It was usual procedure to melt away as the sun began to rise. Shadow Wolves are to remain in the shadows, the day was ruled by the Scavengers and the Blood Wolves, but he had his orders. He was to keep the little bird safe. Hopefully she didn't live far. It would be good to get back to The Wolves Den and have a nice warm cider at the bar. He kept a safe distance from the would be hero, no need to spook the caped crusader. What was with masked vigilantes and capes anyway. Is there a rule in handbook somewhere that says they all need capes? Seemed to him it would just get in the way, like it was getting in the way of his view. He caught a peek at the shape of that ass when she did her flourish. He'd like another look. Chances were he wouldn't get it. Maybe though, she sure did like her flourishes after all.
If his eyes weren't so sharp, his own distracting thoughts would have made him miss the two figures that were now shadowing the girl. They weren't wolves, and he didn't recognize the garb from any of the other crews in the city. They had weapons drawn. 'They're after the girl!' He threw his small axe at one and three daggers at the other and dashed toward them, short sword drawn. They were caught by surprise, the axe taking the first in the head, but the other was fast, and he swung his cape up to catch the daggers. 'So that's what they're for,' he thought. But as fast as he was, blocking the daggers took too much time, and the short sword found his heart. As he lowered the dying man to the roof top, he noticed he was smiling widely. 'A smile? A TRAP!'
He spun around as a dart caught him in the neck. The poison was acting fast, he'd be dead in a moment. Shot from the shadows, he couldn't see his killer. They never wanted the girl. Thank goodness. It was him they were after, and they sacrificed two, just for him. Why? As life faded from his eyes, a cloaked figure stepped from the shadows, and spoke in a gravely voice.
"Thanks for the face little pup."