"For the Republic," Niles assured, feeling his chest tighten. They'd been over this. Gabe knew more than anyone what they were doing. What all of this was for.

"Amanda has a great deal of influence here. If we win her over, I can win the election and actually have the power to change this place. I..."

He let out a slow breath, shaking his head. Gabe already knew all of this. Niles reached up, a hand on the young man's cheek, trying to make the other look at him. "She could trust you, too. You just need to give her a chance to see the real you."