Golden Melody

Chapter 180

Chapter 180

Dom Mansion – Garden

December 24, just before midnight
The night was quiet.

On a picnic mat beneath the open sky—
Miexha lay beside Zatariel, her guitar resting gently against her.

She strummed a few soft chords.

Zatariel hummed along, eyes half-closed, completely at ease beside her.

Then—
She started to sing.

A light, playful tune.
"Bubbly."

Zatariel joined in, his voice slipping naturally into harmony with hers.

They laughed mid-lyrics.

Missed notes.
Changed words.

Turned lines into inside jokes only they understood.

It didn't matter.

Nothing had to be perfect.

When the song ended, Miexha giggled softly, her fingers still resting on the strings.

Zatariel reached over, gently taking the guitar from her and setting it aside.

Then—
He stood.

And offered his hand.

Miexha took it.

He pulled her up carefully, steadying her as she found her balance.

Then guided her closer—
Her hands naturally rested around his neck.

His arms wrap around her waist.

They began to sway.

No music.
Just the rhythm of their breathing.

Zatariel leaned down slowly—
Pressing a kiss to her hair.

Then her forehead.

Then both cheeks.

The tip of her nose—
Before finally—
Her lips.

They kissed like they finally had time.

Miexha's fingers tightened slightly around him.

Zatariel pulled her closer.

No words.
But everything was said.

When they parted, their foreheads rested together, breaths still tangled.

"We'll get through this," Zatariel whispered.
"No matter what they say... no matter what they plan."
His voice was soft—but certain.
"They won't break us."

Miexha's eyes shimmered.

She nodded.

Zatariel slowly pulled back—
Then, without warning—
He knelt.

Miexha's breath caught.

"I don't know what the future looks like," he said, looking up at her.
"But I promise you."
His gaze didn't waver.
"I won't love anyone the way I love you."

Miexha's eyes filled with tears.

"Right now, it's not much," he added softly.
"But being with you like this..."
He exhaled.
"...I'm already happy."

She dropped to her knees in front of him—

"If you asked me to run away with you," she whispered against his lips,
"I would."

Zatariel laughed softly, brushing her hair back.

"Don't say that," he murmured.
"I might actually do it."