NEFERTARY
Entre la obsesión y el odio.
How could he make me angry and then want me to show him my vulnerability? N7ot even Osoclu did that; he just waited until I felt ready and that was it. With him, things were simply different.
Just like now, when we're in the school's recreation area, which we mostly use to socialize. Mathias had become friends with a guy named Jason, who was always accompanied by his redheaded girlfriend. Apparently, he was his roommate, and that's how they met.
—Have you heard the latest news? —the girl said.
—What news? —I spoke for the first time.
—Kellyn's uncle is involved in the case of the students' deaths at the institute —she moved closer so only we could hear—. The twins' friend is the main suspect in all the disappearances at the institute —she whispered—. Don't tell anyone, it's just to warn you.
—Exactly, you guys were friends with him and well...
—We weren't and never were his friends —Ludwig interrupted—. We were just with that guy and his friends because our parents were closing family business deals. On the other hand, since we are their children, we have to be there; they couldn't exclude us —he said with a neutrality that surprised me in him.
—So it was just out of convenience? —the blond asked.
—Of course —I affirmed—. The guy is obnoxious and unbearable, plus he gave me bad vibes. I couldn't even believe what happened to the Mendes, they always seemed so close —I lowered my tone when I said that last part.
—Good thing you got away in time —Jason announced.
—Yeah, good thing —Mathias agreed, then planted a kiss on my cheek.
—And here I thought the lovebirds were Kellyn and Jason —interrupted a redheaded boy with honey-colored eyes, whose name I didn't know.
—Don't be an idiot, Brambilla —Ludwig joked as the boy took a seat.
—There's a party tonight and you, my friends, are going —just as I was about to say something, he raised a hand to stop me—. No objections. A little fun wouldn't hurt with all that perfection.
I felt my whole body tense up hearing that jerk's comment. 'Who did he think he was to talk to me like that with such familiarity, the insolent bastard?' I felt a slight squeeze on my hand as I turned my attention to it. I hadn't even realized I was holding Mathias's hand, which he was gripping tightly. I let go; he grabbed it again and brought it to his lips, placing a kiss on it.
—We have a family dinner at Nefertary's house. I can't promise anything, maybe after that we could come.
—You take your boyfriend role way too seriously, huh? —he made a horrified face.
—That's our job, Joshua: to please our girlfriend —after saying this, Jason kissed Kellyn on the forehead.
—Pathetic —she rolled her eyes—. That's why freedom is better: you sleep with whoever you want and that's it, no need to explain anything to anyone.
—Joshua! —two girls shouted in unison as they came toward us, their expressions very angry. He turned to look at them while standing up to leave.
—I'll see you later, guys —without another word, he left in the opposite direction from the girls. Seeing that, they started running after him, but he was already ahead of them.
—I was saying... —Kellyn commented as all of us present watched the scene.
—And to think you were like that two years ago —I whispered to Mathias, who smiled slightly while keeping his gaze ahead.
That memory came to my mind.
"Germany, two years earlier
Who would've thought the smell of a good mokaccino in a Berlin café could be so satisfying.
When my father suggested spending the holidays here, it was the most irrelevant and overwhelming thing I'd heard. I had plans to go to Moscow, but he refused to let me go alone. No matter how much I told him I'd be with Demir's family, he wouldn't agree. So he also didn't let me stay at the mansion… ah, but he did let me go to a café alone, as long as I was punctual for his work events. That was fine. It was mostly a work matter anyway, since he was busy most of the time with that. And when he wasn't, the trips were always for that.
I sighed at that. I took my last sip of caffeine, then left the place. Stepping outside, the evening breeze filled my lungs with its cold recent-autumn air. Ignoring it, I kept walking aimlessly. That might've been selfish… though I was looking for danger.
Looking around, I noticed I was no longer in Berlin's luxurious area; I was in a more ordinary, realistic one. I also noticed someone following me, so I turned left. I waited for him to come so I could ambush him. Taking him by surprise, I easily locked him in a hold, pinning him against the wall while one hand pressed his head to keep it against the wall, and the other held one of his arms. He whimpered.
—Why are you following me? —I asked in German.
—Ich bin dir doch gar nicht gefolgt.
I wasn't following you —his voice sounded breathless. This time, I paid attention to the black-haired guy who was a head and a half, or maybe two, taller than me.
