The blow never landed.
For a long while, there was only the sound of labored, rasping breaths coming from Cassian's throat. The hand around Hermi's neck remained tightened, but it started to tremble with a violent, shuddering effort.
"Hhh-ugh... Hhh-rr-awk..."
Hermi's eyelids lifted. What met her gaze was the contorted strain on Cassian's features. Cassian's expression was warring with itself, flickering between monstrous rage and a look of horrified disbelief at what he was doing.
Hermi's voice emerged in a ragged whisper.
"Ca... Cassian?"
Cassian's lips trembled in an effort to reply, but no actual words came. Only a primal groan escaped him.
"Hargh... argh— Hargh—"
When the pained sounds finally subsided to whimpers, she felt his fingers loosen their grip around her neck until the pressure vanished entirely. With pain lancing through her every nerve, Hermi's body went limp.
A heavy arm shot out instantly.
