NEFERTARY
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The rays of sunlight slipped through the window, announcing a new day. 'I swear I never meant to get to this point. It wasn't planned. From a temporary obsession, you became a need, Mathias.'
It was interesting to watch him sleep—I missed observing him in the mornings, waiting for the exact time to wake him up for school, listening to his complaints… That changed when Demir came along. Is it even possible to need two people at once? How can one be your calm, and the other your stability? I can understand everything about human behavior, but I'll never fully understand feelings. That need I had to see him yesterday… I just couldn't ignore it.
Mathias starts to stir, murmuring a few things I can't quite catch, until he sits up in bed and notices my presence. Those blue eyes are so hypnotic, and his black hair makes him look defiant.
—Good morning! —I say.
—How long have you been there? —he asks while getting out of bed and taking the migraine pills he'd asked the maid to prepare.
—Does it matter?
—You've got more important things to do than staying here, —he says, a bit annoyed.
—I actually do have something more important to do right now, and I'm exactly where I need to be.
—What do you mean? —he grabs the water jug and drinks it all.
—Being with you. —He gives me a confused look.
—Being with me'... or keeping me under control?
—Why?
—Why what?
—Why do you always expect the worst from me? —That makes him chuckle slightly. He walks over to where I am and crouches to be at eye level.
—That way I won't be too disappointed. That way it doesn't hurt as much, Nefertary.
—Do you hate me?
—Isn't it obvious? —A bit of resentment slips through those three words.
—But you love me too, and that makes you even angrier. 'How is it possible to love a monster?' That question keeps spinning in your head.
—Get out. —With that, he walks away and heads straight to the bathroom.
Of course, I don't listen. Maybe I am irritating… though I really couldn't care less. While he showers, I go to the kitchen to let who I assume is his old nanny know that he's already up, and ask her to prepare something light. All of it, of course, with a "polite" smile—then I help her out. Yesterday, when I arrived here, she was the one who greeted me at the door. She told me Mathias wasn't home, but the shouting that followed said otherwise. I waited in the living room while he finished venting. His father came downstairs soon after and was surprised to see me. He had faked a smile, trying to mask his sadness. He almost didn't let me go see Mathias, though eventually, he gave in.
—Lala, I came to apologize and... —he trails off upon seeing me.
—Apology accepted, young Mathias. —She gives him a genuine smile. —Now, I imagine you two have things to talk about, so… if you'll excuse me. —Not without giving me a look, to which I responded with a subtle nod that said she could leave the rest to me.
—Didn't I tell you to get lost?
—Yes, although since when do I do what I'm told? —He rolls his eyes. —Sit down, you must be starving, from what I hear. —He looks at me warily, but obeys.
—I didn't know you cooked. —I bring the jug of water and orange juice to the table, followed by the glasses, and finally the plates of food.
—I don't do it often.
—Good thing Lala was with you. —He eyes the food on the table skeptically, which makes me laugh.
—Let it be known, Ludwig, I'm actually really good in the kitchen. Lala can vouch for me. And not to brag, but everything I do turns out perfect. —'Not to brag', —he says sarcastically. He takes a bite of the pancake, and his eyes glance at me. His surprised expression feeds my ego.
Breakfast was quiet. Mathias nearly finished everything I had prepared with his nanny. There was a moment when I just watched him, and he noticed, so I had to quickly look away at my plate. I didn't understand how he could fit all that food—he must have a black hole for a stomach.
—Are you going to follow me around like a puppy? —I hadn't realized I was mimicking him. If he got up, I got up. If he walked, I walked.
—Maybe. —We entered a room that looked like a music hall, with a view of the pool.
—I knew you played guitar, but not the other instruments...
—I only play that one. The rest… my mother used to play.
—Can you play something? I've never actually heard you. —A small smile appears, quickly erased.
—It's ironic how you know things about me without ever actually seeing me do them.
—So?!? —I say, changing the subject.
—What would I gain by playing something for you? —He takes a seat on one of the chairs.
—I could play one of these instruments for you in exchange—it would be a trade. —I sit beside him.
—Even the harp?
—Even the harp. —He picks up one of the guitars and starts tuning it.
—Have you heard any songs by Shawn Mendes?
—Only about four: Mercy, Treat You Better, Stitches, and Wonder.
—Then you've been missing out on the best ones.
He starts playing, and the melody is pleasant. Then he starts singing, and I must say—he's not bad at all. I begin to pay attention to the lyrics. They resonate with me... they resonate with us. They describe his emotions, how he reflects them through his voice and gestures. I've never loved a reproach this much. He doesn't need to tell me I'm the villain of this story, that it's all my fault… his eyes say it all.
—It doesn't make it any better
When you say 'it's not my fault'
I really thought I knew you better
Guess I don't know you at all
And I've been trying my best to forgive you
But you messed it up, one too many times
And when you come to me, with tears in your eyes
I can't feel bad this time
I hope you're satisfied
Those words confirm it even more. But what can I do?... my way of loving you is strange.
—You just heard Satisfied, a song that was never officially released, but I'm thankful to whoever leaked it online. —He smiles at his last words, and I can't ignore how adorable he looks. 'Did I say adorable?'
