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Silvio rams me into the wall before I can blink. The air whooshes out of my lungs from the impact and I don't have time to collect myself before Silvio grips my neck in a choke hold. Hal lies only a few feet away and rage clouds my vision. How could Silvio do this in front of him?!
Wheezing, I try to claw his hand away but his force is too strong. If I don't do something quick, I will turn into his supper. Will he finish Hal off after he's done with me? I feel sick as I contemplate these awful thoughts.
Can Hal hear what's happening right now as he lies there unable to do a thing?
"Don't look at him!" Silvio hisses, ripping off his glasses, eyes blazing with indignation.
I snap my eyes back to his as they clatter to the marble floor. The sound echoing in the quiet of the infirmary. His hand is off my neck as he pushes me harder into the wall, trapping me there.
"No!" I claw his arms for release but there is none. His hands have mine in an instant pinning them by my head, being none too gentle. The pain is almost more than I can bear paired with the ice daggers in my chest.
Black spots try to cloud my vision but I fight it off. I can't faint at a time like this.
We stare at each other at first, sizing each other up. Silvio dares me to fight back. And what if I do? At this point there's nothing to lose. He'll kill me and then kill Hal.
"Nothing will interfere now. I won't let you escape me." his breath tickles my face he's so close.
"H-help m—nghh!" Silvio grabs my chin hard to keep me quiet.
That familiar terror takes hold of me as his yellow eyes glue me to the spot. I can't breathe! It's like Silvio's hands are wrapped around my neck all over again. Throat closing up, I desperately gasp for air.
The grin on Silvio's face widens, "Yes, that's a good little queen. Don't fight me. It will be over soon." his hand brushes my cheek as his voice purrs in a soothing tone defying his sinister words. Another plight to keep me from struggling.
I slump against the wall, the only thing holding me up is Silvio. My life force feels drained, and he hasn't even started yet. Despite his efforts, anxiety wracks my nerves as I wait for his mouth to connect to mine in the world's most painful kiss.
"Get away from her!" a familiar voice shatters the room. My heart constricts when I realize its owner.
Silvio stiffens, eyes growing hard. I feel his powerful hold on me lessening.
Hal's hand is stretched toward us. Almost close enough to touch Silvio's back.
"Why are you still here?" Silvio grips me harder and I grit my teeth. He turns away from me to stare at Hal.
Distracted.
My eyes slide to Hal. What is he trying to do? Does he have a death wish…?
Ruby eye lock on mine and somehow I know what he's doing. Hal's creating an opening for me to escape.
I give him a tiny nod.
Hal looks pale but much better than he did earlier. The Physician said his recovery depended on his will to survive and restoration of his magic depletion. What changed in the last few minutes?
Silvio's grip slackens and I take this moment to knee him between the legs as hard as I can. He buckles over, curses spewing from his mouth.
I'm already saying the teleportation spell, diving for Hal. I grab his hand, praying this will go through.
I picture us both in my chamber.
Silvio is getting up, hands reaching out to yank me back, but he's too late.
Hal and I collapse to the floor of my chambers, gripping the other in a death grip.
I feel faint and yet a sudden thrill runs through me at our near death experience.
"You did it." Hal presses his forehead against mine.
"No, we did it." my lips meet his in a tender kiss. It feels like ages since I've kissed this precious beastkin.
We sink into the kiss as we let ourselves slide to the floor.
For now we're safe.
Now is where I'm going to need some filler ideas.