Ronner

Ronner observed the disaster with fascination. Crimson tongues of fire devoured the weakened structure of the room, which crumbled into a mist of glowing embers. Remnya still lay on the ashes of her bed, unconscious. Her body had reached over one thousand degrees Celcius, forcing Ronner to wait hours before carrying her to the mansion's mini-hospital.

The young Nephilim slept while the doctors checked up on her health in search of abnormalities, but her body was intact. The fire had caused no harm. On the contrary, it had healed her wounds.

While Ronner took care of Remnya, Skado removed his father's corpse from the room, and along with his older brother, destroyed it, shoved it in sealed bags, and disposed of it as trash.

When the mansion went to sleep, Ronner met the hybrid brothers in the courtyard. He carried several bottles of Redfire to celebrate, and two maids followed him. He pushed the girls toward the brothers and winked at them, proud of his present.

Viper ignored the scared girls, his vacant stare lost in the distance. Skado wrapped a bony arm around the shorter one and bobbed his head, where he still wore bandages, courtesy of lady Magenta.

"This is the beginning of our rule!" Ronner shouted, lifting his cup.

Viper glanced at him and said nothing while his younger brother nodded in silence.

"With Persen's empire in our hands, we're one step closer to our goal." He drank his red beverage. "The Kavalar coalition of Karx will be the most powerful army in the world."

"Ramos's allies still think you betrayed Karx," Viper said with his eyes fixed on his cup.

"They can come for me whenever they please." Ronner shrugged. "I'm the only one who sees the bigger picture here. Karx doesn't need wimps like Ramos and the like. They thought peace was an option and tried to find a pacifist way out of the war." Ronner spat on the ground. "Not only Karx, but The Hunters will grow to respect and fear my name."

"What about the Nephilim?" Skado asked, sniffing the maid who poured his drink with trembling hands.

"Remnya is the key to our success. The blood we need to achieve our goals."

"The Crimson Project?" Viper inquired.

Ronner nodded with a smirk. "Your pathetic father believed I'd just allow him to have my Nephilim and taint her body with his inferior genes." He guffawed. "How stupid."

"We can create the most powerful warriors on Earth." Skado cracked a smile.

"We might," Ronner said, scanning Skado's face, surprised by his unusual reaction. "She's not only a pure Nephilim, but she also has the crimson fire, the fire that will burn the whole world."

Skado stifled a chuckle and paced around the garden under the attentive look of Ronner, who couldn't believe that such a monster had emotions.

"He seems more excited than usual," Ronner told Viper.

"Yeah . . ." Viper glanced at his bother and then back at Ronner. "I'll keep an eye on him."

Ronner sipped his drink. "When Persen created you both," he started. "Did he use Netomic Cells?"

"Yes." Viper gritted his teeth as his voice filled with contempt and disgust. "He couldn't impregnate our mother otherwise."

"Right . . . Human males have less than 5% of mating success with a hybrid female, even lower if the female is a pure Nephilim. That's like 0,01%."

"How ironic. Nephilim males have 100% of having offspring with a human female," Skado added, wrapping his claws around the other girl, who trembled and begged him not to hurt her.

"That's how pathetic humans are, inferior in every way." Ronner leaned on a tree, swaying his cup, observing the red liquid. "However, the offspring of a pure Nephilim female and pure human male is the most valuable creature you can get your hands on."

"Is that so? Why?" Viper asked, seizing Skado's arm before he killed the scared girl.

"They say that the hybrids born from a female Nephilim lack the restraints of pure Nephilim genes. They can break all limits. However, they inherit the worst qualities of humans, making them prone to lose control. They're driven by human emotions after all."

"Dangerous creatures." Viper sipped his drink with his eyes locked on his unstable brother, who had a sinister grin plastered across his face.

"Exactly," Ronner added with a serious look. "But, there's a way to suppress such negative traits."

"The offspring of a female Nephilim and a hybrid," Skado exclaimed, crushing the bones of the maid against his chest. The girl let out a squeal as her eyes turned white before fainting.

Ronner bobbed his head, unfazed by the cruel sight. "Though," he added. "That's not my intention. Remnya is still a little girl, and I'm not wasting her potential in such a pathetic fashion."

Skado's smile faded as he shattered the cup in his hand. He tried to say something, but Viper stopped him with a glare and shook his head in a silent warning. Skado returned a dirty look, spat on the ground, and walked away, leaving the unconscious girl lying on the ground.

Ronner darted a sidelong glance at him and giggled. "Do keep an eye on him, my friend."

