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.

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

self; always be on

else, and that, right there, confuses me.” He pauses and wrinkles his forehead in

with a lick to

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

dead silent then; all must be contemplating

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

eating my salad, Dad

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

his chicken while Axel on the water he

other hand, snapped her attention at Dad, almost

Seth?

remained quiet. Too

remember his presence if it weren't for

race?” Howard immediately inquired after drinking the water I

I shifted my gaze to look at him, he was already

felt myself go

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

Shit!

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

and

quite amused, raised his perfect eyebrow at

ball this year, well next year. Thanks to the hunting season.” Seth confirmed, sounding nonchalant.

“But, ” Howard started.

finished

Seth replied, earning confused faces

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

to elaborate, sweetheart?” Mum asked while sitting up

one, he shot us a knowing

seat and seeing that we are all situated, Seth

his chest, “Three years ago, before the war between the werewolves, the Hue

step in to work. It took them half a year to find the right ways to resolve the conflict.

of solutions they have come up with and used, our

three years later — the time after the war, and happens to be this year, the same old crisis occurred.

do you mean worse?” Howard

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

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

reduce the chances of finding a pair. Hybrids tend to

past nine months... We are at our lowest, two percent to be exact. That's almost two

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

Yet, we do have a plan.” Seth turned his attention

promised

Seth only nodded.

perplexed as to what we are

— mostly inquiries

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

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 my head in

Seth proceeded with his

answers are

His crossed arms made their way to the table and then he

deaf ears now because my mind went numb the second I heard

didn't help either when fleeting ideas about the invitation, Seth's confirmation about Human attendees, Red Moonball, mixed-race breeds, Cayden's words,

all their

of a

I gasped.

part of your breeding process,

thinking or my tone.

to increase the chances of

all

thought I need to

I could only shrug.

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

I

respond when Mum cut

about might change once you get into 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