It matters not how many minutes tick past. Erik stays there, steady as a rock, breathing slow and evenly for Artemy to match, enduring that impressive grip as if it's nothing. This is not so different than how he has held fledgling vampires in his care while they, too, struggled against memories of loss and pain. He's seen far worse than this, which is why the shame in Artemy is so heartbreaking to witness. Such guilt he carries, so heavy for a human.

"As you can see, I am perfectly fine," he answers gently, with no attempt to keep the man from lifting his shirt to check. "Don't fret over me. I did tell you I am sturdy. How are you feeling now?"