As I watched the screen, I felt the wave of relief finally wash over me . Even though the final vote count would take another few hours, with the numbers shown there was no way I could lose. I would be the first elected President in my nation’s history. It would mean freedom. Not only for my country, but from Selyna and all the issues she had caused for my people. “Congratulations baby.” Gina said warmly as she held out a glass of champagne. I kissed her forehead and took the glass, watching as the countless bubbles floated upward. Our only direction was up. From behind, I could hear the Gabriel and Emilia running into the room. “Congratulations Papa! Does this mean we have to call you Mr. President now?” Emilia joked as she hugged me tightly. “No need, Papa is just fine.” I laughed and held her tight. I saw Gina and Gabriel laugh for a moment, but her expression quickly changed as the sounds of muffled pops scattered the room. Before I could get my head of security, and ear-splitting boom shattered all of the windows, throwing everyone in the room to the ground. My ears rang and my vision was blurred, but I still heard the faint screams from Gina and Emilia as I was pulled to my feet by soldiers and security. “What...what happened?” I slurred as I was pulled down the hall. As we passed the blown out windows, I saw a burning truck outside near the gate entrance. “We’ll figure that out soon just wait until we get you to safety.” The guard yelled and pulled us all into an elevator that would lead down to the safe room built below the compound. Slowly coming back to my senses I looked around. Gina and the kids were fine, just shaken up and scratched from flying glass. What could have caused that explosion? What was going on? The door slid open and quickly we walked through the gated entrance towards the open bunker . As we passed through and inside the bunker doors, the soldiers stopped outside. “Lock this floor down. No one in or out without my permission.” Agent Rivas ordered the soldiers, who nodded obediently as the gate swung closed and the bunker door began to close. Finally after a brief moment, the large bomb-resistant doors hissed shut. I walked over and looked over my family as Rivas picked up the phone and began dialing frantically. “Are you all okay?” I asked, scanning over them for any serious injuries. Gina nodded, comforting the visibly shaken children. “Sir, the phone. It’s your brother and sister.” Rivas said calmly. I nodded and walked over quickly to quickly press the speaker button. “Go ahead.” I said calmly. “Thank God you’re safe,” Leandro said with a sigh of relief. “So far it looks like a coordinated attack against everyone, starting with Papá. His plane was shot down after it took off from the airport.” Gina gasped at the news, but luckily the kids were too distracted to hear what had been said “From the initial reports I’ve gotten, they targeted you and Ariel with IEDs. They sent a sniper after me and a group after Selyna. So far it seems the only casualty was our father...I’m sorry.” I closed my eyes and slammed my hands on the table, holding back the tears welling up inside. “Guys, turn on the news.” Ariel said anxiously. Promptly, I hit the button on the console controlling the TV, and my world faded into the background as I listened to the reporter. “Although the status of the current President is not confirmed, it can be assumed that he has been incapacitated or killed in this complex attack against the Presidential family. A message delivered by General Saev states that Field Marshal Reyes, in accordance with the Constitution of her late father, has declared a national military emergency. Along with this, all executive powers as Head of State have been assigned to her effectively immediately. It’s also been reported that martial law has been declared, leading Guard Corps officers to take command of regular military units, who have been given orders to seize control of all provinces. We will fill you in when more information is available.” The broadcast ended as I stood in shock. “So what does this mean? For us?” I asked angrily. “It means, at least until she deems the situation under control, she’s allowed to exercise all Presidential authority.” “NO! I won the damn elections!” “Brother I understand your frustration, but you haven’t been sworn in yet. So technically speaking, Papá would still be the President. On top of that, she already held the title of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. There’s no loophole in it, he wanted to make sure he retained power.” Leandro replied apologetically. I shook my head and pressed the intercom to connect Selyna’s emergency line. After a moment she answered. “What Alex?” I heard her voice in the distance. “What do you think you’re doing?” I snapped coldly. “First and foremost, lower your voice. I didn’t do anything to you. Secondly, getting treated for a gunshot wound. By the way, I’m not dead thank you for asking.” “You. You did this.” “Are you serious?” She asked, clearly offended by the remark. “I get that you won the elections, but there are more important issues at hand. Someone tried to kill all of us and managed to get Papá. This is what I have been trying to explain to all of you. This country doesn’t need democracy, it needs a tighter grip. Don’t you worry though. After this, by the time I’m done not a single citizen will dare utter a grievance towards our name. I’ll see to it personally.” She concluded, and the line clicked off. I slowly sank back into the chair and stared and the intercom. Our family’s worst fear had come true. All in one ball of fire.