MATHIAS
¿Por qué no cazar monstruo
peores que tú?
It had been a month. Less than four hours remained to execute the plan. The chances of something going wrong were minimal. Every detail, every step, was already set; even the smallest setbacks had been studied.
—Do you guys realize how suspicious it is to go to an event this boring with a bunch of kids? —Mich comments. I had never seen him so rattled. It's kind of funny because I'm the one who should be this way, not him—. Aren't you going to say anything, Ludwig?
—No, it's not suspicious at all, since I'm my father's firstborn. Meaning, I'm obligated to follow in his footsteps if I want to "keep" my lifestyle. Am I making any sense now? —he rolls his eyes.
—I'll see you at the event. —He gets out of the car.
Minutes before, we had been gathered with Brambilla, Kellyn, and Jason when Lorenz approached us. At first, the atmosphere was a bit tense, but nothing like Joshua's nonsense to break the tension with his antics. It's like watching my old self.
—What are you thinking about?
—Lorenz and Brambilla. —I turned to look at her, and when I met those eyes so piercing they could intimidate you, though they have the opposite effect on me, they attract me. I'm curious about everything they hide. It drives me crazy... but in the sense that I've experienced every damn type of madness there is in the world.
—Why? —she simply asks.
—I should be the one questioning all this, not Michael. The other one reminds me of my past, that's... all.
—I, Mathias, have opened up to you in a way that's like 0.0001%.
—And sure you have. —We both chuckled lightly at that.
—You know what I can feel and what I can't. Now I want to know: what do you feel about those thoughts? —My eyes drift to her hands, which I don't hesitate to hold. That simple, insignificant touch... means everything to me. How my body reacts to it... I simply can't describe it.
—Sadness for something I was, which is then replaced by emptiness... and then you appear —I lift my gaze again. When I do, she's already looking at me with a curiosity I rarely see in her eyes—. In you, I see my purpose. You make me feel alive, Nefertary. Since my mother died, I've only felt fleeting things. You make me feel eternal things. You stir up a hurricane of feelings that bring me back to life. I've never felt this with anyone else. I'd never experienced hatred, reproduction, satisfaction, and love all at the same time.
—Do you still hate me? —I could swear I saw a hint of fear in her eyes at that question.
—Maybe I did question your reasons before... maybe I felt it at some point. But I never did it completely. How could I... when you've always been with me?
I cup her chin and kiss her. The touch of our lips is perfectly synchronized, like they've always been made for each other. That storm of emotions that only the brush of her mouth causes in me... my addiction, one I'd never tire of consuming. Feeling her pull a few centimeters away from me for lack of air, 'which I've always hated in my life'.
—You'll never leave me, right? —with a shaky voice.
—How could I, my queen? How could I live without you? —A genuine smile from this girl... that's like hitting the lottery.
—I'll drop you off at the mansion and then go to mine. It's better if we go separately.
—Fine, sounds good to me.
I start the car while Nefertary plays a playlist from an Italian band, whose songs, as they played, she hummed along.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
Home sweet home. It had been a month since I'd come here. I'd only run into my father at restaurants because that's what the psychologist recommended, and also because his schedule made it impossible for him to be home at lunch. For now, the relationship was stable. Sometimes awkward, but stable.
I park the vehicle, ready to get out, though I take a deep breath first. It's stupid, it's my property, I know it better than anyone... yet its walls suffocate me. Maybe because it's always just been me, because it's always been empty.
—Someone lives here —I say as I enter. Immediately, footsteps come from the kitchen.
—My son, you're back! —That wrinkled but so familiar face fills me with joy.
—What do you mean 'I'm back'? I didn't know I'd been away on a trip, Lala —I hug her and place a kiss on her forehead.
—No, but it seemed like it, Mathias.
—Well, now I have a reason to come here.
—Your father should be a reason too —I force a smile when I hear that.
—I see him every lunch hour, as long as he doesn't have some kind of business to deal with.
—But it's not the same as staying here, living with him.
—As if he were here. Besides, I feel very good with the Ibagon family.
—Yeah, your father already told me. He called to say he wouldn't be long.
—Good, then I'll go up to my room to get ready for when he arrives —I smile at her.
—Want something to eat?
—A green smoothie wouldn't be bad —she makes a weird face at my answer.
