Web Novel
The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 155
ARIA
Outside the hall, lanterns lit up everything against the dark sky. Warriors stood guard around the edges, watching for trouble. Two guards opened the big wooden doors for us, and we walked in toward the Great Hall for the Winter Moon Festival celebration.
My red dress feels strange - I love it because Jace chose it, but I hate how it makes everyone stare at me. The pressure of being Luna—of being Queen—never really lets up.
Two more guardians wait at the hall entrance, standing straighter as we approach. Jace stops right before we enter, pulling me close. His lips brush mine, soft but possessive. My heart still jumps every time.
"You got this, Ria," he whispers.
I nod, and he turns to the guardians with a slight head movement. They swing the double doors open, revealing the packed hall.
The buzz of conversation dies instantly. Hundreds of eyes turn to us—Alphas, Lunas, warriors, healers—all watching as we make our entrance. Jace's arm is warm and solid under my hand as he leads me through the crowd that parts for us automatically.
Our table waits at the front—Gabriel, Lucas and Eliana already seated, along with Marcus and Seraphina, Hunter, and Elders. My family. The strange collection of people who've become my world.
Jace helps me to my seat, fingers lingering on my shoulder before he steps forward to address the room. The hall falls silent.
The room quiets as Jace moves to the center. Every powerful Alpha in the territory watches him, but his confidence never wavers.
"Welcome to the Winter Moon Festival's final night," he says loudly. "After two days of competition, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. We've seen great skills, and now we'll honor our champions."
He looks around the room.
"First, our Alpha competition winner: Dylan Warren."
Everyone cheers as Dylan stands and nods to Jace.
"Dylan took over the Black Forest Pack after his father, and asked for my advice on making improvements. His ideas were so good that I sent guardians and Elder Thorn to help. His territory is now thriving. Let's congratulate this year's Alpha champion."
The applause thunders through the hall. Dylan acknowledges it with grace, his confident bearing showing exactly why he won.
When the noise settles, Jace continues.
"This year marked a historic change in our traditions. While female wolves have always been welcome in our annual tournaments, we've never held a competition specifically for Lunas. I decided it was time for that to change, and established the first-ever Luna Guardian Championship."
Murmurs of approval spread through the crowd.
"The skill we saw today was impressive. Our Luna Aria competed and, after several tough matches ending with a final contest against Battlehowl Clan's Luna, won the championship. She is the first champion of this new event. Please join me in applauding our Luna and Queen."
The room explodes with cheers and howls. I feel my cheeks warm under the attention.
"Finally, I thank everyone who traveled to Moon Shadow territory for these celebrations. Tonight's feast concludes our festival. I'm pleased to see the new peace agreements formed between packs these past days. These alliances form the foundation of our shared prosperity. Now, let's enjoy tonight's celebration."
More applause follows as Jace returns to his seat beside me. I find his hand under the table, squeezing gently.
The feast is incredible—venison, wild game, fruits, and sweet pastries that make Aurora's favorites seem plain. Conversation flows around our table, everyone relaxed after the competitions ended.
Gabriel leans toward me. "You fought well today, little deer."
"I had a good teacher," I reply, making him smile.
After dinner, servers clear the tables while musicians set up in the corner. The band starts tuning their instruments. I glance their way, my stomach fluttering. The lead musician catches my eye and nods. It's time.
JACE
I stand by the north wall with Nicholas and Dylan, discussing territory boundaries. Nicholas suggests adjustments to the hunting routes between our lands, and Dylan offers insights from his pack's recent experiences.
What I enjoy most, though, is watching Aria from across the room. She moves with ease among the other Lunas, confident. They respect her—not just because she's my mate, but because she's earned it. Today's victory only confirmed what I already knew: she belongs here, with us, with me.
"Your Luna has integrated remarkably well," Nicholas comments, following my gaze.
"She's exceptional," I reply simply.
The band leader's voice pulls my attention as he taps his microphone.
"Distinguished guests," he announces, "I'm honored to provide music for tonight's celebration. I've received a special request from our Queen. She wishes to dedicate a song to her mate, our King. Please enjoy 'It Feels Like Home.'"
I turn, surprised, as Aria crosses the floor toward the band. She takes the microphone, nervousness visible only to those who know her well. The first notes play, and then her voice fills the hall—clear, strong, and beautiful.
Everyone falls silent, captivated. My throat tightens as her words wash over me. Phantom stirs inside, equally moved by our mate's gesture.
I've heard Aria sing before—soft lullabies to Aurora, quiet humming while she works—but never like this. Never for an audience. Never so openly for me.
Each word penetrates deeper than any knife could reach. My chest swells with emotions I can't name, pride and desire tangled with something deeper. Something permanent.
I watch her sing and think: how is it possible to love someone more each day? When you already love them with everything you have? Yet somehow, my feelings for her keep growing, defying what I thought were limits.
When the final note fades, applause thunders through the hall. I'm already moving toward her, unable to wait another second.
She sees me coming, her smile just for me. I take her face in my hands and kiss her deeply, not caring who watches. The cheers grow louder, but they fade into background noise.
When we separate, she surprises me by speaking.
"Jace," she says, voice strong enough for everyone to hear. "You saved me before we even met. You gave me a bigger family. You show me your love every day. You let me be exactly who I am. You are my home. Now and forever."
Something in my chest breaks open. I stare into her eyes, speechless for a moment. Then I lean down, bringing my lips to her ear.
"When Vanessa left Aurora and me, I thought my life was over. My pack and daughter were all I had. I never thought I'd find love again. Then I caught your scent, and Phantom went wild in my head. It scared me. But when I saw you—I knew I'd do anything to keep you."
I pause, gathering words to match what's in my heart.
"I'm glad I got to know the real you. Someone kind-hearted, stronger than you seem, who loves Aurora like your own. You've protected me, our kids, our family, our whole pack. Couldn't ask for a better mate, mother, Luna and Queen. You're mine. Only mine. Not my second chance—you're my only true love. Now and forever."