Bearclaw Valley remember me,

Cole shifted his weight slightly, his usual stoicism tempered by the softness in Nephele’s voice. Her concern was evident, but he waved it off with a dismissive shrug, the corner of his mouth twitching faintly.

It’s nothin’, he said, voice calm and low. Couple’a coyotes got too close for comfort. And then Rala—new woman—brought some friend along. She weren’t too nice. He scoffed softly, a dry humor bleeding into his tone. Didn’t end well for her.

His amber gaze met hers briefly, steady and assuring. I’m alright, though. Seen worse. He gestured subtly with his uninjured shoulder, as if to prove his point.