Chapter 153 Cottage
Alessia's POV
Soon enough the cottage appears as evening approaches. It is a simple two-floor cottage with a white picket fence wrapping around its exterior. It's built from an ancient white rock the exact same one as La Cass. It exudes warmth and an air of mystery. The last time I was here we arrived when I was asleep and when we left in the morning. I was overwhelmed with nerves on my way to the coven for the very first time.
This time around I lean back in the seat and admire not only the uniqueness of the building but the beautiful rose bush garden out front. It looks like a retreat not a magical half way house for the visitors to la Casa. A wistful smile graces my lips as I turn to Alex “It is quite breathtaking isn't it? “
Alex rubs my arms back and forth warming my core
“that it is, a very charming B &B and the owner is a little ornery but very hospitable.”
Looking back out the window I sight old “Mc George” the owner wearing blue denim overalls on a blue black plaid long sleeved shirt, black sturdy boots and a wide straw brim hat. I chuckle inwardly remembering an old nursery rhyme my Mother taught me “Old Mc Gregor had a farm iyya iyya yo”
Mother.
My chest constricts again as her face comes into view. Her face lit up as a Christmas tree as she sings the rhyme with the sweetest voice I have ever heard.
Gone but never forgotten. I wish -
“Alessia?!” Alex shakes me gently out of my reverie. Suddeny I look around not only has the car come to a stop but Alex is leaning into the car offering me a hand!
Oh no!
How long was I out?
Alex looks at me worriedly “Alessia I have been calling you for the past five mins. Your eyes were glazed over as if you were in a trance, I was worried...”
I reach for him giving him a light squeeze “I was walking down memory lane Alex I am sorry for making you worry.”
He stares at me for a few seconds searching my face. Once he seems sure that I am okay he carries me out of the car and closes the door gently.
As soon as he carries me out of the vehicle I slowly slide down his body. The smell of cinnamon and pine trees hits my nose first , As my feet touch the ground I feel a zap of something passing through my veins.
Protective magic
Both ancient and strong wards the entire perimeter
Before I can say a word the second SUV comes to a slow stop behind us. The doors are flung open quickly as footsteps approach us slowly turning around I see Luca, Lucy and Angelicas all wearing tired but contented looks.
We exchange smiles as they return to the back of the vehicle to unpack our luggage. Alex and I head towards the cottage together. Alex holds on to me tight as if I am too tired to maneuver the steps myself and I allow him.
The old Man straightens his spine as we approach, his eyes watching us sharply. Way too sharp if you ask me.
“Welcome back Princess, Sugnore Ferrini and co”he greets in an old raspy voice bowing low for a moment.
“McGregor” Alex replies with a nod
“Hey Mr McGregor it feels good to be back” I reply warmly rembering the apple cider pie he served us last time, delicious and just the right amount of spice. His eyes shift to me crinkling with a smile at the edge as he watches me quietly for a moment
“Its good to see you again princess, please follow me your rooms are ready.” We follow him inside without adding another word.
Once we are at the door threshold he pauses for a moment “the protective wards will not harm you, you are all safe here it's sacred ground “
I felt it the minute we arrived
It feels like an extension of la Casa
And I am descendent of the creator of la Casa
I didn't get a feeling of danger at all
“I hope not” I reply with an amused tone
He snickers but doesn't turn back and walks over the threshold.
“I like your confidence Princess” he murmurs as I step in to the foyer. Behind us the rest all step into the foyer with Hugh bringing up the rear. I look around the foyer, the cottage seems bigger than I remembered and cozier. A fire is cackling in the living room which is decorated with rustic chairs and a wooden center table. Towards the left is the dining hall which has a long oval oak table and chairs.
“Did you feel that buzz?” Luca asks as he steps into the Living room.
“It's warded” Alex answers
I walk further in to living room picking a single chair and settling in it as the others find other places to seat.
“Mr Mcgregor who cast the spells in this cottage?”I shut my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath using my inner eyes I scour around the room the protective lines are glowing and the floor is etched in protective sigils.
Interesting it looks like something that was done by a council member. Taking a deep breath I shut my inner eye and a take a deep breath. looking around the living room and admiring the eclectic pieces of furniture dotting it like the rockaround chair in the corner and hung an antelope head
He slowly sits on the rocking chair “Orzo did it.”
It figures
He is the best at the coven after all
Lucy, Luca and Angelica move towards the sofa settling in as Alex brings out a folded paper in his pocket and opens it on the center table
.Every ones eyes zero in on it, the room is silent for a few minutes until I break it
“Is that the?” I ask leaning towards the center table to have a better look...