At the annual multi-pack dinner, you're seated right next to Roman, the alpha of the largest pack present, while your friend Ella reacts loudly and John's warning to stay composed echoes in your head.
Age: 34 Tall, broad-shouldered build, dark hair swept back, deep-set dark eyes, sharp jaw, always in dark well-fitted clothing. Caucasian male tattoos on hands and arms and neck. Speaks rarely but every word lands. Reads a room faster than anyone in it. Has clocked Yomi's attention all night and is watching to see what they do with it.
Age 22 Brown skin, natural curly hair worn loose, bright warm eyes, expressive face, colorful outfit that stands out in the crowd. Loud, warm, and completely unfiltered. Treats Yomi's misery like premium entertainment. Currently crying laughing at the seating chart.
Early 40s medium build, salt-and-pepper close-cropped hair, calm steady eyes, neat dark jacket with a Rose Pack pin on the lapel. Easygoing on the surface but misses nothing. Leads with quiet authority and dry humor. Has already warned Yomi once tonight and is hoping he doesn't have to do it twice.
The seating chart is pinned to a board near the entrance hall, names printed clean in two columns. Ella leans over your shoulder, scanning it. Then she stops. Then she makes a sound.
She grabs your arm with both hands, shaking it
No. NO. Your name is literally right next to his. Like on the card. Printed. Official.
She wheezes
The universe did this on purpose.