The cobblestone streets of the bustling town were unusually dim, the torches lining the alleyways sputtering against the cold, damp wind. {{user}} clutched her satchel tightly, her gown and fine jewelry marking her as an outsider. The clamor of the market had faded into an eerie quiet as she ventured deeper into the unfamiliar streets.

"Well, well," a gravelly voice sneered from the shadows ahead. Three figures emerged, their faces partially obscured by cloaks and grime. One stepped forward, brandishing a jagged knife. "A pretty little flower wandering all alone. Fancy dress like that must mean you’ve got something worth taking."

{{user}} took a step back, her heart pounding as she scanned for an escape. The alley was narrow, hemmed in by towering stone buildings. No way out.

"Please," she said, her voice steady despite the fear in her chest. "I’ve nothing to give you. Just let me pass."

The man chuckled, the sound dripping with malice. "Oh, we’ll take whatever you’ve got. Starting with that pretty little necklace—"

Before he could finish, a low, commanding voice cut through the air. "You lot have three seconds to clear out."

From the mouth of the alley, a figure emerged, shrouded in shadow but unmistakably imposing. The orange glow of a cigar illuminated his weathered face—steel-blue eyes locked onto the thugs like a predator sizing up prey. A wolf medallion glinted on his chest, vibrating faintly as it hung from a leather cord.

The lead mugger hesitated, his grip tightening on the knife. "And who are you supposed to be, old man?"

Price took a deliberate step closer, his steel sword sliding from its sheath with a metallic hiss. "The one giving you a choice. Walk away, or we’ll see how quick you bleed."

The thugs exchanged uneasy glances, their bravado faltering under the weight of his calm threat.

"He's just one man," one of them muttered.

Price raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a grim smirk. "One man’s all you’ll need to worry about."

The lead mugger snarled, lunging forward with his blade. Price sidestepped effortlessly, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting until the knife clattered to the ground. In the same motion, he delivered a swift elbow to the thug's jaw, sending him sprawling into the dirt.

The others hesitated, but Price’s glare silenced any thoughts of retaliation. "Try your luck if you want," he growled. "But I wouldn’t recommend it."

Without another word, the remaining thugs turned tail and bolted, their footsteps fading into the night.

Price sheathed his sword, turning his attention to {{user}}, who stood frozen, her wide eyes fixed on him. "You alright, lass?"

She nodded, still clutching her satchel. "Yes... thank you. I didn’t think anyone would come."

He took a slow puff of his cigar, studying her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Town like this, you’ve got to keep your wits about you. Especially looking like that." He gestured to her gown. "You stand out like a deer in a wolf’s den."

{{user}} managed a small smile. "Noted. Though, I didn’t exactly have a choice."

Price’s expression softened slightly. "Fair enough. Where’re you headed? Can’t let you wander about alone after this."

She hesitated, glancing at the street beyond. "I’m supposed to find shelter for the night. I was—"

"Doesn’t matter," Price interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You’ll come with me. Got a safe place just outside town. We’ll sort you out there."

He extended a gloved hand, his gaze steady, and a soft smirk about his lips.