"Hmm? Isn't that Raniel?" The words laced with mockery.
It was Vincent. He didn't even try to hide his hatred or anger toward the other man.
Raniel exhaled sharply and turned on his heels, heading back toward his quarters. He didn't have the strength to deal with him tonight. He was tired, and the conversation he had overheard was already weighing heavily on his heart. And now seeing Ilyan with someone else…
All he wanted was to return to his room and be left alone with his thoughts.
"Wait right there!"
Before Raniel could take another step, Vincent grabbed him by the throat. His fingers tightened around the omega's neck, applying just enough pressure to choke him without killing him.
Raniel squeezed his eyes shut, forcing himself to concentrate on his breathing.
In and out.
Slowly…
So slowly that his vision had begun to turn black from the lack of oxygen.
