Ariella started to give him information. Details about President Mark's government. Things that could really help his plans. She was becoming "The Silent Influencer." She could change people's opinions, gather important secrets, and make things happen without anyone ever knowing she was involved.
Her role was complicated. Her reasons were not entirely clear. Was she truly loyal to the President? Or did she have her own secret plan? Something bigger than both sides? Her actions were confusing. Her loyalties seemed blurred. She was helping Samuel, giving him crucial information, guiding his actions. Was it because she loved him? Or was she playing a much larger game?
Now, the situation had completely changed. She held a lot of power. She could decide what would happen to Samuel. She could tell the President all his secrets and destroy his group. Or she could continue to help him, using her position within the government to support his cause, secretly playing both sides against each other.
"How do you know all this?" Samuel asked, his voice low and suspicious.
"I have my ways of finding things out," Ariella replied calmly. "Trust me, Samuel. This information is very important."
"Important for what?" Samuel asked, his suspicion growing. "For you to betray me in the end?"
Ariella looked directly into his eyes. "I'm not here to betray you, Samuel. I'm here to help you win."
"Win what?" Samuel asked, his voice still questioning. "Against who?"
"Against the corruption," Ariella said firmly. "Against the lies. Against the President."
"You work for the president," Samuel stated, his voice full of disbelief.
"I work for the truth," Ariella replied, her voice steady.
"And what exactly is the truth, Ariella?" Samuel asked, waiting for her answer.
"The truth is, Samuel," Ariella said, taking a step closer, "that you are being used. And I am here to change that."
She paused for a moment. "I know who is betraying you from the inside."
Samuel's eyes narrowed, his gaze intense. "Who is it?"
Ariella hesitated for a brief second. "Someone close to you. Someone you trust."
Before Samuel could ask another question, they both heard a noise. Footsteps. Heavy footsteps coming closer.
"Someone is coming," Ariella whispered urgently.
The footsteps were getting closer. "Who is it?" Samuel asked, his voice tense with anticipation.
Then, a figure appeared in the doorway. It was General Commander Kan. Samuel's old classmate. His best friend from the past.
"Kan?" Samuel said, his voice filled with utter surprise.
"I think you two have something important to talk about," Ariella said quietly. "You need to share your thoughts. Work together. That's how you can achieve what you both want."
Her position as "The Silent Influencer" gave her immense power. She knew all the government's secrets. The President's weaknesses. She had the ability to bring everything crashing down. She could change people's minds, create chaos, and even influence the President himself, all without anyone suspecting her involvement.
She was like a puppet master, pulling strings from the shadows. A whispered suggestion here, a seed of doubt planted there. Her subtle actions were changing everything.
What would she ultimately do? Betray Samuel to fulfill her duty? Or would she follow her heart and risk everything for him and his revolution? Her choice would determine the fate of the nation, the future of the revolution, and her own life. And the game had only just begun.
"Kan," Samuel repeated, still in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"
Kan looked at him, his face stern and unreadable. "I'm here to stop you, Samuel. To put an end to this madness."
"Madness?" Samuel questioned, his voice rising slightly. "Or is it justice?"
"Justice?" Kan scoffed, a harsh laugh escaping his lips. "You call this justice? Trying to violently overthrow the government?"
"The government is corrupt to its core," Samuel argued passionately. "They lie to the people. They steal what isn't theirs. They even kill without consequence."
"And you honestly believe you're any different?" Kan challenged him. "You think you have the right to decide what's best for everyone?"
"I know I can make things better," Samuel insisted. "Especially now, with Ariella's help."
Kan turned his gaze towards Ariella, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "And what exactly are you doing here, Ariella?"
"I'm here to help Samuel," Ariella stated firmly. "To help him bring about real change."
"Change?" Kan repeated, his tone skeptical. "Or just more chaos and destruction?"
"Change for the better," Ariella emphasized.
"You both are being incredibly naive," Kan said, shaking his head slightly. "This whole thing will end very badly."
"It's already ending badly," Samuel countered, his voice filled with conviction. "For the innocent people who are suffering."
"Then let it end," Kan said, his voice firm. "But not through violence and bloodshed like this."
"How else then?" Samuel asked, his eyes searching Kan's face.
"Surrender, Samuel," Kan said, his voice softening slightly. "Give up this fight. And I promise you, I will do everything I can to make your end as peaceful as possible."
"Surrender?" Samuel repeated the word, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Never."
"Then you leave me no other choice," Kan said, his hand moving to the weapon holstered at his side.
Ariella quickly stepped between the two men, her arms outstretched. "No, Kan. Please don't."
"Move aside, Ariella," Kan said, his voice stern. "This is a matter between Samuel and me."
"No," Ariella insisted, standing her ground. "This is about all of us. And we can find a way to resolve this without anyone getting hurt."
"How?" Kan asked, his expression doubtful.
"By talking to each other," Ariella pleaded. "By truly listening to understand each other's perspectives."
"Understanding?" Kan scoffed again. "You honestly think I can understand this rebellion?"
"I think you can understand the desire for justice," Ariella said, her voice gentle but firm. "And deep down, I believe you want the same thing Samuel wants: a better future for our country."
Kan paused, his gaze shifting between Samuel and Ariella. He seemed to be considering her words.
"Maybe," he admitted slowly. "Maybe you're right."
"Then listen to him, Kan," Ariella urged. "Listen to what Samuel has to say."
Commander Kan let out a short, humorless laugh. "Samuel," he began, his tone changing slightly, "from the very first rumors I heard about a brewing revolution, I had a strong feeling it was you behind it. But let me tell you something," he continued, his voice dropping to a more serious level. "I'm here to test you, Samuel.
To see if that fire I always knew you had is still burning bright. Is this revolution you speak of genuine? Or just empty words.
Show me this is something you're willing to die for." He took a step closer. "If you prove it, Samuel.