Fates Entwined

Chapter 8: Threads of Deception

Eron was sitting with his orb of celestial light glowing faintly before him. The shimmering sphere reflected two faces: Sol's and Ashan's. Eron's grin widened as he traced a finger across their images.

"They're both caught in her orbit," he mused. "And she... she doesn't even realize how tangled her heart has become. This is perfect."

He flicked his wrist, and the orb showed Risha sitting at her desk, her brow furrowed in thought. "You've made your task so simple for me, dear Risha,For some reason, I cannot get Miri distracted, but if you lose focus, she will too, that much I know" Eron whispered. "All I have to do is push you toward chaos."

Risha couldn't focus. Sol had been especially kind to her lately, bringing her coffee unprompted, leaving thoughtful notes on her desk when she seemed stressed.

Then there was Ashan—steadfast, warm, and always by her side, ready with a joke to lift her spirits or an encouraging word when she doubted herself.

It had started innocently enough. She admired Sol's calm leadership and Ashan's unwavering loyalty, but lately, every glance, every moment, seemed charged with something deeper.

"I'm an immortal—well, sort of," she muttered to herself, pacing in her apartment. "I don't have time for... feelings."

Miri raised an eyebrow from the couch, a bag of chips in her lap. "You're pacing. You only pace when you're overthinking something."

Risha sighed and flopped into a chair. "It's Sol. And Ashan. I... I don't know what to do."

Miri straightened, suddenly alert. "Wait. You're into both of them?"

Risha buried her face in her hands. "I don't know! Sol is so composed and thoughtful woman, and Ashan... he just gets me. It's confusing, and it's messing with my head."

Miri sat beside her. "This is a mess. We've got a ticking clock on our mission, and you're caught in a love triangle?"

Risha groaned. "I know, Miri. Believe me, I know. I just... I don't want to hurt either of them."

Eron's plan was simple yet devious. He manipulated a series of events that led Sol and Ashan into precarious situations, ones that would force Risha to intervene.

For Sol, it was a fraudulent accusation at work. One moment, she was reviewing financial reports, and the next, she was called into HR to answer for discrepancies she had no part in. Her job was on the line, and the stress was written all over her face.

For Ashan, it was a more personal attack. Eron orchestrated a falling out between him and a close friend, isolating him emotionally. Then, an unexpected financial burden appeared, threatening to derail Ashan's dreams of starting his own business.

Both people were overwhelmed, and Risha noticed immediately.

"I don't know what to do," Risha admitted to Miri one evening. "Sol's reputation is at stake, and Ashan's future is crumbling. I feel like I should help, but I don't know how to without breaking the rules."

Miri frowned, her usual spark of mischief dulled by concern. "If you help them directly, it doesn't count toward our mission. You know that. But... can you really just sit back and do nothing?"

Risha shook her head. "No. I can't. They mean too much to me."

Miri put a hand on her shoulder. "Then you'll have to choose who to help first. Sol or Ashan."

Risha's stomach twisted. "I don't think I can choose."

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. When Miri opened it, Ursula stood there, her corporate disguise impeccable, her presence commanding.

"Hello! You're not supposed to be here," Miri said, crossing her arms.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Ursula replied, stepping inside. She turned to Risha. "I know about Sol and Ashan. And I know you're conflicted."

Risha looked up, surprised. "How?"

Ursula smirked faintly. "Let's just say I have my ways."

"What am I supposed to do?" Risha asked, her voice shaking.

"Follow your instincts," Ursula said. "Help where you can, but don't let guilt or confusion cloud your judgment. You're stronger than you think, Risha. And remember,  you're capable of selflessness."

Miri felt so confused, why was Ursula talking like that? What does she know about all of this? However, Risha's thoughts were consumed by Ashan and Sol.

That night, Risha sat in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Sol's calm smile and Ashan's warm laugh echoed in her mind. Finally, she stood, a spark of determination in her eyes. "I'll help them both," she whispered. "But I'll do it my way."