TOOAFP Chapter 121: The End of a Wretch (1)

She almost didn't trust her own ears.

This was not a person she had ever imagined she would meet here — in a time like this, in a place like this.

"Why aren't you answering? Kasha Rüschino, are you in there or not?"

As the voice sharpened with impatience, taking on its familiar edge of irritation, Kasha finally became certain she knew exactly who it was.

"…Odette Tyrot?"

"Goodness, if you were in there you could have answered sooner… I was terrified."

Whatever bravado the voice had held a moment ago collapsed almost immediately into something small and uncertain. That, more than anything, was what felt wrong.

Odette Tyrot. That arrogant, self-willed young woman — what on earth was she doing here?

Footsteps approached, hesitant. Kasha turned her head toward the sound, guessing at the direction in the dark. When Odette's eyes adjusted to the shadows and she made out…