The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 79

ARIA

I'm thrilled about this tournament section. Through our mind link, I can tell Jace is amused but happy to see my excitement.

I grip my seat, trying to contain myself. The stands are packed with spectators. Looking at the field, I notice something missing.

"Where are the female warriors?" I ask Jace.

"Traditional tournaments rarely include females. It's outdated," he explains.

"That needs to change. Half our best fighters are women," I reply, thinking of how Gabriel never limited my training because I was female.

I open my mouth to say more when Elder Thorn raises his hand for silence. The crowd immediately quiets.

"Warriors of all packs," his voice booms, "today we honor the ancient trial of combat skills. Participants will engage in one-on-one combat. Victory requires three clean strikes on your opponent."

He gestures to three massive crystal screens hovering nearby. "These will allow us to witness the battles taking place."

The anticipation swirling in my chest intensifies. I reach for Jace's hand without thinking.

The horn blasts, signaling the start of competition. I immediately search the screens for our Moon Shadow warriors. There—on the first screen—Ethan moves with impressive precision. On the second screen, Cal executes a series of strikes that make me smile with recognition.

"Those are Gabriel's signature moves." I say to Jace, unable to hide my pride.

Jace nods. "Your father's influence is unmistakable."

I study the screens intently, analyzing every movement. Gabriel spent years drilling these techniques into me. Watching Cal and Ethan execute them perfectly brings back memories of countless training sessions, bruises, and late nights practicing until my muscles screamed.

On screen, Cal faces an opponent of similar build. They bow respectfully before launching into action. Cal moves with controlled aggression, scoring his first point within minutes. Soon after, he lands another perfect strike to the chest.

The opponent suddenly drops low, sweeping Cal's leg with a spinning kick. The move connects with Cal's knee, earning the opponent his first point. Cal recovers quickly, blocking the follow-up attacks before countering with a decisive strike that takes his opponent to the ground.

"Yes!" I shout before I can stop myself.

Jace chuckles and kisses me quickly. "Your enthusiasm is contagious."

"Sorry," I say, feeling my cheeks warm. "I just know how hard they've worked."

"Never apologize for passion," Jace responds, squeezing my hand. "It's one of the things I love about you."

We turn our attention to Ethan's match. He displays equally impressive technique, his movements calculated and effective. The training Gabriel provided is paying off for both our warriors.

After five hours of intense competition, Elder Thorn announces a break. My legs are stiff from sitting, and I'm grateful for the chance to move.

"Let's get some food," Jace suggests. "And bring water to our warriors."

"They must be exhausted," I agree, stretching my arms above my head. "Gabriel always says hydration makes the difference in endurance matches."

We make our way through the crowd toward the refreshment area. Several pack members nod respectfully as we pass. I'm still not used to that—the automatic deference. It feels strange coming from warriors who could easily overpower me.

Armed with energy provisions and water, we find Ethan and Cal resting between matches. Despite their obvious exhaustion, their eyes remain sharp, focused.

"You're both doing amazingly," I tell them, handing over the supplies.

"Thank you, Luna," they respond almost in unison, gratitude evident in their voices.

"Cal, watch your left guard," I add quietly. "That's how he scored on you."

Cal's eyes widen slightly before he nods. "You're right. I'll fix it."

Thirty minutes later, we return to our seats as the warriors prepare to continue. The air feels different now—tenser, as we move toward the elimination rounds.

"Who do you think will make it to the finals?" I ask Jace.

He considers this, eyes scanning the competition. "Cal has a strong chance. His technique is refined, and he adapts quickly."

"But?" I prompt, hearing the hesitation in his voice.

"But tournaments aren't just about skill. Mental stamina matters. Knowing when to conserve energy and when to strike decisively."

ETHAN

Being chosen to represent Moon Shadow Pack is the greatest honor of my life. Our Luna—Aria—was trained as a warrior by her father, Gabriel, before she ever became Jace's mate. Gabriel is now our Chief Guardian, and I've seen him spar with Alpha Jace enough to know he can make even our Alpha sweat. Being selected by Aria makes me stand taller.

After multiple elimination rounds, only twenty warriors remain. My next opponent is much larger—possibly Beta or Delta bloodline. We bow to each other before starting the dance of combat, looking for openings, testing defenses.

His fighting style mirrors mine in many ways, forcing us both to adapt constantly. We're tied at two points each—the next strike will determine the victor. After five grueling minutes, I see my chance when he overextends. My kick combination sends him to the ground, and I immediately follow through with the decisive strike.

He rises, extending his hand. "Good fight," he says.

"You too," I acknowledge.

"Not good enough today. Good luck ahead," he replies before walking away.

I scan around me, spotting Cal standing with Gabriel. The scoreboard shows Cal also won his match. We've both made it to the final ten.

My muscles ache with exertion, but seeing Gabriel's approving nod makes it worth it. The Chief Guardian rarely shows emotion, but I've learned to read the subtle changes in his stance. Right now, he's pleased.

CAL

I watch Ethan approaching Gabriel and me, feeling a surge of pride. We've both performed well today, securing spots in the top ten. My previous match went smoothly—three points for me, just one for my opponent.

Now I face a warrior my size in the next round. As the match begins, he charges immediately. I sidestep, landing an unexpected strike to his chest. He staggers backward, and I press my advantage with a roundhouse kick for my second point.

My opponent becomes more cautious, thinking before attacking. He manages to score a point against me. I slow down, studying his movements, looking for patterns. When he attacks again, I block and counter perfectly, striking his head for the match-winning third point.

We shake hands, and I return to where Gabriel waits. His smile is rare but genuine as he congratulates me.

"Well done making the top five," he says. "You were third to qualify, which guarantees your place in the final four." He glances toward the ongoing matches. "Ethan might need another fight if he wins this one."

I take a deep breath, trying to slow my racing heart. This tournament could change everything for me. Warriors who perform well often receive promotions, better quarters, more responsibilities. More than that, earning Luna Aria's respect matters to me. She sees potential in me that sometimes I don't see myself.

The final two matches finish fifteen minutes later. Unfortunately, Ethan didn't make it, though he fought well. I feel for my packmate. We train together almost daily, and I know how much this meant to him.

Elder Thorn announces that the remaining matches will continue tomorrow, followed by the Alpha competition. The crowd buzzes with excitement at the mention of Alphas competing.