Chapter 56 Malta
Alessia’s POV
The plane slowly starts to descend into Malta. The lights from the city below slowly rise to meet us like twinkling stars.
Luca shifts his gaze to Alex.
“Should we be worried? Who sent the message?”
Alex continues to stare at his lighted screen for a moment before letting out a breath.
“Not necessarily. It’s from Padre.”
I clutch my rosary tighter as Luca looks at me first, then Alex again with a worried look.
“Why is he messaging so soon after your call? Is there more news?”
Alex nods. “I just skimmed through, but it seems he sent his assistant - Angelica to join us on our journey.”
I look at him, eyebrows furrowed. “Do you trust him?”
Alex gives me a calculated look. “Yes, I do. He wouldn’t dare to double cross me.”
Luca snorts. “The more the merrier, and she could answer any questions you may have about the covens.”
I nod. “That’s true. Well, let’s hope she is nice and accommodating.”
The wheels slowly kiss the ground; a soft thud sounds in the cabin. Moments later the plane door is opened. A cool air filters through the cabin. Two cabin crew members enter, wearing their uniforms, and behind them an attractive black-haired woman with a small overnight bag and a bag that she clutches to her chest.
She pauses in front of Alex, smiling faintly. “Good evening, Signore Ferrini. I am Angelica.”
Angelica stands, shifting under Alex’s intense glare.Her voice is soft and steady.
“Signore Ferrini, If my presence makes you uneasy, I can join the cabin crew in the back?”
Alex shakes his head, unperturbed. “You can remain where you are so I can keep my eyes on you.”
I glance at Alex, rolling my eyes at him. Didn’t he just say he trusted Padre? What is his problem? I face her, smiling. “Ignore the grinch.”
Her eyes take in me and Luca as she carefully looks around the cabin. She gives both of us polite nods and hands her luggage to the crew before settling into the chair near Luca facing mine.
Luca glances at her wearily. “You are Padre’s assistant?”
“Si, Signore.” She gives him a small smile.
Luca, he whispered, gaze still locked on her.
She blushes, looking at her clasped hands. “Yes, Signore Luca. I am Mr Padre’s assistant.”
She looks towards Alex once more and flinches when she meets Alex's cold eyes then straightens her shoulders taking a long deep breath.
She hesitates for a moment, then licks her lips, adding, “He said you may need help navigating the map and the covens. I am happy to be of help.”
I exchange a wary look with Luca because as much as I feel safe with her. I also feel she has an ulterior motive for joining us. Turning to Alex I find that his eyes are locked on her. His gaze seems like he is trying to see inside her soul. He grunts and says, “That’s thoughtful of Padre. Welcome aboard.”
The cabin crew distract me for a few minutes as I watch them restock the plane with fresh fruit, water, and warm food. They open up our tables and start setting it up.
Angelica keeps glancing out the window, Her jaw clutched tight as if she is counting the minutes until she can get away. Once again I wonder if she is not only here to help us but also needs to escape? She looks like a fawn caught under flashing headlights…
Once the Cabin crew are done. I start eating slowly as I watch her from the side of my eyes staring at her beautiful blue eyes and pert nose with a lovely set of lips. She catches my gaze and smiles at me. Her smile seems genuine enough..
“And you must be Alessia,” she says. “Mr Padre spoke about you with a lot of warmth.”
I look at her, blinking in surprise. “Padre did? I only met him once. I guess I must have left a lasting impression.”
“Yes, he did. He said you are an innocent lady caught in the crossfire of hungry mafia men and desperate witches.”
I shiver as she states this simply like she is talking about the weather.
Luca turns to her. “Padre told you all of it already?”
Angelica smiles. “We work closely together, so I know some of what he knows.”
She lowers her voice, leaning forward. “Alessia, he told me to tell you the tides will turn in your favor. I don’t know what tides he is implying, but he made me promise to tell you.”
I gulp as I exchange a look with Alex, then Luca.
Alex shrugs; “he is always speaking in parables.”
“Indeed, quite annoying,” Luca mutters.
Alex glances at my plate, noticing I have barely touched my food. “Alessia, eat something. We’ll be back up in the air in ten minutes.”
I nod, my gaze straying to Angelica once more. Her aura is very calm and comforting even though there seems to be something weighing her down . I can tell we are going to be very good friends. I feel like she is a kindred spirit, someone that has weathered lots of storms like me.
She feels my gaze and looks up, tilting her head a bit. “Alessia, I know all of this seems new and scary, but don’t be afraid,” she says.
Her words lessen a knot in my chest. I whisper, “Thank you, Angelica.”
Luca adjusts his position suddenly as she gives him a smile before returning to her meal.
The engines turn on again as the pilot starts preparing to lift off. The cabin crew clear the plates quietly as I lean back in my chair.
“Alex, can I finish my movie?” I murmur.
He glances at me. “Sure. It will help you relax.”
I nod, pressing play. As the screen lights up, the plane glides off the tarmac, slowly building speed.
For now, everything seems peaceful and calm, but we all know it’s not going to last.