I Have Launched A New Blog!

I have launched a new blog!

And Now...for Something different

Hey there, magical misfits and word weavers!

Guess who's conjuring up something wickedly wonderful? That's right—this witch is stirring her cauldron and launching a brand-new blog! 🧹✨

If you've ever pondered the mysteries of the universe between sips of chamomile tea, or found yourself debating the merits of ancient rituals versus modern practices (while your candles burn down to stubs), then boy, do I have a treat for you! After the cut lovelies!

Over the years, I've danced with Hekate under the moonlight, delved into the Greek Magical Papyri, and even sprinkled in a dash of my mother's Indian folk wisdom for good measure. I've wrestled with the commodification of the Craft (looking at you, overpriced crystal sellers) and embraced the beautiful complexity where science and witchcraft intertwine like ivy and oak.

So what's brewing on the new blog?

Magical Musings: Where I'll spill the enchanted beans on everything from historical witchy wonders to my latest thoughts on decolonizing our practices. Prepare for deep dives—with a splash of cheeky commentary, of course.

Reverent Rituals: Step into my sacred space as I share personal rituals and spells that are potent yet accessible—no unicorn tears or dragon scales required.

Purpose & Practice: Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of building a meaningful Craft without selling your soul (or your savings) for fancy tools. It's all about intent, baby!

Shadows & Selfsame: Join me on a journey through shadow work and self-exploration. Because even witches need to face their inner goblins.

Chosen Circle: A curated collection of resources, community shout-outs, and maybe a cat meme or two. Connection is magic, after all.

I care deeply about this path we're walking—respecting its roots, challenging the fluff, and finding that sweet spot where tradition and personal growth meet. If you're ready to explore the Craft with a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart, come fly with me!

So grab your broomsticks and let's embark on this enchanted adventure together. Trust me, it's going to be spellbinding. 🔮 https://www.tumblr.com/teaandbroomstickscafe

We do love a happy king <3

Interlude: These Little Scraps of Misery

Previously: Prologue Tumblr Link for Prologue, Chapter One; Chapter Two, Chapter 3, Interlude Chapter 4 Chapter 5, Chapter 6 Chapter 7 , Chapter 8 Chapter 9 , Chapter 10 , Interlude 2 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 , Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16

Pairing: Astarion x female!Tav

Warnings: 18+. NSFW, Ethical and non Ethical BDSM, noncon, some allusions to sexual violence, flashbacks to sexual violence, discussions of sexual violence, dubious boundaries, attempted sexual violence, dubcon, blood licking/blood kink, reference to cheating behavior, emotional trauma, group sex, sex, smutt, anxiety, negative thinking, sexual trauma, recovery, healing, angst,

Word count: 119k

Warning: Hey everyone 💖—I just wanted to give a quick heads-up before diving into These Little Scraps of Misery. This interlude gets pretty heavy, dealing with emotional distance, power struggles, and some tough moments between Sima and Astarion after Chapter 16. If you find yourself sensitive to themes like dominance, manipulation, or trauma in relationships, please take care of yourself first. Your well-being matters more than anything, so feel free to skip or pause if it gets too much. I’ve included this interlude to really show how the cracks are forming in their relationship. There’s love, but it’s complicated, and this is a pivotal moment for them both. Thank you all for sticking with this story—it means the world to me. Take care, and as always, I’m here for any questions or thoughts. 💕

Status: Ongoing

Chapter 17: Oct 23 2024

Song of the Hour: When the Party's Over - Billie Eilish

Entire Story Link on AO3 Spotify Playlist AO3

After the Cut!

Interlude: These Little Scraps of Misery

Five days. It had been five days since Astarion’s hands had last touched her. Since his breath, hot against her neck, had sent both pleasure and pain rippling through her skin. Five days since she had felt that correction. The marks it left were far more than physical.

She hadn't let him near her since.

He didn’t ask. He didn’t press. But she felt his eyes on her, probing, wondering, waiting. Astarion was patient, and she wondered if he was counting the days, too.

Five days. Has it really been that long?

The question drifted through her mind, but she let it fall away, unimportant now. Everything felt unimportant now. The palace was quiet, save for the low murmurs of the spies and servants, moving like shadows beyond her closed doors. The same doors that separated her from him.

Sima found herself staring, hours passing without notice. She sat in her chambers, lists and papers spread before her, detailing plans for expansion, ideas for their future domain. Their domain —that’s what it was supposed to be, wasn’t it? She was supposed to be his partner, the one to stand by his side. To turn, to become what he was. What he wanted her to be.

Her fingers trembled as they grazed the parchment, a reminder that her body still reacted, even when her mind did not. She felt the echoes of that night in every step, in every breath. She had told herself she enjoyed it. Hadn’t she? I did. I wanted it... But the more she thought about it, the further away the truth seemed to drift, until it was swallowed up by the quiet void that had taken root inside her.

A part of her wished to forget, but the memories lingered. His hands on her body, his breath against her skin. His voice, sharp with dominance, with possession. It had thrilled her once— hadn't it? But now... it was like a shadow creeping over her, making her shudder in ways that had nothing to do with desire.

She had wanted him, right until she hadn’t.

That was the worst part. She had wanted it. Right up until the moment when his strength became too much, his grasp too tight, his words too cruel. Until the game shifted and she found herself no longer playing. She had become the piece to be moved, controlled, corrected.

And she had let him.

The memory came unbidden, slipping through the cracks in her resolve.

She had been in bed, beneath him. The sheets had felt too cold against her skin, but his body was hot, almost suffocating. His hands had moved over her, rough, demanding, and she had responded—out of habit, out of reflex. She had touched him like she always did, traced the familiar lines of his muscles, the planes of his body.

But inside, she had felt nothing.

She went through the motions, her fingers grazing his skin, her lips parting with practiced ease. She had played her part well enough, but somewhere in the middle of it all, she had drifted. She had become numb.

His hand had tightened around her thigh, and still, she hadn’t flinched. His breath was hot against her neck, his voice a low growl in her ear, but all she had heard was the distant echo of her own thoughts, spiraling deeper and deeper into the hollow space inside her.

And then, he had looked at her.

He had paused, his gaze searching, probing, trying to find something in her expression. His fingers had brushed her cheek, a gesture that might have been tender, but it felt foreign. Alien. Like it didn’t belong to her anymore.

Her eyes had remained open, staring at him, but she didn’t see him. She wasn’t really there.

He had noticed. She knew he had. The way his movements slowed, the slight tension in his body... he had known something was wrong. But he had said nothing.

