The President Chapter 111

The dimly lit basement was filled with tension as Celestina, Dimitri, and a handful of rebel leaders huddled around a large map of the capital. The air smelled of damp stone and burning candles, the faint hum of voices outside a reminder of the unrest brewing in the city above.

“We don’t have much time,” said Tomas, one of the key rebel leaders. He tapped a finger on the map, where the presidential palace was circled in red. “Alvada’s forces are stretched thin because of the protests, but they’re still strong. We’ll need a coordinated attack to stand a chance.”

Celestina studied the map, her mind racing. “What’s the weakest point of the palace defenses?”

“The eastern gate,” Tomas replied. “But it’s heavily guarded. We’ll need a diversion—something to draw their attention while our main force moves in.”

Dimitri, standing beside Celestina, crossed his arms. “We can target Alvada’s communication towers. If we take those down, his forces won’t be able to coordinate. It’ll give us an advantage.”

Tomas nodded. “Good idea. But it’ll take precise timing. We can’t risk moving too early or too late.”

Celestina’s voice was steady, though her heart pounded. “We’ll also need the people on our side. They’re already angry, already in the streets. If we give them the truth, they’ll rise with us.”

The room fell silent as everyone looked at her. Dimitri’s hand brushed hers, a silent show of support.

“Then let’s do it,” Tomas said finally.

Later that night, Celestina sat in front of a laptop in a hidden room beneath the city. Her hands hovered over the keyboard as she prepared to release the evidence she had been gathering for weeks. Videos of Alvada’s crackdowns, financial records of his corruption, and testimonies from those who had suffered under his rule—all of it was ready to go.

“Are you sure about this?” Dimitri asked, standing behind her.

She glanced up at him, her expression determined. “The people deserve to know the truth.”

With a deep breath, she hit send.

Within hours, the underground networks were flooded with the damning evidence. Posters and pamphlets appeared in the streets, and videos circulated through encrypted channels. The nation erupted as the truth spread like wildfire.

Protests that had been small and scattered turned into massive demonstrations. Thousands of citizens marched through the streets, chanting for Alvada’s resignation.

The rebellion’s first strike came at dawn. Small teams of rebels sabotaged communication towers and government supply lines, plunging Alvada’s administration into chaos.

“The towers are down,” Dimitri said, his voice crackling through a rebel radio as he crouched in the shadows near one of the destroyed facilities. “Alvada’s forces are scrambling.”

“Good,” Celestina replied from her hidden location in the city. “That’ll give the protesters more time to organize.”

But the victory was short-lived. Reports came in of government forces retaliating with brutal efficiency, targeting civilian protesters with tear gas and water cannons.

“They’re hitting the south square hard,” a rebel operative reported. “Dozens are being arrested. Some are wounded.”

Celestina’s chest tightened. “We need to keep pushing. If we stop now, everything we’ve done will be for nothing.”

As the rebellion gained momentum, Liora appeared unexpectedly in their safe house. She strode in with her usual confidence, though the tension in the room was palpable.

“I’ve got information you’ll want,” she said, tossing a rolled-up map onto the table.

Dimitri immediately stepped between her and Celestina. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, his voice cold.

Liora smirked. “Nice to see you too, Dimitri.”

“Enough,” Celestina said, stepping forward. “What do you have?”

“This,” Liora said, unrolling the map, “is a detailed layout of the palace’s defenses. Guard rotations, weak points, emergency tunnels—everything you’ll need to get inside.”

Dimitri’s eyes narrowed. “And how exactly did you get this?”

“Let’s just say I still have a few useful contacts,” Liora replied. “You’re welcome.”

Celestina studied the map, her mind racing. “This could work. If we use the tunnels, we can avoid most of the guards.”

Dimitri wasn’t convinced. “She’s lied before, Celestina. How do we know this isn’t another trap?”

Liora’s smile faded. “I’ve risked everything to help you. Believe me or don’t, but you don’t have time to waste second-guessing me.”

Celestina looked between them, her gaze steady. “We’ll vet the information. But for now, we use it.”

As the rebels prepared for the final push, news of Alvada’s response reached them.

“He’s mobilized his elite military unit,” Tomas reported grimly. “The Blood Hawks. They’ve already been deployed to the main square.”

The name sent a chill through the room. The Blood Hawks were infamous for their ruthlessness, known for crushing dissent without mercy.

“If they’re in the square, there will be casualties,” Celestina said, her voice heavy with dread.

Dimitri stepped closer to her. “We’ll have to move faster than planned. If we delay, they’ll slaughter the protesters before we have a chance to strike.”

Tomas nodded. “Agreed. But we need to be prepared for heavy losses.”

Celestina’s hands clenched into fists. “This battle is going to cost us, but it’s the only way. If we don’t fight now, we lose everything.”