This document features The Balkan Escape, a short story by Steve Berry that serves as a prequel to his novel The Emperor’s Tomb. The narrative centers on Cassiopeia Vitt, who is captured by Russian operatives while investigating an ancient Thracian burial site in the Bulgarian mountains. After narrowly surviving several explosive traps, she is aided by a defecting geologist named Lev Sokolov, who helps her discover a spectacular, untouched treasure chamber. The text also includes a high-stakes preview of the sequel, following protagonist Cotton Malone during a deadly confrontation in the rugged terrain of Pakistan. Finally, the author provides historical context regarding the Thracian culture and clarifies which elements of the thriller are based on real-world archaeology.