When he finished, he had left the bed without a word, slipping from her chambers and leaving her alone in the cold sheets. He hadn’t come back.

That had been five days ago.

She had avoided him since, avoided his touch, his voice, his presence. He gave her space, but she knew it wouldn’t last forever. He was waiting, watching, always watching, as if waiting for her to slip, to fall, so he could pick up the pieces and mold them back into what he wanted.

The weight of it all pressed down on her, suffocating. She was slipping, falling into herself, the world around her becoming distant, muted, as if she were watching from far away. She went through the motions—plans, meetings, strategies for the upcoming ball—but none of it felt real. None of it mattered.

The nights were the worst. Alone in her chambers, the silence wrapped around her like a shroud, and she could feel the distance between them widening with every passing hour.

Five days.

Has it really only been five days?

She had tried to keep herself busy, to focus on the ball, on the intrigues Astarion had set before her. It was supposed to be her chance, her opportunity to prove her value, her skill. He had praised her for her persuasive tongue before, the way she could bend others to her will with nothing more than a few well-placed words. She was supposed to use that skill tonight.

But all she could think about was his hands. The memory of them on her throat. The bruises they had left, both visible and invisible.

Her mind drifted again, back to the moment when she had first realized how wrong it had all gone. She had told herself it was still part of the game, still part of their dangerous dance.

That this was what she had wanted, what she had craved. But the truth was colder, sharper. The line between pleasure and pain had blurred, and she had let it happen. She had let him cross that line, without a word, without protest. She had allowed him to take what he wanted, and now she was the one left with the scars.

You wanted this... didn't you?

The question echoed in her mind, but no answer came. She couldn't bring herself to confront the truth, couldn't face the weight of her own complicity. So, she pushed it down, buried it deep inside the hollow place where the rest of her emotions had retreated.

Her fingers tightened around the edge of the vanity, her knuckles white as she held on, trying to anchor herself in the present. But the memories kept pulling her back, dragging her under.

Five days...

She could hear his voice now, distant but clear, discussing the ball, the upcoming intrigues, the schemes they were meant to execute together. He spoke of power, of control, of manipulation, and all she could think of was his hands. His breath on her skin. The way he had looked at her that night, with something that wasn’t love, wasn’t passion.

It was dominance. It was possession.

And now, as she sat in the silence of her chambers, she could still feel that dominance clinging to her, wrapping around her like chains. The more she thought about it, the tighter those chains became, until she could barely breathe.

She closed her eyes, the weight of it all pressing down on her chest, making it impossible to think, impossible to feel anything except the cold, creeping numbness that had taken hold of her heart.

But she couldn't afford to fall apart. Not yet. Not tonight.

Tonight was the ball. Tonight, she had to play her part. The Veiled Night Ball was her chance to prove her worth, her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of vampire politics. Astarion had said so himself, in those quiet moments over breakfast, when he had tried—and failed—to pull her back into their usual games of flirtation and innuendo.

She had deflected with precision, dodging his verbal traps with ease. He hadn’t pressed the issue, hadn’t questioned why she hadn’t slept in his chambers for the past five nights. Maybe he was giving her space. Or maybe, just maybe, he was waiting for her to come to him.

But she wouldn't. Not yet. She couldn't.

The thought of his touch made her stomach twist, made her skin crawl. She had once craved his touch, the way it had made her feel alive, powerful. But now, it was a reminder of how quickly that power could be taken away, how easily the balance could shift.

She wasn’t ready to face him. She wasn’t ready to admit that something had broken between them. That something inside her had cracked, and she wasn’t sure if it could be mended.

Five days.

Sima's reflection stared back at her, but it wasn’t the woman she had once been. Her skin, rich and dark like the earth beneath a setting sun, had always carried strength, a beauty that defied the scars of her past. But now, her features seemed dulled, her spirit suffocated beneath layers of silence and pain. Her eyes, usually fierce and unwavering, were hollow, distant—a reflection of the woman she had become.

A hollow version of herself.

But she couldn’t allow that. Not anymore.

She took a deep breath, fingers brushing against the cool surface of the vanity as she straightened her spine. Her body responded instinctively, as if reclaiming the posture she had once mastered. The gown clung to her form, the corset cinching tighter, but this time it didn’t feel suffocating. It felt... grounding.

The woman in the mirror was still there, waiting to be called upon.

Her eyes flickered, the hollowness replaced by something else. A spark of defiance. A slow-burning ember of strength. She wouldn’t fall apart. Not tonight. Not ever. Astarion was watching, always watching, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her break.

Sima adjusted her gown, smoothing the fabric over her hips. Her hands steadied, no longer trembling as they had been just moments before. Her gaze sharpened, no longer lost in the haze of memories and pain. Instead, her mind settled on the present, on the ball, on the role she was meant to play.

You are stronger than this, she reminded herself.

And she was. She had survived worse. She had endured the horrors of Calimport, had clawed her way out of the shadows. She had rebuilt herself once, and she would do it again. Piece by piece, she would reclaim what had been taken from her.

Her back straightened, her shoulders pulled back as she lifted her chin. Her eyes, no longer distant, gleamed with a quiet fire, the kind that could burn through anything, even the silence that had threatened to swallow her whole.

She was ready now. Ready to face the world again, to wear the painted face of grace and strength that had carried her through so much before. Tonight, she would step into the ballroom with her head held high, her heart steady, her gaze unwavering.

Astarion might be waiting for her, but he wouldn’t see the woman who had crumbled beneath his touch. He would see the woman who had survived it, who had taken that pain and turned it into something stronger.

The mask was in place.

Sima rose to her feet, her movements fluid and deliberate, the embodiment of grace and control. She drew in the last of her makeup; a small black dot, behind the ear, drawn to ward away the evil eye. It was a reminder of her mother, her power, and her resilience in the face of whatever lay ahead.

She would play her part tonight, but it wouldn’t be for him. It would be for herself. To prove that no matter what had happened, no matter what corrections he had imposed, she was still her own.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced once more at her reflection. Not broken. Not lost.

And certainly not his to fix.

