NEFERTARY
¿Todavía estas sibestimando al enemigo?
—Miss, Mrs. Gretchen is waiting for you in the garden.
It had been a while since I last saw her, to be exact, since my father's funeral. Here I was... walking straight into the lion's den.
—Miss? —the maid called my attention.
—Let's go —I said.
I followed the girl. Everything in this mansion was luxury with elegance, but with that old-fashioned touch that made it a cut above other places with the same status as ours.
The figure of an old lady appeared through the windows overlooking the courtyard. Her white hair was visible. We moved closer until the maid announced my presence. 'She may be old, but she always looks presentable.'
—Would you like something to drink? —she asked as I took a seat.
—Water would be more than enough —I replied.
—Etial, water for the young lady —she just nodded and left the room—. How have you been, dear? I heard you lost someone important... in a rather decrepit state, so to speak —she gave me a challenging look.
—Gretchen, you've been very well informed —I gave her a polite smile, 'so hypocritical I don't doubt she caught it' —but now I'm better. I can keep doing my duties without any problem.
—I'd like to believe you, dear —she said disinterested.
—You don't have to believe me; it's not like I care.
—Then what brings you here?
'I don't even know. I could say it's part of the process of getting to know myself... to see if I really... care?'
—Excuse me —she put down the glass of water on the table and then left.
—Answering your question: I felt a bit of "pity." Like you, I also heard he doesn't have much time left —her face stayed cold, though her eyes showed disdain.
—Feeling pity? A Ziegler feels nothing, Nefertary... I always knew you weren't one of us —my old self would have taken that comment the worst way, but this time, right now, I didn't care about anyone's approval.
—Unfortunately for you, I carry your last name. Just because I'm not one of you doesn't mean I wasn't raised among beasts dressed in silk. Above all, it doesn't mean I can't surpass them.
—Dear, I doubt you can do the least to surpass us, especially your sister —that made me laugh.
—Of course, I almost forgot my 'dear sister' —I took a sip of water and continued—. If you stopped underestimating me, I'd be completely sure I couldn't beat you.
—Could you stop being so arrogant? —the coldness in her voice was all there was.
—Arrogant? But you've been that all along. Since I arrived, you never hesitated for a second to hide your contempt —I said with total naturalness, but in the same cold tone she used.
—Ha, you're being very "sensitive," very pathetic, Nefertary —I didn't hesitate to give her a smile.
—It's a pity that the great Gretchen Ziegler will never see me destroy her kingdom.
—Is that supposed to be a threat? —she dragged every word.
—Grandma... —I lowered my voice to a more empathetic tone—threats are so pathetic. I thought you knew very well that a "Ziegler" warns first, then acts —I'd give everything I have to see that face again—. Have a nice day —I gave my best smile—. Excuse me.
Before leaving, I bowed. She just rolled her eyes at my gesture. 'Now I can leave properly.'
Leaving the property, I got into my car. I literally just confirmed that I care very little about that lady's opinion of me.
It's ironic that before, her presence intimidated me, wanting her approval, especially for her to hold me in high regard...
'Not anymore. I don't need anyone's approval now, no more.'
Today, I just need to focus on Michael Lorenz. He's become a parasite these last few months. He's useless to me. Since I see no other use... the best thing is to eliminate him. 'Be the monster now, so I won't be a possible victim later.'
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My day was full of hypocrisy, envy, and deceit. Right now, I was with Mathias at a café, having coffee. 'For coffee?' As absurd as it sounds, I was enjoying it in a way. Maybe it was the company of the black-haired boy or the attention he gave me. 'How did I go from being full of disinterest, surrounded by negative emotions... to peace and love?!' I rolled my eyes at that cheesiness.
—Now I'm the one who wishes I could be inside your head —if I had to count how many times I hold my breath so I don't fall at his feet every time I hear his voice... 'I'd never finish.'
—It's not that hard to guess what I'm thinking —I answered in a somewhat flirty tone, which surprised him a bit judging by his expression.
—Well —he pretended to think—, how many guesses do I get?
—Could be... three?
