The Imperial City stirred with morning life. Commoners bustled along stone-paved streets while spirit warriors strode with quiet confidence. In the Averton District, an unnamed narrow alley received two approaching carriages.
The first appeared ordinary, drawn by common horses.
The second was anything but.
It was pulled by two massive hounds with sinewy limbs and unnatural amber eyes.
The alley proved too narrow for both vehicles to pass. The wealthy man inside the extravagant carriage scoffed and instructed his coachman to force the other aside.
The black-robed coachman of the opposing carriage narrowed his eyes.
"Move before trouble finds you," warned the ordinary carriage's driver.
The wealthy man laughed and ordered his coachman to proceed.
The whip cracked.
The hounds barked violently at the horses.
The horses reared in panic.
Then the black-robed coachman vanished.
He reappeared instantly at his original position.
Blood dripped from his hands.