Bella's Master List

Thank you for visiting my blog! To check out all my fanfic works please see the below! Also follow me on X: https://x.com/BellasMumbles NEW COMMUNITY PROJECT:

🩸 Calling all Astarion fans! 🩸Looking for a place to explore (or enjoy) the steamy side of our favorite vampire in both his ascended and unascended forms? The Astarion’s Thirst collection on AO3 is live! 😈 Whether it’s sensual, dark, explicit, or anywhere in between, this collection is for those who can’t get enough of Astarion’s thirst for blood, passion, and more. 💋 Full Details: HERE AO3 Collection Link

In the aftermath of their victory over the Nether Brain, Astarion, now newly Ascended, and Sima’s love is tested by dark obsessions and a quest for independence. As they navigate perilous power struggles and inner demons, their bond teeters on the edge. Will it endure the encroaching darkness, or be consumed by it? Chapters on Tumblr: Prologue, 1 , 2 , 3 , Interlude, 4 , 5 , 6, 7, 8 , 9 , 10 Interlude 2 , 11 , 12 13 14 15 16 Entire Story Link on AO3 Spotify Playlist

Sima, a modern musician, is thrust into the magical world of Baldur’s Gate, captivating a certain vampire spawn: Astarion. Their passionate romance faces challenges of jealousy, societal prejudice, and personal traumas. Together, they navigate love, trust, and intimacy, standing as a team against the shadows of their pasts and the trials of a fantastical realm.

Tumblr posting Starts and Hiatus Will End: Aug 2024 Entire Story Link on AO3 (11 Chapters)

Songbird's Sanguine Sunset / Tumblr link inspired by Blood of the Songbird by @songbirdoftherogue Unfinished Work: Revenge and Blood on Silken Dunes

Tumblr Articles and Musings:

Musing 1: Snippets Snippet Prompt 1

Musting 2: WIP WIP 1

Musing 3: Characterization Discussions (Spoilers!) Characterization for Astarion's Paths , Characterization for Sima (Tav)

Musing 4: Random Ramblings Ramblings 1

Personal Projects:

I have launched a blog for my witchery and spilling the tea on the craft! Come check it out HERE

Thank you for Reading my work and if you are feeling kind, please leave a good word or comment or reblog on anything, its always appreciated!

Bella

graphics for lip dividers here: @firefly-graphics

Chapter 15: A hunger crueler than bloodlust

Previously: Prologue Tumblr Link for Prologue, Chapter One; Chapter Two, Chapter 3, Interlude Chapter 4 Chapter 5, Chapter 6 Chapter 7 , Chapter 8 Chapter 9 , Chapter 10 , Interlude 2 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 , Chapter 13 Chapter 14

Pairing: Astarion x female!Tav

Warnings: 18+. NSFW, Ethical and non Ethical BDSM, noncon, some allusions to sexual violence, flashbacks to sexual violence, discussions of sexual violence, dubious boundaries, attempted sexual violence, dubcon, blood licking/blood kink, reference to cheating behavior, emotional trauma, group sex, sex, smutt, anxiety, negative thinking, sexual trauma, recovery, healing, angst,

Word count: 116k

Warning: SMUTT, Heavy BDSM Play!

Status: Ongoing

Chapter 16: Oct 2 2024

Song of the Hour:

Red Room - Bryce Savage

Entire Story Link on AO3 Spotify Playlist AO3

After the Cut!

Chapter 15: A hunger crueler than bloodlust

Astarion led Sima through the grand halls of his palace, the air thick with a quiet urgency. Vampires flitted about like shadows, their presence a mere whisper against the ancient stone. Their eyes flicked toward him in deference, but they lingered on Sima, drawn to her like lost souls hungering for the light. Curiosity simmered beneath their gazes, envy curling like smoke. And in some, something far darker stirred—a longing to possess what they dared not approach. Sima stood out, a jewel in their midst, glowing against the cold, pale hues of the vampire nobility.

Astarion, acutely aware of the eyes on them, moved with deliberate grace, as though the palace itself bent to his will. Every glance cast her way only strengthened his resolve. She was his now—part of this empire, whether she realized it yet or not. Each step was regal, his posture composed, betraying none of the urgency thrumming beneath his calm exterior. The palace was his stage, and he was its ruling actor, commanding every glance and whispered breath. His power was absolute, and yet, tonight, he sought something more. He wanted her to see it all, not just his dominion—he’d give her this world. But the final say would always be his

Through winding corridors and hidden passages, Astarion revealed the full extent of his reach. Beneath the city, his network of spies slithered through the Under City’s labyrinthine tunnels, gathering secrets only a vampire lord could possess. They passed vaults lined with glittering treasures—gold, jewels, artifacts from centuries past—proof of his wealth and influence over the nobility of Baldur’s Gate. He painted vivid portraits of their future with words laced in silk, of ruling together, their “benevolent” reign absolute. Yet, his crimson eyes sought hers often, the charm on his lips masking a deeper hope for approval.

As the evening darkened, Astarion’s touch lingered when he brushed Sima’s hair aside, his fingers grazing the curve of her neck, a deliberate tease. "The night wanes, my sweet," he purred, that velvet tone steeped in rich intent. "Shall I show you the rest of what belongs to me?"

A quiet chuckle slipped past his lips as he led her toward his private chambers, away from prying eyes and the reach of judgment. This, above all, was his sanctuary. Here, behind these walls, he could indulge the desires he had kept locked away from the world. He wanted her to see everything—the things no one else had ever been allowed to witness.

Sima’s eyes sparkled with amusement, her lips twisting into a knowing smirk. “Another bedchamber? What makes this one worth the theatrics?”

Astarion’s smile widened, wicked and familiar, his pale lips curling with rakish charm. The same smile that had seduced countless others before her, though none had ever stirred him the way she did. “Nothing… save for what unfolds here.” He whispered in lustful and dulcet murmurs. 

He pushed open the door, revealing a room steeped in sin. Opulence cloaked in debauchery, indulgence disguising the darker truth—that every inch of it was designed to demand obedience. The crimson velvet bed gleamed under the dim light, framed by gold-threaded pillows. Black silk curtains wrapped the room in shadow, cutting them off from the world beyond. The walls, adorned with hedonistic murals, whispered of forbidden pleasures, and along the edges of the room hung the tools of indulgence—restraints, whips, and finely crafted toys, each piece as exquisite as it was dangerous.

Astarion’s gaze never left her as she took in the sight. The pride in his smile was unmistakable. He had always delighted in the dramatic, but this room—this sanctuary of decadence—was the purest manifestation of his desires. “I thought it was time I had a proper playroom,” he said, his voice carrying a thread of amusement, but beneath it lay something deeper, hungrier. “No more hiding in caves. This is my domain now, and nothing here is out of reach. Including you.”

Sima stepped into the room, her fingers trailing over the silk sheets, feeling the cool, luxurious fabric beneath her fingertips. She had seen many sides of him before, but this... this felt like stepping into the core of who Astarion truly was—a place where control, desire, and power fused into one. Even as she let him lead, there was a thrill in knowing she could still say no. She let out a soft laugh, her fingers brushing against the silk restraints on the bedposts. “I see you’ve expanded your collection.”

