His throat locked tight with something he hadn't felt in a long time. Then something happened he never saw coming. The river women, all 22 of them, rose at the same time. They moved together, stepping forward in quiet, deliberate unity, like this moment had been waiting for him all along. They formed a circle around Cole Maddox, their faces glowing in the firelight.
Some were young, barely past girlhood. Others carried years etched deep into their features, but every single one of them shared the same look. Hope laced with resolve. One woman stepped forward. She was neither the youngest nor the oldest.
Her dark hair fell like night, and her eyes held a quiet, steady intelligence. Cole recognized her. She'd been tending to the little ones earlier that day. "My name is Ayanna." she said, her voice soft, but unwavering. "I speak for all of us." Cole felt his heartbeat quicken.
There was something in the air, something he couldn't quite name, but it set his nerves on edge. "You gave us back our dignity." Ayanna continued. "You gave us back our past, and with it, our future. Without that treasure, we would have faced the winter with nothing to trade, no way to feed our children." Her gaze held his. "You saved our lives.
Around them, the river women nodded. A low murmur of agreement rippled through the circle. Our people have lost much, Ayanna went on, sweeping her hand outward. 22 Husbands, 22 fathers, 22 protectors. Her voice tightened, but didn't break.
We are left exposed. The young are brave, but untested. The elders are wise, but fragile. We need strength. We need experience.
She paused, then spoke more quietly. We need a man who reminds us that goodness still exists in this hard world. That was when it hit him. Cole felt it crawl up his spine like cold iron. He knew where this was heading.
Ayanna drew in a steady breath. So, we offer you something, she said. If you choose it, if your heart allows it, you may stay. You may choose one of us. Take her as your wife.
Become truly part of our family. Silence fell. Heavy. Absolute. Cole could hear the crackle of firewood, the whisper of wind through stone, the wild pounding of his own heart.
I he started, but the words tangled in his throat. I didn't I wasn't expecting You don't have to answer now, Tala said gently, stepping in. A choice like this must come from a quiet heart, not from the heat of celebration. Cole looked around the circle. Every woman watched him, hopeful, vulnerable.