—I loved it. —It's the only dumb, pathetic thing I say, which makes him laugh. This time, it's genuine.
—You loved it? Why?
—Because it shows me how much I've been hurting you... and how much more you can take.
—And that satisfies you?
—No, but I don't regret it either.
—At least you're honest and own your actions. —He gets up and places the guitar back in its original spot. —Your turn.
I got up and headed for the harp, until...
—I didn't say you'd be playing the harp. You'll play the piano. —With that, I don't argue. I walk over and sit at the piano bench.
—Any requests?
—No specific one, although you could use a blindfold, since that day, at that dreadful party, I didn't fully believe it. —That made me laugh.
—Are you underestimating me? —I challenge him.
—Maybe. Who knows.
—Then find something to cover my eyes. —I glance around.
—There's nothing here, so... you're off the hook. Next time.
—Next time, huh?
I look down at the keys and begin to play. I didn't go for a classical piece—rather, I chose a pop song. It tells the story of a journey full of obstacles and challenges, also mentioning the dangers someone is willing to face to reach the person they love.
Mathias focuses entirely on me—and I must admit, I love having his attention. After a few minutes, I finish playing, and he claps.
—I've got to admit, I expected anything but a cover of Wolves.
—That proves I'm not a fraud on the piano."
—I never said that, Nefertary...
—Yeah?
—Why... why that song?
—I relate to it… not in the romantic sense, but in the journey, in discovering—or better said—reaching my father's killer, the one who planned it all. The challenges, the obstacles, the dangers… those are what I face. Maybe I've always been facing them, but this time, it's different.
—What would you gain? In the end, he won't come back.
—He won't, I know that. You were fortunate enough to know how your mother died—it was inevitable. This is different. This could've been prevented if the person who orchestrated it never existed. I need to get to the bottom of this before the rage consumes me and I end up even more destroyed than I already am. I need to be able to breathe, because each day it gets harder to find air. —I hadn't realized my cheeks were wet with tears until Mathias reached out to wipe them.
—You know... sometimes I think we both belong in a psychiatric hospital.
—What?! —His words threw me off, though I ended up laughing.
—You're really cute when you smile. —That simple comment stirs something inside me—something new. 'Something that scares me?'
—I could smile more for you, if you want me to, of course.
—No, there's no need. I'll steal the few genuine smiles you've locked away inside.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
The rest of the day we spent some time by the pool, played a bit of chess—I must point out that we ended in a draw, so a rematch might be coming. After that, we watched two movies until it got dark and we had to go down for dinner. Mr. Ludwig was also at the table. You could say the atmosphere was a little tense at first, so I chose to make small talk with Mathias's father. When we finished, the two of them had a private conversation, so I said goodbye to both of them. Outside, Steven was already waiting for me, and right then my phone buzzed: it was a message from Michael.
*We need to talk. It's urgent!
He sent me his location too.
Just as I was about to get into the car, I saw none other than Demir, looking at me curiously.
—Not even a call. Don't you love me anymore? —he fakes sadness.
—Don't be pathetic.
—You're lucky I'm not as toxic as you are, eh? 'Cause if I were, he wouldn't be breathing right now.—I roll my eyes as I send the address to Steven.
—Take us there. As fast as possible.
—Who are we killing? —he asks curiously.
—Probably Michael. Any updates?
—Everything's under control.
—And the apartment? Did you like it?
—This whole lover thing is starting to grow on me. You know, I never expected this from you, мой северный полюс.
—You're annoying when you act all dramatic. —he smirks.
—Yeah, the place is perfect. It's super close to the university, and don't even get me started on the view—spectacular. Happy?"
I just shake my head at his reply, which somehow makes me smile.
We stayed silent on the way there—well, at least I did. Osoclu was humming along to whatever song was on the radio. To him, that's the best way to discover new artists and songs. To me, it's pathetic. They only play whatever's trending.
When we arrived, we were in the middle of nowhere. In front of us was a car, and Michael was leaning against it—with Aida by his side.
—Is this a kidnapping? —his dark eyes lit up with amusement. For Demir, anything that puts his life in danger is fun.
—Let them try. —I reply.
We both get out of the car and walk toward them, face to face.
—What's the big emergency?
—Oh, мой северный полюс, manners first. —I let out a sigh. —What's up, guys? —Lorenz rolls his eyes, but who wouldn't? The only one here with "good vibes" is Osoclu. Aida looked pale.
—Swear you won't hurt him. —Michael says, ignoring Demir.
—Hurt who?
—The trio's incomplete. —Osoclu blurts out. Aida and Michael's expressions darken as I realize who they're talking about.
—What did Aitor do?
—He hasn't done it yet, but...
—Just fucking talk already. —I cut Aida off.
—Lucia. —That was all I needed to hear. That bastard. I turned my back on them and walked toward the car.
—Please, it's not just his fault. She's to blame too, if only she had listened to you. —Aida yelled as I got into the car. Osoclu and Steven followed suit.
—Forget the limits and keep driving straight. They'll stop us at a safe distance from the cabin. —Steven just nodded.
