Stronger

Because Alex's hand gripped her neck just before she could touch him.

Abi bit her lips but she didn't feel any fear, despite Alex trying to choke her. His grip was tight but not enough to strangle her.

"A-alex…" she called. "Alex…"

He didn't respond. His fiery eyes continued to blaze with hellfire but they were blank. It was as if all he could see was fire and blood and darkness.

But she knew that something was happening the moment he grabbed her neck. His grip on her didn't loosen but it didn't also tighten. She could still breathe. Did the witch cast a spell on her to protect her or was there something stopping Alex from fully strangling her? It didn't matter. What mattered was that she now had the opportunity to do something.

Tears began to flow from her eyes as she lifted her hands to touch his hand.