The sudden question nearly made Erika jump out of her skin, her heart racing quickly. The cat, upset from his roost when Erika jerked back and tried to twist around to see who had approached her, ran off deeper into the alley.

Her face was flushed and she managed a slightly shaky smile. She should have known better than to linger here. Erika jumped to her feet, back against the wall of one of the buildings. Her arms crossed in front of her instinctively as if to protect herself.

Erika opened her mouth but closed it immediately, seemingly trying to regain her composure.