Chained to old wounds

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. Tl 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.

“Really?” he asked, his voice filled with hope.

I nodded. “I won’t leave you here,” I replied, my voice firm. We’re family, and we’ll stick together.”

He smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I think I’d like that a lot.”

You can’t just take my son,” Goro hissed. “T–

Before I could think more about it, 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 kill you for your betrayal. You’re making it more and more of an appealing option by the second.”

Adele and Goro 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 and flickered on my neck.

Then, I remembered 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 longer human.

Hira sagged against me, his eyes fluttering. He was barely staying awake.

“Will you stay a little longer?” he asked.

“Of course, at least until you go to sleep, okay?”

He nodded, and I gently placed Hiro back in bed, his

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

CH77

Adele were still standing. They were clearly terrified, 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 was dressed as a purse, but the bowed her head politely.

“Please stand guard outside the door,” I instructed, my voice firm. To not let anyone is without my permission, especially not Gorn and Adele. He

needs rest

The 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 future.

The change should have shocked me, but I felt no danger. By 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 rushed to the bathroom and turned the water on cold. The water turned to steam around me. I opened the window and sat under the cold water.

This wasn’t normal. 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 panted, my eyes burning.

Tsuneo!

I heard the main door open, and hope sparked in me.

“Morgan?” Tsuneo called out. “Are you alright?”

1 panted, slamping against the wall. “Tsuneo,”

The door was open a second later. I couldn’t even be surprised or embarrassed. I saw him dri

him drifting through the steam

“Morgan?” He called through the steam. He came in closer quickly, and suddenly, he was 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.

“Are you alright? You..” He growled, lowering his head and burying his nose in my neck. “You smell so good, darling.”

“Im so hot,” I said. “You’re really cool…

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

“How long have you been running so hot?”

“Since I got back,” I gasped. Tsuneo tumed on the water to fill the tub. He lowered me into the tub gently.

The cold water felt colder, but it wasn’t getting warmer. Only Tsuneo’s hand on my head was seemingly cooling me down.

“Any better

I shook

head. He cast his hand over the water and it felt like it turned to ice, I sighed, melting into the coolness, though the heat still seemed to be pouring off of me.

“How was your trip”

My eyes stung, and looked up at him, sniffling. “H–Hiro woke up.”

His eyes widened. Thats good, right? Is he okay?”

I nodded. “He

going to be okay.”

“That’s good, bon youre crying? Why?

I shook my head. “It s… It a so complicated.”

His eyes softened, and he sank down beside the tub, stroking my hair. He reached into the tub and took my hand. He squeezed my hand, his eyes filled

with a love

CH77

“Why don’t you tell me about it.”

at to the hospital. I let the tears fall freely, sniffling.

I sighed, closed my eyes, and started from the beginning when we got

“Hiro knows that Goro is his biological father now…