"You said you would let me free!" Amora cried, barreling up the steps away from Lotor, who held a chain and collar in his hands. She tripped on the last step, wincing as she hit the hard wooden floor. Lotor stood over her, grinning wickedly, "I said you were free of Drinian. I didn't say you were free of me. You owe me this much." He put the collar around her throat, tightening it so much she could hardly breathe. "...stop!" she choked, trying to gasp for breath. She put her hands out, clawing at the deck, trying to free herself from him. He laughed. Loud, haunting bellows of laughter echoed through her ears as her world began to fade. "You belong to me Amora." He hissed as he faded into a shadow, the rest of the world crumbling apart.<br/><br/>"Gah!" Amora sat up with a start. She clutched the edge of the blanket close to her chest- more of a habit than anything- and turned her head. Lotor was gone from the room, he was likely on deck. Amora lay in the bed, skin soaked in icy cold sweat. She tried to regain her breath; it was just like the dream had actually happened and she could hardly breathe. She placed a hand to her throat. No, no collar, nor any marks that would reveal Lotor putting one on her. She let out a sigh, it was only a dream.<br/><br/>But was it really? What if Lotor meant to keep her like that if she didn't comply? She forced the thoughts away; she wouldn't be so stupid as to disobey him. It was almost like she owed him, he had freed her, after all. He wouldn't bring harm to her if she stayed with him. She wiped her forehead with the blanket's edge; letting out another sigh, she stood up slowly and made her way on deck.<br/><br/>It was a bright, sunny day. The ship was still heading inland on the river, and the deck was bustling with activity. Amora didn't stay on deck for long, however. She snuck down the steps, took the keys from a nail on the wall, and opened the door where the slaves had been left.<br/><br/>Amora stood in the doorway, looking at Drinian sleeping on Priscilla's lap, Priscilla looking at her quizically. She bowed her head. "Drinian... Lotor promised he would care for me. He promised I would be free if I..." she swallowed, "wed him." she muttered after a moment. "I have been a slave for nine years, this is something I've been yearning for since it began." "It's true." Amora glanced over her shoulder as Lotor stood beside her, smiling. "It will take place at the end of the festival, I'm sure you would love to see it."