Chained to old wounds

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?”

“My father gave it to me.”

“And who exactly is your father?”

“Satoru,” I said, my heart clenching as I said his name. “Satoru Ryuyama.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Toru has no children. You’re lying. He’s just a boy.”

1 frowned. Did she know my father? Maybe one of my ancestors with the same name?

“I would never lie about who my father is. I have no idea how long you’ve been here or what day you think it is, but it’s been centuries since the Dragons have lived among humans.”

Her brow furrowed. A time differential, but…

She pressed against me harder until the blade was at my throat and peered into me. 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 completely bared to her and almost uncomfortable way.

It felt like she was pulling me open like a book and casually flipping through the pages of my life. A wave of fear washed over me at what she’d see struggled against her grip, my body twisting and turning, dodging her attack. But her strength was superhuman, her grip unyielding.

I saw the darkness, chaos, and destruction of an attack on the village 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 I had never noticed before.

Then, 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 body twisting and turning, dodging her sword as it landed in the tree

ck, an aby lur her attack, but she didn’t move. Her eyes were warm, maternal and glossy with tears. There was a flicker of recognition, a hint

CH32

of familiarity. She had 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, standing before her. The sword in my hand was gone. A sense of helpless fear washed through me. Then, she kneeled in front of me with a kind smile.

“I am sorry, Morgan,” she said. “It has been a very long time since I’ve met Phoenix…. or anyone for that matter. It is my honor to meet you.”

She offered me her hand.” It 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 my hand and led me toward where she had been earlier.

“I believe we started off on the wrong foot. So care 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 tea. Don’t be fooled by how clean this poor is. I’ve had a long time to perfect it…” She laughed.

“Uh… You’re not trying to

trying to kill me now

Of course not, dear.” She sighed. I have always wanted a strong young woman for him, And he found you…. Well, the Elders, in their archaic and haphazard fashion, found you for him, much to their dismay, I’m sure.”

She sighed, rolling her eyes. Though that fancy slip of yours is quite delightful, I’m not sure how well it will work with my… proportions. I’m jealous.”

She shook her head. “And don’t worry about all right, dear. I’m sure by now the palace is taken care of her.”

I frowned. “The palace?”

She gave me a sly.

me a sly smirk. “We’ll get to that, darling. You’ll be here for a little bit….”

“Okay…I cleared my throat. And what should I call you?

You can c

call me mom if you’d like. But my n

my name is Haruka, or at least that’s what? My father called me when he sold me to the former dragon king.”

My jaw dropped open… please start from the beginning.”