—Dann hast du also dreiundzwanzig Minuten de deinem erbärmlichen Leben verschwendet?
So you wasted twenty-three minutes of your miserable life?
—Ich war nur auf dem Weg hierher, und es kam mir seltsam vor, dass ein Mädchen wie du sich in dieser Gegend herumtreibt.
I was just on my way here, and it struck me as strange that a girl like you would be hanging around this area.
—Seltsam?
Strange?
—Deine Kleidung, deine Art zu gehen – es ist offensichtlich, dass du aus der Oberschicht kommst. Und du läufst hier in einem Viertel mit schlechtem Ruf herum. Es ist nicht sicher, allein unterwegs zu sein, vor allem nicht um diese Uhrzeit. Ich habe deine Frage beantwortet, also… kannst du mich jetzt loslassen?
Your clothes, your way of walking — it's obvious you come from the upper class. And you're walking around in a neighborhood with a bad reputation. It's not safe to be alone, especially at this hour. I answered your question, so… can you let me go now?
I thought twice before doing it. I know how to defend myself, plus it was obvious this guy had no brains, so I had nothing to lose. When I let go, he groaned with relief and pain at the same time, rubbing his arm. I glanced at him. Those blue eyes stood out among all his black clothes. 'He could be my age.'
—I guess I'm not the only daddy's girl in a death neighborhood, though with a stupid guy by my side —I murmured in my language. He looked at me again.
—Excuse me? I'm not stupid, rather I'd say it's the other way around —I admit he spoke fluently, with that slight German accent.
—Oh, really? You think it's okay to wear a Prada leather jacket coat worth over two thousand dollars?
—And you with a Rolex, or is it a fake, darling? Though I wouldn't know who's more stupid, you or me —this guy was provoking me, and I wanted to see what I was really capable of.
—At least I know how to defend myself.
—That's because you haven't seen me in action, honey. Otherwise, you'd be surprised —that made me laugh.
—What are you laughing at?
—How pathetic you are, you're not even able to land a precise hit —he looked offended.
—Don't say bullshit that isn't true.
—Let me think —I pretended— if it's true, I challenge you to hit me here —I pointed to my right cheek with my index finger. He looked confused by my request.
—No. I don't hit girls, it goes against my rules.
—That's the most absurd thing I've heard in my short life. Could it be that you're a coward who can't even defend himself, proving you're a spoiled daddy's boy —he filled with rage and lunged at me, pinning me to the wall, grabbing my neck tightly with both hands —while I tried to breathe.
He squeezed my neck harder. I felt my eyes blur with the moisture leaking from his pupils. I could reverse it, but I just wanted to feel what they feel the moment I take their life. 'Their last breath...' So I closed my eyes to focus more on those sensations until I felt his grip weaken, then no longer had his hands around my neck. I cursed mentally.
—I'm sorry, no…
—Why didn't you... keep going... idiot —I barely said, trying to recover my voice and breath at the same time.
—What?! Are you hearing yourself or are you delirious? —I just stared at him. I needed the side effects to pass. He took a second to react and headed back the way we came, so I followed.
—If you keep going, I'll report you for attempted murder and assault —the black-haired guy turned when he heard that.
—Are you crazy? You provoked me, and when I let go you wanted more! —I stepped toward him to stand face to face.
—It's your word against mine.
—You wouldn't dare —he said sharply.
—Are you challenging me?
He took a moment to process everything that had happened, my words... doubts danced in his eyes.
—What do you want in return? —he asked.
—I'll wait for you at Café Krone at five in the afternoon.
—Who's to say I'll come?
—If you have brains, you will.
Without more, I turned around and went my way in the opposite direction.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
I'd been overthinking all day whether to go or not. 'What did I want from him? What do I need from him?' Not finding an answer, I simply didn't go in. Meanwhile, that guy had already arrived, been inside an hour, until he left and I saw him from afar. His face was all serious; it was obvious he was upset. The sound of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. It was my father. Knowing what it was about, I took the liberty of not answering. I grabbed a taxi to the hotel to get ready for the event there.
Time passed like that breeze that just gives you chills all over, taking you by surprise. I'd put on a wine-red dress with a V-neck and completely bare back, fitting perfectly, with a length below my knees. It was a bit provocative for a girl my age to wear. That shade fascinated me. Still, neither my father nor mother would say anything. Although something was missing: that tied-up hair exposed the marks from that guy. I looked for that black scarf I'd bought a few days ago, the perfect trigger.
