Xander burst into the scene, his eyes widening as he saw Michael’s hands tightening around Emily’s throat.
"Michael, stop!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the air like a sharp blade.
Without hesitation, Xander rushed forward and grasped Michael’s wrist, prying his fingers away from Emily's neck.
She stumbled back, gasping and coughing violently, her hands instinctively flying to her throat, where Michael's deadly grip had left red imprints.
Emily's eyes watered as she struggled to breathe, her mouth opening and closing in desperate gulps of air. She doubled over, her chest heaving with each ragged breath.
Xander stepped between her and Michael, his body shielding her as his gaze locked onto Michael’s furious face.
"What's wrong with you?" he demanded, his voice sharp, thou
