Bella stood paralyzed with fear, her breath catching as she felt the cold steel against her skin. Her eyes darted around the room, searching desperately for help. But all she saw were faces filled with the same terror she felt, each person too afraid to act.
Ivy's grip was tight, her eyes wild and desperate as she held Bella hostage. The knife gleamed menacingly in her hand, poised to end Bella's life at the slightest provocation.
Zack froze in place, his mind reeling with fear and helplessness. His thoughts raced, desperately searching for a way to defuse the situation.
"Please, Ivy, don't do this," Zack pleaded, his voice strained with panic. "Let her go." He moved forward.
Ivy's expression was filled with unyielding determination, her desperation driving her to the brink. "Stop right there!" she yelled, pressing the blade harder against Bella's neck, just enough to break the skin.
