Often, just before a smother attempt is undertaken, eye contact is made. Not a glare, filled with fire and rage, but more a conveyance of information.
From the smothering female, a warning: submit now, or I shall steal from you your breath.
From the woman to be smothered, an unspoken plea for mercy, which quickly gives way to desperation and panic, just as the eyes disappear within their enemy’s assets.