Chapter 65 Arrival
Alessia’s POV
Alex moves closer to me, his hand supporting my back as we head towards the airport.
Luca is still shell-shocked, looking at Angelica every few seconds as if she has grown an extra head. Angelica ignores him, stepping in behind us as the pilot and cabin crew bring up the rear.
Whispering to each other about their various travels, their faces tired but optimistic as they all look forward to a warm bed.
I keep my head down, putting one foot in front of the other as the wind continues to howl around us, brushing against my ear as if it wants to tell me a secret.
I glance at Angelica who is now walking purposefully on my side.
Not hiding any longer.
No more fear.
No more clumsy movements.
Her shawl slips off her head and she doesn’t bother to return it on her hair; rather she leaves it on her shoulders. Her eyes back to her normal cool grey to match her new Blaise attitude.
The glow up she experienced within just less than an hour in Mezza is insane. I look at her again, noting her rosy cheeks, her lips looking plump and red, her eyes twinkling bright almost as if she has been infused with power from inside.
Luca whispers loudly to Alex,
“So are we keeping Angelica with us?” He leans closer to Alex. “Are we safe with her?”
Alex gives him a sharp look.
“Luca, lets not do this right now.”
Angelica reaches the airport glass doors before us and waits. I didn’t even notice she had walked ahead, I was so taken by Luca’s complaints.
She stands by the doors, not turning around as she talks above her back.
“Luca, you are all safe with me. If I was a threat to you or Mezza, the soil will not allow us land.”
I shudder, imagining if we had to kept circling in the air and run out of fuel. That would have been catastrophic. Mezza is magic. She knows who deserved to walk on her soil and who doesn’t.
I blink repeatedly at her back.
“And do we all belong?” The question slips from my mouth before I can bite it back.
She tilts her head to the side, giving me a one-sided look.
“Yes, Alessia, some of us were born to experience this very day.”
Alex steps in front of me instantly.
“Does that mean the rest of us are not safe here?” his voice ice cold.
Angelica only shrugs.
“Mezza didn’t consider you a threat. The rest is left for La Casa.”
She pushes the double glass door open and walks inside. Alex catches the edge of the door before it closes, indicating for me and Luca to follow, then he steps in gently behind us, door closing with a swishing sound.
Luca mutters under his breath,
“Why is she so calm?” He frowns. “Her calmness is making me nervous.”
The airport looks like it doesn’t really get a lot of traffic. The hall is quiet and a layer of dust is on the countertops and tiles.
“Lets head outside,” Alex encourages. “Nothing to declare or see here.”
I snicker, “What will one declare in a ghost airport?”
Alex twitches his lips.
He nods and gestures for us to move.
The pilot steps up with Alex’s overnight bag.
“Here is your luggage, Signore.”
Alex accepts, thanking him. We quickly step out of the airport.
Hot humid air hits me the moment we step out. We pull out of the entrance as a chauffeur steps forward with Signore Ferrini written on top.
Alex looks at him and nods as he smiles.
“Welcome to Mezza. Please follow me.” He leads us out, and we find two waiting SUVs. Alex opens my door as I slide in, and he crosses over to the other side. Angelica chooses to sit in front this time, probably tired of my gaze, as Luca settles after Alex.
……
Once we are all settled, the SUV pulls out of the parking space as Luca sighs from his seat across,
“This place gives me the heebie-jeebies.”
Leaning back, I can only nod in agreement. Although for me, it’s not only an unusual place, but it’s also reaching for my soul. Hoping for a firmer connection like Angelica’s, I glance at her. She is seatedin front. Head straight not even glancing back.
Glancing at Alex, I find his eyes fixated on her too .
“Angelica, Your eyes… how is it I never noticed it till today?”
She turns to face him shrugging. “I am able to mask my powers with a simple cloaking spell, but it’s harder to conceal here.”
Luca whispers, “Why does yours glow gold? Selina’s eyes went black and then momentarily white.”
Angelica tilts her head at him.
“Witches have different strengths; therefore the eyes will glow differently.
Some are born with their glowing eyes, while some come into power much later.
Some are born of earth, wind, fire, water. I am a daughter of fire, hence the gold.”
“I understand,” he nods in awe.
Rubbing my arms, I try to dispel the chill that has clung to me like second skin since we arrived.
Angelica turns to me next .I notice her eyes soften for a moment.
“Don’t worry. You will come into your own powers soon enough.”
Alex reaches for me then, his arm wrapping round mine like a shield.
“Try not to scare her, one step at a time.”
Angelica’s turns her head to face the front . “Point taken Signor.”
The car starts to slow down as a large sprawling hotel comes into view with a large signboard La Concorde. The driver pulls to a stop by the curb then switches off the engine.
“We are here, Signore. Enjoy your stay.”
Alex nods. “Thank you. I intend to…” A valet opens the doors as Alex steps out first ,giving me a hand next. I place my small hands into his huge palms as heat rushes me, but I can’t do anything about that right now.
Alex gestures at the building.
“This is where we will be staying while we are here.”
I look up at the tall imposing structure, my mind filled with unease.
First step taken.
Most important step in my life is next, whether I want to or not.