When I left the room, my parents were already in the living room. When they saw me, they got up from the couch. My mother gave me an approving look from head to toe with a slight smile.
—It's time to go.
Outside, the car was waiting to take us to the outskirts of Berlin. Upon arriving, I could see the place that looked like its owner was a Greek mythology fanatic just by the decorations outside the mansion, sparking my curiosity. We got to the entrance, where a security guard held a list. My father announced our names, and the guy let us in.
Once there, just as I imagined, it was a total paradise. There wasn't a single piece that didn't fit. We greeted the host, who introduced us to other people. Apparently, I wasn't the only teenager at an adult party. What I'd heard from my father was that this guy cared a lot about the family image at events.
I spent practically two hours debating whether or not to explore the mansion. Taking advantage of their distraction, I wandered the halls. Each led to a different place, always containing rooms. I imagined they might be for guests. It was the biggest property I'd ever seen in my life. As I went further, one caught my attention because noises were coming from it. I entered, and it was obvious: it was a two-level library. For a moment, I forgot the chaos upstairs, getting distracted by the books, the greatest treasure I'd seen so far.
Then, the sound of a slap echoed through the room, followed immediately by another.
—Du bist ein Idiot, Ludwig!
You're an idiot, Ludwig!
Those words rang homophonically, followed by hurried footsteps. Two girls appeared —'one blonde and the other brunette, probably my age'— who didn't even pay attention to my presence. They left, slamming the door so hard it echoed in every corner. Silence ruled again for a few minutes as the person on the second level decided to walk, his footsteps echoing through the room.
When that guy came down the stairs, I recognized him instantly: it was the same one I'd bumped into yesterday. His hair was a bit messy, his lips stained with lipstick, not to mention his cheeks that showed a crimson color. I imagined the scene: he was too stupid and pathetic. Unintentionally, I laughed, catching his attention. He looked toward me with confusion, which then turned to surprise.
—Look who we have here —he said.
—The biggest idiot, obviously —I replied sarcastically.
—Always so angelic, darling —he fake-smiled as he approached me—. I waited for you, and you didn't show.
—I changed my mind, and it was the best decision I made. I would've wasted my time with some Ludwig —he made a disgusted face.
—Whatever, what are you doing here? —he asked, sitting on one of the sofas.
—For the same reasons you're here —I answered, turning back to the books.
—Wow... —he sighed—. How can you be so fascinating and annoying at the same time —I looked at him; he was studying me carefully.
—Too bad I don't feel the same —I murmured. Silence announced its presence for a few seconds.
—What's your name?
—Why do you want to know?
—You know mine, it's fair I know yours.
—I know your last name, not your first. I didn't know it because of you —I clarified—. Besides, you're too insignificant for me to tell you my name, just like the lipstick stains still on the corners of your lips —he instinctively brought his hand to his mouth to wipe it off when he heard that. I put the book back and prepared to leave. I heard a "wait" but simply ignored it to keep walking down the hall.
That guy, besides being an idiot, was unbearable. He followed me. When he was close enough, he grabbed my wrist to pull me to his body and pressed me against what I assumed was a door to one of the rooms.
—When will you stop leaving so dramatically? —we were so close I could feel his somewhat heavy breathing.
—When will you stop getting in my way?
—I want answers, not a counterattack of questions —I looked at him, and he looked at me.
Without a doubt, that blue in his eyes was more hypnotizing than he appeared that night. He lowered his gaze to my lips, and before I could react, he kissed me. I was stunned for a few seconds, dazed by the impact, until I finally returned the kiss. The touch of his lips sent an electric tingling through my whole body.
He let go of my wrist just to bring that hand to my hip, and I, as if instinctively, tangled my fingers in his hair while my arms clung to his shoulders. The kiss grew more intense, deeper, more dangerous. With his free hand, he slowly undid my scarf, letting it slide off my skin until fully exposing me. He broke the kiss only to start leaving a trail of kisses along my collarbone, going down to my neck, which I tilted to the side to give him more access.
Each of those caresses, each brush of his lips, made me think of other eyes… not blue, but black. Deep as darkness itself. The comparison made me blink, confused. His hand slid down to my butt, squeezing it firmly, and a sigh escaped my lips without permission.
