Getting in character was an easy task, and its necessity killed him.

Alexander traveled down the bustling street and stared at his cele. A reminder of the impending conversation. There wasn’t any use avoiding him, since he’d eventually call. This fact didn't soothe his loathing.

He’d be in and out.

Click.

Br-ring.

“Hey, what’s up?” The practiced enthusiasm escaped him effortlessly.

“Hello, Alex.” His cousin’s voice was a smooth and harmonic lie, grating against his ears. “How are you?”

“Greeaat.” Alexander replied, his mind elsewhere. “ I’ve taken care of our little problem in the depths. Do you want me to send the pictures or wait for the meeting?”

“Bring them to the meeting if you will. I’m certain you’ll ensure this doesn’t resurface.” A pause lingered. “I didn’t hear a yes,” he sang.

“Oh, yeah, totally!” Alexander chuckled. “I thought you were going to continue..”

Strained laughter filtered through the cele. “Are you busy?”

“I’m taking a little stroll.”

“Sounds relaxing. Don’t forget about the meeting.”

“Come on, you know who you’re talking to. I won't forget.”

Another laugh. “Alright, I’ll see you soon.”

The call ended. Whoo!

His jacket flapped behind him as he rushed to his haven. An establishment where endless possibility manipulated the outcome. It served as an escape for those burdened with monogamous routine. Its magnificence defaced other buildings, attracting their patrons. Their money was going into a worthy cause that would further enrich the public. This haven was the Allure Casino and Resort.

The muted smell of canium permeated through the air. The aroma was spicy yet subtle enough not to overwhelm. The charming sound of tinkling machines and shouting filled the casino. Games of chance were played without worry or limitation. He had long-lost his own infatuation with them, at least at this level. If only the world existed in this state.

A shouting match ensued on the game floor and drew him in to spectate. The accusation of cheating, and the croupier’s involvement, caused a manager to intervene. Conall strode over to the table and attempted to solve the issue. Buzzkill.

A seeping chill made its way to his location, prompting silence in the lobby. The Zedek heat appeared to be no more than a temporary resident. Alexander glanced beside him, curiosity plastered on his face. He recognized the figure’s voice once he spoke.

“This is beautiful.” Riley Buck uttered in a breathless manner, his predatory gaze clawing into the atmosphere. How unexpected. “Excuse me,” Riley commanded the attention of a shocked employee, “who’s the owner here?”

The employee fell for his guile. “He isn’t here at the moment, but I can get someone to call him, my Lord.” The figure bowed and stumbled away.

A small smirk formed on Riley’s features. “Yes, go do that.”

Ring. Ring. Ring.

“Yes?”

The manager sucked in his breath. “You won't believe who's here at the casino.”

“Who?”

“Riley Buck!” The man shrieked like a child. “He wants to see you.”

Alexander gasped. “Seriously? Say no more.”

Riley moved deeper into the casino and scrutinized every surface. His black cape never touched the floor, rearing back in disgust. He stopped in front of a custom table. He placed a finger on his chin and the manager approached.

“He'll arrive in a moment, my Lord,” he bowed and remained.

“What's this game called?” He pointed to the table.

The man glanced at the game. “Apex Quest.”

“It must be exclusive to this region.”

“Yes, our boss created it.”

Riley’s eyes lingered on the Winchester logo adorning the table. “One last thing. Do these people seem to be in a trance to you? I don't want to seem arrogant, but they've hardly batted an eye in my direction.” Oh, please. Arrogance was his accessory.

“I suppose the games are immersive?”

“Let's go back. I don't want to miss your boss.” Riley placed a hand in his pocket and strode away.

“Of course, my Lord.”

They arrived at the entrance of the lobby and people had the gall to approach him. The vampire responded with one word answers, hardly contributing to the one-sided conversations. The speaker didn’t see his sideways glance or how he gazed past them.

Showtime.

Riley advanced when the employee pointed to Alexander and his lips upturned. “Hello. This is a lovely business you have.”

Yeah. It would be a shame if someone took it.

Alexander stared at him with broad eyes and circled around him. “It really is you. The names Kaiser Lomax and it's nice to meet ya.” He flourished his hand and dramatically bowed. “What brings you to my humble casino?”

“It caught my eye when I was passing through.” The man had been “passing through” for a couple of weeks, his lackeys anyway. “It's as extravagant as I expected.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Would you like a tour if you’re not too busy?”

“Someone is waiting for me. Why don't we make an arrangement for tomorrow, and we can talk more?”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“I’d be honored. Let’s meet here at noon?”

“Yes. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

Alexander pulled on the collar of his employee, who nearly followed his new source of excitement out the door.

Alvoth, eyes on Riley. He communicated telepathically to his companion. His vision shifted as he walked to his office.

The noble entered a diminutive carriage wearing minimal decoration. At the head stood two Albapi, their long dark fur extending to the ground. Sparks of joy filled their eyes when Riley scratched their ears.

