The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 77

CH77

Morgan

Hiro burst into fresh, heart-wrenching sobs and buried his face in my shoulder, clinging to me. He felt so small in my arms. His sobs were muffled against my shoulder. He trembled, and I couldn't figure out what to say. "Promise me you won't abandon me," he cried, his voice filled with desperation. "Promise?"

I promise," I whispered, my voice barely audible. TI always be here for you,"

As he cried, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It was a relief to know that he knew. The truth was out, and while it was painful, it was also liberating. At the very least, he'd be able to start processing it all.

I know it hurts right now, but it will get better. And when you're free to leave the hospital," I continued, my voice firm, Tm taking you with me.

"Taking me with you where?"

The dragon realm."

He gasped and pulled away, his eyes wide with disbelief. "It's realm?"

I nodded

"You're living in there? Ren, what's going on?"

I grinned. "It's a bit complicated, but what do you think? Do you want to come? Meet my husband? See the palace?"

His jaw dropped. "You have a husband? But you said that you weren't going to get married."

"Let's talk about it when you can have cake?" I smiled. I glanced over at Kai. "What do you say? A trip? Maybe adopt a little brother on the way!

Kai flushed and looked down at his feet.

he asked, his

won't leave you here," I replied, my voice firm. We're

gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered. "I think I'd

can't just take my son," Goro hissed.

rippling through the air as I brought Hiro closer to me. "Stay away from us. You've done enough."

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes widening in shock. My eyes had transformed into a brilliant red-orange, glowing with an otherworldly intensity. Ripples of flame-like light danced across my skin, illuminating my features with an unnatural

would change me.. I had not understood then, but the longer I looked at myself like this, the more

me, his eyes fluttering.

stay a

at least until you

I gently placed Hiro back

with exhaustion. As he drifted off to sleep. I looked back to where

CH77

didn't care. They'd put us all through so much for their selfishness. As Kai and I headed

guard outside the door," I instructed, my voice firm. To not

needs rest

me before taking her position. With a final glance at my brother, I led Kai away from the room. My mind

to keep it quiet for his sake, it likely wouldn't remain quiet. As soon as we got back to the palace, Kal was already nodding off. I put him in bed and shuffled back to the room I shared with Tsuneo. The power and odd sensations continued to course through me. I felt water than

I turned, I couldn't get cooler at all. I felt like I was boiling in

door open, and hope sparked in

out. "Are

panted, slamping against

couldn't even

drifting through

he was leaning over me. He lifted me up, and I sighed, feeling the heat starting to flow out of me. I curled closer to him. He gathered me closer. "Are you alright? You.." He growled, lowering his head and burying his nose in my neck.

I said. "You're

turned off the water. He scooped me up and carried me toward the

have you been

the water to fill the tub. He lowered me into the tub