—Sorry…
That word, his voice… snapped me out of the trance immediately. I pushed him away with a shove and, without thinking, slapped him, the sound louder than my own thoughts. He stood still, surprise painted on his face. That's when I realized: those eyes weren't black. They were blue. Blue as ice. Blue like Ludwig's.
'Why not pay back the Russian who's driving me crazy with the same coin?' I thought with a mix of anger and desire.
I approached Ludwig again, and this time I was the one who kissed him. He took a few seconds to react, but when he did, he pulled me forcefully against his body. I could feel his erection brushing against my crotch, igniting everything inside me. We stumbled back a few steps, wavering between excitement and tension, until the sound of the door opening pulled us out of the moment.
Without hesitation, I entered that room, leaving behind the little sanity I had left."
And that's how I met the boy for whom I could destroy the world just to have him by my side.
—Nefertary —said someone, while passing a hand in front of my face, pulling me out of my trance—. Are you okay? —I looked at the redhead girl, who was watching me worried.
—Yes.
—Are you sure? Because you seemed to be on another planet —her boyfriend chimed in.
—Yes, I just got distracted for a moment, that's all —I shrugged.
—Distracted… you're not that kind of person, Senere —Mathias whispered in my ear, then tucked some strands behind my ear.
—Well, if you say so. We were talking about the situation Brambilla's in.
—More like the problem he's in, you mean —I said; that made them laugh.
—Yeah, that —agreed Kellyn, trying to hold back her laughter.
When our free period ended, we returned to class. If before I saw Michael as a nuisance, now I see him as a parasite that needs to be exterminated as fast as possible.
In the blink of an eye, night replaced day. There are times when time seems to fly; this is one of those. Making the most of it is hard, but not impossible.
—Are you sure you want to come? —I asked for the second time.
—I'm more than sure, Nefertary —that neutrality made me stop and look at him. Was I seeing a new version or just a façade trying to hide his fears?
—Alright, as you say.
We both got into the car; it would be several minutes on the road. I took a breath and rested my head on Mathias's shoulder. He intertwined our hands, then kissed my forehead. That simple gesture comforted me, calmed me. I still can't understand why it has such power over someone.
My mind was a chaotic mess. Although I had new clues about my father's killer, I couldn't ignore that sometimes I felt lost. If it were up to me, I'd end them all without asking the same questions over and over. Each new name only made an incredible link that those little friends of that useless parasite would want to see you dead for. Today, I would overlook that and focus on something that could really clear my mind.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Mathias humming a Shawn Mendes song that was playing on the radio. I couldn't help but think about some similarities he had with Osoclu. Maybe if I weren't in the middle… they'd get along. That image passed through my mind and I couldn't help but smile faintly at the idea.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
Without realizing it, I had fallen asleep, since Ludwig was waking me up, whispering that we had arrived. I complained about it but got ready to separate from him and get out of the car. That night breeze was like a slap that ran through my entire body, putting me on alert.
We kept going until we were in the elevator. One of my men was updating me on the news as we headed to the main office, where Michael and Steven were waiting for us.
—Finally, you show up —I rolled my eyes at hearing his nasty voice.
—I want Vladi Hildebrandt as soon as possible.
—But, miss...
—No buts, Steven. The guy should've thought about the consequences before.
—And we should think about ours too, Nefertary. The waters with the Razettis are barely calming down, and now you want Hildebrandt? Are you aware he's in the big leagues of power? And that he's in Dubai, a territory you don't control? —a laugh echoed in the room. We all stared at Ludwig.
—Are you aware of how pathetic you sound, Lorenz? You almost sound scared for your life. Besides, Ibagon couldn't care less. And you shouldn't give it much importance, since he'll be here very soon.
—What do you mean? —Steven asked.
—That a friend of my father invited him to an elite business meeting, though it's more of a "charity" thing. All the Tops of the Tops will be there, since those idiots only care about increasing their wealth.
—It's just about having a good plan, Lorenz.
—I'd say they're sane, but no one in this room is. How do you plan to bypass their security?
—Why not on the same day of the event? Why do it beforehand? —Is this really Mathias Ludwig? Or a darker clone of him?
—Explain yourself, Ludwig.
