In another part of the city, Marcus stood in a darkened room, his arms crossed as he listened to the report from one of Dean's informants.
"The Dud's grown stronger," the informant said, his voice shaking slightly. "He's got some kind of... spectral beast with him now."
Marcus frowned. "A beast?"
"A wolf," the informant clarified. "It's like nothing I've ever seen. Glowing, silent, dangerous."
Marcus turned toward the window, his gaze fixed on the city below. "And Dean knows about this?"
The informant hesitated. "I... haven't told him yet. Thought it best to bring it to you first."
Marcus nodded slowly. "Good. Keep quiet about this for now. Dean doesn't need distractions."
"But what do we do?" the informant asked.
Marcus's lips curled into a faint smile. "We let the Dud think he's winning. And when the time comes, we'll remind him who holds the real power."
---
Back in the alley, the group rested briefly.
