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 filled with

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

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

my

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

paled, their eyes wide with fear. Kai's eyes were wide with awe. I frowned. Then, I realized 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

Maya's words, her warning that the Trial would change me.. I had not understood then, but

sagged against me, his eyes

you stay a

least until you go

placed Hiro back in bed,

he drifted off to sleep. I looked

CH77

care. They'd put us all through so much for their selfishness. As

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

needs rest

With a final glance at my brother, I led Kai away from

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

cooler at all. I felt like I was boiling in my

heard the main door open, and hope sparked

out. "Are you

slamping against the

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

drifting through the

starting to flow out of me. I curled closer to him. He gathered me closer. "Are you alright? You.." He growled, lowering his head

I said.

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

you been

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