You’d kept your distance for as long as possible, the gnawing hunger in your chest a constant reminder of your nature—one you’d never quite embraced, always afraid of what you could become. Most vampires took to feeding without a second thought, but you held back, always lingering at the edge of it, fearing the violence you might unleash if you lost control.

One evening, as you sat quietly, trying to ignore the sharp ache, Rio approached, settling beside you, her warm hands cradling yours. Her touch was gentle, grounding, and when you looked up, her eyes held that soft, knowing look that seemed to ease the ache within. “You’re so hard on yourself, aren’t you?” Her voice was low, soothing, each word wrapping around you like a comforting balm.

You shook your head. “I just… I don’t want to hurt anyone. I can’t be like that, like… the others.”

Rio’s thumb traced gentle circles over your knuckles, and she brought a hand to rest on your cheek, her gaze tender. “You won’t hurt me, sweetheart. You don’t have to keep starving yourself out of fear.” She leaned forward, pressing a kiss to your forehead, her lips warm and reassuring. “If you need to feed, I’m here. You’re safe with me.”

A shiver ran through you, not from hunger this time, but from the warmth and certainty in her touch. She pulled you close, her arms wrapping around you, holding you like she was shielding you from all your worries. The world felt smaller, safer, in the circle of her embrace.

With one more featherlight kiss to your cheek, she whispered, “Whenever you’re ready, baby. I’m here.” Her words were soft, steady, a promise that made you feel like you could, maybe, trust yourself the way she trusted you.