The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 113

ARIA

It is a full moon tonight. And we found out that Eliana's change will be safest during that time. The irony isn't lost on me - a human-born girl with a gifted wolf leading another human through transformation. Sometimes I still wake up confused about who I am - Aria the human warrior or Aria with Sage, the wolf gifted by the Moon Goddess. Two identities constantly battling for dominance inside me.

The Healing Center felt too quiet as Jace and I walked through the empty corridor. Everyone else had been cleared out for the ritual - too dangerous to have other patients nearby.

Our footsteps echoed against the walls as we entered the prepared room. Moonlight streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. The silver glow reminded me of Sage stirring inside my chest, eager for the coming power of the full moon.

"Are you sure about this?" Jace asked, breaking the silence. His jaw clenched tight with worry. "The transformation ritual requires a lot of power. If I use too much..." He couldn't finish the sentence.

"If you use too much, what? You'll hurt me? Kill me?" I reached for his hand. "The Moon Goddess wouldn't ask us to do something we couldn't handle."

He pulled me close, arms wrapping around my waist. "I just can't bear the thought of hurting you. You may have Sage now, but you're still more vulnerable than a born wolf."

I stiffened at his words, that familiar defensiveness rising. Always the fragile human in their eyes. "I'm not weak, Jace. Stop treating me like I'm breakable."

"You won't," I whispered, softening as I stood on tiptoes to press my lips against his. No point fighting now. We had enough challenges ahead.

The kiss deepened as his hands tangled in my hair. For a moment, everything else disappeared - the upcoming ritual, my conflicted identity, the weight of responsibility. There was only us, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against mine.

The door handle turned with a click. We jumped apart like guilty teenagers. Dr. Maya entered, followed by Dr. Jonathan, both carrying medical equipment. They bowed their heads respectfully.

"Alpha," Dr. Maya said to Jace. "Luna," she acknowledged me with a nod.

Dr. Jonathan set down his bag. "Everything is prepared for the ritual. We've got emergency supplies ready in case anything unexpected happens."

My stomach tightened at his words. Sage stirred again, sending waves of reassurance through my body. At least one of us was confident.

The door opened again as Lucas entered with Eliana. My foster father Gabriel followed close behind, his face tense with concern.

Jace stepped forward, addressing Eliana directly. "This is your last chance to change your mind. The transformation is painful and dangerous. Not everyone survives."

Eliana lifted her chin. "I want this. I want to be part of Lucas's world completely. I understand the risks."

"Very well." Jace nodded to Dr. Maya and Dr. Jonathan.

They guided Eliana to the bed in the center of the room. Dr. Maya fastened thick leather straps around Eliana's wrists while Dr. Jonathan secured her ankles. The clinical nature of it all made my skin crawl. I remembered my own experience with Sage - the burning sensation, the feeling of being torn apart and rebuilt.

"The restraints are for your safety," Dr. Maya explained. "The transformation process can cause violent muscle spasms. We don't want you hurting yourself or others."

I glanced at Lucas. His face had gone pale, hands balled into fists at his sides as he watched the woman he loved being strapped down like a patient in a mental institution. I moved to stand beside him.

"She's going to be okay," I whispered. "I went through something similar when Sage joined with me. She's strong. She'll make it."

Lucas nodded stiffly, never taking his eyes off Eliana. When the doctors stepped back, he moved forward, leaning over the bed.

"I love you, Eliana," he said, his voice breaking.

She smiled up at him, trembling slightly. "I love you too, Lucas."

His forehead pressed against hers. "Please don't leave me. Come back to me. If I lose you, I'll never forgive myself."

"You won't lose me," she promised. "I'll come back. Always."

The air in the room suddenly felt charged with electricity, making the hairs on my arms stand up. A brilliant white light pulsed through the windows, so bright we all had to shield our eyes. When the light dimmed, she stood there - the Moon Goddess herself, radiant and terrifying in her beauty.

We all dropped to our knees, heads bowed in reverence. Even Gabriel, who rarely showed deference to anyone, knelt without hesitation.

"Please, stand. No need for such formality," the Goddess said, her voice like music. "I've come to ensure Eliana's safety during her transformation."

She glided across the room to Eliana's bedside. "I've found a wolf spirit for you, my child."

Eliana's eyes widened. "You have?"

The Goddess nodded. "Five spirits volunteered. But I've chosen one named Gaby to join with you."

"What is she like?" Eliana asked.

"She is caring and passionate, but also incredibly brave. She will fit perfectly into your small family." The Goddess touched Eliana's forehead gently. "She will help ease your transition."

"Thank you for this blessing," Eliana whispered.

The Goddess smiled. "It is my honor to gift a wolf to a woman like you, Eliana."

She turned to Lucas, inclining her head. "You may begin the ritual now, as you've studied in the ancient texts."

Lucas took a deep breath and closed his eyes. I watched as his transformation began - not a full shift, but enough for Maddox, his wolf, to take partial control. Dark hair sprouted along his arms, his fingers extending into claws, canine teeth lengthening into fangs.

I'd seen this partial transformation many times, but it still amazed me. The canines of a wolf contained venom that was dangerous to any wolf or human - except their true mate. Somehow, the Moon Goddess had designed werewolf biology so the venom that would kill others would transform a mate instead.

Lucas - no, Maddox now - leaned down over Eliana. His newly formed fangs hovered over the mark on her neck. With one swift motion, he bit down.

Eliana gasped loudly, her body arching against the restraints. Then the room fell completely silent.

Lucas regained control of his body, the wolf features receding. Fear painted his expression as he stared down at Eliana's still form.

"Now we wait," he said, voice hoarse with emotion. "Wait for the change to begin."