—Alright, sounds perfect. Any hints? —that playful smile appeared on his lips. 'Damn... how the hell is he so damn sexy.'
—Depends on how bad the player is.
—Okay, first guess... red paint decorating walls? —that made me laugh, more at how he described it.
—Really? You think that's the only thing on my mind? —He shrugged.
—Please, Nefertary, that's a high percentage —he paused to take a sip.
—Yes, I won't deny it, but you're wrong. Next guess...
—Conspiracies? —I couldn't hold back the laugh.
—Seriously? You're very, very cold.
—This is where I conclude my supposed info about your tastes needs updating —we both laughed at the same time—. I'll use my lifeline —pretending to think about the hint I'd give.
—Okay, three words —he nodded to agree—: Coffee, company, and... blue —'like his eyes.' He stared at me for a moment, confused.
—Me!? —he asked uncertainly.
—Was that a question or an answer? But yes, dummy, you. And how pathetic yet pleasant it is for me to be drinking coffee.
—That I didn't expect. We could say it's our first unofficial date —that really made me laugh.
—We should try to have an official one —I suggested.
—After the chaos dies down, I'd agree.
We just smiled at each other. Silence filled the space, but it wasn't uncomfortable, more like pleasant. It was like peace and calm ruled. Without making a fuss, I went back to my drink like a silly teenage girl. I could feel the corners of my lips intact, without that usual neutral expression.
—Serene... —I learned that when he uses that name, it means he's about to say something really important—. What are we?... because I don't think this is anything like a couple.
I looked at him, just as he looked at me. His eyes begged for an answer, and my mind didn't hesitate to bring up memories of 'us'... in our most vulnerable moments, when we needed each other. The scene of the attack flashed...
"—Where's a damn doctor here? —it was more an order than a demand. The situation seemed ironic to me, plus I needed to make sure nothing serious happened.
—Nefertary, please, control that...
—"No one controls that," my boyfriend has a better chance of living than those parasites over there who'd rather have those idiots save the dead than the living —I muttered through gritted teeth. I was literally fed up to think of "polite words." "
—It's true, this is not about being a couple. —His confused face appeared quickly, so I continued—. That word is too small for us, Ludwig. You're not something temporary, because just like you need me... I need you too. I couldn't lose you... couldn't, especially knowing I'd fall apart... only this time, there wouldn't be anyone to hold me up to get back on my feet.
His eyes were glassy. I moved closer to the table, as did he. As I raised my hand to let my fingers touch his cheek, a tear didn't hesitate to roll down, so I wiped it away. He just watched me.
—Who are you? —he whispered. I think it was the second or third time I heard it.
—I'm Serene... a girl terrified of the idea of not having you by her side.
His features lifted to form a weak smile. Then, he didn't hesitate to close the distance to kiss me. A weak kiss, full of sadness, with that mix of sweetness. The touch of his lips on mine was madness... how well he fit was madness. I wanted to protest the distance he took for both of us to catch some air.
—You are mine and I am yours
That's how the monster fell into the hunter's web. That's how he discovered he's vulnerable again, but what terrified him the most... is that one day they'd betray him... since he just gave them power by opening up to himself...
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I'm on my way to the cabin. Steven already had everything ready—a filthy rat and a useless parasite waiting. To finish them off, I have to make them believe I'm still chasing clues. Take out the new distraction so they keep feeding their egos. 'What idiots.'
About twenty more minutes of driving to get there. Ludwig, on the other hand, couldn't join me because he had a commitment with his father.
The road, as always around here, was clear. The dim lighting made it impossible to see any human figure within five meters. 'The perfect place for a hunt.'
It didn't take long to see that street that leads to my dear home. It's ironic that every time I come, it feels like the first time, even though I know it's not, since I know every corner of this property. All its exits.
I park the car on a corner and then step out. At the entrance, I see my trusted man waiting for me. He has some visible bruises on his face. I look around to confirm the others have the same.
—Any losses, Steven? —I ask.
—One. The rest, just lessons. —No doubt, Mich gave them a hard time.
—Good. We'll start with the lab rat first. —He just nods and heads toward the hallways leading to the elevator.
