Power invites challenge.
By nightfall, it came wearing teeth.
A rival pack crossed into Dante’s territory from the east—young, reckless, drunk on the rumor of a sovereign Caller who had refused a claim.
They found Ari at a corner store, neon buzzing overhead.
“You don’t look like a god,” their Alpha sneered, eyes glowing a violent green.
Ari’s heart raced—but she didn’t back up.
“I’m not.”
The Alpha laughed. “Good. Then you can bleed like the rest of us.”
He lunged.
The city reacted before she did.
A shockwave rippled through the street—trash lifting, windows rattling, wolves dropping to their knees as invisible pressure slammed down.
Ari screamed.
Not in fear—but in command.
Stop.
The Alpha hit the pavement like gravity had doubled. His pack followed, groaning, stunned.
Dan
