Chapter 168 The Eastern Ridge
Alessia's POV
No one says anything when the gates of the safe house slide open.There is nothing left to be said the plans have been cemented and now it's time to move . The car drives out slowly ,the road to the eastern ridge stretches ahead of us in the distance .
I lean back in the seat alone enjoying the silence . The others all crammed into the second vehicle because this part of the plan I have to walk alone . The road starts turning uphill the further we go , the altitude starts changing even the air feels thinner here . I shut my eyes for a moment and inhale deeply . Summoning up my power and a vision of Miranda Gross in my subconscious.
I hold on to her image as my power spreads from my stomach to my spine untoward .Finally I open my inner eyes ..My magic hums all-around me as I start to transform .This time it doesn't hurt it's becoming second nature to me.
My spine shortens
My shoulders shrink and inch
My back shrinks
My torso increases
My hair grows shorter slowly the colour changing to chestnut with a dusting of grey
And finally my face ripples as my cheeks sharpen
When I finally open my eyes all my softness is gone . The vehicle in front signals to the right we are close to the hill .The checkpoint appears out of nowhere hidden well on the side of the mountain . Steel barricades enforcement's drilled into the rock. Protective sigils are etched all around it and it grows family .The convoy slowly comes to a stop about fifty metres ahead .This is the point we marked for them to stop I will be proceeding from here on out alone.
The car slowly opens as Alex steps out and walks towards the entrance .I know he wants to come to me so badly but he can't we don't know if we are being monitored . He remains near the entrance for a few minutes watching and waiting.
I take a deep breath it's time .
I step out of the car , for one slow second my eyes meets Alex .I give him a blank look without any hint of love or familiarity. Just a sharp nod as if he is just as the cover w egave him " A billionaire in Town for business" he bows his head in respect slightly and I turn away first before my emotions get the better of me .He steps back into the car as their car reverses slowly .They will be back later when I have received permission from the coven .But not with me or by my sides .I walk calmly towards the checkpoint alone , shoulders calm , chin high Miranda bends for no one especially not guards on patrol .
Two guards are on attention by the entrance .For a second they are on the defensive until they recognise Miranda.
They stand up immediately "Welcome back Councilwoman Gross" there is no hint of suspicion in their voice both bow their head in respect and step aside quickly to make way for me to make it through . The other picks up the intercom and signals the inner control room . The wrought iron barriers starts to lift slowly but I do not slow down and I make it a point to not thank them.
"You are back early Council woman it's not on the schedule one." adds carefully as if afraid I will bite his head off .I turn to him with eyes as cold as ice "So I have to schedule my return all the time to my own home ?" He squirms swallowing hard
Good
Show no mercy
"No Council woman."
"Then I suggest you update your records" I add smugly
"Right away Councilwoman." the gate is fully up now and I pass through the stone pillars .the protective wards activate immediately and I feel it sweep through my body like invisible current I fight the urge to shudder as I know a camera might be watching my entry.
It turns green and I know it recognises Miranda's body signature ,My glamour is so good it beat the system .I want to do a fox trot but this is not the time instead I smile inwardly face remaining as calm as the sea . The inner door opens and I have my first glance of La Geneva . It has long stones pathways and a camera at an angle . Everything is neat and ordely unlike the warmth I experienced in La Casa when I walked in . ..
Behind me the stone door closed with a final sound and I dont turn back . If I do they will find that move odd after all I- Miranda has lived here all my life I have to appear as a resident not a guest.
I keep walking and soon I am In a small courtyard where several members of the coven are talking animatedly .They all freeze when they see me walk by I don't spare them a second glance but their hushed gossips reaches my ears.
"The ice queen is back."
"I thought she was on official duty in Sicily."
My lips twitch involuntarily as I take the next turn to the apartment . Fear is so much better than being welcomed at least it will help keep everyone at arms length . Looking up there is a signboard just before double doors that reads.
" Apartments" I sigh in relief glad I am almost at her home .As I step inside a junior aide dressed in a brown dress and high heel she walks towards me almost stumbling on her shoes in a rush.
"Council woman Gross your house has been cleaned as per your instructions."
"I expected nothing less" I tell her proceeding to walk towards my apartment from the memory of the map. She follows me slowly "Should I send a maid to-."
I cut her off "Do not bother."
She freezes then and I don't stop moving I am Miranda Gross and I don't need anything from them at the moment.
"I will let the high council know you are back" she calms softly and I pause for a moment
Wondering who this miss goody shoes is to Miranda.
"You will let them know when I have rested and am ready to see them."
Her face drains of colour as she takes a step back
"Yes Councilwoman I apologize for appearing forward."
I ignore her apology and continue forward without dismissing her . She stays rooted for a few minutes before her steps move in the opposite direction .
Now that I am inside Every move I make must be deliberate because In La Geneva it only takes one mistake.
One ripple of Alessia instead of Miranda and this will be my last morning alive. I approach the private lift and I step in pressing 14c .As the lift close I shut my eyes once strengthening my glamour with a vision of Miranda as my heart threatens to reveal my true identity...