—"A green smoothie wouldn't be bad." Usually, I'd expect a sandwich, a burger, or something else, but not a green smoothie —I shrug. Serene's tastes are becoming a habit for me.
—What can I say? That's what I feel like.
She just laughs and shakes her head before disappearing the way she came, while I head toward my room. Inside, everything is as I left it, except for that suit on the bed. I ignore it and head to the bathroom. I'm ready to take a long shower.
I play Spotify as the bathtub fills. It takes some time, during which I'm somewhat hypnotized by the sound of water and its stream falling. It feels like the music isn't playing, or maybe I never pressed play. 'I could spend hours like this, just thinking about one thing and forgetting the rest.' Two knocks on the door pull me out of my trance.
—Yes? —I turn off the tap and go open the door.
—Your smoothie, honey. Also, I made you a fruit salad to go with it.
—Thanks, Lala —I take the tray.
—If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask.
—Okay, I'll keep that in mind.
I go back into the bathroom with the tray, placing it beside the tub. I strip off my clothes and step into the water. The touch of my skin against the water brings a deep calm over my entire body.
After a few minutes, I'm enjoying the atmosphere and the damn drink that, honestly, I don't know how I can like this... or rather, how I got used to it. Maybe from seeing Natasha furious because I stole the last sip of her favorite drink. I don't understand the Ibagon family's obsession with drinking it, though now I get it. 'This stuff works miracles on your skin,' especially with those damn forehead pimples. 'There were always like two that liked to mess with my existence, but now there's no trace of them.'
Just then, Like That by Corbyn Besson starts playing. The simple lyrics remind me of her, so I get ready to send her the link to listen.
*Maybe you'll like it
The notification sound on my phone comes five minutes later.
*I like it, but maybe I'd like it even more if you sang it —I can't help but smile at that comment.
*Maybe someday I'll sing it :)
*I'll be looking forward to that day then ;)
I stare at my phone like an idiot, smiling at that message. It's incredible how she has me, literally at her feet.
—Nefertary —I whisper.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
After a while, I decide to get out of the bathtub to get dressed. The outfit I'm wearing right now isn't really my style, though I have to admit the grayish-black blazer with that gray vest looks pretty good on me. Although it doesn't make my eyes stand out like the black tuxedo does.
I head out of the room to go to the living room and wait for my father there. When I arrive, I stand next to one of the windows overlooking the garden. 'What's the point of such a big place if it's always going to be empty?'
—I might be watching you, but it's hard to believe —my father's voice catches my attention.
—Watching me how exactly?
—That you want to go to an event without me forcing you, that it's more because you actually want to.
—Well, you better get used to it.
—Can someone explain this sudden change?
I just cross my arms. I'm not interested in lying or giving half-truths about why I'm doing this.
—Alright, for now, let's head out. —Right after, we leave that place—. How was your time with the Ziegler family?
—It was great —we both get into the car, sitting in the back seat—. They're very charming.
—It shows that the environment has affected you positively... —he pauses for a long moment. For a few seconds, I thought he wasn't going to say anything—. What's your relationship with Vanessa's daughter? I hope it's not just another one...
—She's not just another one —I cut him off—. Honestly, I don't even know what kind of relationship we have —literally, with Demir involved too—. I only know we complete each other somehow.
—You complement each other? Don't tell me, Mathias, that...
—Maybe —I hesitate before continuing, because saying it to him means I'm confirming it—. Never, father, has a girl made me feel such strong things. I'd forgotten the fear of losing someone since Mom. Now it's back with her.
—I can only advise you not to let her go.
—I wasn't planning to —I look away toward the car window.
Silence ruled the ride. Gradually, the view of the place became clearer. It was exactly as we had studied. There wasn't a single chance for error. It's today. It's now.
We got out of the vehicle to enter the main gardens of the place. No matter how many luxuries I see, I'm always surprised by the style each one has. My father says our name, and one of the girls guides us to the entrance, where the host greets us.
—A pleasure to have you here, Ludwig —a middle-aged man tells my father, who shakes his hand.
—Likewise. How's the family?
—Very well, you'll run into them around —the man focuses on me—. Wow, you've grown fast...
—Nice to see you —I extend my hand, but he pulls me into a hug that almost rips my arm off, like one of those Mattel dolls. 'I don't even remember this guy.'
