"It makes sense why it was like that before. There weren't many of us and they needed us to have families." At least that was the logic that Alec had used to try to understand why everything he read said that there was something wrong with him.

Setting aside the polish, Alec considered the best way to address Adam's history. Their upbringing had some similarities. "Your father and my parents might have gotten along." Except the Lightwoods wouldn't have even acknowledged a Mundane. "My parents are racist in relation to the Downworld. Most Nephilim are. We're taught that Shadowhunters are elite and everyone else in the Downworld is a savage."

Which wasn't true. It hadn't been the Downworlders who were slaughtering others. The Shadowhunters of the past and then the Circle had been the real danger to the Downworld. "I don't agree with it either but it sometimes I act like I do. It's drilled into us from birth. I'm trying to be better." Maybe Adam was too if he was willing to tell Alec about his family. "I don't know if my parents are homophobic or they're angry that they can't sell me off now."

"Probably ten minutes to be sure. Usually I end up talking to Izzy for another half hour before we realize that I'm done. Or she makes me paint her toe nails."