Astarion’s smirk grew, his gaze flickering over her with palpable hunger. “I have,” he purred. “No more limits. No more hiding. Only indulgence.” His eyes lingered on the violet and gold fabric of her embroidered blouse, the way it hugged her figure, laying beautifully against her rich brown skin. “Nothing I will deny myself.”

She met his gaze, her dark ringlets cascading down her back as she leaned against the bedpost, fully aware of the effect her presence had on him. She could see it in the way his breath caught, how his crimson eyes roamed over her, momentarily lost in the sight. In this moment, she held a kind of power over him, one that made her burn with satisfaction. 

He moved behind her, his hands sliding over her shoulders, tracing the curve of her spine before pulling her flush against him. His breath, hot against her ear, made her shudder. "You're a vision… a masterpiece," he whispered, voice a low, dangerous growl. His crimson eyes gleamed with hunger. "The things I could do to you… they’re endless."

Sima locked eyes with him, her own gaze bold and teasing. “Then what are you waiting for?”

Astarion’s pulse quickened, a fierce, unrelenting desire surging through him. She awakened something in him, something that had lain dormant for centuries. The challenge in her eyes only stoked the fire inside him. His hands tightened on her waist as he leaned down, his lips grazing her neck. “Nothing… nothing but permission,” he whispered, his voice thick with unslaked lust.

Sima’s eyes fluttered shut, the tremor of his touch sending a pulse of heat through her, awakening something wild and untamed beneath the surface. His fingers traced the open back of her blouse, teasing her skin with each light touch. “Total permission? Is that what you want?” she asked, her voice breathless, knowing full well the answer.

Astarion’s lips hovered near her ear. 'Absolute and utter submission,' he whispered.

Astarion eased back just enough to catch her gaze, his smile darkening as a wolfish hunger flickered in his eyes. “You’ve no idea what you’ve set free,” he whispered like a dangerous caress.

Sima’s confidence never wavered. She met his gaze, her voice a daring whisper. “Show me. You have my permission.”

Astarion surged forward, as his body crashed against her and devoured her lips. His hands curled possessively around the small of her back, pulling her flush against him as his other hand tangled in her hair. The kiss was fierce, a collision of need and power, as his tongue sought hers, and together, they fell into the heat of their connection.

Sima moaned softly into his kiss, her body pressing against his, the heat of her desire burning through her. Her fingers raked across his chest, nails grazing his skin as she reveled in the feel of his taut muscles beneath her touch.

Astarion's breath hitched as he ripped the blouse away from her body, the fabric falling to the floor in a forgotten heap. He took his time undoing her slacks, savoring the moment, the anticipation building between them like a coiled spring ready to snap. She broke from his kiss, her lips trailing down his jawline, nipping playfully at his throat. Her own hands making quick work of his finery.

He growled softly, a low sound of approval, as his hands found the waistband of her pants. With one smooth motion, he slid them down her legs, his lips brushing against the curve of her hip as she arched into him, her body bending under his touch.

Astarion’s body burned and ached with a fever at her touch. Sima's hands moved across his back, her soft moans filling the air between them even as her hands found the ridges of his old scars. Her touch was fire, branding him, marking him as hers. He reveled in the feel of her beneath him, her body yielding to his as he pushed her back onto the bed.

Sima collapsed onto the silk sheets, her breath quickening in shallow bursts. Her gaze flicked to the restraints waiting for her, anticipation coiling in her gut. Red ropes, tied neatly to the four bedposts, awaited their turn. Her eyes locked with his as she lay there; her dark, mahogany skin gleaming in the dim light and her curves a delightful sight.

Her voice was a soft whisper, filled with challenge and desire, as she looked up at him. "Play with me?"

For the briefest of moments, Astarion’s crimson eyes flickered, though he quickly mastered his expression. The surge of excitement her words evoked threatened to surface, but he reined it in. This was a game, yes—but a dangerous one, and she had given herself so easily. His hand moved to trace the curve of her breasts, fingers lingering on the soft swell as he leaned down to breathe the next words out as a wanton hiss,

"Play, my darling? Oh, I intend to do far more than that tonight."

Sima moaned softly against his mouth, biting down on his lower lip as his hand latched around her breasts and his fingers expertly pinching her nipples. A mounting desire rose between them, her impatience growing as she ground her hips against his body. Would he tie her up? Blindfold her? Punish her? Her mind raced with anticipation, even as his kisses deepened, stoking the fire between them.

Astarion knew it was time to test her limits. He wanted to see just how far she’d let him push this. His hands moved with expert precision as he captured her wrists, binding them behind her back with the soft red ropes. She couldn’t escape now, her hands rendered completely useless. He stepped back, admiring his work with satisfaction before leaning in once more, his breath hot against her skin as he whispered in her ear.

"You're such a good girl, Sima. Such a beautiful, good girl, just the way I like you..."

Sima’s back arched, her dark ringlets spilling down her shoulders, framing her face as her body lay exposed—vulnerable, yet unyielding in its submission. The silk ropes around her wrists held firm, not too tight yet secure enough to remind her that escape was not an option. He fisted his hand into her hair, tugging her head back sharply, eliciting a gasp before he threw her back against the bed. Her legs were still unbound, and the only barrier between her and his lustful intent was the fragile black thong she wore.

Astarion didn’t hesitate. His hands explored her body with reverence, savoring every curve, every inch of her warm mahogany skin beneath his fingers. His lips grazed her ear, his breath a hot whisper. “You’re exquisite… I can barely imagine how divine you’ll be as a vampire. The deep brown of your skin, those perfect curls… utterly irresistible.”

The hunger in his voice was palpable, a deep, consuming desire that drove him to the edge of control. In one swift motion, he tore her thong away, leaving her utterly bare before him. Her legs were pulled back and tied to the bedposts, her wrists now secured above her head as he adjusted the ropes with deliberate care. Sima was spread open for him, a vision of raw, unrestrained desire. Astarion couldn’t help but smile, admiring the sight of her vulnerable and exposed.

There was nothing else but surrender left at this moment. She lay stretched across the bed, every stretch of soft flesh exposed in a way that made her heart race. Her wrists pulled against the ropes, testing their give. Even tied, she still had power in the way her hips arched into his touch, the way she forced him to wait. 

Sima’s gaze met his, as he hovered over her, his expression dark with hunger that went far beyond mere need. He loomed over her like an artist before his masterpiece, preparing to shape her as he saw fit. She gave herself so willingly—far too easily for it to be real submission, he thought.

