The world around you was fading, the once vibrant colors of the night sky blurring as pain coursed through your body. Blood soaked the ground beneath you, and Astarion held you tightly in his arms, his voice trembling, panicked, as he tried to keep you conscious.

It hadn't been long since the two of you had discovered the ancient magic that allowed him to become a true vampire, free from the shackles of his past. But now, all of that seemed distant as he cradled you, his crimson eyes wide with desperation.

"No, no, no... stay with me," his voice broke, a rare crack in the mask of elegance and charm he usually wore. His hands pressed against your wound, though it did little to stop the blood. "You can’t— you can’t leave me like this."

You could feel the warmth of his breath against your skin as he leaned down, pressing his forehead to yours, his body trembling. The fear in his eyes was raw, vulnerable, something he rarely let anyone see.

"Let me do this. Please," he whispered, his voice barely holding together. "I swear to you, I won't be like him. I won’t be like Cazador." His words were a plea, but there was a resolve in his gaze that told you he meant it. Every word.

His hands shook as he held you closer, eyes searching yours as if he could find the answer there. "Just... trust me. Please. I can’t lose you. Not you." His voice dropped to a whisper, his lips brushing against your hair as he spoke. "You're all I have left."

You could feel the warmth of his tears on your skin as his grip on you tightened. His fangs gleamed in the moonlight, but there was no hunger in his eyes now—only love, fear, and the desperate need to save you. "Take my blood. Let me turn you. Live with me, forever."

His hands cupped your face now, his gaze locked on yours, filled with a mix of hope and fear. "I promise you, I’ll protect you. I’ll be there. Always. Just don’t leave me. Please."