Chapter 151

"Ngh — urgh!"

I wriggled and squirmed, working at the wedge.

Completely useless. My backside was jammed tight between the thick branches.

"Damn it all."

If only there were something to grip. But this smooth stone wall offered nothing.

No matter. I was a tree-climbing expert.

—Snick!

Having confirmed my backside was thoroughly stuck, I cut the rope with the knife.

Then I tied what remained of the rope to the offending branch.

"Right. Let's go."

I pulled the branch-tied rope taut, drew a breath, wrenched my backside free, and pushed off.

—Slide, thud.

Landed.

I cut the rope quickly.

"Miss. Straight ahead to the left wall from the front of the main building — that's where we're going. Once we reach the blind spot, we follow the perimeter wall to the lake behind the annex."

"Understood."

"Keep your footsteps as quiet as possible."

I nodded.

Emily took the lead.…