"Fine. We'll call it magic." Easier than getting into the semantics of it, and as far as he knows Alec's the only one from his home here anyway. With no one to criticize the incorrect term, should he care if it makes it easier for others?

Probably he should, says that little inner awareness that speaks with his parents' voices. Probably he shouldn't show off his runes either, or associate with Mundanes. He knows he's screwing up, and Alec pushes himself to jog a little faster. He knows he can't outrun that voice, but he can at least quiet it a little bit.

"Weird that this passage hasn't had any turn offs. Wonder what these tunnels are for in the first place."