The chief was waiting near the centre of the settlement, flanked by a handful of villagers who went quiet the moment they saw Gabriel approach. No relief. Just wary eyes and held breaths.
"It's done," Gabriel said.
She nodded, shoulders loosening. "All of them?"
"Yes."
A small breath escaped her. She reached into her belt and pressed a pouch of coins into his hand.
Gabriel didn't count it.
"You won't have trouble from the river for now," he said, turning toward his horse.
The chief hesitated.
"What about the bodies?" she asked. "If they're left there, wolves will come. Or worse. If you could drag them deeper into the forest, or burn them-"
Gabriel stopped but didn't turn fully back.
"That wasn't the job," he said.
She opened her mouth, then closed it again, weighing her words. Finally, she exhaled and gave a short nod.
"…I understand."
He mounted without another word.
As Gabriel gathered the reins, the chief spoke again, her tone different this time. Softer. Honest.
