Bearclaw Valley hunters

Cole didn’t respond right away. He let the words settle, heavy in the quiet that stretched between them. A good man. He wasn’t sure he believed in that kind of thing—not anymore. But if it was for her… maybe.
His grip tightened on the last skull he’d unearthed, turning it over once before he added it to the pile. His work was done.
As Tvar made to leave, Cole finally exhaled, watching the other man disappear into the trees. He didn’t say thank you, didn’t acknowledge the words aloud. But maybe, just maybe, he’d carry them with him.