With his commandment, they moved through the Delight District.

They look good. Alvoth commented, his eyes locked on their backsides.

Focus now and hunt later.

It’s not hunting if they’re not running, he corrected.

The carriage halted in front of a barren space filled with rubble and OptiGuards mounted around the perimeter. Only weeks ago, it was owned by a woman. Workers littered the area with materials stacked in several rows, and a group leaned over a table holding blueprints. The perfect setup.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Alvoth softly barked in response. Time for a little disruption, my friend.

The beast leaped and went straight for the materials. Everyone’s head turned as the binds were snapped open and metal rods, beams and bars rolled toward them. Alvoth found a target as the crew was scrambling- the blueprints.

He snatched them up with his teeth and crystallized the paper. The carriage was gone, and the site was in shambles. The block of crystal landed on Alexander’s desk and he took it, examining it as the barrier vanished. How interesting. The man was working on a club. A takeover.

“Take these home.” Alvoth snatched them from his hand and darted away.

The following day, he was in the same spot, awaiting the conspirator. The clock rumbled harmoniously once a symbol glowed. Riley’s presence flooded into the room, and so it began.

“You made it!”

Riley’s laugh was polite when Alexander jumped to his feet, wearing an overwhelming grin. “Is that so surprising?”

“I mean, yeah, it’s not everyday you get to see a noble. Let’s begin the tour.” With a snap of his finger, they were off.

“That’s true,” he paused with an inquisitive expression. “You created a game called Apex Quest, correct? Is there more you can tell me about it?” Right into it, huh?

“Do you want to play it or something?”

“It looks appealing.”

Alexander scratched his head and hummed. “It’s fairly simple. The entire point of the game is to survive and adapt. It can be a little more complicated, and it’d be better if I showed you. Want to play?”

Riley’s answer was swift. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather continue with the tour. Who’d you get to publish it?”

“A friend. Do you have a lot of board games where you’re from?”

“They’re a prime pastime, but I prefer physical activities.” He continued when Alexander tilted his head. “Like riding or practicing my shooting, which I’m horrible at,” he ended flatly before frowning. "That smell. Where is it coming from?"

“Oh! You’ll love this.” An open door led into a bar that was operated by a sentient plant stationed behind the counter, where people were seated and placing their orders. Some were playing games for special drinks, and others roamed the garden near the bar.

Riley went straight for the latter, grabbing a flower by its stem. He sighed once he smelled it. “I didn't expect to see a part of home here. Where did you get these?”

“Someone does the ordering for me. You'll have to ask them. Anyway, there's more to see. We have a spa, workshops, competitions, and a lot of other stuff.” He counted each point with a finger.

“I don't understand why I haven't heard of this place before.” Riley remarked, a hint of skepticism present. That was for a good reason.

Despite the intense cold he brought, Riley was burning with questions. A number of them were about the casino and its operations. Each question held a motive to reach his ultimate goal of gaining information. They couldn’t find anything on him, and now they had become aggressive. How fun.

“This is my favorite floor.” They halted in front of two red doors, and he searched in his pocket. “And, by far, my most expensive.” Alexander twirled the key around and opened the door. Before them stretched out, a hall spanned in different directions. A red color filled the bare section of the building.

“Wow. It’s…empty.”

“Well, yeah, but no! This is what I like to call our escape or engagement floor.” He closed the door behind them and snapped his finger. Their surroundings shifted into a humid forest. Small animals rushed past them in clusters and wind blew in their faces. “On this floor, markers have been placed to produce authentic illusions. You’ll be able to sense everything as if it were real.”

“I've never seen this type of technology,” Riley stooped to touch grass on the ground, “at least not on this level. It must be the reason it cost you so much, no?”

Wrong. The technology was pathetic, and he had to upgrade it.

“Exactly. I know it isn't a traditional form of entertainment..”

“It's very creative.” Riley mumbled, seemingly lost in thought.

Alexander snapped his finger. “Why are you here in Zedek, if you don't mind me asking?”

A muffled "vacation" escaped Riley's lips.

“In that case, let me show you around the city. You can't leave without seeing Zayn’s River.”

“I don't want you to go through the trouble. My friend here promised to do that with me.” Who could that be?

“Oh.” Alexander sheepishly laughed and rubbed his head. “Do you still want to continue? There's a lot here, so we can do this later if you want."

“Good idea. I don’t want to take up your time. I’m sure you’re a busy man.”

“Uh, yeah, but it isn’t a problem.” Alexander followed him all the way out to his ride. “You can visit anytime you want or even stay. There’s plenty of room and fun for everyone.” He extended his hand and glanced at a group of people pointing at them. How opportune.

Riley looked at his hand with a hesitant expression. A person from the group pointed her cele in their direction and Riley shook his hand.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He quickly let go, although it was too late. Riley entered the carriage and people watched as he departed. Alexander waved and shouted at him, further contributing to the connotations.

This would prove interesting.