PRIME APEX

The first day of my job at Daily Life had finally arrived.

I stood outside the towering glass building, taking a deep breath before stepping in. The lobby was sleek and modern, with a high ceiling and polished marble floors that reflected the soft glow of recessed lighting.

People bustled past me—journalists, editors, interns—all moving with a sense of purpose.

I followed the instructions I had been given and checked in at the front desk. After a few minutes of waiting, a receptionist directed me to my department.

The main office space was bigger than I had imagined—open, stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

The scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the distant hum of ringing phones and the rapid clicking of keyboards.

The atmosphere buzzed with energy, making the place feel alive. Professional. Grown-up.

And then there was Keanu—my colleague.

He was leaning back in his chair, scrolling through his phone when he noticed me. A slow grin spread across his face as he stood up and made his way over.

"So, the newbie finally arrives," he said, crossing his arms. "First-day nerves?"

"A little," I admitted.

"Don't worry. It's mostly paperwork and waiting around at first."

I sighed.

"Yeah, I already finished the paperwork. Now I'm just… waiting for something to do."

Keanu smirked.

"Welcome to the wonderful world of journalism."

Before I could respond, the editor-in-chief walked past us. I took the chance to approach him, hoping to get an assignment.

"Sir, is there anything I can work on?" I asked, trying to sound eager.

He barely spared me a glance before shaking his head.

"Nothing available at the moment."

And just like that, he moved on, leaving me standing there, feeling slightly deflated.

"See?" Keanu chuckled.

"Told you. But don't worry, soon you'll be drowning in work."

He hesitated for a moment, then tilted his head.

"Actually… do you want to come with me?"

I blinked. "What?"

"I have a couple of interviews lined up. Might be a good way for you to get a feel for how things work around here."

I hesitated. It was a tempting offer, but I didn't want to step on anyone's toes on my first day.

"I don't think it's a good idea. Maybe next time?"

He shrugged. "Alright, next time then. Though, by then, I hope you already have your own assignments to stress over."

His grin was teasing before he walked away.

I exhaled, leaning back in my chair. So much for an eventful first day.

The day dragged on, and eventually, it was time to go home.

As I stepped outside, the cool evening air wrapped around me. The city lights flickered to life, casting a golden glow over the streets.

I pulled my jacket tighter around me and began walking toward the bus stop.

Then, the feeling hit me.

That uneasy, skin-prickling sensation.

Like someone was watching me.

I slowed my steps and glanced around. The sidewalk was crowded with office workers and commuters, yet something felt… off.

A shadow shifted in the distance.

My pulse quickened.

Not another attack attempt. Please, not tonight.

My phone rang, making me jump. I fumbled to pull it out, my hands slightly clammy.

Xander.

I answered immediately.

"Hello?"

"Leighton, where are you?"

His voice was sharp and urgent.

"Outside Daily Life," I said, scanning my surroundings again.

"I'm coming to get you. Wait there."

I frowned.

"Why so sudden?"

"You'll find out. It's about the oldest vampires' location."

Then—click. He hung up.

I sighed, stuffing my phone back into my pocket. That's when I nearly collided with someone—tall, broad, and standing directly in my path.

I looked up, my heart still racing.

"Dylan."

"Hey," he greeted casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world to be standing there.

"Dylan… what a surprise."

"You heading home?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "I work there now." I gestured toward the Daily Life building behind me.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't expect you to start working so soon."

"Well… it's just part-time."

Raindrops began to fall—light at first, then heavier, turning into a steady drizzle.

"Come on," Dylan said. "There's a bus stop over there."

We ran together, ducking under the small shelter as the rain picked up.

I glanced at him.

"So today's your day off?"

He nodded.

"I dropped my little sister off at her violin class. Then, I saw you."

I smiled. "What a coincidence."

But his expression… there was something unreadable in his eyes. Like there was a lot he wanted to say but something held him back.

Before I could press him, the blare of a car horn cut through the rain.

Honk! Honk!

A sleek red Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of us.

Xander.

He stepped out of the car, his movements smooth but deliberate. His sharp gaze locked onto Dylan immediately—and Dylan's gaze locked onto him.

Neither of them spoke.

"Come on, let's go," Xander said, motioning me into the car.

I looked at Dylan and gave him a small wave. "'Til next time."

Dylan didn't say anything. He only smiled and waved back, but there was something in his eyes—curiosity.

Xander drove fast, too fast. My fingers curled against the seat, my stomach twisting as the city lights blurred past us.

"Vlad is waiting for us," he said suddenly.

"What happened?" I asked.

"I found out where the oldest great vampires live. So did Vlad."

I hesitated, then asked, "Where?"

"Alaska."

I frowned. "Why Alaska?"

"During the polar night, the sun remains below the horizon for weeks, even months. Total darkness. That starts this week."

Xander's hands tightened around the wheel.

"We need to move quickly."

I didn't say anything.

Xander was right—if there was anywhere ancient vampires could remain hidden, it was there. A place where the sun never rose.

After a long silence, Xander spoke again. "What does he want from you?"

"Who?" I blinked. "Dylan? He's just a friend."

"I didn't ask who he is. I asked what he wants."

I sighed. "Nothing. We were just talking. Why?"

Xander's jaw clenched. "It doesn't matter. Just don't get too close to him."

I narrowed my eyes. "Who are you to tell me what to do?"

Xander didn't respond.

Instead, he exhaled sharply and muttered, "We have bigger things to deal with. Focus on that first."

Minutes later, we arrived at our destination.

Vlad was waiting.