“Right,” said Alec. “Clive Breakspear, the head of the Institute, had his Shadowhunters acting as mercenaries. They’ll need to stand trial. But I encouraged a change in leadership. The Buenos Aires Institute is going to be all right.”

“This is why I needed to talk to you, Alec,” said Robert.

Alec studied the cracks in the sidewalk and tried to think of a way to explain everything that would implicate nobody else.

“Do you know, the positions of Consul and Inquisitor often stay within the same families? I’ve been thinking about what happens when the time comes for me to retire.”

Alec stared at a weed growing through the cracks in the sidewalk. “I don’t think Jace wants to be Inquisitor, Dad.”

“Alec,” said Robert. “I’m not talking to Jace. I’m talking to you.”

Alec jolted. “What?”

He looked up from the sidewalk. His father was smiling at him as if he meant it.

Alec remembered his own words. The Inquisitor. The second most important person in the Clave.

Alec allowed himself a moment to dream. Being Inquisitor, and having a hand in the making of the Law itself. Being able to get Aline and Helen back. Being able to put some sort of dent in the Cold Peace. Being able, Alec thought with slow-dawning hope, to get married.

Having his dad believe that Alec could do it. Alec knew his dad loved him, but that wasn’t the same as his dad believing in him. He hadn’t known that before.

“I’m not saying it would be easy,” said Robert. “But several members of the Clave have mentioned it as a possibility. You know how popular you are with Downworlders.”

“Not really,” mumbled Alec.

“A few more people in the Clave are coming around,” said Robert. “I have that tapestry up of you, and I take care to mention your name often.”

“Here I thought it was up because you love me.”

Robert blinked at him, as if he was wounded by the joke. “Alec. It—it is. But I want this for you too. That’s what I came here to ask. Do you want it for yourself?”

Alec thought of the power to change the Law from a sword that hurt people into a shield to defend them.

“Yeah,” said Alec. “But you have to be sure you want me to have it, Dad. People won’t be happy with me taking it, and once I have it, I’m going to split the Clave apart.”

“You are?” Robert asked, his voice faint.

“Because I have to,” said Alec. “Because everything has to change. For everybody’s sake. And for Magnus and our kids.”

Robert blinked. “Your what?”

“Oh, by the Angel,” said Alec. “Please don’t ask me any questions! I have to go! I have to talk to Magnus right away.”

Robert said, “I am very confused.”

“I really have to go,” said Alec. “Thanks, Dad. I mean it. Come for dinner again soon, all right? We’ll talk more about the Inquisitor thing then.”