The Collar's Price.
***Arin's POV***
Though it wasn't pointed at me, Rowan's dagger whirled through the air. Queen Althara was just getting back up when it struck her squarely in the chest. She let out a cry and fell once more, but this time she remained motionless.
The Shadow King yelled at his son, "What are you doing?"
Rowan turned to his father and said, "Saving her. I will not allow you to harm Arin."
"You dare not obey me?"
"I'm done being your slave," Rowan said . "I'm going to protect her because I love her."
The Shadow King chuckled. "My stupid son, it's too late. The ceremony has already started."
I became aware of the silver collar around my neck at that point. It was heavy and cold against my skin, even though Queen Althara had not put it on.
"No!" I tried to remove the collar by pulling it, but it refused to come off.
As the dark symbols on the collar began to glow, my skull began to ache like lightning. It felt like it was going to break into two.