Astarion’s grin widened as he took in the sight of her, helpless and at his mercy, bound and ready for his pleasure. Her body was his to mold, and he reveled in it. Leaning down, he began to work her breasts with expert hands, caressing, kneading, and pinching the sensitive flesh, coaxing soft moans and whimpers from her lips. His mouth followed, tongue tracing her skin down her body, teasing her until she squirmed beneath him, utterly his.

Sima gasped as his tongue flicked between her thighs, her body arching as his hands continued their teasing play with her breasts. She glanced down the length of her body, watching him, her hands tied and helpless to stop the teasing assault. The torment of it—the way he brought her so close, only to pull away—left her breathless with frustration and want.

Astarion watched her closely, delighting in her every reaction. He reveled in the control he had over her, to make her beg for him. To him, it was all a dark performance—one he had perfected over centuries. And now, he was playing it out with the woman he desired more than any other.

With each soft moan that escaped her lips, he kissed them away, his teeth grazing her skin as mouth grew more demanding. His hands returned to her breasts, squeezing and pinching her nipples with more intensity, watching with satisfaction as her body shuddered beneath him. She was so sensitive, so eager for him.

Astarion growled, low and seductive, the heat in his voice meant only for her. His hands moved lower, sliding up and down her thighs, teasing her with every pass, his fingers brushing ever so close to her clit before pulling away again. The evidence of her desire was clear on her slick skin, a testament to the power he held over her.

"Look at you..." he purred, his eyes gleaming with wicked delight. "My perfect little slut. Filthy, aren’t you? But only ever for me."

Sima’s breath hitched as his fingers brushed her tender core, her body trembling. Caught by surprise she gasped as he hoisted her legs higher in the ropes, leaving her even more exposed. Astarion’s hand came down with a sharp slap against her ass, the sting making her body jolt, a sharp cry escaping her lips.

"Yes..." she breathed, her voice shaky with anticipation. "I like being yours."

Astarion’s eyes darkened with pleasure at her words, and he slapped her again, harder this time, watching as she groaned and hissed, stifling a moan. Power surged through him—intoxicating, undeniable—but it was her willing submission that felt like the ultimate triumph. He leaned in close and deeply commanded her, as the breath on his lips caressed her skin.

"Like being mine? Say it and mean it Sima. ‘I love being yours.’"

Her mind swam as she felt the power of his compulsion wash over her, her eyes glowing violet under the influence of his command. Her voice was soft, sultry, as she repeated the words, her tone mimicking his.

"I love being yours..."

Astarion’s hesitated a moment, taking in the look of her pure surrender. Then, as he snapped back into himself, his fangs grazed her neck as he released her from the spell, allowing her will to return. He craved her true submission, her real consent—but the echo of his whispered command still lingered in her mind, making the drip between her legs poor even more.

Sima blinked, momentarily disoriented, but as she looked up at him, tied and bound, her lips curled into a smile. She bit her lip as she watched him, blood still staining his mouth, the deep red glow of the room framing the scene in a perfect tableau of their shared depravity. He turned away, walking toward the wall of toys, a display of his intent that made her pulse quicken with excitement. She smirked as she observed him, like a curator selecting his favorite piece* “Well look who's so utterly satisfied with himself…” Her bratty tone mixed with the thrill of her desire.

Astarion grinned as he glanced back at her, his fingers trailing over the various implements hanging on the wall. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he considered his options, finally selecting a medium-sized paddle. He turned back toward her, his voice thick with amusement.

"Tell me... do you have a preference?" he asked, his voice teasing. "You've always been so good with your toys and playmates. Let me know what you want to explore. Let's have some fun, shall we?"

Sima’s eyes followed him closely, her breath hitching as he traced his fingers over the floggers and paddles. Her gaze lingered on the paddle in his hand, her body tensing with anticipation. She knew what she wanted, and she knew how to ask for it.

"Please," she breathed, her voice dripping with both defiance and mocking submission. "I've been bad... I need to be spanked."

Astarion’s eyes lit up with delight at her challenge, savoring the bratty spark in her gaze. He could never resist that rebellious streak in her. With a wicked grin, he raised the paddle and brought it down with a sharp crack across her rear.

Sima’s body jerked in response, a cry escaping her lips as the pain seared through her, mingling with the intense pleasure that coursed through her veins. The sting left her trembling, her body arching toward him as her desire grew with every passing moment.

Astarion took his time, relishing each reaction, watching her with the intensity of a wolf cornering a fawn. Again and again, the paddle came down, each strike landing on fresh skin, painting her rear in a deep maroon hue, darker than the red of the ropes that bound her.

She groaned, her breath coming in ragged gasps as her hands tightened around the ropes. Her body arched with each strike, the mixture of pain and pleasure building into an unbearable tension. Every time the paddle connected with her skin, a new wave of sensation washed over her, each one more intense than the last. Her dark brown eyes fluttered shut as the dampness between her thighs grew. The sensation of his marks, left behind on Sima began an addicting ache.  

Astarion was relentless, his strikes precise, his pace measured. He alternated the force and location of each hit, aiming deliberately toward the most sensitive spots—just above her clit, along her inner thighs—drawing out sharp yelps of rapture from Sima. Her body writhed beneath him, unable to escape the onslaught, her need palpable as the tension coiled tighter within her.

Her breath hitched as his hand slipped between her legs, his fingers brushing over her slick folds, teasing her mercilessly. The soft sounds of her soaked skin filled the room, a testament to the control he held over her. Every inch of her was his, and she couldn’t deny how much she craved this.

"You're such a filthy little thing," he murmured, completely wanton. "You love it when I make you beg, don't you?"

Sima whimpered, her body trembling as his fingers danced across her swollen bud, her hips bucking involuntarily toward his touch. She was so close now, the tension building into something almost unbearable, her need for release overwhelming every other thought in her mind. The torrent of feeling across her skin, left her only able to frantically nod. 

Astarion’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction at her confession, his fingers sliding inside her now, curling just right to hit that hidden spot within her. He watched with dark delight as her body responded to him, her moans growing louder, her thighs quivering with every movement. His voice dropped to a growl as he spoke again, his breath hot against her ear.

"Come for me, Sima… Prove just how much you crave being mine."

Sima’s body tensed at his command, the words pushing her over the edge. Her back arched off the bed, her breath catching as her orgasm crashed over her in a wave of heat and ecstasy. She cried out his name, her body shaking as she came hard, her core tightening around his fingers, pulling him deeper into her.

Astarion watched her with wanton craving, savoring the sight of her falling apart beneath him. His own desire surged as he felt her body convulse with pleasure, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she rode out the last waves of her climax. He pulled his fingers out of her slowly, bringing them to his lips and tasting her juices with a wicked grin.