—The pleasure's mine, son. God, you're a real man now.
At that moment, my gaze drifts ahead. There she is... damn. In a gorgeous dress that fits her spectacularly sexy. I stop paying attention to what they're saying and just nod like an idiot, not taking my eyes off her. Maybe I see her every day, spend almost the entire damn day with her, but I don't get to see her this radiant and spectacular often. It's not that she's not always stunning, just that...
—Mathias? Are you listening? —that snaps me out of my trance.
—Sorry, gentlemen, but I have to greet someone —before my father can say anything, I leave to go after her.
When I get closer, I notice more people around her. Beside her, her mother happily talking to the rest of the people there. I wouldn't say the same about Nefertary, who wears a flawless smile, like she's just another decoration in this place.
—Good evening, Mrs. Ziegler, gentlemen, ladies —I say with my best smile, catching everyone's attention—. I hope I'm not interrupting, but I need Ibagon for a few minutes.
—Interrupting, dear —that really surprised me. Although they hide it well, in the little time I've spent with that lady, I've never seen her treat anyone here like that—. Sure, you can take her before she gets bored with us.
The others laugh at that comment. I don't waste time; I nod with a smile, and we head to the garden where there's less movement.
—I couldn't stand them anymore, God —she blurts out the first chance she gets—. Where's that idiot Lorenz?
I was about to answer, I swear, but my thoughts were elsewhere. How stunning she looks in that champagne-colored dress hugging her body, with a slit on her left leg; those folds it has give it a youthful but daring touch at the same time, like it was made just for her and no one else.
Then, there's the urge to take it off her, because even though it fits her damn sexy, I'm dying to fuck her.
—Are you listening to me? Could you stop looking at me like I'm a cupcake? —that made me meet her eyes again.
—Believe me, if you were a cupcake, I'd have already unwrapped you and be devouring you right now. —her gaze softened.
—We weren't here for that, Ludwig.
I take a few steps closer to stand close enough to hold her waist with my hands, pulling her closer to me. She doesn't protest.
—Believe me, I'm looking forward to this ending so I can have all your attention. —Before she protests, I kiss her.
She doesn't resist; she just follows the rhythm of our mouths moving, the brush of our tongues, and the sensations they awaken. If her mere presence was an act of temptation, touching her skin was already a sin. I broke the kiss because of the damn lack of air, and while trying to catch it, I kissed her neck.
—Damn, Serene, have I told you how damn sexy you look in that fucking dress? —I whispered—. You're torturing me without even hurting me. —I kissed her again, but the sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted us.
—This isn't a brothel, in case you were wondering. —Michael's stupid voice made us pull apart.
—Where the hell have you been?
—I just got here. —he grimaced—. Shouldn't you guys be focused on today's target?
—He hasn't even arrived. —Nefertary commented.
—Sure, like you're really paying attention. —He mocked.
—Explain yourself, Lorenz. —I demanded.
—He just got here, in case you didn't know.
—We better get back. —Ibagon said.
None of the three moved, so I took the initiative to return to the lounge. They quickly followed, each going back to their families. Luckily, my father was right there with Vladi.
—Ah, look, here's the one I was telling you about. —my father announced as I arrived—. Mathias, this is Mr. Hildebrandt. —I extended my hand to greet him.
—Nice to meet you. Your latest architecture in Dubai has been a real masterpiece. —that surprised both of them.
—The pleasure's mine. —he looked at my father—. I didn't know your son was interested in these kinds of things.
—Neither did he, that I was interested in this stuff. —I said, catching both their attention—. I'd like to visit it, though right now school doesn't allow it.
—Young people today are so unpredictable. —my father comments—. You'll do it during the holidays.
—I promise to give you the tour of the facilities, just let me know ahead of time so it doesn't clash with other matters.
—It's not that big of a deal, Vladi, you're a busy man. Besides, it's understandable that some inconvenience might come up.
—I agree with my father, I didn't want to take up your time.
'And even less the time you won't have in the future.'
—You wouldn't be. To me, it's really interesting when young people take an interest in things like this, considering how little interest today's youth have in art.
—That's true. Evolution can be good sometimes, but it also forgets and doesn't appreciate what's essential. —Before the conversation continued, the sound of a glass being tapped with cutlery caught our attention.
