The morning was somber, a misty gray light shrouding the city as Sunghoon and I prepared for the librarian's funeral. The weight of the battle still clung to us, and the loss of our dear ally was an open wound. I dressed in a simple black dress, my eyes swollen from the tears I couldn't stop throughout the night. Sunghoon stood next to me, equally solemn in a black suit, the quiet strength he usually carried replaced with sorrow.
"Are you ready?" he asked softly, his hand finding mine.
I nodded, though deep down, I wasn't sure I'd ever truly be ready. "Yes, let's go."
We arrived at the secluded cemetery just as the sun peeked through the clouds, casting a gentle light over the rows of headstones. A small group of allies, human and vampire alike, had gathered to pay their respects. The librarian had touched more lives than we realized, and the weight of her absence could be felt in the air.
The ceremony was simple but deeply heartfelt. A wooden casket adorned with flowers rested near an open grave, the scent of roses and lilies filling the air—reminders of the librarian's gentleness and warmth. Sunghoon and I stood at the front, our hands still entwined, drawing strength from each other. Hyerin stood close by, her eyes filled with understanding. She had read the note I left and, even without words, we knew she understood everything.
An elderly priest, neutral and wise, began the service. "We gather here today to honor the memory of a brave and noble soul," he said, his voice soft yet resonant. "The librarian was not just a keeper of knowledge but a guardian of peace and hope."
As the priest spoke, my thoughts drifted to all the times the librarian had guided us. She had been more than an ally—she had been our light in the darkest moments, her wisdom shaping our choices. I remembered sitting in her shop, the smell of old books in the air as she showed us the way forward.
Sunghoon stepped forward next, his voice breaking the silence. "The librarian was a true friend and ally," he began, his voice steady despite the emotion I knew he was holding back. "She believed in a future where vampires and humans could coexist, and she sacrificed everything to see that dream come closer to reality."
He paused, his gaze heavy as he looked out over the gathered crowd. "We will honor her memory by continuing her mission. Her sacrifice will not be in vain."
A wave of resolve washed over me. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, my voice trembling but clear. "The librarian taught me the power of knowledge, compassion, and understanding. Even in the darkest of times, she showed us that there is always hope. We will carry her lessons with us and fight for the future she believed in."
Tears filled my eyes as I spoke, but I stood tall, my resolve unwavering. The others murmured in agreement, their respect for the librarian clear. She had united us in ways none of us had expected.
As the ceremony neared its end, each person placed a single flower on the casket—one final tribute to the librarian's life and legacy. Sunghoon and I were the last to step forward. He placed a white rose, pure and untainted, while I placed a red one, full of love and respect. Together, we stood as the casket was lowered into the earth.
"May her soul find peace, and may her legacy live on in those who knew and loved her," the priest said, his words lingering in the cool air.
When the crowd began to leave, Sunghoon and I remained by the grave, silent. His hand squeezed mine, grounding me.
"I wish she could see the world we're going to build," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"She will," Sunghoon said, his gaze locked on the fresh mound of earth. "Her spirit will always be with us, guiding us. We'll make her proud."
We stood there for a moment longer before finally walking away, the weight of the day settling over us. But as heavy as our grief was, it also fueled my determination. The librarian's sacrifice had strengthened my resolve to see our mission through to the end.
Back at the safe house, we found solace in each other's arms. The pain was sharp, but being with Sunghoon made it more bearable. He held me close, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead as the last rays of daylight faded.
As the sun set, we made our way to the rooftop, the sky turning hues of pink and orange. The city felt different now, quieter, the librarian's absence like a shadow. But even amidst the sorrow, a flicker of hope remained.
"Thank you for being with me," I said quietly, turning to Sunghoon, my eyes reflecting the fading light.
He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I wouldn't be anywhere else. You mean everything to me."
Our lips met in a gentle kiss, a promise of love and support. We stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we could face them together.
As night fell, the stars slowly appeared above us, and we remained there, comforted by the bond we shared. The librarian's legacy would live on, not just in our memories but in the path we were determined to carve out.
꧁ ____________★____________ ꧂
YOU ARE READING
Crimson Moonlight
Vampire❝I don't know what I got myself into, but I'm not complaining. The best idea I have had by far was to stick with you, until the very end.❞