"You taste delicious," he murmured, a mix of potent lust and longing. "But don’t think we’re done, my love. The night is still young, and I’m far from satisfied."

Sima lay sprawled across the bed, her body slack in the ropes, her breath coming in soft, uneven pants. Her skin was flushed, glistening with sweat, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to catch her breath. But as she looked up at him, the gleam in her eyes hadn’t faded. If anything, it had only grown stronger.

"Don’t waste another minute then" she whispered, her voice still tinged with defiance despite the exhaustion in her limbs. "Show me."

As Sima squirmed beneath him, her breath coming in ragged gasps, Astarion leaned over, his lips pressing softly against her neck. He trailed kisses and licks along her flushed skin, savoring the heat she exuded. His fingers slipped between her thighs, teasing her slick folds, the wetness greeting him with a surge of desire. He smirked against her skin, feeling the tremble of her body under his touch.

Her cries grew louder as his fingers found her aching bud, relentlessly teasing her as she gasped his name. Sima was oversensitive and he knew it. Her deep brown eyes locked with his crimson gaze, full of unspoken pleas. Every brush of his fingers coaxed her closer to the edge, the pressure within her building, her body trembling with the promise of release.

Sima’s hips bucked desperately against his hand, her need palpable as she sought more—harder, deeper. She was so close now, her body tightening with every stroke, her voice breaking with frustration and desire. Astarion watched her with a hunter’s focus, his own desire barely contained as he relished in her vulnerability, in the power he held over her pleasure.

"Tell me what you want, darling," he whispered, his voice a low growl, laced with dark intent. His breath was hot against her ear as his fingers continued their relentless teasing, drawing her closer to that sweet oblivion. "Let me hear it, and I’ll give you everything."

Her voice broke into a desperate whimper, her body shaking with need as she bucked harder against his fingers. "Harder..." she gasped, defiance edging her voice. "And tell me those dirty things I love."

Astarion chuckled softly, amused and aroused by her defiance. His fingers moved faster, the pressure growing more insistent as he leaned closer, his breath sending electric shocks through her. His whispers turned filthy, each word dripping with condescension and desire, feeding the fire that burned within her. He reveled in her submission, the way she squirmed beneath him, her body completely at his mercy.

"Such a good little whore," he whispered darkly, his voice thick with lust. "You love it, don’t you? Being mine... utterly helpless."

Sima groaned in response, arching off the bed as his degrading words washed over her. Her ringlets spilled over her face as she bucked harder, grinding against his hand, desperate for more. His fingers matched the frantic rhythm of her hips, bringing her closer to the edge with every stroke, keeping her teetering on the precipice of pleasure.

Astarion watched her closely, his crimson eyes gleaming with pride and hunger as her body trembled beneath him. He pushed two fingers inside her, curling them expertly to hit that hidden spot that made her gasp. His whispers continued, taunting her with promises of more until she couldn’t take it anymore.

"Is that it?" he murmured, his voice a tantalizing tease. "Is that the kind of filth you crave? I can make you feel so much more, Sima... just tell me when you’re ready, and I’ll show you everything."

Her body shook with need, her frustration evident as she begged for more. "Yes... please..." she gasped, her voice trembling. "Keep calling me names..."

Astarion smirked, loving the way she begged, the way she writhed beneath his control. His voice was a dark whisper in her ear as he continued his filthy endearments.

"Such a good little slut," he purred. "You’re mine, Sima... always mine."

The words pushed her over the edge. Her body tensed, her hips lifting off the bed as her core clenched around his fingers. Her climax crashed over her like a tidal wave, her cries filling the room as her body shuddered with the force of her release. Her head fell back against the pillow, her body trembling as she surrendered to the tremors radiating through her.

Astarion drank in the sight of her with pride and wanton greed. The sound of her moans, the way her body moved beneath him, sent a surge of satisfaction through him. He pulled his fingers from her slowly, this time bringing them to her own lips to coat them in her slick. 

Sima lay slack in the ropes, her skin glistening with sweat, her breath coming in soft pants. She watched him through half-lidded eyes, her body still pulsing with the remnants of pleasure. A soft whimper escaped her as his fingers made her taste her own spent desire.

For a fleeting moment, the familiar arrogance ebbed, replaced by something deeper—something tender. His smile lingered, though softer now, a trace of genuine pleasure in his eyes. His voice dropped to a near whisper, reverent in its softness.

"Such a good girl..."

The words barely left his lips before he leaned down, his mouth capturing hers in a deep, passionate kiss. His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her closer as he savored the taste. The plush drag of their mouths full of heat and longing, as if neither of them could get enough of the other.

Sima pulled against the red ropes that ensnared her. Leaning forward with her body as she ached, to hold him, but the restraints kept her bound. She whined softly as he shifted on top of her, his stiff, unspent cock sliding against her folds languidly.

Astarion ran his fingers through her wild curls, his gaze never leaving hers. In that moment, something stirred deep within him—something more than lust, more than the thrill of conquest. It was a connection, a sense of completion that he hadn’t felt in centuries. It unsettled him, but he couldn’t deny it.

He leaned in closer, teasing her entrance with the head of his cock, and a soft whimper escaped his darling’s lips as the restraints prevented her from wrapping her legs around him as she craved. Desperation edged her voice as she pressed her lips against his ear, her breath warm, thick with need.

“I want you… fill me.”

Astarion’s restraint shattered in an instant. Her words, dripping with raw longing and insatiable hunger, stripped away his usual poise. His ruby eyes blazed with an uncontainable need as he thrust into her with a single, powerful stroke. His lips crashed against hers in a bruising kiss. Each flick of his tongue a promise that he would not stop until he had consumed her completely, until her pleasure had devoured them both.

Sima groaned deeply, the ropes biting into her skin as she pulled against them, her body desperate to move with him, to wrap herself around him and pull him even deeper. When he pushed all the way to the hilt, her inner walls fluttered and her throat caught before he began thrusting at a primal pace. Each collision of their bodies burned a fervor  under her skin that only grew with each stroke. Their mouths remained locked, her tongue flicking against his fangs until she tasted the sharp tang of blood on his lips. The blood only fueled the fire between them, heightening every sensation, every thrust, every kiss.

For Astarion, this was the pinnacle of everything he had ever wanted. She, who was always so strong, now lay utterly helpless, surrendered to him, completely at his mercy. His hands gripped the sheets, his jaw clenched as his lips moved feverishly from hers to her neck, down to her collarbone. Everywhere he touched her, he claimed her, his desire raw and unrelenting.

