The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 82

CH82

I dodged her attack, my body moving instinctively to draw my own sword, but she didn't let up. I met her next attack with my own and pushed her back. She smirked, rycing me. An exhilarated gleam took over her eyes, making them glow, Though I held the sword, and I knew how to use it? I felt nervous. There was something about her that made me feel like I was only losing end of the battle. Part of me knew I was no match for her, not in terms of raw power. But I was quick and agile, and I had a will to survive. I had to get out of her. She charged at me again, dating scross the field. We exchanged blows, our swords clashing and sparking between us. She cut me in the shoulder, and I returned the blow with a cut to her thigh, slicing through her fine robes. She laughed and attacked again. The air was filled with the scent of flowers, sweat, and blood, the taste of metal on my longue. The blade of my sworld seemed to glow brighter with every blow I blocked. As I fought, I felt a surge of power coursing through me, a connection to something ancient and mysterious. It was as if the phoenix within me was awakening, its strength and determination growing with each passing moment.

Then, something about the Eight changed. I parried her attack, my sword meeting hers with a force that sent her reeling backward. She flipped through the air and came back at me, shoving me back into a tree. There was no anger in her eyes, no bloodlust. She seemed almost amused.

"You're strong," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Very strong."

I panted. "My father made sure I was."

She smiled, a flicker of amusement playing on her lips.

How lucky

y you are to have had a father who cared for you."

My chest clenched at the darkness in her tone. Her gaze flicked down to my blade, and she tilted her head. She was still pressing me back into the tree. Pinning me there. There was no way I could break free. She was so freaking strong, I was barely holding her back from pressing my own blade into my shoulder.

"That sword," she said, her voice low and cautious. "Where did you get it?"

father gave

who exactly is your

clenching as I

no children.

frowned. Did she know my father? Maybe

no idea how long you've been here or what day you think

brow furrowed. A time differential,

Her eyes narrowing. I felt her looking into me with some otherworldly power. I felt it surging through her. It was a warm, heady sensation that sent a shiver down my spine. 1 felt

pages of my life. A wave of fear washed over me at what she'd see struggled against her grip,

I had never wanted to remember. I could feel the blood of a man from that attack un my funds, I could still feel the way his hands and groped me roughly. My stomach heaved. I saw the nobles with their noses in the air demanding impossible deadlines, I could see my father in the hospital healing people. I saw my aunt dying with only me at her side. And at the heart of it all, I saw a bright burning flame that

the paaslood further, plumbing through memories that were too dark to name. I saw Keiji's face. I heard myself scream. I didn't want to remember any of it. With a soqge of strength, I managed to break free from her grip, my

CH32

seen everything, and yet she seemed so compassionate. Suddenly, The pain in my shoulder vanished. Her robe was stitched back together. The scent of blood faded from the air. The world around me seemed to fade away. I felt myself drifting, falling into a dreamlike state. I was surrounded by a swirling vortex of colors, images flashing before my eyes. Then, I felt so much younger,

seems like we have a lot of things to talk about. Phoenix to Phoenix... Mother-in-law to daughter-in-law." She laughed. 1 took her hand and felt myself grow to my normal height. She took

to start over?" She guided me to sit down as a tea set appeared. She made a plate of sweets for me and poured me

to kill

sighed. I have always wanted a strong young woman for him, And he found you....

fancy slip of yours is quite delightful, I'm