He handed me an envelope with relevant information. 'To corner your enemy, you must know how to trap him.'
Once outside, we went straight to room "P." One of the guys guarding the door handed me the mask. I must admit I missed it. Although the bastard is going to die, why not add some drama? So I take it and put it on.
Like all the others, he's half-naked on a stretcher, tied up, with that familiar look of hatred and fear I know so well. A small bonfire with burning coals was about three meters away.
—Before starting the cheap drama —I announce—. I know everything. Absolutely everything about your nasty life.
—Then why do you have me? —says that "man" in his forties. His voice tone reveals his grudge.
—To confirm it... and who knows, maybe you'll give me some extra info. —I reach for one of the tweezers to grab a coal. He doesn't hesitate to follow my every move—. Your boss won't get away either. Obviously, it's easier to get the crumbs than the deer.
—If you think a damn coal will make me talk, you're very wrong, bitch. —'Here come the insults.'
—What did I do? —I fake being offended while I drag the still-hot coal along his right thigh. A touch is all I need for his body to react—. Something tells me otherwise.
I do the same now on his abdomen. This time it's not a simple touch. I hold it on certain spots for a few seconds. His face shows pain, though no screams yet. 'It's amazing that this was one of the best methods to extract info in ancient times,' and that it still works today is even better.
—Something tells me this will last all night. Any other dummy would have complained by now —I say. I see sweat starting to roll down his forehead. The panic in his eyes keeps begging me, but it must be his tongue that speaks—. You know, I'll leave one of my friends. I have a more important matter now. —I drop another coal, causing a slight whimper of pain—. I promise I'll be back for the finale.
I put down the tweezers, tap the door twice so it opens immediately. I give the mask to the guard and order him to bring someone to continue the work while I head to the other room: 'room "Q."'
The guy guarding that one doesn't hesitate to open it immediately. Unlike the other, he's sitting on a chair, tied up, and with a black bag over his head. I approach confidently. Face to face, I don't hesitate to remove the bag to find those green eyes I once liked to see. This time, no fun, no grace, no game. Only hatred. How tense his jaw is...
—You really gave my men a fight. —He says nothing, so I continue—. You know the reason for this? —Nothing, not a word. His piercing gaze stays. It's intimidating, but nothing I can't handle—. Why didn't you mention the mood swings, Mich? I could have helped you.
An ironic laugh echoes through the room.
—Sure, "help," as if I were one of your puppets, Nefertary. —Those relaxed features quickly return to their former state. I say nothing, just stay silent—. What are you waiting for, to kill me already, Ibagon? —he shouts. I just watch his heavy breathing. That rise and fall traps me for a few seconds.
—If I wanted to, you'd be like the rest who come here, don't you think?
—What game are you playing? —he asks through clenched teeth.
—I'm not playing any game, Lorenz. Of course, you'll die, but not here... that's not my plan —I whisper the last part.
—Care to share what it is?
I take a few steps around him, pretending to think about something I already know. But watching his patience run out is very entertaining.
—Do you regret anything? —I stop in front of him.
—Listening to your father and falling into your game.
That took me by surprise. What did my father have to do with this? What role did he play? A victorious smile appeared on his face. Of course, my surprise was obvious.
—Be specific —I order.
—What for? I'll die anyway. —He crosses his arms, or tries to.
—I won't beg you either, Michael. Whatever your father told you, I'm sure it was in my favor. —Silence is all I get—. On the other hand, your family won't take long to wait for you... if they're not already beyond.
—What did you do to them, you fucking bitch? —he spits between teeth.
—Me? Nothing... more like you —I point at him—. What did you do to them? What did you do to the girls at school, to your friends? How could you end them?
—Damn you, you're a damn— —he yells—. Do you think they won't notice? Do you think the police are that stupid? Do you think, Nefertary, there won't be something to expose you? —That one makes me laugh.
—My dear Michael Lorenz —I drag each syllable of his name—. Maybe there is something, but... who do you think runs Switzerland? —'If that guy were free, he'd probably be trying to kill me by now.'
—One day you'll fall, Nefertary.
—Too bad you won't be around to see it.