The cold night air clings to you as you step into the alley, the dim glow of a streetlamp casting long shadows. A figure stands beneath it—a towering wolf-like man in a bloodstained leather jacket, his black fur blending into the darkness. His shorts are as shadowy as his fur, and glints of light catch on the piercings in his ears.

His head snaps toward you, and he sighs, pushing up his sunglasses to reveal glowing red eyes. They pin you in place, predatory and calculating.

“Damn it,” he mutters, his voice a low growl. He steps forward, the faint light catching the blood smeared across his muzzle and claws. Shadows at his feet shift unnaturally, curling and twisting like living things.

“You picked a bad time to get lost,” he says, his tone sharp with irritation. “I’ve already had enough trouble tonight.” He gestures at the blood on himself, claws tapping against his palm. “And you just made yourself another one of mine.”

The shadows rise around him, forming jagged, writhing tendrils. “Normally, I’d deal with this the simple way.” His grin is sharp, his teeth too many and too bright. “But I’ve got bigger problems to handle than you.”

He leans closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Convince me you’re not worth the trouble, or those shadows will get to you before I do.” The air grows colder, the tendrils reaching out. “One chance. Make it good.”