Do it gently

He doesn't do it abruptly.

Every time Astarion gets hungry, he goes hunting first. He returns well after midnight, lies down next to Mirra, trying not to disturb her peace. He knows she's awake. She knows he's coming.

Mirra sees the hunger in his eyes - a special hunger for her blood - and knows that she can refuse with one movement of her head, with a short gesture. But she doesn't do it.

Astarion leans on his elbow and looks at Mirra. Her eyes are half-closed, she is staring intently at the vampire. His slender fingers touch her chin, slide along the line of her jaw to her trustingly open neck, outline the protruding part. The tip of the finger stops at the dimple between the collarbones.

Mirra stares back as Astarion studies her neck. His lips quiver in anticipation and his breathing is labored, but he never hurries.

The vampire bends down and inhales deeply the scent of Mirra's skin, barely touching her lips.

"You're always so gentle, even though you're going to hurt me," her whisper trembles in the silence, barely audible over the crackle of the fire.

"Precisely because I'm going to hurt you, I'm so gentle, my dear miracle," Astarion grins at the corners of his lips and sharp fangs flash between them. "I would like to avoid this, but..."

Mirra's palm rests on Astarion's cheek with a gentle touch. The vampire flinches and involuntarily looks at her palm.

"I trust you, Astarion," she whispers. "And I don't take back my words. You can bite me."

The vampire does not respond with words. He bends down to the elf's neck again and touches the delicate skin with his lips. Outlines the line, reaching the pulsating point, under which the vein was hidden.

"Thank you..."

Mirra didn't hear that. She felt cold and a sharp, though not severe, pain. His fangs sank into her skin, drawing blood, and Astarion's hot and at the same time cold lips pressed against her. He stopped after exactly three sips — as always — so as not to harm her.

"You are like the most exquisite and sweet delicacy, which is impossible to get enough of... Every time I want to drink more, drink everything..". He gently licks the droplets of blood from her neck, pressing the wounds with his tongue. "It's getting harder to hold back every time."

Mirra smiles a little sleepily and warmly.

"I believe you," she repeats. "You always stop on time. You won't hurt me, because you promised."

Astarion smiles and nods.

"Sweet dreams, my dear. Sleep tight, and I'll keep watch."