Chapter 98
The streets were in chaos. Protesters swarmed the city squares, their chants of anger and desperation echoing off the stone buildings. Signs bearing slogans like “No More Lies” and “Justice for Alvada” filled the air alongside the smoke of tear gas. The leak exposing part of President Alvada’s corruption had spread like wildfire, and now the nation was on the brink of revolt.
Inside his fortified palace, President Alvada watched the footage on a large screen. His face was cold, his expression unreadable as his aides whispered nervously behind him.
“They’re demanding answers, Mr. President,” one of them said.
Alvada didn’t turn. “They’ll get answers when I decide they’re ready for them,” he said, his tone chilling. “For now, increase the curfews and deploy more troops. Show them who’s in control.”
Far from the unrest, Celestina sat in a dimly lit cabin nestled deep in the woods. The safe house, hidden and secure, was their temporary refuge. She gazed out the window, her face pale and drawn as the sounds of protests echoed in her mind.
Dimitri walked in, carrying a tray with two mugs of tea. He set them down on the table and sat beside her.
“You’ve been quiet,” he said softly.
Celestina sighed, wrapping her hands around the mug. “I can’t stop thinking about everything. The protests, the people suffering because of him. This is my father’s doing, Dimitri. How did it come to this?”
He placed a hand on hers, his voice steady. “This isn’t your fault. You’ve done more for these people than he ever has. The truth needed to come out.”
“But at what cost?” she whispered, her voice breaking. “The nation is tearing itself apart. I feel like I’ve only made things worse.”
Dimitri leaned closer, his tone firm but gentle. “You’ve given them hope, Celestina. Hope for something better. It won’t be easy, but change never is.”
Her eyes met his, and for a moment, the weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter.
In the city, Liora stood in an alleyway, her hood pulled low over her face. She had chosen to stay behind, her sharp wit and connections making her invaluable in misleading Alvada’s men.
But now, her luck had run out.
“Stop right there!” a voice barked from behind her.
She froze, her hands slowly raising as armed soldiers surrounded her.
“Liora Hestrel,” the lead officer said, stepping forward. “You’re under arrest for treason against the state.”
She smirked, though her heart pounded in her chest. “Treason? For what? Telling the truth?”
The officer’s face darkened. “Take her.”
As they cuffed her hands and led her away, Liora held her head high, her thoughts focused not on herself but on Celestina.
I hope you make this worth it, princess.
Back at the safe house, Dimitri returned from a supply run with grim news.
“Liora’s been arrested,” he said, setting down a bag of groceries.
Celestina’s heart sank. “No,” she whispered. “She was only trying to help. We have to do something.”
Dimitri shook his head, his face filled with regret. “There’s nothing we can do right now. She knew the risks when she stayed behind.”
Celestina stood, her fists clenched. “This isn’t right. She doesn’t deserve this.”
“I know,” Dimitri said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “But if we act now, we’ll only draw attention to ourselves. We need to focus on the bigger picture.”
She pulled away, tears brimming in her eyes. “The bigger picture? People are being hurt, Dimitri. Liora is being hurt. How can I sit here and do nothing?”
“You’re not doing nothing,” he said firmly. “You’re fighting to take down the man responsible for all of this. Your father. That’s how we stop this.”
Celestina slumped into a chair, her resolve cracking under the weight of everything. “I don’t know if I can do this anymore.”
“You can,” Dimitri said, kneeling beside her. “You’re stronger than you think, Celestina. And you’re not alone.”
Meanwhile, the nation descended further into chaos. President Alvada declared martial law, ordering soldiers to patrol the streets and enforce curfews with brutal efficiency. The protests only grew more volatile, and the divide among the people widened.
Celestina watched the news with a heavy heart, every headline a reminder of the stakes. The nation she loved was being torn apart, and her father was at the center of it all.
“We can’t wait any longer,” she said to Dimitri one evening. “We have to act now.”
Dimitri nodded. “Then let’s figure out our next move.”
Before they could start, Celestina’s phone buzzed on the table. She hesitated, her stomach twisting as she saw the number. It was unknown.
“Who is it?” Dimitri asked, his tone cautious.
“I don’t know,” she said, answering the call with trembling hands. “Hello?”
A distorted voice came through the line. “If you want to stop him, there’s only one way.”
Celestina’s heart pounded. “Who is this? Stop who?”
The voice continued, ignoring her questions. “You must destroy the dynasty entirely. It’s the only way to save the nation.”
