Fox's Glade ocean eyes

Cole's steady gait slowed as a faint, delicate scent reached his nose—jasmine, subtle and refined, carried on the chilled wind. His sharp eyes scanned the tree line until they settled on the figure beneath a skeletal tree, her form hunched and trembling.

The sight made him pause. She sat cradling something small and lifeless, her tears catching the muted light as they fell. Cole cleared his throat, his deep voice a low rumble in the quiet of the forest.

Ma'am, he began, his tone uncharacteristically soft. His brow furrowed as he stepped forward, careful not to startle her. You alrigh'?

He stood at a respectful distance, his broad frame imposing but his posture relaxed, leaving no room for misunderstanding. Though his world was one of grit and action, the sight of her vulnerability stirred something within him. He waited, letting the silence hold as he observed the delicate creature before him.