We’re led out of the small building one at a time, and taken to a separate area of the barracks. Here, there is a stone building without any windows, and only one heavily guarded door. We’re pushed inside, and by the minimal light filtering through the open door, they release everything but the collars around our necks.

“Dominik!” I yell, rushing over and tackling him to the ground in an embrace. He wraps his arms around me, hugging me tightly against ...