But as Maya's eyes focused, her confidence shattered. The space where Ross had stood was empty.
"What the—" Maya's words caught in her throat as a chill crawled up her spine. A presence loomed behind her, and before she could react, a powerful arm snaked around her neck like a steel vice.
"Hagggg..." She gasped in shock, her hands instinctively clawing at the arm that cut off her air supply. She twisted her body, desperately trying to free herself, but the grip only tightened. Her struggles became frantic, her lungs burning as the lack of oxygen took its toll.
"Nice try, Maya," Ross whispered into her ear, his tone mockingly calm. His breath brushed against her skin, sending a shiver of helplessness through her. "But not good enough."