—Good evening, warm greetings. I hope you are enjoying this lovely evening. I invite you to head to the garden to take your seats and participate in the charity auction for those in need. Our welcome staff will guide you there.
With that said, men and women dressed in navy blue guided us to our tables, where Mrs. Vanessa greeted my father, he greeted her back, and then her daughter and a couple of other people who were seated with us.
We all took our seats. I made sure to sit next to Ibagon. Once everyone was in their places, the same gentleman returned to give another speech, but this time it was an opening statement. My eyes searched for Vladi's silhouette, who was seated with the Lorenz family. I thought it would be just us coming to this, but apparently all the guests brought their teenage children too — a point in our favor.
—So far, so good. —I whispered into her ear and, on top of that, left a kiss on her neck.
The minutes kept passing, feeling slower and slower. About four valuable items had already been auctioned off, which I thought was crazy to pay for, reminding me of Henry, who would definitely be here if it was about his blessed classic cars. He wouldn't mind going bankrupt over them.
After a while, the target got up from their seat. I looked at Nefertary, who was already sending the message. It was now or never. We had the best opportunity: the cameras should be playing a recording, replacing the live feed. Most of the staff and security were infiltrators. The end point was Demir and Rithne, who were in charge of making sure the whole plan went as agreed.
A long time had passed and he hadn't returned. Her nerves increased, and my leg was the witness, having to endure her grips without making it weird.
—The auction has concluded. We thank you for your support. Now, a beautiful evening awaits you in the lounge, with an excellent band and, of course, a delicious banquet. —Everyone laughed at the last comment.
As I was about to help Serene get up, she received the notification we had been waiting for. It was a good sign: they had already changed cars, the previous one disappeared, and they were on their way to the cabin.
—Could you enjoy the rest of the night? —I offered my hand, and she accepted it.
—I don't see why not. —I gave her an approving smile.
We returned to the mansion's lounge. Michael joined us, and a gesture from me seemed to relax his body. Apparently, we were all tense; if that idiot Osoclu wasn't careful, he was going to kill us with so much tension.
—Well, I'll leave you, enjoy the evening.
—Totally an idiot. —Nefertary muttered as he left.
—I don't know what surprises you, he's always been that way.
We grabbed some snacks and stayed there for a good while with other kids our age, talking about how boring this "activity" was, discussing the reasons we had come... or rather, that most had come out of some deal their parents made.
Hearing that melody, I couldn't resist. I didn't even ask and grabbed her arm to take her to the dance floor.
When we got there, I placed my hands on her waist, pulling her close. She rested her arms on my shoulders, face to face, feeling the heavy breathing from both of us.
—It just needs the lyrics, though that won't be the problem. —A genuine smile, 'the one I love so much, for which I'd give everything,' lit up her face.
And so we continued, our bodies moving to the rhythm of that melody, while I sang to her. That face is so angelic, so genuine. I don't doubt for a second that she's enjoying it as much as I am. Since I first heard that song, my soul screamed to dance it with the one person who made me feel like this.
—When you're so in love (oh, when you're so in love)
And your souls touch (oh!)
But it's still not enough
Where does it go? (Whoa, hey)
Where does it go?
Nobody knows (hey, nobody)
Where the love goes
—And that was Nobody Knows.
So why not end with a kiss? After all, not everything can be perfect, not everything can have a happy ending. And that's exactly what the damn, stupid phone wanted to interrupt, making us pull apart.
The moment I pulled the phone out of my pocket and saw the glorious name, I rolled my eyes.
~What now, Osoclu?
~Do you have Nefertary with you?
~Why? —I could refuse, though that would be drama, a waste of time, and I was tired of that.
~It's urgent. —I stared at him for a few moments.
—What did he say? —she asked in a neutral tone.
—That it's urgent. —I handed her the phone and she didn't hesitate to take it.
—Tell me.
She only had to say that for her expression to change. Her eyes now looked completely filled with hatred. Knowing her well... nothing was in its proper place. It seemed chaos always reigned.
—What happened? —she opened her mouth but stayed silent—. Nefertary, tell me what happened.
—From... Demir... Mathias...
Before she could clarify further, a man shouted, "Take cover!", and when I looked ahead, there was a group of armed men. I pulled Nefertary towards me, turning around to protect her. The next sounds were screams followed by gunfire.