The Red Scrolls of Magic (The Eldest Curses, #1)

by Cassandra Clare

Each time he finished a postcard, Alec wrote Wish you were here at the end. And each time, Magnus snatched the card and wrote, with a flourish, Except not really.

Romance was a lot of work.

“Can’t complain,” said Magnus, adjusting his cuffs. “If I did, I would only be doing so for attention from a handsome gentleman.”

Besides, we are on vacation. Carpe diem. Seize the day, not the demons.”

“It’s romantic because it’s sharing knowledge about the world,” said Magnus. “The one who knows about stars teaches the one who doesn’t know. That’s romantic.”

Shadowhunters were so useful when traveling. Magnus planned to never again leave home without one.

“Call it even,” said Tessa. “You once walked in on me in an embarrassing situation with a gentleman in a mountain fortress, after all.”

Tension eased out of Tessa’s shoulders. She placed her cup on the side table and stood up. Her gaze lingered on Alec and her smile spread, warm and sweet, and Magnus understood that she was seeing within him not just Will but Cecily and Anna and Christopher, generations of beloved faces now gone. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Alexander.”

I thought: classic Jace. Never makes a mess when a total catastrophe will do.

“Great news,” said Aline. “That place looks like a safety hazard.” Helen nodded. “Straight to the death tornado it is.”

“It’s all right,” Aline said, putting her hand to her weapons belt. “I’m in a stabby mood.”