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 voice filled

I replied,

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

just take my son," Goro

could think more about it, I tumed. Snarling, hissing at them. I felt the air heat around me. Their eyes widened, and they jumped back. I saw the light rippling through the air as I brought Hiro closer to me. "Stay away from us. You've done enough." I glared at them. My husband wanted to kill you for your betrayal. You're making it more and more of an

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,

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

sagged against me, his eyes fluttering. He

a

at least until you go to sleep,

I gently placed Hiro back in bed,

drifted off to sleep. I looked back to where

CH77

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

stand guard outside the door," I instructed, my voice firm. To not let anyone is without my permission, especially not Gorn and Adele.

needs rest

saluting me before taking her position. With a final glance at my brother, I led Kai away

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 usual. By the time I got to the room, I was sweating and desperate to get out of all the layers. 1 was burning up.

at all. I felt like I was

open,

Tsuneo called out.

panted, slamping against

second later. I couldn't even

drifting through the

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,

so hot," I said. "You're really

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

long have you been running so

back," I gasped. Tsuneo tumed on the water to fill the tub. He lowered me into the