In the distance, silhouettes emerged: the other poachers returning, drawn by the promise of capturing such a valuable trophy. Their voices filled the still air with cruel, triumphant undertones. Nolan could only imagine the fate awaiting the mother bear and her cub.
They circled around Nolan, gloating about their impending payday. Some sneered, kicking snow at him. He forced himself to keep calm, mindful that panic would solve nothing. The cub pressed closer, trembling. Nolan wished he could comfort the poor creature.