Astarion was not a self-sacrificing creature. It wasn't in his nature; but, when he had seen that Tiefling behind you, blade held aloft to strike you from behind... it had frozen his undead heart. He had sprung into action without a moment of thought, racing forward to take the brunt of the blade through his shoulder. He tried to hide his pain; but, the serrated blade drew a strangled cry from his full lips.

His expression twisted, face gnarled in a grimace as he felt the blade twisting.