The President Chapter 112

The streets of the capital were unrecognizable. Flames devoured buildings, smoke billowed into the sky, and screams of anger and pain filled the air. Protesters clashed with Alvada’s military forces, their chants of “Down with tyranny!” echoing through the chaos. Tear gas canisters hissed as they exploded, sending crowds scattering, only for them to regroup moments later.

In the midst of it all, Celestina stood in a dimly lit room in an abandoned building, a makeshift broadcasting station set up before her. Her hands trembled as she adjusted the microphone.

“You can do this,” Dimitri said, his voice steady despite the noise of gunfire outside.

She nodded, taking a deep breath before speaking into the microphone.

“To the people of this nation,” she began, her voice echoing through hidden networks and portable radios across the city. “This is Celestina Alvada. Many of you know me as the president’s daughter, but I stand here today not as his blood, but as one of you—a citizen who has suffered under his rule.”

Her voice grew stronger as she continued. “For years, my father has lied to you. He has stolen from you, silenced you, and turned this nation into a shadow of what it once was. But today, we rise. Today, we say no more. Together, we can reclaim our country. Together, we can end this tyranny.”

As her words spread, something remarkable began to happen. Among Alvada’s forces, soldiers hesitated. Some lowered their weapons, questioning the orders they’d been given. The tide of loyalty was beginning to shift.

Meanwhile, Celestina and Dimitri moved with their team toward the underground tunnels that led to the palace. Liora had marked the entrance on their map, and the group moved quickly, using the cover of darkness.

The tunnels were damp and narrow, the air thick with the scent of mildew. Celestina walked just behind Dimitri, her footsteps careful, her heart pounding.

“Do you think they’ll listen to me?” she whispered.

Dimitri glanced back at her, his expression firm. “They already are. You’ve given them hope, Celestina. That’s more powerful than any weapon.”

Liora, leading the group, stopped suddenly and raised a hand. “Quiet,” she hissed.

The faint sound of voices echoed through the tunnel ahead.

“They’re here,” Dimitri muttered, drawing his weapon.

The group crouched low, moving forward slowly until they saw the glint of flashlights ahead. Alvada’s men.

“Split up,” Liora whispered. “Two groups. One distracts them while the other pushes forward.”

“I’ll lead the diversion,” Dimitri said quickly.

“No,” Celestina said, grabbing his arm. “It’s too dangerous.”

He gave her a small, reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine. You need to get to the palace. Finish what we started.”

Before she could protest further, Dimitri and two others peeled off, heading toward the sound of the guards. Celestina watched him disappear into the shadows, her chest tight with worry.

The remaining group pressed on, navigating the labyrinth of tunnels until they reached a hidden entrance to the palace. Pushing open the heavy grate, Celestina stepped into the opulent halls she had once called home.

But the palace was no longer a place of beauty. The air was filled with tension, and distant shouts echoed down the corridors.

“This way,” Liora whispered, leading them toward the private quarters.

Celestina’s mind raced as she followed. They had to find Alvada before he could regroup.

Inside his office, President Alvada paced, his face pale but his eyes blazing with fury. His most loyal advisors stood around him, their voices filled with panic.

“The protesters are at the gates,” one of them said. “The military is faltering. We don’t have much time.”

“Then we won’t give them the satisfaction of taking me alive,” Alvada snapped.

He gestured to a panel on the wall, revealing a control board connected to a series of explosives planted throughout the palace.

“If they breach the gates,” he said, his voice cold, “we’ll bring this entire place down. Let them see what happens when they defy me.”

As Celestina’s group neared the private quarters, a sudden burst of gunfire erupted behind them.

“Ambush!” one of the rebels shouted, diving for cover.

Celestina spun around, her heart sinking as she saw Alvada’s guards swarming the hallway.

“Go!” Liora yelled, firing at the guards. “Get to Alvada!”

“I’m not leaving you!” Celestina shouted back.

“You don’t have a choice!” Liora said, shoving her forward. “Go!”

Reluctantly, Celestina turned and ran, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

In another part of the palace, Dimitri fought fiercely, taking down guards as he tried to rejoin Celestina. But he was outnumbered, and a blow to the head sent him crashing to the ground.

When he opened his eyes, his hands were bound, and Alvada stood over him, a cruel smile on his lips.