Chapter 4 THE PRICE TO PAY FOR FREEDOM.

Tahira's POV.

I heard faint noises, and my eyes fluttered open.

"Where am I?" I asked and fully opened my eyes.

My head was aching and my whole body felt numb.

I looked around, trying to figure out where I was, taking in the details of my surroundings.

Then I realized I was in my cell. It was not a nightmare, it was real. I am trapped in this place with no hope of ever getting out of there, alive.

I could not believe that my sister had given me up like this, after everything I had done for her.

Just then, I heard footsteps and the sound of keys jingling.

I scrambled up to my feet and the door to my cell swung open. The guard from last night stood there, looking at me with a sympathetic expression on his face. "Tahira, I have some news for you." He said, softly.

My heart jumped to my throat, was he here to tell me I would be dying soon?

I stared at the guard, trying to read his expression, but his face suddenly turned blank.

I was unable to tell if he was carrying good news or bad news.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice shaking.

The guard stared at me for some moment, "How is your injury?" He asked, avoiding my questions.

" I am fine, what is the news you want to share with me?" I asked.

The guard cleared his throat. "Well, Tahira, your father has paid for what you stole and you are free to go."

My eyes widened in shock. I could not believe what I was hearing. After hearing Twyla's threats last night, I had never dreamed that I would be released. It felt like a dream come true.

"This way please." The guard said and led me outside the prison.

I stood outside as the soft breeze kissed my face. At last, I was free.

I stood outside relishing the feeling of freedom and I was overjoyed. But then, my happiness was short-lived as I thought of what awaited me at home.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to go home. My heart was pounding in my chest as I made my way home. I had no idea what to expect, but one thing was sure, Twyla would have poisoned my father's mind against me and he must be hating me by now.

Soon, I stood in front of our house, taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped in.

But when I opened the door and walked into our living room, I was met with a barrage of angry words.

"You little thief!" My father barked at me, his face red with rage. "How dare you! How dare you, Tahira! I thought I could trust you, I thought I could trust you when you told me you were innocent, but now..now you betrayed me."

I was disappointed in my father, he had sent me and Twyla out to get herbs. And when Twyla came back alone, he did not ask about my whereabouts. He did not try to confirm whatever Twyla told him. He just believed her lies and now he is saying such mean things to me.

I had thought he would be glad to see me, but instead, he was here berating and insulting me.

"But I did not do anything! I am innocent!" I protested, my voice shaking.

"That is not what the evidence said! You were caught red-handed with The alpha's ring hidden amongst the herbs you gathered! You are a criminal and you would be treated as such!" My father yelled, his voice booming through the house.

I felt like the ground was falling out from under me. How could my father believe all the lies Twyla told him? How could my father believe I was guilty when I was innocent?

I knew it was useless trying to explain myself cause my father would not listen.

Twyla rushed out of her room and stood next to my father. "Father, please calm down. Do not yell it is not good for your health."

I glared at her, my eyes blazing with fury and I felt like attacking her.

"Tahira please do not stress father. He is not doing well, please do not stress him. We have already suffered enough because of you, please just accept that you are wrong and that you are a thief." Twyla said.

"What are you talking about Twyla? Why are you acting innocent? Do you know what is happening why are you lying to Father? Why are you not telling him the real truth? Why Twyla?" I screamed at her, my voice raw with emotion.

"I do understand that you are upset right now, but that does not give you the right to try to blame me for your crimes! You stole from the alpha of the pack. Do you have any idea what your actions caused us? We were humiliated in front of the whole pack! We have lost our face in front of the whole pack.

Can you imagine, Father had to bow his head today and beg." Twyla said, her voice breaking with tears.

I was shocked. Never in my life did I expect that my sister could be so evil, she knew the truth yet she chose to ruin my image and reputation in front of our father.

"Why are you lying, Twyla? You and I know that you stole the alpha's ring! Admit you stole it. Admit you came to my cell last night to threaten me." I snapped at her.

"Father... Father, can you hear what she is saying? She is accusing me. Father she is calling me a thief." Twyla said, shedding crocodile tears.

"Enough Tahira! Your act has done so much harm to this family and your freedom cost us dearly! I will make sure you pay the price for your freedom." Father said and stormed to his room.

I stood there rooted to my spot, what was Yeah price I had to pay for my freedom?