attention."

"I assume it has something to do with Bane?"

When the man flinched, Maryse straightened up. "When the High Warlock is present, I expect someone to tell me immediately. Am I understood?"

"Y-Yes Ma'am!"

Maryse then turned to her son, "Alec. Why don't you go and train until I'm done, hmmm?"

Alec was a little disappointed, but nodded and bowed, before heading towards the training room. He'd seen the training room so many times now and was hoping to see more of the Institute.

But it looked like this visit would just be more of the same.

Rounding the corner a little too quickly, Alec grunted as he bumped into something solid, falling back to the ground. "Oh…" he winced, "… Hello Master Starkweather." He pushed himself to his feet, "Hey, guess what!"

"Aren't you a little old for guessing games now Alec?"

Alec winced, "Yes. Sorry. I-I was just going to say that Mother has said that I'm going to be the new Head of the Institute when I'm older."

"Did she now." Hodge Starkweather raised an eyebrow, "It's not written in stone I'm afraid. They may choose someone else… now follow me. We shouldn't be lingering in corridors."

"Because of the Downworlders?"

Hodge paused for a moment, before turning back around to face the child. "I see your Mother has warned you about the dangers of the Downworlders. The threat they pose."

"She-she just said that I shouldn't trust them."

"And she's absolutely right! Only the bravest of Shadowhunters would dare confront a Downworlder."

"I'm brave! What's so bad about them?"

Hodge turned away, shaking his head, "If I told you of all the horrific things I've seen Downworlders do, you'll be having nightmares for months."

"No, I won't!"

"Alec…" Hodge forced a smile on his face, "… I'm only looking out for the welfare of Maryse's favourite son."

Alec frowned. He didn't feel like her favourite son…. Not when the new boy was around.

"I'm just trying to protect you. You'll be old enough to go into Pandemonium and challenge the High Warlock him- oops!" Hodge cut himself off, pressing a finger against his lip, looking down almost in shame as Alec's eyes widened in wonder.

"The High Warlock!?"

"I've said too much." Hodge sighed, "I'm sure you would have heard about it eventually. You are the… future Head of the Institute after all. Just promise me that you'll never, ever go to there."

"… I promise."

"Good." Hodge examined him for a few moments, "The others should be in the training room. Why don't you go and join them… and remember!"

Alec stopped and turned back to look at him.

"It's our little secret."