NEFERTARY
Si vives en mi mundo, sigues mis reglas.
After what happened, it wasn't what I had in mind, although I must admit I was fascinated by the fact that it was more real, that it wasn't acted as I had planned. Seeing Mathias's face, all confused, surprised at my so-normal behavior in that situation... The most exciting thing was seeing the clear reflection of fear in his eyes, that mocking and carefree tone was gone. Now, the boy in front of me is more lost in his thoughts than attentive to real life.
—All set, I recommend you rest the whole weekend —the doctor tells him.
After leaving the building, we got in the car to go to a cabin a few hours away from the city. We couldn't return like we were, 'completely fucked up,' nor could I take him to my favorite place. I didn't need him to panic; first he had to process what had happened. So, Steven took care of everything: the doctor and whatever he would need, especially to find out who the fucking bastard planned the kidnapping. 'I want to thank him personally.'
—These are the medications he needs for his recovery —he hands me the prescription, which I grab and pass to one of my men.
—Any internal problems?
—No, but if he feels any pain stronger than usual, he should go to the hospital —with that, he leaves the room.
—How hypocritical you are!... After...
—Are you trying to blame me for everything? When I warned you to stay away from me —I interrupt him.
—How could I have guessed that a girl like you was involved in the mafia? If just a few days ago you were scared because... —he stops to analyze me— Were you faking it?
—Do you think I pretend to be the perfect fucking girl, flawless, just because I want to be? Did you think the Great Nefertary Ibagon was just hiding a rebellious girl? Did you really think that? Were you really that naive?
—What the hell did you get me into? —those words amuse me simply because they come with resentment.
—'When you try to blame me for everything, I'll remind you I gave you a choice,' do those words sound familiar? Your decision is what brought you here. It was more than clear that anyone with me runs the risk of dying. For you, it's too late. You belong here. Although... if you want out, let me know so I can prepare your funeral, just like you did with that guy.
—It was self-defense.
—Mine was self-defense too. If it wasn't, I'd already be dead. Don't be so pathetic.
—Yours is completely different.
—In what sense, Mathias? In what sense is it different? Explain. What's wrong with killing scammers, murderers, rapists, and especially those who betrayed you? —Silence fills the room.
'You can hate me all you want right now, but I know you'll love me, that you'll be fascinated by this life where you can see people's true faces and, above all, be yourself, without restrictions. You'll be able to test your true limits, those that society always represses. You'll be able to unleash the monster you've been holding back, because we all have one.'
—Well... —I move closer until I'm just a few centimeters from his face— I have to go, I'll have to leave you alone. —My eyes drift to his lips. 'How much I'd like to do that right now.' —Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone —I plant a kiss on his cheek.
As I leave the cabin, Steven is already waiting for me by the car. 'I had never hit him before, never needed to until now. He's becoming incompetent, but that's not why I hit him. He hadn't disappointed me in anything he did, he was failing me.'
—Are you on your way? —he just nods.
—I just want you to be the same again —with that, I get into the car— To always be one step ahead of everything and everyone.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
While I wait for them to arrive, I start analyzing what happened a few hours ago. This enemy I face blindly is not like the others. He knows every step I take. This was a warning, a sign that the game "is not over."
—And you really had an exciting night —Aitor comments with a big mocking smile as soon as he sees me— I'd like to know the details —he brings me back to reality.
—If you insist... my self-kidnapping was more real than I thought.
—What the hell are you talking about?
—I inform you that, thanks to that event, we have an enemy about whom we don't know shit, although he or she knows every one of our steps.
—You mean your enemy.
—You're wrong. Being with me, on my side, who's to say they won't come after you, Aitor?
—Was that the reason we met? —Aida asks.
—Yes. Not only to let you know how serious this is. We're in a game where there's no resurrection, where we fight blindly... for now.
—What's your plan? —Michael speaks, for the first time.
—We're going to start the hunt. We're going to earn the best spot in hell, because I won't show mercy to anything that crosses my path. Steven will give you information about the next rats that reveal the name of the one who, for now, thinks he has all the control.
—You said he knows about us, how...?
—It's more exciting to face someone who already knows what you're capable of. It'll be more thrilling for you, don't you think? Don't you want to level up? Or am I dealing with some clowns pretending to be sadists? —I focus my gaze only on Aitor, who is the easiest to manipulate because of his pathetic narcissism and egocentrism.
—We'll wait for the names of your little toys —he replies through his teeth. 'And yes, I've hit your weak spot, Aitor.'
—Anything else you want to tell us? —Aida catches my attention.
—Mathias... keep a closer watch on him. He already knows some things about me.
—Alright... Could you give us a tour of this facility? —I call one of my men.
—Give them a tour, especially of room "I". There's an exhibit toy from Rithne.
—Who's Rithne?
—You'll find out, Aida. Now follow him —with that, they leave the room, leaving me alone with Lorenz.
After a few minutes of silence, Michael gets up from the chair and sits on the edge of the table.
—I'd like to know what you're thinking...
—I don't think you're interested —I approach him, standing in the space between his legs.
—Everything that comes from you interests me, never doubt that —he wraps his arms around my waist— Do you love this life that much, Nefertary?
—It's what makes me feel alive, and I don't care if I die in it.
—If only you'd risk yours...
—I don't force anyone to enter it. Everyone makes their own choice, Michael. You know that well.
—Will you tell me in detail what happened to you?
—Only if you tell me what happened to Cansú that day.
—Who dared to hit you like that?
—Whoever did it is already dead. So don't change the subject.
—Just... just give me time.
—More than I've already given you? —he laughs at that question.
—It's pathetic how you want to know every detail of others' lives just to use it against them. Meanwhile, no one knows anything about you, simply because they don't do what you do. Besides... —he leaves the word hanging— Why drag him into this? —I knew exactly who he meant.
—I need him —I whispered. He pulled me closer to hug me.
—He doesn't deserve it... although there's no turning back now, my mute swan —he sighed deeply.
Lorenz understood my stubbornness in wanting Mathias with me. It seemed absurd to need him. He seemed to understand everything going on in my mind, to the point of no longer criticizing my actions, just accepting them. All just to be by my side. So much that I was starting to like him and it scared me at the same time.
I don't believe in coincidence or destiny. I know he brought him into my life. I knew I would need someone to give me stability, to hold me up. But at what cost, father? What else do I have to lose?