The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 161

ARIA

It's getting late, darkness creeping in after spending all day with Dad and Lucas. The whole "three days" warning from the Moon Goddess hangs over us like a storm cloud. Could happen at midnight, could be tomorrow night—who knows? All I know is I'm not wasting a second of whatever time we have left. Dad wanted to stay close to foster mom's grave, said he had some feeling he couldn't explain. So here we are, waiting in the growing darkness, with nothing but our thoughts and memories.

The silence between us isn't uncomfortable. We've spent a lifetime communicating without words—one of the benefits of being trained by the best guardian in the territory. Dad stares at the sunset, his profile sharp against the fading light.

Lucas breaks the quiet, a smile playing on his lips. "Remember when Aria was little, Dad? Every time you'd head out for training or missions, she'd sneak after you."

Dad chuckles, the sound warming something inside me. "Sure do. Sometimes I'd reach the training grounds and suddenly notice her hiding behind me. That girl always found ways past the guards."

"I just wanted to be like you," I say, nudging his shoulder with mine. "Wanted to be a good guardian. Protect our people."

Dad turns to me, his expression softening. "You achieved that and far more than I expected."

"I did, didn't I?" I smile, memories washing over me. "I was so afraid back then—terrified of finding my mate, worried I'd lose myself. I was wrong though. Jace never asked me to change. He helped me become more—become who I was meant to be."

Dad nods slowly. "Seeing you both happy is all a father could ask for."

We fall silent again, watching the sun disappear behind the mountains as the moon begins its ascent. It's only then I realize tonight is a full moon—but not just any full moon. This one glows with unusual brilliance, casting silver and gold light across the landscape. For a moment, I forget about midnight deadlines and final moments, just taking in the beauty before us.

Then it happens.

A flash of silver light erupts in the clearing before us. I instinctively know it's the Moon Goddess, but she's not alone. Beside her stands another figure, female and semi-transparent.

"Mom," I whisper at the same time Lucas breathes, "Mom."

Dad's voice breaks as he murmurs, "Bree."

The Moon Goddess steps forward, her smile gentle but solemn. "My children, I know this moment isn't easy. That's why I've decided to give you this gift—a chance to properly say goodbye to your mother. I thought it would bring comfort to see your parents reunited one final time. Bree has watched over you all, proud of what you've become." She pauses, her eyes meeting Dad's. "Tonight, Gabriel, you will leave with your beloved mate."

Dad's eyes never leave the ghostly figure of my adoptive mother. "Bree," he whispers, voice thick with emotion.

She smiles at him, radiating love even in her spectral form. "My brave guardian."

"I kept my promise," Dad says, tears glistening in his eyes.

Bree nods. "You did, perfectly. You've been the best father possible. I'm so proud of you."

She turns toward Lucas and me, her gaze landing first on her son.

"My child. My strong, brave boy," she says to Lucas. "The man you've become fills my heart with pride. Kind, responsible, protective of others—and a wonderful father and husband. Never change."

She embraces Lucas, who looks startled at the solid feel of her touch. He hugs her back fiercely, and they stand locked together for a moment before she pulls away, turning to me.

"My little girl, my little deer," she says, her voice tender. "I'm sorry I left so early, that I couldn't care for you myself. But seeing the woman and stepmother you've become makes me so proud. Gabriel raised you to be an extraordinary woman. You're already your best self, and the perfect mother to Aurora and Atlas. Stay brave, always be your true self."

She pulls me into her arms, and I finally understand Lucas's surprise. I can feel her—truly feel her embrace and warmth around me. Tears spill down my cheeks as I lean into her, memorizing the sensation of a mother's hug I'd almost forgotten.

All too soon, Bree steps back, returning to Dad's side. She touches his face gently.

"Are you ready, my love?" she asks softly.

Dad's voice is steady. "Let me say goodbye to the children."

She nods, stepping aside as Dad approaches Lucas and me. He studies our faces for a long moment before gathering us both into a tight embrace.

"I'm so proud of you both," he says, voice strong despite everything. "Keep protecting the pack. Keep Jace and your families safe."

"We will, Father," Lucas promises. I nod in agreement, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

"Always support each other. Always protect each other," Dad continues.

I swallow hard, finding my voice. "I promise, Dad. We'll take care of ourselves and the pack."

"Good." His arms tighten around us one final time. "I love you both. I'll always be proud of you."

He releases us, walking back to Bree with surprising steadiness. "I'm ready, darling."

Bree smiles at him, then looks to the Moon Goddess, who nods and begins to whisper an ancient incantation too quiet for us to hear. Bree helps Dad sit on the grass, then settles beside him, wrapping her arms around him. A pure white light emanates from her form, enveloping them both. It grows so bright we have to shield our eyes, and when it fades, both Bree's spirit and Dad's soul are gone.

Dad's body lies peacefully on the grass, looking as if he's merely sleeping, but we know he's stopped breathing. Lucas walks to him, gently lifting him in his arms. Together, we walk to the cemetery, where we place him in the prepared grave. Following tradition, we don't use coffins for burial—this allows the soul to freely journey to the Moon Temple, never trapped in the earthly realm.

After completing the ritual, Lucas pulls me into a tight hug. We stand silently at the graveside for several minutes before finally turning away toward the packhouse.