It's Always You

Chapter 15: The Meeting

Alexis waited for the Lords to enter the run down church while the Lycans shuffled above her. She couldn't help but glance up and watched the beast slowly moving around, staring down and not fully recognizing the masked figure who stood in Mother Miranda's usual spot. However, none of them dared moved closer.

After a few minutes, Lord Moreau shuffled into the church, taking his usual spot after greeting her happily. Moreau was usually the first one to show up due to his eagerness for Miranda's recognition. Next, Lady Dimitrescu with her eldest daughter Bela, Karl, Donna and Angie entered the church, silently taking their seats. This was the first meeting without Miranda to lead it which only made her anxiety flare up despite the fact that she had accompanied so many meetings with Miranda that she knew what to expect and how to get Karl and Alcina to stop fighting each other.

Alexis cleared her throat, grateful for the silver mask covering her face and hiding her red cheeks due to her anxiety. ''As you all know Mother Miranda will not be able to lead any meetings for the next few months.''

''Where is the bird-brain anyway, Alex?'' Angie squeaked out. Alexis almost laughed at the nickname she had for Miranda while Donna scolded her quietly about being respectful.

''She's out to secure the vessel for the ceremony. Speaking of,'' Alexis diverted her attention to the other Lords. ''I assume that all of you remember your roles. I want all of your preparations done before Miranda returns.''

''Is this because you want to impress Miranda so you can get some when she gets back?'' Karl asked with a smirk. Lady Dimitrescu looked at him with distain before glancing at Alexis who immediately met her gaze through the mask she was wearing.

''Contrary to popular belief, that's the last thing on my mind. We all know how Miranda gets when she's stressed and all of you getting your work done before she returns will spare us from unwanted stress as well.'' she said in a professional tone which made Karl roll his eyes, not fully buying her explanation but Alcina seemed somewhat satisfied with her answer. ''Now, is there anything needing to be brought to my attention?''

''I do.'' Moreau said, sounding as if he was about to throw up. Everyone looked at him with an ounce of surprise, not expecting him to say anything since the fishman mostly didn't speak during meetings.

''Please, Salvatore, what is it.'' she said, gesturing for him to speak.

''I found a few people that weren't from the Village-'' he stopped abruptly like he usually did when speaking. Alexis just watched, silently hoping that he wouldn't throw up. Karl scooted a bit further from him while Alcina looked repulsed and Bela simply looked away. ''sniffing around the reservoir earlier today. They looked like soldiers.''

''I see, do know where they came from? And did you get rid of them?'' the cold tone of her voice when she spoke the last sentence surprised the Lords and even herself. 

Moreau looked nervous and curled into a little ball before speaking. ''I-I didn't g-get rid of th-them but I saw where they went.''

Alexis couldn't help but feel extremely frustrated but she didn't say anything. Instead, she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm herself. Her best guess at who these soldier are is that they're the BSAA. Now, she'd have to find them, figure out what they're doing and then getting rid of them before Miranda comes back.

''I see, thank you, Salvatore. I'll be sure to follow up on this minor inconvenience.'' she said, noticing a suspicious glance from Alcina but neither of them commented on it. ''Alright, is there anything else?''

Throughout the entirety of the meeting, Alexis had spotted Alcina throw her suspicious glances almost ever five minutes, but she never confronted to older woman on it. At least she wouldn't in front of everyone in the church. She merely listened to what each of the Lords had to say before ending the meeting.