He saw the prisoner falter and realized his mistake with a quiet No under his breath--don't damage it further! His haste had almost made things worse.

But the moment was gone, and the prisoner was still retreating. Still mocking him. Still resisting. "You will be made obedient," he snarled, breaking into a run again. He was taller, more fit, pushed to move faster by his hatred. He would catch the prisoner. The collar was almost in reach.

He lunged.