43

I stepped into this dark matter of the portal created by the Overlord with my eyes closed, so I shuddered when the man addressed me:

“Open your eyes, escha, you must realize where you are now.

I didn’t feel at all how we had moved, but I didn’t want to open my tear-stained eyes either. It was bad and painful. This monster in human form killed my mother. Mom ... my mom ... my dear, only and beloved ... Tears came out in a thin stream from the corners of my eyes and rolled down my face, breaking and falling down.

Stop shedding tears, it won't help you! the man said angrily. “Open your eyes, escha, otherwise you will regret that you disobeyed my order.

But I couldn't, I just couldn't do it. Fear fettered my heart, preventing not only to open my eyes, but also to breathe freely. It was creepy how he said the last phrase.

“Well, you yourself wished so,” the Sovereign said in a more even and, it seems, even indifferent voice.

And then I felt the collar put on me began to heat up, slightly b