What a Time to be Alive!

I lounged on my plush velvet sofa, the dim lights of my penthouse casting long shadows across the room. The cityscape of Los Angeles twinkled beyond floor-to-ceiling windows, a glittering tapestry of life unfolding beneath us.

Mia bustled around, her pixie-cut hair catching the soft glow as she set up microphones and checked levels. Her tattooed arms moved with practiced efficiency, a symphony of preparation.

"Selene, darling, have you met our sound wizard?" I purred, gesturing towards Mia. "She's an absolute godsend. I'm hopeless with all this tech nonsense."

Selene's eyes flickered with interest. "A pleasure, Mia. Victoria's told me so much about you."

"All good things, I hope," Mia quipped, not looking up from her work.

I chuckled, a sound like silk sliding over skin. "Only the best, dear."

I leaned forward, my silk robe whispering against the velvet. "Mia, darling, once you've worked your magic, it's just a simple flip of a switch to go live, right? I wouldn't want to fumble on air."

Mia glanced up, her hazel eyes meeting mine. "Absolutely, Victoria. It's foolproof. One switch and you're broadcasting to the world."

"Ah, not the entire world," I purred, settling back into the cushions. "But it's comforting to know I won't need your expertise again after tonight. You've been such a dear."

Selene raised an eyebrow. "Last day on the job, Mia?"

"Yeah," Mia nodded, her fingers dancing over a tangle of wires. "Moving on to bigger and better things, I guess."

I couldn't help but smile. "Oh? Do tell. What's next for our little sound sorceress?"

Mia shrugged, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice. "Not sure yet. Maybe start my own podcast. Or join a band. Sky's the limit, right?"

"Indeed it is," I agreed, my voice silky smooth. "The world is full of possibilities for someone with your... talents."

Selene leaned in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Any parting words of wisdom for our listeners, Mia? About hiding in plain sight, perhaps?"

I shot Selene a warning glance. "Now, now, let's not put our dear Mia on the spot. She's here to work her technical magic, not dispense life advice."

Mia chuckled, oblivious to the tension. "Trust me, I'm no expert on hiding. I prefer to stand out."

"And stand out you do," I murmured, my gaze lingering on her colorful tattoos. "But sometimes, my dear, it's the ones who shine the brightest that are hiding the most."

Mia paused, her hands hovering over the equipment. "What do you mean by that?"

I waved my hand dismissively. "Oh, nothing, darling. Just the ramblings of an aging socialite. Now, about that switch..."

"Right," Mia said, shaking off her confusion. She pointed to a small black toggle on the control panel. "This is it. Flip it up when you're ready to go live. It's that simple."

I clapped my hands together. "Perfect! You've made it so easy, I almost feel guilty about letting you go."

Selene chimed in, her voice honey-sweet. "Yes, Mia. We'll miss your expertise. Are you sure we can't convince you to stay?"

Mia shook her head, a determined set to her jaw. "Nah, I have plans tonight. But thanks for the offer. I'll stay until your first break, just to make sure there are no unforeseen kinks."

"Well then," I said, rising from the sofa with feline grace. "I suppose this is goodbye, Mia. You've been an absolute treasure."

I extended my hand, and Mia took it, her grip firm and warm. For a moment, I held on, studying her face. So young, so full of hope and ambition. It was almost a shame.

"Good luck out there," I said softly. "The world can be a dangerous place for bright young things like you."

Mia's brow furrowed. "Thanks, I think?"

I released her hand and turned to Selene. "Shall we begin?"

Mia gave a thumbs up, and I leaned into the microphone, my voice dropping to a hypnotic cadence.

"Welcome, listeners, to 'What a Time to be Alive.' I'm your host, Victoria de Blanco, and today we're diving into the very essence of existence." I paused, letting the weight of my words settle. "Life, my dears, is but a fleeting moment in the grand tapestry of time. We're here, we shine brightly, and then... we're gone."

I caught Selene's eye, a silent understanding passing between us.

"But oh, what a glorious moment it is. The thrill of change, the rush of new experiences. It's intoxicating, isn't it? To feel your heart race as you step into the unknown, to taste the sweetness of transformation on your tongue."

My fingers trailed along the edge of the microphone, a caress full of promise and danger.

"Today, we'll explore the edges of that existence. The shadows where life truly begins, where we shed our mundane skins and embrace something... more."

Mia's head snapped up, her hazel eyes wide with a mix of fascination and unease.

"So buckle up, dear listeners. It's going to be one hell of a ride."

I leaned back, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. The air in the penthouse crackled with anticipation, thick with unspoken secrets and barely contained excitement.

Selene leaned forward, her dark eyes glinting. "Beautifully said, Victoria. Shall we delve deeper into those shadows you mentioned?"

"Oh yes," I purred. "Let's peel back the layers of polite society and see what lurks beneath, shall we?"

I leaned back from the microphone, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. "...and that, my dear listeners, is why it is so vital that you hold secrets close to your cold, cold hearts. With that, we will take our first break."

I flicked the switch, cutting off our broadcast. Turning to Selene, I raised an eyebrow. "Well? How did we sound, darling?"

Selene's eyes glittered with barely contained excitement. "Absolutely divine, Victoria. But let's ask our resident expert, shall we?" She turned to Mia. "What did you think, dear?"

