Startled by the unforseen collision, Daryn's instincts took over and she vanished from the woman's path, reappearing a few feet behind her. But the defensive move was not to go unnoticed by the powers that be, and the shock collar reacted instantly, sending her to her knees in pain. Gritting her teeth and trying to shake it off, she stood unsteadily, attempting to refocus her eyes on the woman who was now in front of her.
Deciding not to use her usual form of communication, she waved a hand dismissively and nodded once to signal that she was ok. Then, as a second thought, so that the woman wouldn't think she was rude, she motioned to her throat and opened her mouth but no sound came out. She was mute. She could not speak, at least not the conventional way.