Pain bloomed along the side of his cheek, shocking him hot-cold in reality. His head rang with it, a flash of white-blue-red that should have worried him. His eyes went wide, staring up at Ayel in surprise.

Lips peeled back to display his teeth like a wolf, refusing to give in. Where is anyone!? Can't be happening on my own god damn ship! Bastard weighs a ton! He tried to pull his head free, but even feeling strands separate from scalp, it wasn't enough to free him from the awkward position Ayel was holding him. Even if he managed to roll or buck or twist Ayel off, that grip in his hair made it impossible to get himself free.

His hand snaked up hard and fast for Ayel's throat. At least parts of him were free. He would never stop fighting.