I watched as Mia's brown-butter face reddened, her hands trembling slightly as she fiddled with the equipment. She looked up at us, her eyes wide with barely concealed horror.

"I... it was..." she stammered, backing away from the control panel. "I should go. Yeah, I should definitely go."

I exchanged a glance with Selene, a silent conversation passing between us in a fraction of a second. As Mia made a dash for the door, Selene moved with inhuman speed, blocking her escape.

"Now, now," Selene purred, her lips curling into a predatory smile. "Leaving so soon? But the fun's just beginning."

Mia's eyes darted around the room, searching for another way out. I rose from my seat, my movements languid and purposeful.

"What's the rush, darling?" I asked, my voice dripping with false concern. "We haven't even had a chance to... thank you properly for all your hard work."

Mia's breath came in short, panicked gasps. "Please, I just want to leave. I won't say anything, I swear."

Selene laughed, the sound echoing off the penthouse walls. "Oh, we know you won't, dear. We'll make sure of that."

In a blur of motion, Selene lunged at Mia, her fangs bared. I watched, anticipation building, waiting for the moment when—

But something was wrong. Selene's teeth scraped against Mia's neck, unable to break the skin. She pulled back, confusion etched across her face.

"What the—" Selene began, but her words were cut short as Mia's hand plunged forward, driving a wooden stake through her heart.

Selene's eyes widened in shock, her mouth forming a perfect 'O' of surprise. She stumbled backward, her hands clawing at the stake protruding from her chest.

I stood frozen, my mind reeling. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. This wasn't part of the plan.

Mia turned to face me, her chest heaving, the stake still clutched in her tight-knuckled grip. Her eyes, once filled with fear, now blazed with determination.

"You're next," she growled, her voice low and dangerous.

I raised my hands, trying to regain control of the situation. "Now, darling, let's not be hasty. I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement."

But Mia wasn't interested in negotiation. She advanced on me, stake raised.

"I'm going to arrange a hole through your cold, cold heart," she growled, her voice dripping with venom.

Wait," I blurted out, desperate for answers. "Why couldn't Selene's fangs penetrate your neck?"

A wicked grin spread across Mia's face. Without taking her eyes off me, she reached over and flicked on the microphone.

"Oh, Victoria," her voice carrying a dangerous edge. "I think it's time we let your audience in on the truth, don't you?"

My eyes widened in horror as I realized what she was about to do.

"I know all about this little podcast of yours," Mia continued, her voice echoing through the studio. "It's not for human ears at all, is it? That's why you specifically asked me to broadcast at a higher frequency – one that humans can't hear."

I lunged for the microphone, but Mia was faster, dancing out of my reach.

"Listen up, all you bloodsuckers out there," she announced, her voice filled with triumph. "I'm not just some sound engineer. I'm a vampire hunter, and I've got a little October surprise for you."

She gestured to her body, a smug smile playing on her lips. "See this? It's my own special creation – a skin-like polymer that coats my entire body. Fits like a second skin, but it's as strong as steel."

I hissed, baring my fangs, but Mia didn't even flinch.

"Oh, it gets better," she continued, her eyes locked on mine. "This little number is infused with holy water and a chemical compound called allicin – you know, the stuff found in garlic. Your fangs might as well be toothpicks against this baby."

My mind raced, searching for a way out of this nightmare. How had we been so blind? How had we let a hunter infiltrate our inner circle?

"So, Victoria," Mia said, turning her attention back to me. "Any last words for your adoring fans?"

I took a deep breath, trying to regain control of the situation. My mind raced, searching for a way out of this predicament. I had to appeal to Mia's humanity, if there was any left.

"Mia, darling," my voice silky smooth despite the panic coursing through my veins. "Let's not be hasty. This isn't personal, you know. It's just business, survival of the fittest and all that."

Mia's eyes narrowed, her grip on the stake tightening. I could see the muscles in her arm tensing, ready to strike.

"Not personal?" she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "You think this isn't personal?"

I held up my hands in a placating gesture, taking a small step back. "Now, now. We've never met before today. How could it possibly be personal?"

Mia's laugh was harsh, humorless. "You really don't get it, do you? You bloodsuckers never do."

I frowned, genuinely confused. "What don't I get? Enlighten me, please."

"Every single person you've killed, every life you've destroyed – it's all personal," Mia growled. "To their families, their friends, their loved ones. To me."

Realization dawned, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "Oh, I see. You lost someone."

"My sister," Mia snarled. "Your kind took her from me. And I've made it my life's mission to make sure no one else has to feel that pain."

I licked my lips nervously, my mind working overtime to find a way out. "I understand your pain, truly I do. But killing me won't bring her back. It won't change anything."

Mia's eyes flashed dangerously. "You're wrong. It'll change everything. One less monster in the world, one less family torn apart."

She took a step closer, the stake now mere inches from my chest. I could feel the rage-filled heat radiating off her body.

"Any last words, Victoria?" Mia asked, her voice cold and hard.

I opened my mouth, ready to plead for my life one last time, but Mia cut me off.

"Actually, I don't care what you have to say," she sneered. "This is for my sister, and for every other victim of your kind."

She leaned in close, her breath hot against my ear as she whispered two words that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Bite me, bitch."