In the room, the situation was becoming critical. Miria was fading. Her convulsions grew less violent but more desperate. Kira, panicked, shouted:
"We're losing her!"
Katrina, eyes filled with tears, turned to Asher with a pleading, broken look:
"Asher… Do something! Please!"
Asher was horrified, cornered. He looked at Katrina, Kira, Marlie, Alix, then at Miria struggling for her life. He closed his eyes for a long moment, his face tormented. When he opened them again, a painful determination shone in his gaze.
"Forgive me…" he murmured in a broken voice.
He approached the bed, knelt beside Miria, and took her burning face between his trembling hands.
"I will grant your wish, my love. Even if it tears me apart."
With a precise motion, he bit Miria's neck, then sank his teeth deeply into his own wrist, letting the vampire blood flow abundantly. He brought the wound to Miria's lips and let the scarlet liquid pour into her mouth.
"Drink…" he whispered, his throat tight. "Drink to live."
Miria's body stiffened violently. A terrible spasm ran through her as the venom spread like liquid fire through her veins. She arched her back, a stifled cry escaping her throat, her muscles contracted in unbearable pain. Asher held her firmly against him, stroking her sweat-soaked hair.
"I'm here… I'm staying with you."
After several violent convulsions, Miria went completely still. No more movement. Her body became strangely calm, as if suspended between two worlds.