Chapter 171 06:00 hours
Alessias POV
I wake up groggily,looking around the unfamiliar room for a moment wondering where I am. My eyes wander to the ceiling board and then everything comes rushing back to me.
I am inside La Geneva
In Apartment 14c
Councilwoman Miranda Gross's home
The rest are in a safe house not far from here waiting for my summons. I get up slowly ,my entire body feels sore like I was in a boxing match and lost woefully. My thoughts return to Alex and what I heard earlier .I have seventy hours or less to figure out where La Rosa is hidden ,take it, and escape .
A shiver of trepidation races up my spine as I push the thoughts aside and stand up from the bed. I leave the bedroom heading to the kitchen to prepare a simple breakfast. The eggs and bread the maid dropped on the counter are still there and I pounce on them. Reaching for the sleek silver toaster I slid in two slices then crack some eggs in a pan and brew some black coffee in the coffee maker. I move slowly and with authority just like Miranda so I can stay in character even though my glamour is down for now .I settle on the island and start eating slowly as I start thinking about how to go about finding la Rosa in a coven this size with eyes everywhere.
"Dios send me a sign or something." I whisper into the air .
After clearing my plate I take it to the sink when a sharp shrill sound goes off in the apartment.I stiffen for a moment .It must be the coven summoning Miranda to the council chambers. I turn from the kitchen and head into the bathroom to have a bath and skip into one of Miranda power suits. Standing In frint of the vanity I pick up a string of pearls and string it around my neck. I look at myself for a few minutes turning my head from side to side muttering to myself.
"Now it's time to be Miranda and head out. " Closing my eyes I take a few calming breaths.
My power surges and my mark warms g up immediately.
I take a deep breathe
Once
Twice
Three ,My inner eye open then bring up a vision of Miranda in action walking around the council chambers.Slowly I start to change my spine shortens shoulders dropping slightly and lastly my face ripples into Miranda's.Opening my eyes I stare into Miranda grey eyes in the mirror .
I nod at my reflection whispering "Let's do this " and head for the council chambers focusing on the map In my head .I arrive in record time to find the doors wide open ,stepping in to the doorway I take a quick look around it's similar to our council chambers in La Casa .The high Priestess Imelda Is on a podium her black robes flowing .She has black waist length hair speckled with grey that flows behind her .She fixes her blue eyes on me immediately and I fight the urge to look away.
Her gaze feels like you are being stripped bare and dissected . I continue walking in false familiarity picking the nearest seat I settle in and glance around at the remaining elders seated in the room just as I am about to bring my attention back to Imelda I notice a glass chamber in the middle of the room .
La Rosa as I Live and Breathe !!! Is embedded inside in all it's ethereal beauty.
I look away quickly as
My heart skips a beat .
"Take deep breaths" I tell myself
Calm down
Calm down
I dig my hands in to my palm underneath the table until I feel some pain and it helps me keep calm.
Slowly my breath is even again
My heart beat is back to normal
Imelda let's out a delicate cough and bangs the gavel on the sounding block to call the meeting to order.
"Council woman Gross" Imelda says looking directly at me.
I bow in respect as I have seen Miranda do in the videos "Good Morning High Priestess"
She accepts my greeting tilting her head "You came back without informing me of your departure."
"I received some intel and that I wanted to confirm."
The council members exchange curious looks
Imelda's piercing eyes studies me for a few minutes before speaking again "Care to elaborate Council woman ?"
"I received intel about Thomas's plans." there is a shocked gasp from someone as the rooms falls into silence.
"He was seen openly recruiting hunters to attempt to enter the coven again .He promised them power and riches beyond measure."
A low murmur spreads in the room ,I keep my shoulders straight and voice even " So naturally I wanted to look into it "
My eyes fall on La Rosa briefly "the failed previous attempts have not made him give up."
"He will soon" one of the elders retort sharply
Another leans towards the table "Weren't you sent to receive the shipment of raw stones?"
"Yes."
"Why have you returned empty handed." another asks and tension starts to simmer in the room but I can't let it distract me even for a moment.
"There was a slight hiccup."
Imelda's eyes narrowed on me "Explain Councilwoman."
I honestly do not know what the status of the goods are but from what little I heard yesterday I will make something up...
"The shipment was delayed it will be here in the next seventy hours."
"And you did not call a meeting upon your arrival to update the full council?"
She got me there I should have informed them I remain silent.From the looks of it they do not like being sidelined and they do not like any form of incompetence.
"So you are certain it will be here in seventy hours?" someone demands
"Yes I am certain." I reply confidently
Imelda continues to watch me closely ."You will take full responsibility if it doesn't arrive ?"
"Yes." I don't even pause because of I do she will know I am bluffing.
There is long pause in which I remain still -
Then she nods "That's settled then"
She waves a hand towards La Rosa "Thomas still thinks he can outsmart us."
"Unfortunately for him he underestimated La Geneva's power"
"And cruelty." I add silently
Imelda's eyes crinkle at the sides she seems to be amused by it all ."The individuals that can testify to his search should be questioned."
"I concur." I say
"Reach out to them and invite them here you will question them at 06'00 hours"
I want to shout Power but I know it will result in my death.
Rather I say "I will be here."
She bangs the gravel soon after and the meeting comes to a natural end. I do not rush out for fear of appearing suspect .Relaxing in my chair for a momemt I exhale deeply ...I made it through my first meeting .
Now the fun part ,Interviewing my Friends ...