"Why does Nandi say that we're imprisoned here? Nana, are you going to use us and the children for your experiments?" Friya asked while the identity of their host became clearer by the second.
Her mind refused to believe that the protagonist of a cautionary fairy tale might be real, but the more she heard, the more legends made sense.
"Not at all." Nana shook her head.
"You're free to go whenever you want. I will not move a finger to harm you, but I'm afraid that those waiting for you outside will not be as kind. I'm offering you a choice.
"Stay here with me and help me with my research. Not only will I save your lives, but I will also give you power beyond your wildest dreams. Or you can leave these caves and die a dog's death at the hands of the very people you considered your allies."