The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 273

ATLAS

I stared at the mountain of paperwork on my desk, drumming my fingers against the wood. A week since the Rogue King's visit and everything was eerily quiet. No attacks. No threats. Nothing. The silence made me more uneasy than any direct confrontation would.

The tracker's report said they lost Magnus's trail about seventy miles from our territory. Vanished into thin air. Damn it. Had to be a witch's doing.

I rubbed my temples. Just what I needed—more magical complications. These quiet periods never lasted. They were the deep breath before the storm, and this storm promised to be devastating. My wolf, Luke, paced restlessly in my mind, sensing danger even in silence.

*Atlas, Dylan has arrived with the orphan girl.*

My mother's voice cut through my thoughts. Alyssa—the child who should have arrived weeks ago. Her transfer had been delayed because of that bastard Magnus and his threats.

*I'm coming, Mom. Maddie and I will meet her personally.*

I pushed away from my desk and headed straight for Maddie's office. She looked up the moment I appeared in her doorway, already setting aside the orphanage documents she'd been reviewing.

"Alyssa's here?" Her eyes lit up with anticipation.

"Dylan just brought her. She should've been here weeks ago."

Maddie stood, smoothing her skirt. "She was attacked, right? I heard one of the children in her previous home hurt her."

My teeth clenched involuntarily. The girl was what—seven? Eight? Already suffering more than any child should. Something about her situation struck a chord deep within me. Maybe because I'd seen too many innocent lives destroyed by power struggles they never asked to be part of.

Maddie closed her eyes briefly, sending a mind-link message.

*Julie, Alyssa has arrived. Meet us in the reception room.*

We hurried through the corridors, and I couldn't help but notice the determined set of Maddie's shoulders. She already felt protective of a child she'd never met. Just one of the countless reasons I loved her.

We reached the meeting point just as Dylan's car pulled up. A small figure emerged behind him—Alyssa, with golden hair and brown eyes, looking even tinier than I'd expected.

When she spotted us, her eyes widened in recognition. "King Atlas!" she squealed, then bolted toward us.

I knelt down and caught her as she launched herself forward. When I lifted her up, my stomach clenched. Her face was bruised, with healing cuts on her cheek. Rage flared in my chest. Who the hell hurts a child?

"Hey there, little one," I kept my voice light despite my anger. "You know who I am?"

"Everyone knows you!" She beamed, momentarily forgetting her pain. "You're the strongest King! They say your wolf is bigger than three normal wolves put together!" Her eyes shimmered with awe, and I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

Maddie stepped closer, gently touching Alyssa's injured cheek. "That must hurt. Let me help you."

I watched as Maddie's palm glowed softly, the bruises fading before our eyes. The cuts closed, leaving fresh pink skin.

"It doesn't hurt anymore!" Alyssa touched her face in wonder. "How did you do that?"

"That's my little secret," Maddie smiled. "Welcome to Ancient Moon Shadow Pack, Alyssa."

-

Julie was waiting when we entered the reception room. She greeted Alyssa warmly, and though the girl seemed shy at first, she quickly warmed up to Julie's gentle approach.

"Sometimes bad things happen," Maddie knelt to Alyssa's eye level. "And people get hurt because of them. But here at Moon Shadow, no one will hurt you. I promise."

"Can I stay here?" Alyssa asked, hope filling her voice.

"Of course," Maddie said softly. "Julie and I will take care of you almost every day. We have a special place with many children like you."

Dylan stepped forward to say goodbye. "Thank you both," he said sincerely. "No child should be punished for their parents' mistakes."

He turned to me. "By the way, the queen's coronation ceremony has been postponed. Given the circumstances, it seems wise."

I nodded. Safety first.

As Maddie and Julie took Alyssa to get settled at the orphanage, I stood watching them leave. A strange feeling washed over me—this little girl was important to our pack somehow. I didn't know why, but I knew I would protect her, whatever it took. My wolf agreed, sending a protective surge through our bond. There was something about her—something that connected to our future. I'd learned to trust these instincts.

MAGNUS

"You can't even cast a proper spell!" I roared, sweeping everything off the table. The pathetic witch cowered in the corner, trembling like a leaf.

"Great Magnus," she begged, "their protective witches are powerful. Please don't hurt my children!"

I stalked toward her, enjoying how her pupils dilated with fear. This is what power feels like—making others tremble at your feet.

"Listen carefully," I lowered my voice to a growl. "You have one month. If you fail me again, I'll make you watch as your daughters become prey for my wolves."

Tears streaked down her face. Disgusting. The weak don't deserve to live in my world.

"I'll succeed," she sobbed. "I promise I'll find a way."

"Get out of my sight," I turned away. "Don't let me see your face again unless you bring good news."

The witch practically crawled from the room. Pathetic. But her magic, weak as it was, remained useful for my plans. Once I captured that nature-gifted female and the Queen with soul healing abilities, nothing would stop me. My hybrid army would crush every pack, every territory. Even that so-called King Atlas would bow before me—right before I tore out his throat.

TARA

I shut the door and collapsed to my knees, legs finally giving out. My hands wouldn't stop shaking. That monster—that hybrid king who calls himself Magnus—he'll kill my daughters. I know he will.

I looked at the dusty box under my bed. Inside was a book I swore I'd never open again. Dark bloodline magic from the Moon Shadow deity. Using it would cost me my soul, but if it saved my daughters...

I had no choices left. No other path.

With trembling hands, I pulled out the box and opened the forbidden book. The runes on its cover seemed to glow in the darkness, as if alive.

"Forgive me," I whispered, turning to the first page and beginning to chant the bloodline spell. Each word burned on my lips. I could feel darkness seeping into my blood, changing my very essence.

As I continued, black veins appeared on my arms, spreading upward. The pain was excruciating, but I couldn't stop. My vision blurred as the magic coursed through me, corrupting everything it touched.

"May my soul not be consumed by the Moon Shadow," I prayed, knowing it was futile. "I beg this for myself."

Once begun, there was no turning back. But for my daughters—for their lives—I would become a demon.

The book glowed with ominous light as I continued the incantation, feeling my humanity slip away with each word.