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,

to self; always be on his

who's being chased here. It's somebody else, and that, right there, confuses me.” He pauses

with a lick to

finally decided to come to the ball? On that specific day? What do you guys think draws them to HUNT

then; all must be contemplating on what Axel

that my assumption stays an assumption, I lowered my eyes to our marble table and took a sudden interest in my

my salad,

actually got this notice regarding a new race joining the ball.” He announced, killing the

his chicken while Axel on the water he was

snapped her attention at Dad, almost glaring

Seth?

remained quiet. Too

presence if it

race?” Howard immediately inquired after drinking the water

Seth finally uttered, and when I shifted my gaze to look at

myself go stiff

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

Shit!

this, I trembled in my seat. While everybody else, who was not

Howard and

quite amused, raised his perfect eyebrow

heard me right. Humans will be attending the ball this year, well next year. Thanks to the hunting season.”

“But, ” Howard started.

Axel finished the

Trial,” Seth replied, earning confused faces from us — and I

just got out of his shock — finally spoke, his tongue rolling

asked while sitting up

nodded at her and one by one, he shot us a knowing

and seeing that

the Hue Kingdom encountered a problem. This problem revolved around the RED's difficulty in breeding. And

to work. It took them half a year

they have come up with and used, our species started to successfully thrive once more.

the war, and happens to be this year, the same old crisis occurred.

do you mean worse?” Howard interrupted,

— Big brother hates disruptions when he's talking, “Before, we can

of the ten, even with the same procedure and solution used three years ago. We don't know why but we

existence but it does reduce the chances of finding a pair. Hybrids

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

probably endangered, brother?” Axel straightforwardly asked, worry was evident in both his

a plan.” Seth turned his attention to me, “Do you remember what I promised last

confusion, “you promised to

Seth only nodded.

to what we are

Seth — mostly inquiries as to why I was

from Seth; I just wanted this

as he chuckles. “One topic at a time, please. And before you ask another question, made sure I had

nodded my head

with my reaction, Seth proceeded with

my answers

the Hue Kingdom decided to search for another way to solve the breeding problem.” His crossed arms made their way to the table and then he

Seth was saying was falling into deaf ears now because my

Human attendees, Red Moonball, mixed-race breeds, Cayden's words, and the new process they call Human Trial swirled

processing all their

of

I gasped.

humans as part of your breeding process, aren't you?” I asked

by either my quick thinking

join the ball, to increase the chances of getting matches. Especially the long-term REDless,

was all

quick, Boo. I thought I need to explain that further.” Seth

I could only shrug.

mean, hello, humans are PREY and we are PREDATORS. That kind of relationship is

I didn't think

when Mum

about might change once you get into the process.” Mum said and I caught a glimpse of her smiling at Dad, “You