Bearclaw Valley so close to what

Cole let her words settle between them like the warm embers of a fire. He nodded slowly, a small smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. It is a good thing, ain’t it? he agreed, his tone low and steady. The touch of her paw against his brought a rare softness to his gaze, and he let out a quiet, contented huff.

For a moment, he simply sat there, letting the stillness of the moment speak for itself. The breeze carried her scent, a mixture of earth and rain, grounding him further. He glanced at her, the steel in his eyes giving way to something warmer.

I’ll be around, he said finally, his voice gentle but firm. Long as you want me here, Nephele. For you, for your girls… don’t matter. I’ll be here.

The promise hung in the air, unspoken but palpable. He meant it. Whatever storms came their way, Cole would stand like an old oak, steady and unshaken.