His usual cool demeanor had long since vanished, replaced by a frenzied, animalistic rhythm. He kissed her hungrily, savoring the taste of her blood mixed with the sweet scent of her skin, his fingers digging into her flesh as he drove into her harder, faster, losing himself completely in the heat of their connection. Every moan, every gasp, every roll of her hips sent him closer to the brink, her body a perfect vessel for his darkest desires.

Sima whimpered against his mouth, her body moving with his in perfect, desperate harmony. Each thrust filled her so completely, stretching her to the point where it felt like she might shatter. Her core tightened around him, her hips bucking wildly as she felt herself teetering on the edge, the pleasure building, consuming her with each passing second. Her breasts pressed against his chest, her body undulating with the frantic rhythm they had created. She bit down on his lip, hard, drawing more blood as her moans softened into breathless gasps, his name spilling from her lips like a prayer.

Astarion’s hand moved to her throat, gripping it just enough to hold her steady as he kissed her deeply. Her moans, her whimpers, the way her silken vise gripped him so tightly—it was all too much. The pleasure surged through him, driving him into a frenzied rhythm, his every thrust pushing them both closer to oblivion.

Sima’s soft, desperate voice broke through the haze, her moan vibrating against his lips. "With me? Gods... I’m close..."

Her words shattered the last vestiges of his control. Astarion’s breath hitched, his body moving faster, his thrusts harder, more frantic as he pushed even deeper into her, hitting that hidden trigger inside her with precision. 

"Yes... yes... yes..." he panted, his voice raw and desperate, each thrust sending them both hurtling toward their shared release.

Sima’s body arched off the bed as she cried out Astarion’s name as she broke against her own peak. Her core tightened around him, milking him with each tight flutter and her body trembling uncontrollably beneath his. Each wave of pleasure left her gasping for breath. For a moment, it felt like she was suspended in free fall, her mind blissfully empty, consumed entirely by the pleasure he had coaxed from her. Her eyes locked onto him as he chased her over the edge.

Astarion couldn't hold back any longer. Her cunt’s raw embrace, her cries filling the air utterly broke him, and he lost all control. Astarion let out a long, deep moan as he spilled inside her. He thrust into her with desperate fervor, riding the last waves of their shared ecstasy until he was utterly spent. The scent of sex, sweat, and her perfume leaving him heady. 

For a moment, he lay there, still buried deep within her, his body warm and heavy against hers. It was a feeling unlike anything he'd ever experienced—an intoxicating blend of satisfaction, love, and relief. Astarion pressed his lips to her skin, but the warmth that lingered unnerved him. It wasn’t the heat of passion—it was something deeper, a softness that made him feel exposed. He told himself it would pass, but some part of him whispered that it wouldn’t.

Sima lay beside him, her body utterly relaxed, her wrists and ankles marked red from the ropes that had held her in place. The ache in her limbs was sweet, a reminder of how completely she had surrendered to him, how much she trusted him. She turned her head toward him, feeling the softness of his damp curls brush her cheek. Her breath was still uneven, but a contented sigh escaped her lips as she let herself sink into the moment.

Astarion’s arm snaked around her, pulling her close against his chest. He could hear the gentle beat of her heart, steady and soothing, her breathing soft as it lulled him into a rare sense of calm. It was a strange feeling—one he wasn’t accustomed to, but one he found himself craving more of. He closed his eyes, his fingers tangling in her wild curls as he held her close. In this moment, everything felt perfect, as if the rest of the world no longer mattered.

Sima’s voice broke the silence, a soft murmur still thick with the remnants of pleasure. "Astarion... I want to hold you..." She wriggled her wrists, trying to free herself from the ropes that still bound her.

Astarion didn’t respond with words, not immediately. Instead, he shifted his body, pulling her closer, his leg sliding between hers as he nuzzled into her neck. He wasn’t ready to let her go just yet, wasn’t ready to lose the feeling of her warmth against him. She was still bound, and a small part of him enjoyed that—knowing that she was his, even for just a little longer.

Sima sighed, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Silly thing... my wrists and ankles are going to go numb if you don’t untie me."

Astarion grinned against her skin, his voice a soft murmur filled with amusement. "I’ll untie you, my love. But not yet." He pressed his leg more firmly between hers, his body wrapped around her possessively, as if he couldn’t bear to let her slip away from him. Not after what they had just shared.

Sima laughed softly, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. "Well, fine. I suppose you’re very cute right now."

Astarion chuckled, his lips trailing soft, lingering kisses along her collarbone. His breath was warm against her skin, sending little shivers of pleasure through her. He kissed along her neck, his fingers resting lightly on her throat, his thumb stroking the sensitive skin in lazy circles. It was a gentle touch, one that belied the intensity they had just shared, but one that made her heart race all the same.

Sima moaned softly, her body relaxing into his embrace. His kisses were disarming, tender in a way she hadn’t expected, and she found herself sinking deeper into the sensation. She had always loved the way he kissed her neck, the way his lips pressed against her skin like a promise. And as he kissed lower, she let herself fall into the warmth of the moment.

Astarion could feel the way her body responded, the way she leaned into his touch, trusting him completely. It stirred something deep within him, something that felt far too close to love. He smiled against her skin, knowing exactly what she was feeling. His lips moved in gentle nibbles along her throat, his thumb still tracing circles on her neck, feeling the steady pulse of her heartbeat beneath his fingers. The warmth of her blood called to him, and he knew he couldn’t resist it any longer.

His fangs descended slowly, a low growl escaping him before he sank them into her neck.

Sima gasped, the sharp pain quickly giving way to a rush of pleasure. She moaned softly, her body quivering in his embrace as his arms tightened around her. Bound and helpless as she was, she trusted him entirely, letting herself fall into the sensation as the warmth of his bite washed over her. She could feel his need, the hunger behind the bite, but more than that, she felt the tenderness in the way he held her.

Astarion drank slowly, savoring the taste of her blood. It had been so long since he had fed from her, and now, as her blood flowed into him, he felt an overwhelming sense of connection. She was more delicious than he remembered, her essence filling him with warmth and desire. When he finally pulled away, his eyes were dark oxblood pools of pure satisfaction. 

Sima lay still, her body flushed, and her breath coming in soft, uneven gasps as she recovered from the bite. She was still tied, but there was a softness in her expression, a contentment that made him smile. Gently, Astarion began to untie her wrists;  his movements careful to protect this precious thread of closeness between them. 

As her arms fell to the mattress, Sima sighed in relief, her body going slack. She pulled at the ties on her ankles, and when they finally came loose, she leaned her forehead against his, gazing into his eyes.

