The elder stepped forward once the war dancers cleared the arena, his voice carrying easily across the clearing.
“The next event is the combat tournament between each pack’s chosen warriors. The rules are simple. No killing. Yielding must be honored. Strength without control is disgrace.”
A murmur of anticipation rippled through the crowd.
One by one, warriors from different packs stepped into the arena, swords gleaming under the fading daylight. They bowed briefly before circling each other, their movements sharp and calculating. When the first clash of metal rang through the air, it sent a thrill through the spectators.
The sound of steel striking steel echoed powerfully. Sparks flew with every calculated swing. The warriors fought fiercely but with discipline, every strike measured,
