Shadowhunter in the Apocalypse

The matron set the cup in front of the visitor and wiped her hands on her apron. "All your papers are in order, Mr Hale. I don't doubt your ability to take care of the boy. It's just that…"

"It's just what?"

Her shoulders slumped a little. "Reed is… different, has always been ever since he was dropped on our doorstep years ago as a baby. He doesn't run with the others, he doesn't play. He finds the darkest corner he can and just… stays there."

Hale stirred the tea, though he never lifted it to drink. "Is he afraid of something?"

"Not Exactly," she muttered. "We aren't incompetent here Mr Hale, we try our best to make sure no bullying goes on within this walls" She glanced at Hale, wanting the message to sink in. "But we cant force kids to play with themselves, and he has isolated himself from every other child here"

Hale only nodded, as if that made sense.

"Besides the children have reported that he loves talking to shadows, one time one of them even told me he said shadows are better than people"

Hale's eyes sharpened at that, but he carefully hid his expression behind his blank face. "I would like to meet him."

"Come then," she said, relief mixing with unease. "But remember, it isn't just papers that decide. The child must be willing to follow you."

They left the office and walked down the long hallway. Children's voices echoed off the walls, Hale noted that the orphanage really did try it's best to provide the closest thing to a perfect home for the kids, as far as he could see everyone was happy.

The matron then stopped two little boys were chasing each other.

"Where's Reed?" she asked.

Though they seemed ffar more interested in their little game of chase, they replied. "Same place, maám. Behind the laundry door."

The other giggled. "He's talking to the wall again." and with that they took off.

The matron gave Hale a look that said see for yourself.

They found the door half open. Inside the narrow space, where the light barely reached, a small figure crouched on the floor. Reed had his knees tucked up, Hale could here his child like voice whispering softly to the dark. He didn't notice them at first.

The matron sighed. "He's always here as if the shadows are his family."

Hale crouched down by the doorway, quiet enough not to startle the boy. "What are you telling them?" he asked.

Reed's head snapped up, eyes wary. "Secrets." His voice was so tiny yet so serious it made him smile.

Hale tilted his head. "Do they answer you back?"

Reed shook his head. "No, they don't need to."

The matron shifted uncomfortably, but Hale leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I understand. I like them too."

Reed stared at Hale, noting he didn't look away. Most grown-ups looked away fast, as if meeting his eyes too long made them nervous.

Hale glanced at the corner where the boy had been whispering. The shadow there thickened for a heartbeat, shivered faintly, then settled again. It was so slight that even the matron, standing right behind them, saw nothing strange.

Reed gasped. "You… you made it move."

Hale smiled, soft and conspiratorial. "Maybe it moved on its own. Maybe it liked us watching."

The boy crawled forward a little, his face lit with sudden excitement. "Can I do that too?"

"Not yet. But if you come with me, I can show you how."

Reed tilted his head, chewing his lip. "Why? Why would you show me?"

"Because you belong with people who understand," Hale said simply.

The matron shifted uneasily at their hushed conversation she couldn't hear. "Mr Hale…" she began, but Reed cut across her.

"Will I be able to make them talk?"

"If you're strong enough, anything is possible with magic," Hale promised.

Reed's small fingers stretched out hesitant at first, then certain. Hale took it without hesitation, and flashed him a smile.

The matron let out a long breath, almost in disbelief, as long as she had known him, Reed had never taken anyone's hand before and many had tried to adopt the misunderstood quiet kid.

Hale looked at the boy and spoke quietly, only for him. "Come with me, Reed Thorne. I will show you what shadows really are."