Chapter 29

• Aria’s heart raced as she slowly stepped back, desperate to disappear before the bear noticed her. Each careful movement was a silent prayer that she could escape unnoticed. But just as she thought she was safe, her foot landed on a dry twig, snapping it loudly underfoot.
• The bear’s head shot up, its dark eyes locking onto her with a predatory focus. Aria’s eyes widened in terror as she realized she had become its target. Panic surged through her as the bear began to lumber toward her, its massive body moving with alarming speed. Without thinking, she screamed, the sound tearing from her throat as she turned and ran.
• The bear charged after her, its powerful legs propelling it forward faster than she could ever hope to run. The ground shook beneath her as she sprinted, fear driving her to push her limits. Just as she felt the hot breath of the bear behind her, a thunderous gunshot echoed through the forest, freezing both Aria and the bear in their tracks.