Chapter 97
The heavy doors of President Alvada’s private office slammed shut behind Celestina as she stormed inside. Her father stood at his desk, calm and composed as if he hadn’t just ordered Dimitri’s capture.
“You have to let him go,” Celestina demanded, her voice trembling with desperation.
Alvada didn’t look up from the document he was signing. “I don’t have to do anything, Celestina.”
She stepped closer, her fists clenched. “He’s not the enemy. He was trying to stop Kael, just like I was.”
Alvada finally met her eyes, his expression cold and unyielding. “This isn’t about Kael anymore. Dimitri is a threat to our stability. His influence is dangerous, and I will not risk this nation’s future for your misplaced loyalties.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “This isn’t about the country. It’s about you protecting yourself. You’re framing him to cover your crimes!”
Alvada’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t rise to her bait. “I warned you not to get involved, Celestina. You’re walking a dangerous line.”
“Then let him go!” she pleaded. “Please, Father. Don’t do this.”
He straightened, his voice cold as steel. “No. And if you’re smart, you’ll stay out of my way.”
Celestina left the office in a daze, her father’s words echoing in her mind. Her chest felt tight, but she didn’t have time to wallow. She needed help.
She found Liora in the garden, sitting on a stone bench with her arms crossed. Her bruises were healing, but her guarded expression remained.
“Liora,” Celestina said, her voice urgent. “I need you.”
Liora raised an eyebrow. “What now?”
“Dimitri,” Celestina said, stepping closer. “My father has him. I need to know where he’s being held.”
Liora hesitated, her eyes narrowing. “You’re asking me to betray the man who already has half the country after me?”
“Please,” Celestina begged, her voice breaking. “If you won’t do it for him, do it for me.”
Liora studied her for a moment, then sighed. “You’re lucky I don’t value my own life that much.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “He’s being held at a secure facility outside the city. It’s heavily guarded, but I know a way in.”
Celestina grabbed her hand. “Thank you. I won’t forget this.”
Liora smirked faintly. “You’d better not.”
That night, Celestina assembled a small group of trusted allies—General Rowan, Liora, and two loyal guards. They huddled in a darkened corner of the palace, their voices hushed as they planned.
“The facility is surrounded by high walls and surveillance,” Liora explained, tracing a map with her finger. “But there’s a weak point here. A maintenance entrance that isn’t heavily monitored. If we’re quick, we can slip inside without being detected.”
“And once we’re in?” Rowan asked, his tone skeptical.
Liora glanced at Celestina. “We find Dimitri and get out before they know we’re there.”
Celestina nodded, determination hardening her voice. “We’ll make it work. We have to.”
The group approached the facility under the cover of darkness, the cold night air biting at their skin. Celestina’s heart pounded as they crouched near the maintenance entrance, waiting for the signal from Liora.
“Now,” Liora whispered.
Rowan pried the gate open with practiced ease, and they slipped inside, moving quickly and silently. The facility’s interior was cold and sterile, the hum of fluorescent lights filling the air.
“Stay close,” Rowan muttered, leading the way.
They navigated the maze-like hallways, avoiding patrols and cameras. Every step felt like an eternity, but finally, they reached a heavy metal door at the end of the corridor.
“He’s in there,” Liora whispered.
Rowan examined the keypad. “I can crack it, but it’ll take a minute.”
“Hurry,” Celestina urged, glancing over her shoulder.
Minutes later, the door hissed open, revealing Dimitri chained to a chair in the center of the room. He looked up, his face battered but his eyes lighting up when he saw Celestina.
“Celestina,” he rasped. “You came.”
“Of course I did,” she said, rushing to his side. She fumbled with the restraints, her hands trembling. “We’re getting you out of here.”
Rowan kept watch at the door as Liora worked on the chains. Finally, they snapped open, and Dimitri staggered to his feet.
“We have to move,” Rowan said urgently.
Their escape was anything but smooth. The alarm blared just as they reached the outer gate, guards swarming the facility.
“Go!” Rowan shouted, covering their retreat as the group sprinted toward their vehicle.
Shots rang out, one grazing Liora’s arm. She winced but kept running, blood staining her sleeve. Celestina clung to Dimitri, half-dragging him to the car as Rowan fired back at their pursuers.
They barely made it into the vehicle before Rowan slammed on the gas, the tires screeching as they sped away.
“Is everyone okay?” Celestina asked, her voice shaking.
“Alive, if that’s what you mean,” Liora muttered, clutching her arm.
Dimitri gave her a weak smile. “You really don’t do things halfway, do you?”
Celestina laughed, though it sounded more like a sob. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
As they reached a safe distance, Celestina’s phone buzzed. She hesitated before answering, her father’s cold voice greeting her on the other end.
“So, you’ve made your choice,” Alvada said, his tone dripping with disdain. “You’ve chosen a fugitive over your family. Over your country.”
“I’ve chosen the truth,” Celestina said firmly.
There was a pause, then Alvada’s voice dropped to a chilling calm. “You’ve chosen your side, Celestina. Now prepare to face the consequences.”