Viper nodded as he enjoyed the last drop of Redfire on his tongue.

*°*°*

Brisa

Brisa returned to her room late at night. A gloomy aura lingered in the hallways like a melancholic ghost stalking her from the shadows. Without Magenta around, the mansion was falling apart. Her perfectionism used to reflect on the littlest details, but now with Ronner in charge, everything was a distant memory.

The maid stopped by the corridor where Remnya's room used to be. Everyone had seen the fire last night, but no one dared to ask about it. Brisa took a deep breath and decided to find out what lay ahead. She gasped, covering her face as she witnessed that room in ruins. It had been destroyed, and Ronner did little to hide it. He didn't care anymore, he was the boss, and nobody was crazy enough to question his decisions. Brisa shook her head and hesitantly took one step forward.

Everything reeked of burnt wood and cloth, but as she got closer to the bathroom, an intense odor of burnt flesh almost made her puke. Brisa bolted out of the room to gasp for air. She began panting, and her face turned pale.

What the hell happened here? Where is Remnya? It can't be . . . No, no way.

Brisa turned to face the disaster again. She knew Remnya was valuable for them, so she had to be alive, no doubt, but thinking about what Ronner had planned for the Nephilim froze her blood. She had started toward her room when someone seized her arm. Trembling, and with unshed tears in her golden eyes, she turned to face her nightmare.

Ronner had his penetrating blue orbs locked on her.

"Worried about Remnya?" he asked with a mischievous twist of his lips.

Brisa lowered her gaze and shook her head.

"Don't worry, she's fine. She's recovering from her petty outburst." He glanced at the burnt room. "Pay attention, honey, because that innocent Nephilim is a true monster." Ronner leaned closer and winked.

Brisa flinched away. "I understand, sir," she mumbled as sweat crawled on her skin.

"I don't like that look in your face, Bris." Ronner caressed her cheek and brushed her hair. His eyes scanned her body, reaching her soul. "You see . . . Magenta is out of the game now. It took me a while to get rid of her, but she made it easy with her last stupid mistake."

The maid averted her flickering eyes. She gulped and nodded, hoping he would let her go soon. However, he tightened his grasp on her arm, burying his fingers in her skin.

"I know I've made mistakes, but . . . " Ronner grabbed her chin and shoved his face right in front of hers, whereas their noses touched. "I want to make up for it. I wanna be a good man for you." He smiled, almost sounding honest. But Brisa only saw the monster behind his mask.

"You've been good," she muttered, doing her best to keep eye contact.

"Bullshit. I can see the fear in your beautiful eyes, Brisa." Ronner sniffed her neck, caressing her skin with his nose. "But you won't fear me anymore. This is a new beginning for us." She could feel his minty breath and his delicious yet terrifying aroma.

"What do you want from me?" Brisa asked, narrowing her eyes. She knew her fear was irresistible to him, so she tried to show courage.

Ronner chuckled. "Come with me, my beauty." He pulled her with him through the corridors.

Her heart raced as she tried to match his pace. Tears trailed down her eyes, but she quickly wiped them with her free hand. Whatever he wanted, she hoped it would be quick and not too painful.

Ronner took her upstairs toward the last floor. He released her arm in front of a large room. She could only hear the screams of her heart, desperately trying to escape her chest.

As the door opened, he beckoned her to step inside with a sinister smirk. Her knees weakened. Thinking about what he would do to her was like getting ready for a slow and painful death. With resignation as her only ally, she took a deep breath and did as he said.

The bedroom was massive, way bigger than Remnya's, and luxury spread across every corner.

"What do you think?" he asked, standing next to her.

"It's beautiful," she murmured, forgetting her fear for a moment. The gold and diamonds covering every piece of furniture were mesmerizing.

"With Magenta here, I could never show favoritism, but with her gone, I don't need to pretend anymore." Ronner stood in front of her and smiled, his eyes shining. "This will be your room from now on."

His words struck her with confusion and fear. She had always wanted a royal room like that. She was extremely jealous of everyone getting better things than her, but the situation was far from pleasing. Perfect on the outside but rotten on the inside.

"Are you sure?" she asked, marveling at the golden silk on the bed; he had picked her favorite colors.

"Yes!" Ronner slid his hands around her waist and squeezed her sides with odd tenderness. "I never cared about Magenta, you've always been my favorite, I wanted you so bad that I had to do what I did . . . " He pressed his hips against hers. "I'm sorry."

