Magnus could see his nervousness from a mile away, but four hundred years of life made one sensitive to these things. All parties always had at least one person who did not feel at home, who wasn't in a celebratory mood, who felt as though he or she did not know anyone. In a party as intimate as this, Magnus had thought Alec would be the only one. He should have known better.

"So." Magnus sidled over as though to refill his glass of cider, but took up a spot standing beside the boy. "How many times have you had to listen to Lady Gaga?"