**Chapter 36: Held Hostage**

Shigaraki's eyes gleamed with excitement as he moved with an unsettling speed, his four fingers wrapping around my neck like a vice. I felt a surge of panic as his cold breath whispered against my ear, "If you move one step closer to me, I'll kill her here and now." His grip was like ice, and I could feel my airway constricting. Aizawa-sensei, who had been mere seconds away from reaching us, froze in his tracks. His eyes widened in alarm as he took in the scene before him. I tried to struggle, but Shigaraki's grip only tightened. I gasped for air, my vision beginning to blur. That's when Deku screamed, "VESPER!" His voice was laced with panic as he took in the scene before him. I saw him take a step forward, but his eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the fear and helplessness written all over his face. The rest of the class was in an uproar. Kirishima, Bakugo, Kaminari, Mina, Froppy, and Ochaco all looked on in horror, their faces twisted with anger and worry. But they remained still, paralyzed by Shigaraki's threat. I could see the fury burning in their eyes, but they knew they had to be careful. Shigaraki's gaze flicked to Deku, and he sneered, "You think you can save her, little boy? You think you're strong enough?" He pulled me closer, his fingers digging deeper into my skin. I winced, trying to stifle a cry of pain. Deku's face contorted in anguish as he took another step forward, but Shigaraki's grip on me tightened, and I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. Aizawa-sensei's eyes never left mine, his gaze burning with a fierce determination. I knew he was trying to think of a way to save me, but Shigaraki's Quirk made him a formidable opponent. The air was thick with tension as the standoff continued. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and my lungs burning for air. Shigaraki's grip was suffocating, and I knew I had to think fast, or I would be trapped forever. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by Shigaraki's maniacal laughter. "You're all so predictable," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You think you're heroes, but you're just pawns in my game." He pulled me closer, his breath hot against my ear. "And now, you're going to watch as I destroy everything you hold dear."