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.

a sweet guy, and never have I seen this side of him, Axel looks very dangerous

always be on his good

survival, then it's not us who's being chased here. It's somebody else, and that,

lick to

why are those ‘pests’ finally decided to come to the ball? On that specific day? What do you guys think draws them to HUNT

all must be contemplating on what Axel just

stays an assumption, I lowered my eyes to our marble table and took a

eating my salad,

that reminds me, I actually got this notice regarding a new race joining the ball.” He announced, killing the silence that devoured the

chicken while Axel on the water he was currently

her attention

Seth?

remained quiet. Too

presence if

race?” Howard immediately inquired after drinking the water I had

my gaze

go stiff then

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

Shit!

trembled in my seat. While everybody else, who was

and Axel

amused, raised his

the ball this year, well next year. Thanks to the hunting

“But, ” Howard started.

finished

replied, earning confused faces from us — and I

his shock — finally

Mum asked while sitting up

by one, he shot

made themselves comfortable on their seat and seeing that we are

in front of his chest, “Three years ago, before the war between the werewolves, 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

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

with and used, our species started to

it was good enough to keep the generation going. Well, not until three years later — the time after the war, and happens to be this year, the same old crisis occurred. But

do you mean worse?” Howard interrupted, he

him — Big brother hates disruptions when he's talking, “Before, we can reach eight out of ten or even

get two out of the ten, even with the same procedure and solution used three years ago. We don't know why but we assume that the case is related to the recognition of the new breeds — specifically, the hybrids.

the chances of finding a pair. Hybrids tend to block the scent

about how our figures decreased this past nine months... We are at our lowest, two percent to be exact. That's almost two childbirths every four years.” He explained, his frown turned into

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

do have a plan.” Seth turned his attention

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

Seth only nodded.

look perplexed as to what we are talking

even inquire or proceed, I quickly fired questions at Seth — mostly inquiries as

wait I've experienced from Seth; I just wanted

slow down.” Seth interrupted my grumble as he chuckles. “One topic at a time, please. And before you ask another question, made sure I had already answered the previous one.

but nodded

reaction, Seth

my answers are

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

into deaf ears now because my mind went numb

didn't help either 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 Trial swirled

all

then, like a snap of a

I gasped.

part of your breeding process, aren't you?” I asked Seth, sounding

big brother stared at me, surprised by either my quick thinking or my tone. And then, recovering from his astonishment, he nodded.

the humans to join the ball, to increase the chances of getting matches. Especially

was all

I need to explain that further.”

I could only shrug.

all too dangerous?” Howard protested, “I mean, hello, humans are PREY and

that, I didn't think

when Mum cut him off.

and I caught a glimpse of her smiling at Dad, “You see,