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 with

won't leave you here," I replied, my

smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered. "I

can't just take my son,"

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

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

warning that the Trial would change me.. I had not understood then, but the longer I looked at

against me, his eyes fluttering. He

stay a little longer?" he

at least until you go

and I gently placed Hiro back

As he drifted off to

CH77

but I didn't care. They'd put us all through so much for their selfishness. As Kai and I headed out, 1 called for an imperial guard. She

firm. To not let anyone is

needs rest

guard nodded, saluting me before taking her position. With a final glance at my brother, I led Kai away from the room. My mind racing with thoughts of the

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

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

open, and hope sparked

called out. "Are

panted, slamping against the

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

through

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.

so hot," I

out and turned off the water. He

you been running so

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