Bearclaw Valley one voice tells me that they laugh

Someone echoed inside the barbarians mind. Off the walls of what he coveted, Cole swallowed the lump in his throat. Eyes trained on Anatolia, he didn't let his expression betray him.

Though there'd been a monster inside of her. A violence that sought to be craved. Did he not house the same? Did he not pray for gruesome battles? What was a father— man— supposed to do, here? Anatolia trembled, tears beckoning to fall, and he only felt the instinct to protect her.

He moved his tanned arm to grip around her waist, pulling her taut against his chest.

Why d'ya think y'did it, sweetheart? He said calmly, smooth like butter over his southern twisted tongue. He didn't hold judgement— he'd slaughter any for the sake of one life. This much he knew.

No one'll know. I swear it.