Dimitri's POV

Dawn breaks over the fortress. I stand in the hidden passage beneath the east wall—one of three escape routes Margaret prepared.

"This magic gate leads where?" I ask.

"Five miles east," my Beta explains. "Exits in neutral forest territory. Vehicles waiting at the endpoint. From there, three hours to the first safehouse."

I study the reinforced passage. Wide enough for three people side-by-side. Emergency lighting ...