Brisa tightened her lips. Her entire body trembled at his touch. She couldn't believe his words and hated how honest he sounded. But she was trapped; he would have his way whether she wanted it or not.

Ronner had been after her ever since the day they met. Brisa remembered the first time she saw him. He was like a prince, perfect. The way he looked at her was hypnotic. She never imagined a high-class man like him could be interested in a maid like herself. Eventually, he approached her, lured her into his lips, and shared his bed with her.

However, Brisa found out he was Magenta's man, and despite her feelings, the second time, she rejected him out of respect for The Lady. She couldn't have anything to do with him anymore, but Ronner wouldn't accept that. The handsome gentleman transformed into a wicked beast who forced her to do everything he wanted. Nobody dared to do or say anything. That was the beginning of her torment.

Brisa nodded. "I'm sorry too," she whispered, hoping those words could ease the pain in her soul and please the monster in front of her.

"I know what you're thinking, Brisa," he started. "You're terrified . . . and know refusing me wouldn't do you any good." Ronner sighed. "No need to play dumb with me, I'm not that stupid." He squeezed her body with such force she could barely breathe. "Now, be honest with me. Tell me how you really feel."

She held back tears and stared into his terrifying eyes. "I'm afraid . . . " Tears rolled down her cheeks as she gathered the strength to speak. "Why are you like this? Why do you hurt me? I did nothing wrong to deserve all this!"

Ronner's expression softened as he released her body. "I don't know," he murmured. "I don't know how to behave. I'm like an animal." He bit his lips and lowered his gaze. "You dared to reject me. How could I allow such a thing?"

"You were Magenta's man!" Brisa yelled as she wiped her tears. "I was just doing the right thing, and you . . . " She covered her face, muffling her sobs.

"I want to change." Ronner narrowed his eyes. "Help me change, Brisa."

Brisa's eyes burned. She didn't care about the consequences at that moment. She had to scream what she held inside. "You killed Marcus, Gorth, and now you want to kill Magenta too! Stop it, Ronner, please!"

Ronner let out a deep sigh as he dropped onto the bed. He folded his arms and twisted his lips. "I have yet to decide what to do with Magenta."

"What about Remnya? Are you gonna hurt her too?" Brisa scowled.

"That's not my intention. It all depends on how well she responds to our experiments."

Brisa kneeled in front of him, sniffling as she shook her head. "Don't hurt her, please. If you truly want to change as you claim, don't hurt her."

Ronner gave Brisa a sidelong glance, disbelief on his face. He closed his eyes and thought for a moment, tense silence cutting through them. When his eyes opened again, he gestured at Brisa to sit on his lap. She let out a silent gasp. Her body shivered, but she did as he said. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

"If I don't hurt Remnya, would you give me a chance?" he asked in a monotonous tone, his eyes fixed on the floor.

Brisa gritted her teeth. Even if she didn't, he would still do whatever he wanted with her. She took a deep breath and clasped her hands. "Yes . . . I would."

"No." Ronner squeezed her thighs and scanned her face in search of lies. "Would you stop fearing me if I don't hurt Remnya?"

"That's likely." Brisa did her best to sound convincing.

"Show me," he whispered, expressionless as his eyes didn't move an inch.

The maid thought of Remnya, the only one who had cared about her when no one else did. She remembered that night. When no one else gave a damn about a disposable maid, Remnya tried to help her. Brisa swallowed her fear and turned to him, locking her eyes on his gaze. His pupils were whether a tunnel toward a tsunami of terror or a tender sea of peace.

Brisa ruffled his hair, noticing how soft it was. She hesitated for a moment. Her heart wanted to stop, but she found strength in her will to protect the Nephilim. Brisa leaned on and kissed him.

The maid forgot who he was for a second. Being the second time she kissed him willingly, his lips felt different, almost tender. Not full of violence and lust.

She stopped to stare at him, blushing with fear and shame. Ronner's face was ice. He seemed to be fighting the demon he had inside. His hands twitched on her thighs as if he were fighting his will to hurt her.

It felt like hours until he spoke again.

"Go back to your room, Brisa. We'll bring your belongings here tomorrow." His voice was weak, without emotion.

Brisa nodded and stood up. She glanced at Ronner, who looked like a statue. What was he thinking? That monster almost looked human. Brisa bowed and rushed out of the room. She felt like walking out of a cage full of lions.

Tears soaked her eyes as painful feelings tangled in her mind, but deep in her heart, she felt like this could be the beginning of the light at the end of the tunnel.

*°*°*