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.

have I seen this side of him, Axel looks

self; always be

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

a lick to his

primarily mortals, to come to the ball. So why are those ‘pests’ finally decided to come to the ball? On that specific day? What do you guys think draws them to HUNT at the event?” He queried, sounding almost intrigued

then; all must be contemplating on what Axel just

I lowered my eyes to our marble table and took a sudden interest

my salad, Dad

me, I actually got this notice regarding a new race joining the ball.” He

while

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

Seth?

quiet.

even remember his presence if

Howard immediately inquired after drinking the water I

that's the new race.” Seth finally uttered, and when I shifted my

felt myself go stiff then and

his statement; he just unintentionally

Shit!

even if I already had an idea about this, I trembled in my seat. While everybody else, who was not expecting

Both Howard and Axel

quite amused, raised his perfect eyebrow at

be attending the ball this year, well next year.

“But, ” Howard started.

Axel finished

confused faces from us

of his shock — finally spoke, his tongue rolling

asked while sitting

by one, he shot us a knowing

comfortable on their seat and seeing that we

his arms 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

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

knows what kind of solutions they have come up with and used, our species

years later — the time after the war, and

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.

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,

that we could blame them for their existence but it does reduce the chances of finding a pair.

our lowest, two percent to be

Axel straightforwardly asked, worry was evident in both his

a plan.” Seth

I chirp through my confusion, “you promised to tell

Seth only nodded.

look perplexed as to what we are talking about.

Seth — mostly inquiries as to why I was involved and

experienced from Seth; I just wanted this to be done and over

Seth interrupted my grumble as he chuckles. “One topic at a time, please. And before

but nodded

Seth proceeded with

my answers are

failed attempts, 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 relaxes there, “That's how the ‘Human Trial’ was born. It's the same

Seth was saying was falling into deaf ears now because my mind went numb the

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 inside

processing all their

a snap of a finger,

I gasped.

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

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

to increase the chances of

all my

need to explain that further.” Seth

I could only shrug.

mean, hello, humans are PREY and we

I didn't think

was about to respond when Mum cut him

said and I caught a glimpse of her smiling at Dad, “You see, when you get to