The last assistant

Luna always had a fascination, an obsession, with vampires. She'd read history, folklore, novels with vampire heroes - or anti-heroes. Her perennial Halloween costume included plastic fangs. The weekly comic she wrote for her college paper was about Chip the Frat Bro who only came out at night.

She was a vampirophile.

The first job she sought out of college was as the assistant to the night editor of The Daily Observer, Viktor Knight. He was also the owner of the newspaper. He rarely, if ever, came to the office, submitting reviews, edits and the occasional editorial via a high security Dropbox. He had a reputation as a taskmaster who was never satisfied and went through assistants like a deck of cards. Literally, one a week. Each signed an NDA that kept them silent on all things regarding Viktor Knight and The Daily Observer lest they find themselves ruined professionally, financially and socially. Some found new positions in other departments or at other papers. Some left journalism. A few relocated. A handful fell off the grid entirely..

If asked about their time as Mr. Knight's assistant, the response was the same for each, verbatim, concise and immediate: he's a great guy but I couldn't keep up with his pace.

Luna had heard about the recluse while in college and had wanted to work for him ever since she'd decided he must be a vampire. She'd noted: he only worked at night; was rarely if ever seen and then only after sunset; was never photogrpahed. She was convinced he was of the undead variety and she wanted to meet him. Even more, she wanted to work for him. He was a brilliant writer with a pithy style that was both biting and humorous. She wanted to learn from him and was determined to buck the trend of weekly dismissals.

"So, Chip the Frat Bro?"

Luna wanted to sink through the floor.

"You've heard of it?"

"I didn't miss a week. Quite entertaining."

"Oh. Thank you."

"Yes, I was hoping your obvious interest in creatures of the night might send you my way. Unlike your many predecessors, you actually have talent."

"Um, thank you, but, obvious interest?"

He smiled and her stomach flipped.

"Instagram? Facebook? Twitter? Threads? You've been immersed in the lore since your first post a decade ago."

She blanched. "You look at social media?"

"When I have good reason."

At this point Luna realized he'd left his seat behind the desk and was sitting on it right in front of her. His eyes were like warm honey and she felt herself losing her train of thought.

"I've been waiting for someone like you for a very long time."

"Like me."

"Beautiful, bright, talented and, most importantly, unafraid of my kind."

"Your kind."

He held her gaze and Luna stood by unspoken request. He reached a hand to caress her cheek.

"You will be the best of assistants Luna."

"Yes, Viktor," she replied as he leaned towards her neck.