Taboo Romance

"You've been with Mirelia for six years now, right? Still not planning to get married?" The noisy music filled the private room of the bar, but Mirelia, standing outside the door, could still hear the conversation inside. Just as she was about to knock, she froze, silently waiting for the answer. Maybe her mindset was a bit outdated, she still believed marriage was sacred, that two people in love should step into that sacred bond and make a vow that even death couldn't break. She had brought up the idea of marriage with Droevir several times, but each time, he had expertly steered the conversation away. There was a brief silence inside, then Droevir's nonchalant voice cut through, "Marriage? Mirelia isn't the one I truly love. There's no way I'm marrying her." Mirelia's fingers, pressed against the door, curled involuntarily. Even though she had suspected this would be the answer, hearing Droevir say it aloud still sent waves of dull pain through her chest. She had thought that after six years together, they were in love. It turned out it was all just her wishful thinking. Unable to restrain the force in her hand, Mirelia pushed harder, and the door swung open with a loud bang. The laughter and chatter inside the room came to an abrupt halt, and everyone turned to look at her. Vantro, who had just been asking Droevir the question, quickly stood up, a bit nervous. "Mirelia! What would you like to drink?" Vantro silently hoped that the music had been loud enough that Mirelia hadn't heard anything. He didn't want to be the cause of a quarrel between Mirelia and Droevir, fearing that it might somehow be his fault. Praying that Mirelia hadn't heard anything and regretting asking such a question, Vantro eagerly stepped forward, inviting her to sit next to Droevir. However, Mirelia didn't budge, simply staring directly at Droevir. Droevir had only glanced in her direction when the door opened, then turned back to his drink, not even sparing her a glance. He didn't seem to care whether she'd heard what he had said earlier. "Droevir," Mirelia called out his name, and only then did he look up at her. Mirelia looked him straight in the eye and said, "Let's break up. It seems I've been holding you back from finding your true love. You should have told me earlier. I wouldn't have clung to you." Vantro, standing behind her, looked helpless. She heard it after all. He tried to calm her down, "Mirelia, don't get upset. Droevir's had too much to drink. He was just joking. Don't take it seriously with a drunk." Still seated on the couch, Droevir let out a cold laugh. "How could I be drunk after just one drink? If she wants to break up, so be it." Mirelia looked down at Droevir, and he gazed back at her, unflinching. After a few seconds of locking eyes, confirming the seriousness in each other's gaze, Mirelia turned and left without a second thought. As she walked down the corridor, her eyes caught on a cross hanging on the wall, and she couldn't help but curl her lips into a self-mocking smile. She was laughing at her own naivety, for having dreamed of a love that belonged to her, for fantasizing that someone might promise to love her forever. But as a vampire, the moment she stepped into a church, the priest would probably douse her with holy water. How could the priest possibly witness her vows or bless her love?