Page 175 of Wolf Roulette

Shock. Fear. Confusion.

I paced the length of the stage. “Why is this of concern tousthough?Well, while the Luthers have occupied this valley, other supernaturals haven’t claimed this area for their own. We haven’t had to contend with demons, witches, or vampires. But here’s my question to you, stewards. What happens if we win Victratum and the Luthers leave? Who and what will come next? Fifteen thousand vampires? Thousands of demons, and likelytensof thousands of them? Witches? When will they strike?” I took a breath. “Will we win the game after hundreds of years, just to face battle after battle for this land in the future?”

Fear.

Good.

I let the silence swell. “Between this moment and Tuesday night, I want you to think about that one question… What happens if the Luthers leave?”

The screen behind me shut off and murmurs broke out.

I softened my voice. “We’re in the unique position of knowing what may lay ahead. Don’t let that lure you into a false sense of security. On Tuesday night, we will decide on a solution that will determine whether this tribe has a future.”

I let them chat, listening in on their comments.

This can’t be true.

Why didn’t the wolves tell us?

I don’t believe it.

She’s a Luther now. She just wants them to stay.

“Now to the second announcement,” I called through the mic.

They gradually quietened.

I scanned their midst, noting the number of pale and stricken faces. “We utilised the week off Victratum to prepare for both Clay and Water, though we announced Clay to the pack. Thank you for the extra practice you’ve put in. I know it will serve us well in the near future.Tomorrow, we host five hundred guests on manor lands. These guests will help us in the game next week. They’ll likely stay until Thursday morning. I expect every steward here to treat those guests with the utmost respect and hospitality while they’re with us.”

I wanted my stewards to work with the Vissimo before revealing what they were.

It could make my job on Tuesday night a lot easier.

“Over the next three days, we’ll practice as we’ve never practiced before.” My expression hardened. “I’ve seen what this tribe has done. I’ve been amazed time and again by how seamlessly last-minute operations are carried out in the grid. This week, this tribe needs to do better than ever before. By Tuesday night, you’ll understand why.”

I gestured to Rhona a few rows back from the front. “Over the last two days, Rhona and I put together a special recording. This will be distributed by Nathan after the gathering. Please make time to listen to the recording todayon manor lands only. Preferably with headphones on. This evening, Gerry will call a special training to run through a new manoeuvre. Lastly, Monday through Wednesday, the workday will end at midday to allow ample time to run through our operations.”

The stewards didn’t know what was happening, but they’d registered something serious was afoot.

I smiled. “Any questions? Nothing too big to announce today, as you’ve heard.”

That earned me a few laughs.

Their nervous reaction trailed off as Rhona waved to me from the bottom of the stairs.

She climbed and crossed to me.

I switched off the mic. “What’s wrong?”

Her hands shook. “I’d like to speak to the tribe if that’s okay?”

Uh…to say what? I’d just released a series of bombs on them. They couldn’t take much more.

“I need you on board today.” I wanted to trust her, but this was just too important.

She nodded. “I’m not here to make trouble.”

Her scent confirmed that. At least, it confirmed thatRhonadidn’t believe her words would cause trouble.