Out of the shadows loomed the mother bear, her massive form emerging with a ferocity that sent a shiver through Hazel’s spine. The bear’s growl was low and menacing, vibrating with primal rage as she advanced on the traveller.
His confidence evaporated in an instant, replaced by raw terror as the reality of his situation set in. Without a word, he dropped the rock and turned, sprinting into the darkness with panic driving his every step.