~Lyra~
The room's atmosphere shifted instantly, charged with the electricity of dominance challenge. Ryan wasn't just questioning Caleb's leadership; he was challenging mine. In wolf hierarchy, such challenges had only one resolution.
I could feel Maya tensing beside me, ready to intervene. But this was my fight. My responsibility.
"Last chance," I offered quietly. "Withdraw the challenge."
Ryan's answer was a swift right hook aimed at my jaw.
I was ready. Ducking beneath his swing, I drove my fist into his solar plexus, following with an uppercut that snapped his head back. He stumbled but recovered quickly, shifting his weight to lunge at me with partially extended claws.
The fight exploded in earnest then. Ryan was heavier, stronger in raw terms. But I was faster, more disciplined
