Trapped in a Fantasy

Chapter-27

Location: ISIED Base

•••THIRD PERSON•••

"Just...Why would you do that?", Evangeline stared at the file apathetically. "Right now, they are all I have. How did you even convince them? How could you even think of something like this?! Sending them towards their deaths! It's cr---"

"I was simply doing my job.", Alex replied coldly as he buckled Adalia's seatbelt giving her a warm smile. He couldnt leave her behind. He tried to convince himself this was a dangerous, but he still found reason to take her along.

She's young and alone. The last thing she needs is to feel captive by ISIED, he reasoned with himself.

"Evangeline, your friends agreed into enrolling to the Institute in clear consciousness after reading all the terms and conditions. They know what they signed up for.", Alexa assured Evangeline from the pilot seat next to Leonard, switching on several buttons as she spoke to the ear pierce, "Ready for takeoff."

"Buckle up, everyone.", Leonard said. "Dr. Williams, put your spectacles away please." Adrian slowly put away his glasses and sat silently, peering at Evangeline tear stained face. He was seated next to her. He shifted uncomfortably, thinking of ways to comfort her.

He cleared his throat, "Hey." he whispered, earning her attention. "I- um- I'm from the Institute. The ISIED Institute.", he pointed to the file in her hands which contained information about the Institute. "The people there are nice and welcoming. Hostile behaviour isn't tolerated. The teacher are very diplomatic and the training may be tough but it never endangered anybody's life. The living quarters are very hygienic and cosy. They----"

"You do know, you are repeating literally everything she read in that file?" Alex raised an eyebrow at the timid Adrian. "If you're gonna comfort someone, do it right atleast."

"Atleast he's trying to be nice to me, Alex.", Evangeline snapped at Alex and then gave Adrian a warm smile. Alex simply rolled his eyes at both of them. Don't tell me they are gonna fall in love now, He thought to himself, annoyed. His annoyance turned into crippling fear as he recalled a rule a xavyr always had to follow.

No, He sighed in disagreement as he looked at Evangeline and then at Alexa. It's gonna have to be me.

*

Location: Paris, France
The Mansion

It's been so long, Alexa sighed as they landed the jet on backyard of the magnificently large mansion.

"It has.", Alex replied. "I never thought it would be of any use"

"I suppose we have to call Charles and thank him." Alexa smiled as Alex shrugged it off. They all got off and gaped at the beauty in front of them. Alex just looked at it, a hint of sadness and disgust in his eyes.

They had landed on a plain circular clearing with a very smooth surface of concrete. Surrounding that landing site was a beautiful garden. It was evening and pumpkin yellow lanterns spread across garden, illuminating the backyard. There were a several circular tables covered in white cloth scattered around the garden. The scented candles illuminated the bouquet of flowers on the middle of the table with the cutlery set on the table. It had seemed as if there was to be a party or a get-together. Everything was untouched.