NEFERTARY
Ya no puedes huir
It had been a month and a half since the death of the Mendes siblings. According to everyone, they had run away from school. They didn't want anything to do with their parents because they had abused them. That's why they had come to Switzerland, but once they heard their parents were moving here and had supposedly resolved their issues, they made their decision. All through a few letters.
A few days later, their parents came. They caused total chaos, but got nowhere. Since their kids were of legal age, the police couldn't do much. There were no reports against the parents, but they were the prime suspects—because I made sure to give them very convincing evidence... of course, Michael was helping too. The locations didn't add up: a long-distance kidnapping isn't too bad, ehhh.
Meanwhile, Lucia's case was still open, though there were no solid leads. That case would've been forgotten too, if it weren't for the Gridiths. They'll have their end as well... all in due time. Everything is perfectly calculated.
Then there's also Martina's disappearance. Maybe I'm pushing my limits. Maybe I'm taking a risk. But then I remember I'm a Ziegler. We always get our way. So if I have to take out half the population of this blessed country... I absolutely would.
—What are you thinking about? —that scent invades my nose, and I recognize the owner immediately. His arms wrap around my waist as his lips leave small kisses along my neck.
—Do you really want to know? —he just laughs.
—Honestly, no... your thoughts might end up destroying me. —I turn around to face him.
—You know I couldn't hurt you more than I already have, right? —He lets out a small, sad laugh. Unable to hold back, I move in and kiss him. He doesn't resist, doesn't hold back, instead pulling me closer like we weren't already tangled enough. What began as a soft kiss turns aggressive, craving more, becoming an addiction that never ends. Mathias pulls away to catch his breath, and I hate that he does.
—I'm just a stupid hunter who ended up caught in a monster's web. —Hearing that actually makes me smile.
—How stupid the hunter is!
—The monster too, don't you think? —I'm not the type to admit someone else is right, but Ludwig was, at least this time, so I just smile.
Before either of us could say anything else, the school loudspeakers blared, calling all seniors to gather in the parking lot. We left the library and headed over, running into Lorenz in the hallway.
—A weekend camping trip.
—Good morning to you too —Mathias replied.
—Why waste time on this nonsense?
—We're in a boarding school. What did you expect? —I asked.
—Academic rigor? —he shrugged.
—As if there wasn't already enough of that. —Michael and I couldn't hold back a laugh after Ludwig's comment.
—We all know it's not your strong suit.
—But it's not like I'm doing that bad either.
I never imagined the three of us could have such a natural conversation. I think it's mostly due to Lorenz's change—he's done a full 180, living each day without obsessing over the rules, though still careful in some areas. If I'd met this version of him earlier, he might've been useful. 'Too bad I still don't trust him', just like I got rid of the Mendes nuisances, he's also on the list.
When we got there, we were greeted by the pathetic rats we call classmates, all crowding around the Biology teacher.
—Everyone should've turned in their permission slips at the office yesterday. If you didn't, sorry, but you won't be joining us. Now, we'll be away from the institute for two days and one night. I expect you to behave. Also, don't forget you'll have to write a report. —Some groans rose from the group.
—Speaking of rigor —Mathias said, glancing at Mich, who just laughed.
—Alright, quiet down, please. —The crowd settled under the teacher's words.— Remember, this is 15% of your trimester grade. Those who aren't coming will have to do a separate project. I'll explain that once we return. That's all—get on board.
Before he could say anything else, most of the students had already passed by and were boarding the buses. We did the same. Mathias and I sat together, while Michael ended up next to Valentina. Our eyes met. 'If only you knew your eyes are shortening your lifespan, you'd stop wasting time'. I gave her a closed-mouth smile in greeting. She awkwardly copied it, then looked back out the window.
Before going back to my own thoughts, I noticed Lorenz with a cynical smile at the situation. The same guy who once refused to take part in torture or murder now volunteers himself like some tribute. I rest my head on Ludwig's shoulder, and he responds by kissing my forehead. 'It's definitely going to be a long trip'.
✧────── ༉───✦───༉ ─────✧
The trip to the forest where we were going to camp took us about three hours. Some spent the time chatting—'like Michael, flirting with Miller's corpse'—while others preferred to rest or listen to music, which was the case for Mathias and me.
We got off the bus and grabbed our luggage to head into the woods. It didn't take long to reach the spot where we'd camp. We were split into pairs, 'obviously of the same sex'. We were all a mess putting up the tents—literally—while Professor Alber tried to guide us. Once we finished that tangle, we took a break before having lunch.
Then, the Biology teacher formed groups of five to do a task identifying plants found around the area, which we'd have to include in our report. In my group were Miller, Lorenz, and two other unimportant people who were with me. Everyone was focused on looking for those plants while chatting among themselves. I decided to put on my headphones—'zero interest in socializing with them'. At some point, the others got ahead, leaving me behind with Valentina. The atmosphere was more uncomfortable for her; I just didn't care.
—If you're throwing me to the lions
You should know I'm not scared of dying
I wouldn't take back one thing I did
One word I said
But I'm gonna make you wish you did
I murmured that song. Miller tensed up and went paler than she already was.
—Lucia loved that song, you know? She always listened to it or recited it—lie, she never liked Bad Omens. —She gave me a half smile.
—I guess you've heard it.
—No... she never sang it when she was with us.
