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.

asked, his voice

replied, my voice firm. We're family, and we'll

you," he whispered.

just take my son,"

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

that there was a strange sensation washing over me. My skin began to tingle, a warmth spreading through my body. 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 glms, Something like golden scales fluttered and flickered

Maya's words, her warning that the Trial would change me.. I had not understood then, but the longer I looked at myself like this, the more it sunk in. I was no

eyes fluttering.

you stay a little longer?" he

at least until

nodded, and I gently placed Hiro back in

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

CH77

so much for their selfishness. As Kai and I headed out, 1 called for an imperial guard. She was

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

needs rest

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

main concern was Adele and Goro. They liked to play the victim and garner attention too much. Hiro's sudden disappearance, even if I wanted 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 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. I couldnt strip fast enough. I

felt dizzy, yet no matter how cold I turned, I couldn't get cooler at all. I felt like I was boiling in my own skin. I

main door open, and hope sparked

called out. "Are you

against the

later. I couldn't even be surprised or embarrassed. I saw

drifting through

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

I said. "You're really

reached out and turned off the water. He scooped

long have you

got back," I gasped. Tsuneo tumed on the water to fill