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.

his voice filled with

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

with gratitude. "Thank you," he

just take my son," Goro hissed.

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.

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

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

me, his eyes fluttering. He was barely staying

a

least until

and I gently placed Hiro back

with exhaustion. As he drifted off

CH77

They'd put us all through so much for their selfishness. As Kai and I headed out, 1 called for an imperial guard. She was dressed as a purse,

not let anyone

needs rest

With a final glance at my brother, I led Kai

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

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 panted, my

the main door open, and

out. "Are

slamping against

a second later. I couldn't even be surprised or

drifting through

leaning over me. He lifted me up, and I sighed, feeling the heat starting to flow out of me. I curled closer

I said. "You're

and turned off the water. He scooped me up

have you

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