Chapter 80 Home
Alessia’s POV
The outside air is cool and crisp. The two black SUVs are waiting idle by the curb. The guide slips into the first SUV, opening the back door for us. Alex walks me to the back seat as Luca and Angelica head for the second SUV without argument.The driver starts the car, and we pull away from the B &B. I look back once as the building slowly disappears into view. The road narrows as we pass through dense trees and old stone paths that look like they haven’t been used in years.
I face Alex.
“This road seems like it hasn’t been used in a while.” The guide looks at me through the mirror.
“It just appears that way, to make unwanted guests question the path.”
My stomach twists in knots.
“So it’s been spelled with magic?”
“Yes, Princess.”
My heart jolts. I had forgotten about that. He never ceases to remind me. Alex’s hand tightens in mine as I return my gaze to the window. After some time, I turn to Alex again, whispering into his ear.
“Alex, there is something I need to speak to you about.”
“What’s the matter, cara mia?” His voice fills with worry suddenly.
“I have noticed that my senses are sharper, and I can feel my powers in the pit of my stomach.”
“Stirring,” Alex mutters under his breath. “That is a good thing. I am sure your coven will teach you how to wield it.” He pauses, giving me a quick kiss on my forehead. “Do not worry. All will be well.”
I sigh. Dios mío. Raising my rosary to my lips, I kiss it, thankful he didn’t freak out after my confession.
The drive seems to go on for eons, but it’s only a few hours. At times the road is smooth and tarred, while in other places it is rough, uneven, and untarred, packed with earth. We stop at a small clearing to refill fuel kept in the boot, then once more before crossing a rocky bridge that Alex insists on inspecting to make sure it’s sturdy enough to grant us safe voyage. After the second stop, the trees start to reduce, and I sight some stone pillars ahead. A ripple of electricity jolts through me. It appears La Casa is close, and they just gave me my first nudge.
The jolt is intense and unmistakable as we arrive at the stone pillars. The car slowly comes to a stop.
The road leads through a wide stone path with torches lined against the fence. Looking up beyond it stands La Casa, as if created with earth itself.
It doesn’t look like a castle.
It looks like a mausoleum, or something even more ancient than that.
It’s built from white stone and It’s entirely wrapped in green ivy, on close inspection I notice it’s in motion.
Alive.
Writhing.
Watching.
Waiting.
The SUV pulls to a stop as the guide steps out first. Alex steps out next. I take a deep breath, steadying my trembling fingers as I join him. Luca and Angelica join us minutes later, everyone going still at the structure in front of us. Figures wearing cloaks walk out of the entrance. Both men and women, dressed in earth neutral colours with matching cloaks. Some are carrying staffs.Their attention is fixed on me immediately. My breath hitches in my chest as their gazes seem to strip my skin and reach for my soul.
A woman holding a staff steps forward, her hair peeking out of the cloak. It’s silver white, and it seems to glow with power. She places a hand over her chest and bows. Then, one by one, they all mimic her.
Finally she says, “Welcome, last Princess of La Casa.” Their words echo and strike a chord in my soul. I sway slightly as Alex instantly supports me, holding me against his back. He whispers in my ears " Lean on me, I am here for you Alessia" warmth and gratutude for Alex fills
me to the very brim . I feel like shedding tears but I blink it back rapidly now is not the time . I see Luca from the side of my eyes wall up quickly setting by my side a strong supportive friend mumbling under his breath "Dios protect us , sheild us" .Angelica holding on to him dear life . She appears overwhelmed by the magnitude of what I am facing.
I face the lady infront of me again “I never knew-" I whisper shakily ,unsure who the lady is, but from the looks of it she is the leader or someone of great authority.
“I never knew who or what I was.”
“You are Alessia Molano,” she replies gently. “Daughter of Margo, and you are ours.”
The guide moves to my front and bows deeply, joining them.
“It was my honour to finally guide you home, Princess. La Casa welcomes you as it was always meant to.”
I turn to him amazed " You are not only a guide but a part of this coven?" I ask Flabbergasted , why didnt he say anything? At least I could have asked him a fee questions on the way ? I dont know why I didnt even ask him what it lools like at the very least ? I narrow my eyes at him a bit crossed with his behavious .He gives me a small smile "Yes Princess my name is Leo , I apologize for the subterfuge" Pausing he adds " Signor Alex warned me not to overwhelm you"
Alex snorts his hands tightening around my shoulders not saying a word . Luca lets out a slow breath " Wonders shall never end" I can't help but agree with Luca on that regard . Because it seems the wonders are abouy to start rolling in . One after the other. I look at the stone white Huge kingdom in front of me taking a deep breath of fresh air ...
My pulse ringing loudly in my ears.
This is not the end of my journey.
It is just the beginning.
I am Alessia, Daughter of Margo…
Last Princess of La Casa…