“Time’s Up!”
The Hummingbird pops up on the central throne at the forefront of the grand ballroom in a shower of obnoxious sparkles, the group of 16 having gathered back inside once more. He languishes on the throne for several seconds, then jumps up and throws his feathered cloak behind him.
“Pity we don’t have an actual execution right now…” he mutters sadly. Then suddenly he perks right back up again. With a gloved hand, the Hummingbird makes an almost imperceptible notion to a member of the group.*
A shot rings out. Italy (the Wolf) has been killed by the Man-At-Arms!
Blood pools around the Wolf’s still-jerking body as his frantic gaze darts around, then slowly goes still. Yet…how curious- nobody can identify where the shot came from, or who. Mutters break out amongst the group. The reality has finally sunk in, and everyone is now visibly terrified.
“What are you, shocked? Bless your sweet, naive little hearts…this is your reality now. Adapt or face the consequences.”
The Hummingbird is in quite a good mood after the gory display, and motions to the 15 remaining competitors to follow him down a long, ornate hall into a pristine dining room. There, the Kitsune and the Lynx have just finished laying out the last of 15 plates loaded with the finest cuisine you could possibly imagine. It looks tempting…almost too much so.
“Go on, eat up! Dinner is served.”