Nathan's vision dimmed, black spots dancing in his periphery as Richard's grip tightened around his throat. His father's face, twisted with madness, loomed above him. Nathan clawed at Richard's hands, but his strength was fading, his breaths growing shallow.
Just as Nathan's legs began to give out, the front door crashed open with a thunderous bang, followed by hurried footsteps. A voice, authoritative and urgent, cut through the chaos.
"Let him go!" Sycamore's voice boomed from the doorway.
Richard's head snapped up, his wild eyes locking onto Sycamore. His grip on Nathan's throat slackened just enough for him to gasp in a breath, his body convulsing with the desperate need for oxygen.
"Nice of you to join us!" Richard sneered, his voice dripping with malice. His hand tightened again, but before he could finish, a blur of movement flew across the room.
