Chapter 108
Apr 2, 2025
The capital was unrecognizable. As Celestina and Dimitri slipped through a hidden tunnel that opened into the outskirts of the city, the chaos above them became undeniable. Smoke curled into the sky from burning barricades, and the air was filled with the sound of shouting, chanting, and the distant crack of gunfire.
“This isn’t the city I remember,” Celestina whispered, peering from the shadows into the crowded streets.
Dimitri pulled her back, his hand firm on her arm. “Keep your hood up. There are too many eyes here.”
They stayed close to the walls of the narrow alleyway, careful not to draw attention to themselves. Protesters surged through the streets, their faces angry and determined as they chanted, “Down with Alvada! Justice for the people!”
Celestina’s heart clenched. She wanted to join them, to raise her voice alongside theirs, but she knew that being seen now would put everyone in greater danger.
“Let’s move,” Dimitri said, guiding her through the maze of side streets.
Their destination was a small, rundown bakery tucked into a quiet corner of the city. Liora had assured them that the owner, a man named Tomas, was a trusted ally.
When they entered, the smell of stale bread and smoke filled the air. A wiry man with graying hair stood behind the counter, his eyes narrowing as they approached.
“Who sent you?” Tomas asked, his voice low and cautious.
“Liora,” Dimitri replied.
Tomas’s eyes flickered with recognition. He nodded toward a door at the back. “Come with me.”
They followed him through the door and down a set of creaking stairs into a dimly lit basement. The room was cluttered with crates and papers, and a map of the capital was pinned to one wall.
“This is as safe as it gets for now,” Tomas said, gesturing for them to sit. “But you can’t stay here long. Alvada’s men are everywhere.”
“Thank you,” Celestina said earnestly. “We just need to regroup before moving on.”
Tomas studied her for a moment, his expression softening. “So, you’re the one everyone’s talking about. The president’s daughter.”
Celestina’s stomach twisted. “I’m not here as his daughter. I’m here because I want to end this.”
As the hours passed, people began arriving at the bakery in ones and twos, each of them bringing news from different parts of the city. Celestina listened intently, her heart breaking with each new story.
A woman with hollow eyes spoke first. “The soldiers raided our neighborhood last night. They took my husband and my eldest son. They said they were agitators. I haven’t seen them since.”
An older man added, “The markets are empty. The prices are so high, no one can afford food. Families are starving while Alvada lines his pockets.”
Another voice chimed in, “They’re targeting the young. Anyone who speaks out disappears. It’s like we’re prisoners in our own city.”
Tears filled Celestina’s eyes as she listened. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t know it had gotten this bad.”
A young woman in the corner glared at her. “Of course you didn’t. You were living in a palace while we were dying in the streets.”
Celestina’s head bowed in shame, but Dimitri spoke up. “She’s here to make it right. She’s risking everything to help you.”
The young woman crossed her arms. “I hope she’s ready, because words won’t save us.”
Later that night, Dimitri found Celestina sitting alone in the corner, her face pale and drawn.
“You’re too quiet,” he said, sitting beside her.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “These people need someone strong, someone fearless. What if I’m not enough?”
Dimitri reached for her hand, his voice steady. “You’re more than enough. They need someone who cares, someone who’s willing to fight for them. That’s you, Celestina.”
She looked at him, her resolve hardening. “Then we’ll keep going. No matter what it takes.”
As they planned their next move, Tomas entered the room, his face grim. “I’ve just heard from my contacts. Alvada’s issued a warrant for your arrest, Celestina. He’s calling you a traitor and claiming you’ve been working with foreign powers to overthrow the government.”
Dimitri cursed under his breath. “That means we’re out of time. We need to move before they find us.”
Tomas nodded. “There’s a route through the eastern side of the city. It’s risky, but it’ll get you to the rebel base.”
The group gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, but as they approached the exit, Tomas hesitated.
“Wait,” Celestina said, noticing his strange behavior. “What’s wrong?”
Before he could answer, the door burst open, and armed soldiers flooded the basement.
Celestina froze, her breath catching as Tomas stepped aside, his face filled with regret.
“I didn’t have a choice,” he said quietly. “They would’ve killed my family.”
The lead soldier raised his weapon, pointing it at Celestina. “You’re coming with us.”
