Chapter 43
"Can you please eat something?"
I continue to ignore him. Nestled in the premium ergonomic chair, my head resting against the cushioned arm, embraced by a furry white blanket despite the warm temperature of the plane.
My mind is besieged by a puzzle, a Rubik's cube where each twist reveals a different mask of Orian Moon. Instead of colors, it's a myriad of visages that haunt me, each more enigmatic and unsettling than the last. I can't figure him out. I don't know who he is; something we both share. All of this because I was selfish. Because I couldn't quell my hunger for more and vault my own ambitions. Now many have and still will pay the price for my mistake.
"What are you thinking about?"
I bring the blanket to my nose.
He nods patiently, then offers a kind smile. "Then you'll be glad to know we'll be landing in Berlin in several hours."
"Torin."
His eyes spark as if shocked by his own name. "Yes?" he says quickly, almost desperately.
"Why are you doing this? To protect me is to defy him."
"You really have to ask?" he says in a way meant to fufill my every question.
***
As the plane begins its descent, I'm not sure if my stomach is fluttering from the drop in altitude or... anticipation of the future. I don't see this ending well for me. No version of this reality can refute that.
When the plane is finally on the ground, and at a complete stop.
The air hostess opens the door, unleashing gusts of ice-tinctured air. My heart leaps up to my throat. But it sinks with ease when I watch Torin settle an extravagant cream-coloured coat over my shoulders, rich with a blend of chinchilla and sable fur. I slide my arms through its voluminous sleeves. Torin leads me out. Faraway pain comes forth, flaring up between my legs with each step down. A gauntlet of armed men stand around the two GMC Sierra SUVS with a BMW in the centre, sporting double wishbones at the front and a five-link axle at the rear. All of them matte-black.
One of them opens the backseat door to the BMW. His hand on the small of my back, Torin guides me inside, then he rounds the back to hop in on the other side with me. My gaze lifts to the standard panorama roof, then falls to the Merino leather seating with contrasting stitching to exclusive metallic paint finishes.
All the guards draw back into their vehicles. Shortly, the cars line up in convoy-style formation. I don't know what time it is. It was overcast a moment ago, dreary but still clear. Now the sky above is a widow's sky, darkened and weeping. The clouds are churlish and cruel. They cough out great gouts of water, sleets of silver-tinted tears streaming down the windows like tributaries.
The surroundings are obscured by the haze of misty perspiration; I take in as much of the sights as the weather will allow. The central quarter expands, embellished with broad avenues, handsome squares and grandiose stone buildings. With luxuriant trees softening the effect of the stone apartment blocks in many streets. Water is even more prevalent, with the river running through the city's centre, a broad belt of lakes spreading out east and west with canals running through much of the city.
Torin informs me that we're going to Brandenburg, which is northeast and almost a six-hour drive from Berlin. And that we should arrive by nightfall. The journey there is done with minimal conversation, sparse and curt exchanges between the men in front, all of them speaking in Japanese.
Each hour slogs over the other with only two stops for a respite.
And the third stop is the last one. Höhmannstr.
We arrive at a gateless villa on plinths floating above the granite.
We all climb out of the vehicles and Torin waits until I'm at his side. Together, we walk to the front entrance. But the rest of the men remain outside. He fishes in his pocket and reels out a set of keys, approaching the wrought iron doors with double pane glass. He unlocks it and allows me to enter inside first.
He switches on the lights. Gold-hued beams flood the expanse.
He directs me out of the main foyer and takes me on a brief tour. It has a spacious living and dining area with a flagstone fireplace and access to the terraces, as well as a luxurious kitchen. The interior spaces are refined and sophisticated, bringing the used materials—wood, stone, and steel to very elaborate workmanship. Exhibiting all-around views of the surrounding forestry with the multitude of towering windows.
There is an outdoor fireplace on one of the terraces. In addition, there are four guest bedrooms and guest bathrooms, a cloakroom, and a storage room on the ground floor. The upper floor has a comprehensive library with a gallery. The library leads to a study with access to the archive room. A large terrace can be reached from the hallway. The villa has a wellness area with a sauna, jacuzzi and shower, as well as a utility room, a wine cellar with large wine cabinets, storage rooms and a garage for two cars and a carport. It has an alarm system and video intercom on all floors. Garden with computer-controlled irrigation and a Koi fish pond.
The tour ends at the master suite.
"What now?"
He inhales a deep breath, sliding his hands in both pockets. "You rest. For tonight you can sleep in one of my shirts or something. I'll be sure to get you a new wardrobe—"
"No, I mean in the long run."
He releases a long sigh burdened with inestimable troubles. "Let's take it one day at a time."
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