Chapter 4 ~Sentence
The knife was still in my hand when the soldiers arrived and I was covered in blood. It could only mean one thing.
I quickly dropped the knife and raised my hands in surrender.
"I didn't do this. I just came here and saw her like that. Please, you have to believe me." My words were directed at the Alpha who had the look of indifference. I was hoping he'd believe me but he ordered his men, "Take her in."
Wait, wasn't he listening to all I just said? The soldiers kept advancing and in defense, I picked up the knife and pointed it at them.
"Don't come close to me or I'll... I'll injure you. I already told you that I didn't do it. Madam, tell them what happened and who did it."
She wasn't saying anything, so I looked down to see that she had passed on. I dropped the knife and stepped far away from her. It was my first time seeing a dead body with its eyes fully open. I was scared to my bones.
"I said, take her away! She killed this woman!" Alpha Nolan yelled. My survival instinct kicked in and I ran back into the store and locked it. I pushed the heavy bed stand there to block the soldiers from gaining access.
"You're in big trouble, young lady. And I'd advise you to surrender yourself."
There were so many things that had complicated me—picking up the knife again, threatening the soldiers, and running—but there was nothing I could do. If I got caught, I would be punished for a crime I did not commit.
My mind was in chaos. I didn't know how to escape the mess I was entangled in. Why didn't I just run away when I had the chance?
I was able to locate a window and since it was on the first floor, it was quite a lengthy jump. I knew I would fracture some bones but it was my only chance of escaping. The soldiers had already entered the room. Why did I ever think a bed stand was enough to hold them?
"Hey! Get back here!" One of them stretched his hand to reach but I jumped seconds before he got to me.
I landed on the ground with both feet and strained one but I was able to get away. At least, none of the soldiers were in the yard. With my sprained ankle, I leaped toward a nearby forest. From that forest, I will make my way to town, and out of this pack.
My plan was clear and I was already seeing myself leaving this hell of a life when suddenly, a brown-furred wolf appeared in front of me.
Before I could react to its abrupt appearance, it hit me with the back of its paw, sending me flying away a few meters. Since I was a weak omega, its impact with me broke more bones and caused me to be breathless for a few seconds. It was the kind of hit that made me see stars at the back of my eyes. I could feel my life force gradually slipping away.
I gave up.
I didn't have the energy to run any further.
I was held up by two hands and seconds later, a hand met my cheek.
"What did my mother ever do to you? Why did you have to kill her?" I heard someone sobbing but I didn't know who.
"I treated you with kindness and love. I did everything for you and this is what you do to repay me?"
Ellie? Was that really Ellie? When my vision cleared a bit, I could see her face. She looked hurt, angry, and betrayed.
Wait... Was the madam her mother? How come I didn't know that?
I didn't do it, Ellie. I said but I didn't think she heard me.
"Why, Tara? Why?!" She screamed, pulling my hair roughly. I could only cry silently and let her do what she wanted.
My only friend believed I killed her mother. What could be more agonizing than that? I had nobody, except her, but now, she too was gone. The little light in my dark world had gone off. And there was nothing I could do or say to bring it back.
"You weren't fit to be my mate, Tara. Now, you're not fit to live." Alpha Nolan's cold voice rang in my head.
"I'll make sure you beg for death. It will be the only mercy you'll never receive."
It was like he had been waiting for an opportunity to get rid of me. Because why was he unofficially sentencing me to death without a proper investigation?
"I didn't do it, Ellie. Believe me. You were there with me. You said nobody ever goes there. Don't you think this is a setup?" I tried to reason with her but she wasn't even ready to hear what I was saying.
"I pray earnestly that you meet the same fate. Even worse."
I was chained with silver from my neck to my wrists. They burned into my skin like fire. They were unbearable.
I looked at Ellie one last time, hoping she'd suddenly defend me like she always did. But I was met with a cold look that screamed, 'You'll pay with your life.'
I was dragged away like trash, my head down to avoid looking at the other maids who looked upon me with scorn. Some cried for the death of their boss while some cursed me and my generation. Except, my generation would end with me because I was certainly going to die.
"Witch! I knew you were up to no good."
"I never liked her because she was too quiet. Quiet people are the most dangerous people."
"She's never liked the madam. But killing her was out of line. I hope she dies in the same manner."
I tried closing my ears from hearing those bitter words. I ended up crying all the way to prison where I was chained to the wall.
"Please, can I have something to eat? I haven't eaten in days."
"Is that why you killed the head maid? For something as little as food?" The guard sneered at me while the other one made sure I was locked in.
"I didn't do it. I just happened to be there." I replied weakly, almost inaudibly.
"Murders like you should die of starvation." He spat on my face and they both left, leaving me in the dark room. I never stayed in a dark place because of my terrible imagination. Staying there was a near-death experience for me.
I could only cry and curse the day I was born. If I hadn't been born, my parents wouldn't have died and I wouldn't be here going through torment. Peace had always been the farthest thing from me as chao ruled both my night and day.
I just wanted my ugly life to come to an end.
The next time I saw light was when someone brought some food, which I devoured like a hungry lion. It was just three slices of bread and water but I was grateful.
"How do you like your new home?"
Christine. Why was she there? To taunt me the more?
"You wanted to live in a mansion and have good food served to you every day but look where you landed. Worse than where you're coming from. How pathetic."
The last thing I wanted to do was engage her. I needed to conserve my energy because I didn't know when I would next see food.
"Don't be sad. We've not even started with you. By the way," She stepped closer. "Im just coming from the courthouse and they presented and ruled over your case. I'm sure you're dying to know what lies ahead for you." She snickered, enjoying every bit of my suffering.
If someone should die next, it should be her. I didn't care who was going to do it. Probably the same person who killed the head maid.
"As a good person that I am, I'll tell you."She whispered.
"What is it?" I asked when she hesitated to speak.
"Death by hanging, seven times."