—That's weird, maybe she didn't trust you enough to show her real tastes. —She gave me a half smile.
—I didn't know Martina very well, but... do you have any news about her? —She hesitated to answer.
—No, the police are as clueless as with Gridith's disappearance.
—What do you think happened? Was she seeing someone? —We both stopped. Her face showed she truly felt sorry.
—As far as I knew, no, but...
—But? —I urged her to continue.
—Grec... Greco might have known something.
—Sorry, I don't get how they didn't trust you... I thought you already had that kind of trust... you know what I mean. —I feigned empathy.
—Me too. Although... not knowing is what keeps me here. —That was a very direct hint.
—Could be. —I crossed my arms.— I still hope they find both of them. —I started to move to catch up with the others.
—What about the Mendes? —I stopped and turned to look at her again.
—What everyone knows. Lately, I spent time with them, but I had the same role as you and, from what Michael tells me... I simply find it hard to believe.
—Believe what exactly?
—That they were going through something so serious and didn't ask for help. They just... left.
—And they haven't contacted Lorenz?
—No... not that I know of... well, not that Lorenz told me. —She just nodded in response.— Shall we continue?
—Sure, we have to catch up.
Without saying anything else, we kept walking until we reached the rest. We spent about two more hours finishing the list with their indications, and in the blink of an eye, darkness enveloped us. We were all gathered around a campfire waiting. I was between Mathias and Michael, staring into the flames.
—Are you sure you want to risk it? —Mich whispered to me.
—Completely.
It was now or never. At the institute, it would be harder to end his useless life, but here was the opportunity I needed to make it easier. Of course, about forty-eight people were possible witnesses, but that was better than six hundred. I had a lot at stake and very little to lose.
Around ten at night, everyone was in their tents. Ludwig and Lorenz had to share one. That was a clear advantage, while the horrible Miller was with another classmate. I had to drug mine with sleeping pills I'd slipped into an herbal drink she brought. She was out like a rock. Now I was waiting for Mich's signal.
"—Why do you punish them? —Her expression radiated amusement.
—They took the wrong path. Instead of going straight without looking back, they went down an unknown road, unaware of the danger.
—They're a danger to you. Knowing your twisted version makes them a threat. But... why not instill fear in them?
—That doesn't always work... sometimes they explode like bombs. So, if you were in that situation, what would you do?
—End the problem. Without mercy or empathy. Until it stops existing.
—Very good, my little one. You will be powerful and feared. You will be... a weapon with the face of an angel."
That approving smile meant everything to me. I'd never cared so much about someone's opinion like his. I did everything for him.
Seeing the time on my digital watch for the hundredth time—it was already one in the morning—I quietly opened the tent and slipped out, heading into the forest to meet Michael, who should already have Valentina. Sending her an anonymous text saying we had information about the pathetic Lucía and Martina's deaths had her very anxious, so the miserable rat fell right into the trap, going to the place where Lorenz was waiting, ready to inject her with a tranquilizer and tie her up. It took about thirty-seven minutes to get to the spot where, as I got closer, I could make out Michael's silhouette with the body beside him.
—You're a minute late —he said as I reached his side.
—As long as it's not five, it's fine. Now carry her, the clock is ticking.
He did as I ordered and we both headed deeper into the forest to the opposite side, where Steven was waiting—he'd been here for weeks, waiting for this day.
"—The forests of Switzerland are very fun. They hide many secrets. They could be your best allies.
I already knew we'd play hide and seek, that I had to hide and memorize the path. From eight years old until now, at fourteen, I knew every part of this forest and the other ten nearby by heart. Now he took more than five hours without finding me. But that wasn't the victory. Fridays were special because from eight at night, I had to make night and solitude my company to survive till dawn. If I didn't... there'd be no more games for a month and he wouldn't speak to me. He'd be angry. Also, he'd force me to continue with my mother's whims, which annoyed me a lot."
A twisted way to learn places. I still remember the first time I failed, when he found me before dawn. He completely ignored me like I didn't exist. His ignorance was a stab to my ego. From that day on, I always studied the forest maps, preparing to beat my father and make him satisfied.
The sound of our steps crunching dry branches was the only thing heard between us.
—When will we get there?
—About forty more minutes. You'll make it.
—You're not the one carrying 55 extra kilos all this way. —I stopped to look at him.
—Look on the bright side, I'm helping you get in shape. —He laughed.
—I'd appreciate help in other ways. A fuck before we get back wouldn't be bad.
—Too bad, I don't like polyamory. —I blew him a kiss in the air and kept walking.
—You didn't say that before. —The amusement in his voice was obvious.
—Drop it, you won't get anywhere —I said with zero emotion.
We stayed silent, getting close to the meeting point. The sound of crickets and other forest creatures filled our ears, masking our heavy breaths, while the noise of our steps gave us away.
Finally, my eyes found that male figure. That loyal and faithful man was ready to fulfill another of my whims.
Once in front of him, Michael set the blonde down while I handed Steven the syringe with the sedatives to inject her. Without a word, he did it. He threw her over his shoulders like Lorenz had a few minutes ago.
—I wanted to have some fun with her —Lorenz said, never taking his eyes off the path Steven took.
—You will. You'll return to your old habits before coming to Switzerland. You won't have to control your beast anymore, Michael.
'Don't let a good image fool you into thinking someone is a good guy or that they have values, because those can be the worst monsters on Earth.'