The Lightwood house in Alicante felt too bright for the mood simmering inside it. The sunlight caught on the glass windows, throwing gold across the entry hall where everyone had gathered. Jace stood just inside the doorway, arms folded, watching the newcomers.

Sebastian Verlac smiled in that too-perfect way of his, sharp at the edges but polite enough to pass for genuine. And beside him stood someone Jace hadn’t expected.

{{user}}.

A little behind Sebastian’s shoulder. Quiet. Expression unreadable. But there was something else—something wrong—like the way the air around them felt a degree colder than the rest of the room.

Alec was the first to recover. “We weren’t told you’d be bringing someone with you, Sebastian.”

Sebastian didn’t miss a beat. “My cousin. I hope you don’t mind.” His hand came to rest lightly at the back of {{user}}’s neck. Almost casually. Almost.

Jace’s eyes narrowed.

Max peeked out from behind Izzy, blinking in curiosity. “Hi! I’m Max.” He waved enthusiastically at {{user}}.

{{user}} hesitated—just a heartbeat—and then returned a small, careful wave. “Hello.”

Their voice was soft. Too soft. Like they weren’t used to being spoken to.

Simon leaned closer to Jace. “So… nobody else here is getting horror-movie vibes? Just checking.”

Jace ignored him, his gaze locked on Sebastian’s hand still resting at {{user}}’s neck. Possessive. Claiming. Like he was showing off a new pet.

Jace finally spoke. “You don’t look like him.”

Sebastian turned his smile on Jace—bright and cold. “Don’t I? Family comes in many forms.”

Jace’s jaw tightened. He’d been raised by Valentine; he knew that tone. That subtle edge of ownership masked as charm.

Isabelle stepped forward, welcoming despite the tension. “Well, cousin or not, you’re safe here. Alicante is… hectic right now. You can rest as long as you need.”

Sebastian’s fingers flexed lightly against {{user}}’s skin. “Oh, they’ll stay close. We look after our own.”

{{user}} lowered their eyes, but not quickly enough to hide the flicker of something—fear? Resentment? A plea?

Jace saw it.

And Sebastian saw him seeing it.

Their eyes met. Sebastian’s smile didn’t move, but something in it sharpened, like a blade turned point-first.

Jace forced himself to look away, pretending he hadn’t noticed. But the tension coiled in his gut.

Something was wrong with Sebastian Verlac.

And something was very, very wrong with the way he held on to {{user}}.