The Beta didn't say much on the walk to the atrium, and I didn't push him for more.
The Thorn Estate had changed shape around us. Guards moved through the hallways with military precision, radios crackling with clipped orders. Boots echoed against black marble. The cold, museum-like silence from earlier had given way to the sharp rhythm of a fortress preparing for important guests.
"North gate secure."
"Escort team in position."
"Alpha notified."
None of it sounded like alarm. It sounded rehearsed, the way a household moved when it had done this a hundred times before and expected to do it a hundred more.
Still, my pulse refused to settle.
We reached the main atrium as the massive front doors stood open, letting in the crisp mountain air. Outside, a black SUV rolled through the gate
