Bearclaw Valley a new day,

Cole stood firm beside Nephele, his presence solid and unwavering, like a sentinel. Though his posture held no hostility, there was a clear protective air about him, a quiet signal that he would brook no harm to the woman or her child. His golden eyes flicked briefly toward Ameline as she approached, offering her the acknowledgment of a subordinate greeting his leader, but his attention quickly shifted.

Over his shoulder, his gaze lingered for a moment on the girl—Anatolia, he thought her name was. The weight of her quiet, withdrawn demeanor pressed against his chest like a stone. There was something there, unspoken and heavy, that he didn’t need words to feel.

Without speaking, Cole returned his attention to Nephele, a subtle nod all he offered as if to say, it’s your turn now.