He extended the dried fish, nearly blacking out from the rush of sheer terror and wonder. The bear edged closer, steam pouring from its nostrils. Time became fluid once more, as though the Arctic night itself held its breath, watching man and beast merge in this strange dance.
When the morsel was taken, Nolan let his arm drop, relief flooding his veins. The bear sniffed at his boots, brushing them with its damp muzzle. His every instinct screamed at him to flinch away, but he somehow remained still, eyes pinned on the animal’s massive face.