Alpha's Nala novel Chapter 25

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.

For a sweet guy, and never have I seen this side of him, Axel looks very dangerous when mad making me flinched.

Note to self; always be on his good side…

“If this is about survival, then it's not us who's being chased here. It's somebody else, and that, right there, confuses me.” He pauses and wrinkles his forehead in pure concentration.

Then, with a lick to his lips, Axel continued.

“The palace 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? What do you guys think draws them to HUNT at the event?” He queried, sounding almost intrigued and worried at the same time.

The space became dead silent then; all must be contemplating on what Axel just voice out.

As for me, agreeing that my assumption stays an assumption, I lowered my eyes to our marble table and took a sudden interest in my half-eaten plate.

Midway of eating my salad, Dad spoke.

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

Hearing this, Howard choke on his chicken while Axel on the water he was currently drinking.

Mum, on the other hand, snapped her attention at Dad, almost glaring at him.

Seth?

He remained quiet. Too quiet...

I didn't even remember his presence if it weren't for my sudden headcount.

“New race? What new race?” Howard immediately inquired after drinking the water I had offered him.

“Humans, that's the new race.” Seth finally uttered, and when I shifted my gaze to look at him, he was already looking at me.

I felt myself go stiff then and there.

Not because of his stare now, but because of his statement; he just unintentionally confirmed to me that HUMANS ARE ATTENDING THE BALL.

Shit!

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

“WHAT!” Both Howard and Axel screeched.

Seth, quite amused, raised his perfect eyebrow at the two.

“You heard me right. Humans will be attending the ball this year, well next year. Thanks to the hunting season.” Seth confirmed, sounding nonchalant.

“But, ” Howard started.

“Why?” Axel finished the question.

“Two words, Human Trial,” Seth replied, earning confused faces from us — and I mean, ALL of us.

“Human… Trial…” Dad — who I believe just got out of his shock — finally spoke, his tongue rolling like the word was in a foreign language.

“Care to elaborate, sweetheart?” Mum asked while sitting up straight on her chair.

Seth nodded at her and one by one, he shot us a knowing look; It's storytime.

Everybody made themselves comfortable on their seat and seeing that we are all situated, Seth began speaking.

“To start, let me do a little history lesson first.” Seth started and crossed 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 it was a big issue, the elders of the mixed council started questioning our race's future.

With this, 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 to resolve the conflict.

For whoever knows what kind of solutions they have come up with and used, our species started to successfully thrive once more. It was small in numbers though.

Still, 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 this time, it's far worse because — ”

“WORSE! What do you mean worse?” Howard interrupted, he sounded troubled.

“The 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.