PRIME APEX

The discussion had been brief but intense. The plan was set—an early flight tomorrow.

Xander had already taken care of the tickets and the hotel in Alaska, while Vlad's trusted people would guide us once we landed.

I barely had a say in any of it. All I could do was follow.

As we stepped out of the meeting, the weight of everything settled over me. I walked alongside Xander, my mind still trying to process it all.

"So, that's it? We just hop on a plane tomorrow and head straight into a land of eternal darkness?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"That's the plan," Xander replied.

I exhaled sharply.

"And what exactly are we supposed to do when we get there? Knock on doors and ask if any ancient vampires are home?"

Xander smirked. "Something like that."

I glared at him. "Are you serious?"

"I am."

Before I could snap back, Vlad's voice cut in smoothly from behind us, startling me.

"Leighton, you've got to listen. We're still trying to figure this out, and it could be something else entirely."

I turned to face him, his presence as unnerving as ever. There was something cold and calculated in his gaze, something that made me feel like a chess piece rather than a person.

But I wasn't as afraid of him as I had been when we first met.

"I am listening," I said, standing my ground. "But I'd also like to know exactly what I'm walking into."

Vlad studied me for a moment before speaking.

"We are seeking the oldest of our kind. They do not live like the ones you have encountered. They are not hiding in cities, feeding from the shadows. They are ancient. They do not fear the sun because they have mastered the dark. And in the endless night of the Alaskan winter, they thrive."

He paused, his eyes gleaming.

"And I'm sure they know something about you."

A chill ran down my spine.

"And you think they'll just talk to us, just like that?"

Vlad's lips curled slightly.

"They will talk to me."

"And me," Xander added.

I frowned.

"...and why is that?"

Xander's expression was unreadable. "Because my bloodline has been known for centuries."

Vlad chuckled, low and amused.

"They should at least have some respect for me, for I am a Sire. I have my own followers."

That did nothing to ease my nerves.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Okay, let's say they won't be cooperative—what exactly is your plan?"

Vlad's sharp eyes flickered.

"To remind them of the order of things. They may be old, but I am not so easily ignored."

"While I have my own ways," Xander added, his voice edged with something I couldn't quite place.

I glanced between them.

I exhaled, rubbing my temples.

"And what happens if they don't take kindly to your reminders?" I asked, looking at Vlad.

His smirk returned.

"Then we'll see who walks away."

The casual way he said it made my stomach tighten.

I looked at Xander, but he was staring ahead, his expression unreadable.

"So that's it, then?" I asked.

"No room for negotiation? No other options?"

Vlad tilted his head.

"Would you like to negotiate with creatures who have lived longer than recorded history? who consider humanity no more significant than ants beneath their feet?"

I swallowed.

"I just don't want to walk into a war."

Vlad chuckled.

"There won't be a war once they see you, my dear."

His words hung in the air like a heavy fog.

I looked away, gripping my arms.

Xander finally spoke, his voice quieter but firm. "It's necessary."

I didn't argue. Maybe it was.

But that didn't make it any less terrifying.

As we reached Xander's car, I hesitated. "So… what now?"

"Now," Xander said, opening the door, "we get some rest."

Vlad smirked at me one last time before vanishing into the night.

Xander and I got into the car, and as he started the engine, I leaned back against the seat, staring out at the city lights.

For a while, there was only silence.

Then, I spoke.

"Do you ever get used to this?"

Xander's grip on the wheel tightened slightly.

He was quiet for a long moment before saying,

"You don't get used to it. You just learn how to live with it."

I exhaled, letting his words sink in.

Tomorrow, we would be flying into the heart of darkness—literally.

And I had no idea what awaited us.

By the time we arrived at Xander's place, exhaustion was pulling at my body.

The weight of everything—the attacks, the secrecy, the looming presence of ancient vampires—was settling in like a heavy fog.

I stepped inside and dropped onto the couch, rubbing my temples.

Xander leaned against the wall, watching me.

"You should get some sleep. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

I scoffed.

"Sleep? After that conversation? Not likely."

He sighed and walked over, sitting across from me.

"I know this is overwhelming, but you need to trust that we have a plan."

I hesitated before asking, "Why me?"

Xander frowned. "What do you mean?"

"All of this." I gestured vaguely.

"I'm just some normal person who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Why am I suddenly in the middle of vampire politics?"

Xander's expression darkened slightly. "You're not just some normal person, Leighton. Whether you like it or not, you have something that makes you… different."

My stomach twisted. "My blood."

"Yes," he said simply.

I looked away.

"So that's it, then? That's all I am to them—a rare blood type? A tool to be used?"

Xander's jaw tightened.

"Not to me."

The sincerity in his voice made me pause.

"Good night," he murmured, slipping away to his room before I could reply.