Wapun Meadow gilded lily

Cole’s ears flicked at the sound of her voice, the calm confidence in her tone catching his attention. His amber gaze lingered on her form, reclined atop the snow-covered boulder like it was her throne. There was an ease about her, a confidence that didn’t feel forced, and yet…

There it was—something faint but unmistakable. A scent. Male.

He didn’t comment on it, though his stance shifted ever so slightly, broad shoulders squaring as his tail swayed with controlled precision. The valley’s borders weren’t a place for carelessness, no matter how serene the setting seemed.

Resting, huh? His voice rumbled, low and even, though his gaze never left hers. Y'r close to Bearclaw’s lands. Strangers aren’t often given a free pass.

His tone wasn’t hostile, but it carried weight, a quiet reminder that she wasn’t without scrutiny. Even so, he didn’t make a move to chase her off—not yet. Instead, he stood tall, his presence a steady, unspoken challenge, waiting to see how she would respond.