"Okay, this is unnecessary," she hissed, her voice sharp, her tail swishing with agitation. "I said I'd listen to you, Master. I always do!"
"I know," Kael murmured, his voice low, soothing, his hazel eyes watching her closely.
"Then why—" Tila began, her voice breaking, her shoulders trembling with restraint.
"Just in case," Kael said, his tone gentle but firm, a quiet promise beneath his words.
Tila breathed out hard through her nose, her body tense, her tail stilling, her shoulders shaking faintly with suppressed emotion.
Then came another sound, another click, colder, heavier, pressed against her neck.
The collar locked into place with a quiet finality, like a door sealing shut, its weight a chilling presence against her skin.
Her breath caught, her heartbeat thudding against her ribs, a wild rhythm of fear and defiance.
"…Don't tell me that is...?" Tila whispered, her voice trembling, her black eyes hidden but wide beneath the blindfold.
