Duke Frelie half-dragged Lyria by the arm past the exit and through the hallway. Lyria hissed at the force, but Duke Frelie tightened his grip instead.
When they were several feet away from the ballroom, the duke threw Lyria to one of the pillars. Lyria was thrown so hard that a loud voice was heard as her back met the concrete pillar. Duke Frelie had selected a spot where there were no guards to be seen.
She was alone in that place with him.
The fear crept up to Lyria too late.
Suddenly her airway was blocked by a large hand on her throat. The strength of his grip was crushing her neck. She clawed at the hand in an attempt to break the grip, but it was to no avail. As her breath thinned, she produced a choking sound. Her lips trembled as she whimpered. Her legs grew weak as the pan
