Grim Dawn ✓

Chapter 1

Alex stared through the small window in his apartment, watching the reddish sun rays bend over the hills. Dusk would soon come within the hour; he scoffed and looked away. Eric was late.

Of course, he would be, even when he knew it was important for Alex to leave on time. He rumbled his throat as he rubbed his temples. Alex had two hours ahead of him, and driving through the night was not part of the plan. He quickly checked his phone, hoping for a text from that brute, but nothing, at least not from him. His friend Zoey, however, spammed him with messages asking when he'd leave. She was due to get married soon and asked to meet up for preparations.

Jerk, Alex thought as he stared at his phone's clock. The bright light flashed his dark green eyes and glowed against his short chestnut brown hair. Watching the hands tick away, he rolled his eyes; the police station was only two minutes away. Where could Eric be?

Though he loved autumn, Alex hated that nighttime came quickly. It was only half past four on the first of November, barely evening, yet around this time, it would start to look like midnight. He had planned to leave earlier, as he would stay until the day of, but of course, Eric just had to see him off.

To make matters worse, Zoey was strict with punctuality. She didn't care if you were tired the following day; she had things that needed to get done. Tomorrow would be rough. His shoulders tensed as he realized that it was about a two-hour drive down south from his small hometown of Grand Terrace. He'd likely get little sleep once he got there, too. Banks City was massive, full of things to do, though he only fancied going out a little. It was also one of the wealthier cities in California with some of the best restaurants for night relaxation, so of course Zoey Taylor had to move there with her future hubby.

Alex preferred the small, quiet town, especially since Eric was a cop. The fewer people, the better. It had been six years since he and Eric moved in together. Ever since high school, friends 'til the end. Alex narrowed his gaze at nothing in particular as he paced from the kitchen to the living room. He couldn't help but think about that man. Was it really so hard to be on time? Alex sighed. His friend was always like that. Forgetful of important dates and times. Thank God you pay the bills, we'd never be able to live anywhere if he was in charge.

Since this morning, he had been ready to go. He packed lightly, bringing only his backpack to hold his clothes and a charcoal waist pack for everything else. The backpack was nice; it split into two compartments, with the left side pouch slightly larger. It also attached to his belt and didn't get in the way. Zoey would be proud that he matched his clothes.

He always kept his outfits simple, wearing a black quarter-zip sweater and slim dark jeans. The cool black fabric was made of fine cotton and nylon; it was stretchy but nicely clung to his small, skinny body. He also prepared for the freezing by wearing a light gray undershirt. That girl is obsessed with fashion. Alex smiled, shaking his head.

Despite his best efforts to look good, she'd probably strip him down and change him for her own aesthetic. She hated monochrome colors—too dull. His stomach churned at the thought. He hated it when she'd try and fix his pale skin to look more "empowering," as she'd put it. However, it only made him feel foolish. I could bring it up to Eric; he would quickly shut that down.

Alex shook his head against his thoughts. Eric would only escalate the situation and always get what he wanted, no matter who he hurt. On the surface, Eric was a friendly and easy-going guy, but Alex knew him better than most. He chuckled slightly. That's why you're waiting in the first place; all because he just had to say goodbye and would through a fit if he didn't get to.

A light click echoed throughout the small three-bedroom apartment, prompting Alex to turn his head left toward the front door. As it opened ajar, Alex thinned his lips. The bigger, bulky man in his police uniform finally entered. Eric let out a lofty sigh as he shut the door and began to unlace his black boots. He then ran his fingers through his short brown crew cut before trailing them down his fair-skinned neck.