Nine.

~Axel~

The door slammed shut with a bang, but I didn't move just yet. I listened to be sure no one stayed behind. No further noise met my eyes. I sniffed the air to confirm I was alone, then opened my eyes and scrambled out of the bed. After fixing it with pillows to look like I was still in it, I went into my dressing room.

There, I pushed the vanity table aside to reveal a built-in wardrobe that I’d had constructed. The day I went to war with the Draven's Pack, I had an experienced carpenter from a faraway clan build it. While chaos rose in the Shadow Pack as they announced my supposed illness, Warren and the builder completed the task, creating a connection from my chambers to a hidden exit from the palace.

I inserted the key and opened it. Inside, I grabbed a cloak from the rows of clothes concealing the wardrobe’s purpose. After pulling it over myself, I felt for the faux wall built as a camouflage. With my might, I pushed until a door appeared. With one last glance behind me,