The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 6

CH6

Morgan

I stumbled through the cavern, gasping for air. The harsh scent of burned flesh still lingered in the air and made my throat dry. I shuddered, scrambling up the stairs toward the sound of rain and thunder. My feet pounded against the uneven ground. I didn't look back or slow down. The further I got, the better chance I had.

Finally, I burst from the cave entrance and into the open air. Rain lashed down on me. I looked up

at the sky, stunned for a moment. It was almost like stepping back in time days ago to when my father died.

The caravans were gone. I didn't see any trails either. My stomach turned. Had they cleaned up

the bodies that quickly? More importantly, how was I going to get away from here? My heart pounded in my ears. Thunder rumbled, and I rushed towards the bank of trees nearby. The guards would be just behind me, I was sure, Distance, I needed distance and time. Without a second thought, I plunged into the dense forest. The rain seemed thicker in the darkness of the forest. Thorny branches tore at the gown that only grew heavier the longer it was wet, but I kept going.

trying to listen for anyone coming behind me while running.

Eventually, I stopped, heaving for breath and shaking. I pulled at the complicated knots around my waist that held it all together. I let the heavy layers fall off and gathered the fabric and the cord. I shivered, standing in the rain in little more than a slip. Every snap of a twig and every rustle of leaves sent my head whipping around, searching for a sign of the guards. But there was nothing. Just the relentless rain and the endless green maze of the forest.

Had I outrun them? I flinched at the sound of footsteps on the ground and went still, hoping they

would hear or see me.

Then, a creature stepped through the underbrush. It was a horse unlike any I'd ever seen seen. Its

s coat

shimmered with an otherworldly sheen, the color shifting between silver and moonlight blue. Its eyes, intelligent and knowing, met mine. Then, in a movement that defied logic, the creature bowed its head low, almost regally, as if offering a ride.

I hesitated. This horse was definitely not normal. And if it took me back, I'd have no way off, but I couldn't stay in the forest, in the rain. I'd die of exposure in days and the nearest town was more than just a few miles away.

With a trembling hand, I reached out and touched the horse's cool, sleek flank. It didn't flinch,

only nudged its head closer in a silent invitation.

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21:56 Tue, Oct 15

CHO

Will you take me

from the cave. The world blurred as the horse sped through the forest. Finally, it came to at halt, whickering softly, at the familiar outskirts of my hometown. My heart pounded a different rhythm now, a frantic mix of trepidation and hope. The trip had felt

to it and found it

Alright. Magical horses. Great.

slip between two buildings, lugging the robes and chords with me. Taking a deep

believe it?" a woman said, her voice laced with concern. "Poor Buvama boy, still clinging to life at the

end of the bargain. Then, I frowned. Three weeks?

been a

gruff and dismissive, replied, "Shame about that. Seems the family's about to hit rock bottom anyway. Goro got himself tangled

see her racking up debt in anticipation of being the family's heir. I bit my lip. Goro would have done anything to save his daughter. He'd probably used all the liquid funds the family had to get her out of debt if it was necessary. That meant, whatever was in the bank for the family and for the business. He was a sentimental idiot. Ryuyama Silks and Tailoring couldn't function without liquid capital, and he damn sure couldn't pay for an

fhe'd

much longer would he have in the hospital? had to find out. I had money separate from the family. Since I hadn't come back as a crisp, the bank wouldn't have released it to Adele or Goro. Dad had set up an account for

had to get to the hospital and get a sense of the

letting my mind

she turned up?" I frowned, recognizing the

and the Ryuyamas haven't said

"You think it's true?"

like in the old stories. What do

like anyone really

The woman's voice shook. "It's not like anyone remembers what it was like

that

heir

knows that Morgan is alive, and until

even a replacement."

me, but I recognized her from the way she dressed. Goro had always made sure she had new clothes from

the hospital came into view. I drew one of the less expensive-looking robes back on, used the thinnest layer as a veil and hood, and bundled up the rest of the heavy fabric before entering. The hospital's entryway was silent. I went to the front desk after ringing out my clothes as best

with kind eyes and a weary smile looked up. "Can

over me as he didn't seem suspicious at all, but there was

set me on

here to see Hiro Ryuyama," I said, trying to