—What I mean is, it's easier to catch a big fish at a party where everyone's relaxed and having fun, than in a hotel room.
—Security is the same.
—Not if we infiltrate. Not if most are my men. When's that meeting?
—In a month —'enough time'.
—Steven, I want plans for tomorrow. We have a party coming, and we don't want to be late.
—As ordered —he leaves the place.
—See, Mich? There's a solution for everything.
—Or a suicide plan, you'd say.
—Since when are you afraid of death? —Mathias asks him.
—He only deals with helpless people, Ludwig. Like he has these past weeks with Miller.
—It was your request that he didn't kill her right away.
—Yes, but I never suggested having sex games with her.
—Not happening today. I won't take another one of her "suggestions" —his voice shows some annoyance, which doesn't surprise me at all.
—I wasn't even thinking of doing it. After all, I came here to watch the show.
—I'll see you there then —he leaves.
—If you want, you can wait here.
—Why? —he grabs my waist.
—Because a shepherd can't play butcher —I say while leaving small bites on his neck.
—Who told you I'm playing? How do you know the shepherd isn't tired of the same and wants to try being a butcher?
—Are you sure you're Mathias Ludwig?
—If you have doubts —he whispers in my ear— we could settle it with a good dose of sex —leaving a small bite on my ear, awakening that desire for him to make me his and for me to remind him he's only mine.
—That sounds very tempting —I pull his face to kiss those full lips that drive me crazy, then pull away feeling his need on my skin—. But we have a show to watch.
He gives me one last kiss before leaving the office. We head to the room where our dear Valentina is staying. When we arrive, we see Lorenz already inside, making small cuts on Miller's skin with a scalpel, who is naked and tied to the stretcher.
I signal the guard to let us in; he understands and opens the door immediately. Our eyes meet: that fear, terror… it's all so pathetic, adding to the drama.
—Miller! Finally I find you. God, you had us so worried. How are you? —I say with unique irony. She just looks at me scared... —Don't tell me Michael cut out your tongue?
—Let me go.
—Of course I will. I mean, we will. We're not as bad as you think. In fact... I think the joke got out of hand... we just wanted to scare you a little —I fake sadness—. Will you forgive us?
—Yes —she whispers with difficulty.
—You won't betray us?
—No.
—Promise? —my tone carries some concern.
—I pro... promise —that sounded more like a plea.
—Now do you believe me when I say I have nothing to do with Martina and Lucía's disappearance? —silence reigns. She avoids my gaze—. Miller, do you believe me?
—Y-yes.
—Then why don't you look at me? —She hesitates, takes a moment, but agrees—. Do you believe me?
—I believe you, Nefertary —all that sadness she was faking is replaced by anger.
—I also know how to lie looking straight into the stupid eyes of a dumbass, bitch —I say bluntly—. You may continue, Lorenz, but keep going with nails and a hammer.
He takes them and approaches her, who screams begging. While Mich places one on her forearm, then hammers it in, filling the room with noise from her vocal cords, like the chorus of a totally off-key song.
—Please, nooo! Stop, please! I won't say anything... I pro... I promise! —just as Lorenz was about to hammer the second on her leg, Mathias stops him.
—I want to do it.
Surprising everyone present, Michael looks at me for approval, which I give. He hands the hammer and nail to Ludwig, who takes them without hesitation and imitates Lorenz's action.
—Please, ple... please... you... you're not like...
Before she could finish the sentence, he had already hammered the first nail, then the second, third, until it was fully embedded in her skin. The fear in Miller is so obvious, astonishing.
—I'm not like them, you were going to say —his voice leaves no trace of emotion—. I'd say I'm even worse than them —he grabs another and this time inserts it in her knee—. They always think I'm the weak one. Don't they see how sick I am of being that?
Is this really my Mathias Ludwig? I can see him and still not believe it. 'It's your creation, Nefertary.' I've just created a monster... 'though there's a price for it.'
Lorenz joins him, increasing the pain for Valentina, who wants to explode my eardrums with her screams, which slowly fade away.
'I'd tell you a story where a hunter sought to kill a monster and free the people from fear. But that man became what he once promised to destroy and expose to the world. In the end, it turned out that he contained his inner being, who was freed when he opened his eyes. The hunter couldn't hunt the monster because that meant ending his own life.
Of course, the monster was always him.'