"Relax," Astarion whispered, his voice soft as he kissed her deeply, his hands cradling her face. "You’re safe with me." There was no rush, no urgency now—just the sweetness of the moment, the quiet intimacy that lingered between them. And for the first time in a long while, he tried to infuse those words with every part of himself.

Sima kissed him back, her arms wrapping around him at last, pulling him close. Her legs, still shaking slightly from the intensity of their passion, managed to wrap around his waist. She held him tightly, needing to feel every part of him, to reassure herself that this moment was real.

"Say those words again," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with need. Those words meant more to her than anything else, more even than the pleasure they had just shared.

Astarion smiled against her lips, his gaze softening as he held her. "You’re safe with me," he whispered again, his voice low, tender, and full of conviction. The words were meant to comfort her, but deep down, he wasn’t entirely sure they were true. He wanted them to be—gods, how he wanted them to be. But could he really promise her safety, when the darker parts of himself still whispered otherwise?

He could feel the weight of her trust, the significance of those words between them. She had given herself to him completely, body and soul, and now, perhaps for the first time, he realized that this was more than mere passion. This was something that bound them together in a way that even he hadn’t anticipated.

She allowed herself to melt into his kiss, a deliberate surrender of control. She wasn’t simply swept away—she was making a choice, to trust him again, to meet him halfway.  When their lips parted, she rested her forehead against his, gazing into his crimson eyes with a tenderness that only deepened. 

"I love you," she whispered, her fingers curling into his damp white curls as she held his face in her hands.

Astarion’s breath caught in his throat as the gravity behind her words sank in. For a moment, the words caught in his throat. He hadn’t said them in centuries—hadn’t allowed himself to. But with her, it felt... right. Even if, deep down, part of him wondered if he could ever fully mean them in the way she deserved.

"I love you as well, Sima," he said softly, his eyes opening and gazing at her as if she was the entirety of his existence. He pressed another kiss to her lips, slow and gentle and his hand caressed her cheek as if she was more precious than any stone in Evereska. 

Sima’s heart thudded in her chest as she gazed into his eyes, her hands still caressing his face. Every part of her wanted to believe, to trust in this love they had discovered together. But it wasn’t without its risks, its uncertainties. She knew the chaos it might bring, the complications of their lives, but she also knew, deep in her soul, that she was ready.

With a steadying breath, Sima held his face more firmly as she made her silent decision. She leapt headfirst toward the unknown, driven by the faith she had in him, in them.

She swallowed, her breath trembling but her resolve firm as she whispered, "Yes... Astarion. Yes. I'll do it."

For the first time in his long, cursed life, Astarion’s smile wasn’t marred by seduction or arrogance. It was honest, vulnerable, and real. He cupped her face in his hands, her name falling from his lips like a sacred prayer, "Sima…"

But deep inside, beneath the warmth of her acceptance, a flicker of uncertainty remained. Could he really let go of the power he had always craved? Could he share it equally? He wanted to believe he could. He loved her, didn’t he? Yet, some darker corner of his mind whispered: You will always have the final say.

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with the weight of eternity. His gaze, always so sharp, softened as his lips enveloped her as she chose him in this moment. The lingering kiss spoke of everything he couldn’t say aloud—his gratitude, his awe, his love. This was no fleeting moment of pleasure. This was forever.

Sima’s conviction solidified in the press of their lips. Her hands tightened in his white curls as if anchoring herself to this moment, to the man who had offered her the world and challenged her at every turn. There was no turning back now, and the thought of it didn’t scare her. It thrilled her. This time, it would be different, a quiet refrain in her mind. 

But as Astarion held her, the old instincts whispered again—control, dominance, power. Was he truly capable of this equality she demanded? Could she be his equal without threatening his carefully constructed rule?

When their lips parted, Astarion’s eyes glistened with a quiet intensity. He brushed a thumb over her cheek, his voice soft yet resolute. "I swear to you, on everything I am, you will never fear me again. I will never hurt you, Sima, not ever. You will always be free." But even as he said the words, a subtle shadow flickered in his mind—Free... but mine. He pulled her closer, as if the force of his love could silence the doubts gnawing at him.

The words hit her with a force she hadn’t expected. Free—the word echoed in her mind. It meant more now, after all they had been through, after the trust she had placed in him. But that wasn't enough. Her decision to embrace this life, to stand at his side forever, meant they couldn’t just be lovers, or sire and bride. They had to be more. They had to be equals, bound by choice, not chains.

She pulled back slightly, her dark brown eyes blazing with a fierce clarity as she held his gaze. "Astarion," she whispered, her voice trembling with both love and hidden fears. "If I give you all of me, if I step into eternity with you… we do this together. We’re equals. Equal in every way. I won’t be your shadow, your possession. I want to be your partner, standing beside you, not beneath you." This is my line in the sand. I won’t cross it, she thought. If I let myself be anything less than his equal, I’d be betraying everything I’ve fought for, everything I am. I’ve come too far, survived too much. He has to understand that. If he doesn’t... 

Astarion blinked, the weight of her words settling over him like an iron blanket. In all the centuries he had lived, no one had ever spoken to him like this—no one had ever asked for equality. They had feared him, admired him, submitted to him. But this… this was different. This was power, real power, given willingly, not taken by force. And yet... could he let go of this gnawing, ravenous need for control?

He brushed his lips over hers again, this time slower, softer, as if sealing a pact between them. When he pulled away, his voice was rough, barely above a whisper. "Equal and free, Sima. Always."  

But a small voice inside reminded him: Equal, yes—but still mine. Always mine, like a sick lullaby. Could he give her freedom and keep her bound to him? The thought twisted something deep inside him, but he pushed it aside for now. "Not my shadow, not my possession. My equal. My partner. My consort." 

Her heart swelled, and for a moment, she almost let herself believe it completely. But even still her traitorous heart questioned in the shadows: could Astarion really give her what she needed? Or was she asking too much of a man who had spent centuries in chains of his own making? 

She cupped his face again, her fingers curling against his sharp jaw as she whispered back, "Equal and free," she repeated, sealing it with a kiss of hope.  "And together, we’ll have everything. No one will stand in our way."

Astarion’s smile turned wicked, the glint of ambition sparking in his eyes, but now it was shared—it wasn’t just his hunger for power, but theirs. Together, they would be unstoppable. Together, but still in the palm of my hand...

"Everything, my love. I swear it."

They had forged their bond in blood and fire, and now they would burn the world down together, equal and free—at least, as far as he could allow. 

Keep a blade close.