Cosmic Fables: A Princess Odyssey

19. Choices and A Web of Deceit

Vani greeted Ira with a mix of relief and mild annoyance, "Ah, finally, you've graced us with your presence after an entire week. It feels like an eternity since we arrived here. When do you plan on allowing us to return home, Ira?"

Advait chimed in, expressing their collective desire, "We're eager to go back."

Arsh, his voice tinged with concern, questioned, "Are you intending to confine us here indefinitely?"

Ira responded with a faint smile directed at Avi, Arsh, Vani, and Advait, "Well, I do have some tasks at hand currently, but once I'm finished, I promise to provide you with all the information you need. Then, it will be your decision whether you want to go home or stay here."

Riaan chimed in, offering reassurance, "Please bear with us a little longer."

Aesha added, "Yes, just grant us a bit more time."

With a touch of melancholy in his voice, Arsh lamented, "But I genuinely miss home."

Ira glanced at him and replied, "Just a little more patience, Arsh."

She continued, "Well, it's time for us to depart. Alice is nearby, so if you require anything, don't hesitate to call her. Raya will join you shortly."

After conveying this, Ira left the premises accompanied by Riaan and Aesha. Ikaris followed suit a few minutes later, exiting the mansion.

Shortly thereafter, they detected a faint commotion emanating from the vicinity of the window. Curiosity piqued, they approached the source of the disturbance, only to discover a solitary piece of paper resting there. Intrigued by its presence, they reached out and decided to read it.

It said," Ira is deceiving you. She is responsible for Aashi's demise and intends to exploit your powers. If you desire to escape from this place gather outside outside the mansion and head towards the wooden gate. Take a left turn and continue straight but remember to leave behind your Voxlets, Luminexas and Accurions or else she will track you. We only wish to aid you in returning to your parents who yearn for your presence dearly.

With care and concern,
Your friend."

Arsh voiced his concern, "Is it really true? What if she's actually planning to...kill us?"

Advait countered, "But if that were the case, wouldn't she have done it already?"

Vani chimed in, "Yeah, and she was with us for four years, according to Aashi. She never harmed us.

But then again Vani added with some thoughts,"But why would she lie? She could have revealed her true identity from the beginning."

Arsh suggested, "Shouldn't we go outside and see for ourselves?"

The group engaged in a lengthy discussion, carefully weighing the pros and cons of their options.

After some time, Avi interjected, "What if this letter is just a trap?"

Advait added, "And what if Ira is the one setting us up, and the person this letter mentions is actually trying to help us?"

Vani recalled, "Ira, Aesha, and Riaan did betray us before. Can we really trust them? They are not like us."

Avi proposed, "But what if they genuinely want to protect us?"

Arsh retorted, "Avi, Ira is not Aashi. Stop defending her."

Avi looked away, hurt by the comment. Arsh insisted, "Well, I want to go and see."

Advait and Vani echoed, "Count us in."