Alpha's Nala

Legaxy

The Red Moonball is like any other mating ball in this world.

Yes, it happens once a year, every year. And yes, it has the same goal of assisting mythical creatures in finding their other halves.

The usual setting…

Though, the difference with this particular ball is its concept, in which other species are not allowed to join.

It is tradition for events like this to involve other people, particularly different kinds of existences, in order to have a higher chance of pairing.

However, the mixed-race, knowing how unpredictable they are, choose to ignore the belief and decided to keep it for themselves.

Not to be selfish or strict now, but to be SAFE — For others' sake, to be precise...

Not to mention, they are a PROUD race. They make sure their generations consist only of PURE breeds.

No hybrids, or so they believed.

So when Axel questioned the attendance part — indicating that the ball should be a Vampire and Witch party ONLY,

Then connecting it to what Seth mentioned earlier about the rogue vampires and black witches' hunting season,

And me realizing that it should be HUMANS that needed to be hunted,

My eyes widened like saucers.

It can't be...

But why?

The palace knew how tempting the mortal race is. That's why they figured it would be smart enough to ban them to the ball.

And for what?

Since prey is prey. Surely, inviting one to the occasion could cause an uproar, or worse, a war — and wars are not really a good thing right now.

Then, all of a sudden, I recalled Cayden's words, reminding me of how real and possible my assumption was.

So Humans, my race, THEY will be attending the Red Moonball…

My breath hitched at the thought.

I was about to speak my mind out when Howard beat me to it, explaining, “Axel has a point. Those ‘pests’, even if impulsive, are not that stupid to go to a battlefield knowing there is no conflict.”

“True, they are careful and strategic beings.” Dad nodded his head, “But they wanted to HUNT, at the Red Moonball? They do realize the place will be filled by us once they get there, right?”

“Love, it's hunting season.” Mum, turning to her right to face Dad, reminded gently. “Surely, the ‘pests’ will not mind if their hunting ground was packed or not. They only wished to feed and cause mayhem... That's all they seek.”

Dad growled after hearing that.

“But it's a foolish move, Love. A wasted effort. They know every time they strike, they will lose. Yet, they keep on going. Like dying was some kind of a game for them.” He paused and stared at Mum, “They were once our brothers and sisters… it's just annoying that instead of giving us a chance to cure them, they taunt us back. Insult us, in a manner of choosing death over family.” He ended, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Mum let out a quiet sigh.

“That's their fault and not ours, Jacob.” She placed her hand on Dad's chest, “Don't think too much about it. Okay?”

Dad only nodded while stroking Mum's hand on his chest. Then, the two started ogling at each other.

Howard had to clear his throat, twice, to break our parents' moment.

Thankfully, the two didn't mind and went back to eating.

The rest of us followed.

“I just can't believe we don't have any leads as to why they wanted to ambush at the ball.” Howard started after a long pause, “There's nothing there to pique their interest,” he added and took a bite of his roasted chicken.

“I think — ” was all that I could say before Axel interrupted me.

And I'm like, seriously?

I frowned.

“Which takes me back to my point.” Axel snapped, sounding furious now.

this side of him, Axel

to self; always be

about survival, then it's not us who's being chased here. It's somebody else, and that, right there, confuses me.” He pauses

with a lick to his lips,

does not allow other people, primarily mortals, to come to the ball. So why are those ‘pests’ finally decided to come to the ball? On that specific day?

all must be contemplating on what Axel

my eyes to our marble table and took

of eating my

notice regarding a new race joining the ball.” He announced, killing the silence

on his chicken while Axel on the water

on the other hand, snapped her attention at Dad, almost

Seth?

remained quiet.

presence if it weren't for my

What new race?” Howard immediately inquired after

I shifted my

felt myself go stiff then

of his stare now, but because of his statement; he just unintentionally confirmed to me that HUMANS ARE ATTENDING

Shit!

an idea about this, I trembled in my seat. While everybody else, who was

and Axel screeched.

raised his

Humans will be attending the ball this year, well next year. Thanks to

“But, ” Howard started.

Axel finished

confused faces from us — and I mean,

Trial…” Dad — who I believe just got out of his shock — finally spoke,

while sitting

at her and one by one, he

comfortable on their seat and seeing that we are all

the Hue Kingdom encountered a problem. This problem revolved around the RED's difficulty in breeding. And seeing that it was a big issue, the elders of the mixed council

on saving the bloodline, the Hue Kingdom step in to work. It took them half a year to find the right ways to resolve

what kind of solutions they have come up with and used, our species started to successfully thrive once more. It

after the war, and happens to be this

What do you mean worse?” Howard interrupted, he

red match count dropped.” Seth bluntly responds, frowning at him — Big brother hates disruptions when he's talking, “Before, we can reach eight out of ten or even a perfect ten — with or without the formulated solution.

years ago. We don't know why but we assume that the case is related to the recognition

but it does reduce the chances of finding a pair. Hybrids tend to block the scent of the pure breeds,

was disturbing. Especially, when the elders spoke about how our figures decreased this past nine months... We are at our lowest, two percent to

are saying that we're probably endangered, brother?” Axel straightforwardly asked, worry was evident

we do have a plan.” Seth turned his attention to me, “Do you remember what I promised last Monday, boo?"

chirp through my confusion, “you promised to tell me the reason behind your guarding

Seth only nodded.

look perplexed as to what we are talking

proceed, I quickly fired questions at Seth — mostly inquiries as to why I was involved and the reason behind the

I've experienced from Seth; I just wanted

as he chuckles. “One topic at a time, please. And before you ask another question, made sure I had already answered the previous one. Got it?”

frowned at him but nodded my head in

my reaction, Seth proceeded with his

answers

breeding problem.” His crossed arms made their way to the table

my mind went numb the second I

when fleeting ideas about the invitation, Seth's confirmation about Human attendees, Red Moonball, mixed-race breeds, Cayden's words, and the new process they call Human

all

of a finger, I

I gasped.

breeding process, aren't you?” I asked Seth, sounding more concerned than

at me, surprised by either my quick thinking or my tone. And then, recovering

the ball, to increase the chances

all

I need to explain that further.” Seth

I could only shrug.

your feelings brother, but isn't it all too dangerous?” Howard protested, “I mean, hello, humans are PREY and we are PREDATORS. That

I didn't

respond when

the process.” Mum said and I caught a glimpse of her smiling at Dad, “You see, when you get to meet your RED, you instantly feel this pull towards them, telling