—What are you going to do?
—That filthy rat came to ruin my day—it's obvious what I won't do.
The closer we got, the angrier I felt. Is it really that hard to follow one of my orders? They love painting me as the villain. Provoking me is their favorite hobby. 'Bastards.'
It didn't take us long to arrive, and Michael's car showed up shortly after. He and Aida rushed out to catch up to me.
—Nefertary, please, don't hurt him. —she said through tears. —I'm begging you... just fix this mess.
—Don't hurt him? Fix this mess? —the anger in my voice was obvious. —Aren't your pleas the same ones Lucia must be saying right now? Didn't your insignificant brother create this mess, Aida? —I muttered between clenched teeth.
—Ibagon. —I turned toward Demir. Him calling me by my last name meant what he was about to say was serious—that I was crossing the line, that I was spiraling off the cliff. Because he knows right now, I'm acting purely on impulse. —Just consider her request. —Of course, that only fueled my rage more. Fuck. But he's the most reasonable one here, so I turn to Mendes.
—Depending on what Aitor did to Lucia, those will be the consequences. And believe me, if it were up to me, I wouldn't even think twice about driving a dagger through his filthy neck. —I continue walking, and so do the others.
Once we reached the entrance of the property, Steven took care of unlocking the door so we could all get inside. It didn't take long, and I was the first to move forward. I have to admit, these walls do a great job of blocking sound, because now the music and screams are much more audible.
I signal the others to stay quiet—especially Aida. The farther we walk in, the louder Lucia's screams and insults become, accompanied by Aitor's sadistic laughter. I swear I love how this place is designed, because just like the "vault", the room has a one-way window—we can see them, but they can't see us.
Aitor, in nothing but his underwear, has her tied to the bed, both hands and feet, naked. He's making small cuts on her body with a dagger and then pouring hot wax from a candle on her wounds, making her scream in pain.
—Nefertary. —I look over at Mendes, who hasn't stopped crying. —Please...
—Ibagon. —I don't even need to turn around to know it's Osoclu speaking.
—We made it just in time, Aida. —I give her a twisted smile.
I turn my back and move forward to carefully open the door—I still want him facing the other way—as I pull the dagger from my pocket that I took from the car before getting out.
Once I manage to do it, I rush in, grab him by the hair, and stab the weapon into his leg. That way, it's easier to yank him back so he lands sitting on the floor. He only groans in pain and curses. When he finally sees my face, his gaze turns even more furious.
—Nefertary, help me! —screams the other idiot. That's when the others come into the room.
—Nefertary, —says Michael as he slowly approaches me, seeing I'm still gripping Mendes by the hair and one arm tightly.
—Move. —I mutter, and it takes him a few seconds to get out of the way.
I drag him as best I can into the living room, since he's struggling with me a bit. Once there, I throw him to the ground harshly.
—You miserable animal. —I say and spit in his face.
—Your stupid friend… if only you had arrived an hour later...
Just as I'm about to lunge at him, Lorenz grabs me by the waist, holding me back.
—Nefertary, please... —those stupid words—I've heard them more than ten times tonight and I'm so over it.
—Be thankful, asshole, that she's not dead. Or your sister would be mourning too. And you—let go of me, idiot. —He hesitates, but eventually lets go.
I walk back toward the room. They're covering Lucia with a sheet, and Demir is by her side. I take a few more steps to stand in front of her.
—Nefertary, I... —I don't let her finish; I slap her hard enough to make her stagger.
—Do you think my warnings are meaningless now? That it was jealousy over you being with someone? —She stays silent as tears fall from her eyes. 'This is pathetic.' —When will you stop thinking like a bitch in heat? —Her gaze is fixed on the floor. I signal Osoclu to leave. —Who else knew about this meeting?
Silence. That's all there was, and it was pissing me off even more.
—ANSWER ME ALREADY, FOR FUCK'S SAKE! —I yell.
—Mar... Martina... Martina.
—How much does she know? Don't test my patience.
—Most of it...
'Maybe I need to kill Aitor once and for all.'
—What about Valentina?
—She doesn't know anything...
I stare at her for a few seconds before leaving the room and heading to the living room. I walk up to Steven and take the gun he's carrying. Everyone else stares at me. I just ignore them and head back to Lucia, who's on her knees, her gaze fixed on the floor, her tears dripping onto it.
—You were a good friend all this time, but my entire empire is at risk because of you. —She looks up at me, then at the gun, now pointed at her. Her face shows that horror, that fear.
—I can... I can keep quiet, I... I won't say...
The echo of a gunshot was the only sound. Gridith's body didn't take long to collapse, nor did her blood take long to paint the hallway.
—This is what I was protecting you from, Gridith. But you had to be so damn stubborn.
I return to the living room without looking at anyone.
—Take care of Greco as soon as possible, no mistakes, or both your legs will suffer the collateral damage. —I say while keeping my eyes on the exit and start walking out of the cabin.
'Friendships don't last forever, because sometimes someone fucks it all up and ruins the good moments. In this case, it was Lucia Gridith.'