With each footfall on the treacherous ice, Nolan’s mind reeled with stories he had heard: of polar bears ripping tents open, of gruesome pirate raids, of wanderers lost forever beneath the snow. Now he was fresh out of fish, and a dread took root: would he be next?
The bear’s heavy pawsteps grated against the frozen ground, every impact a reminder of its massive strength. Nolan felt his heartbeat spike whenever the beast paused, glancing back as if to check for more food. Each glance sent a spike of panic into his gut.