The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 27: The Secret Society

By the time Nicolae made it back to his flat, he was completely out of breath. He ran the entire way, worried that Ludwig might pursue him. To his relief, there was no sign of his adversary behind him. Nicolae anxiously knocked on Viktor's door. He couldn't help but look over his shoulder every few seconds.

Viktor opened the door. His eyes widened upon seeing Nicolae's disheveled face.

"My boy... come in," Viktor said. As soon as he moved to the side, Nicolae burst into the flat and slammed the door shut.

He realized he was covered in sweat and his clothes were disarrayed. He leaned against the door, panting heavily. Viktor approached him cautiously.

"Let me guess," Viktor said narrowing his eyes. "You went to see Ludwig."

Nicolae nodded. "You were right... it was a mistake to go alone," he muttered.

"What happened to your neck? It's all bruised," Viktor looked taken aback.

Nicolae touched it and winced.

"Ludwig tried to strangle me," he explained. "He almost killed me."

"Come... sit," Viktor urged him. "You need a drink." He went to pour Nicolae a glass of brandy.

"Here... drink it all," Viktor said. "You look like hell."

"I feel like it too," Nicolae said while taking a sip. The brandy was strong. It warmed his throat and soothed it. It was exactly what he needed.

"Relax for a minute, and then tell me what happened," Viktor sat across from Nicolae, closely observing his young friend.

Nicolae downed the whole glass quickly and handed it back to Viktor. "I think I could use a bit more," he told his host, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Viktor obliged and brought him a second drink.

Nicolae eventually felt his breathing slowing down and his heartbeat steadying. The brandy worked its magic. He finally felt ready to share his story.

"Our suspicions about Ludwig were confirmed today," he told Viktor. "I went to his laboratory to talk... At first, Ludwig pretended he had no idea Elizabeth was dead." Nicolae smirked. "I almost believed him... "

Viktor arched an eyebrow. "But?"

"Needless to say... we got into an argument." Nicolae paused and took another sip. "And then... he attacked me."

Viktor furrowed his brows with obvious concern.

Nicolae continued his story. "He suddenly looked different... wild and... ferocious. He practically pounced on me and pinned me to the ground. He was incredibly strong... He grabbed my throat and started to throttle me. I tried to fight back but... he overpowered me completely."

"So how did you manage to get away?" Viktor asked.

"At the last minute, I remembered I had my letter opener in my coat pocket," Nicolae explained. "I stabbed Ludwig in the neck with it... as hard as I could... He staggered back and I was able to get away."

"Did you... kill him?" Viktor inquired.

Nicolae shook his head. "That's the strangest part... Ludwig looked stunned for a moment. I really thought I got him... but then... he pulled the knife out of his neck! And started to chase me again!"

Nicolae finished up the rest of the brandy, letting Viktor ruminate over his words.

At last, Viktor spoke. "I guess there really is no other explanation, is there? Ludwig Eberwald must be... a werewolf. Or at least some kind of supernatural being."