Summary

Chapter 5 is titled “The Chessboard.” Magnus chooses the Mansion Hotel that was converted from the estate of a mob boss. Magnus attended parties here in the 1930s and knows he is one of the few who would remember the hotel from those times. Alec realizes why Magnus chose this place. Magnus remembers a trip he took with Catarina to China years earlier to help a mundane family that had taken in a warlock child. He doubts the little girl even remembers him. After Alec showers, he and Magnus have a romantic encounter, happy that Max is not down the hall to cry and interrupt them. Alec assures Magnus they are still a couple, despite their love for Max. Magnus wakes the next morning to discover Alec is gone. He left a note saying they are at the Institute and that Magnus should rest...