Chapter 16

As I made my way back through the forest, my senses were on high alert. The rain had washed away some of the day's heat, leaving the air cool and damp. I shivered, not just from the chill but from the sense of unease that had settled in my gut. I was almost back to the house when I heard it—a low growl that made my blood run cold.

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. Slowly, I turned toward the sound, and my eyes widened in terror as I saw a massive bear emerging from the trees. It looked hungry and angry, its eyes locked onto me.

I took a step back, my mind racing. What was I supposed to do? The bear roared, and I stumbled, falling to the ground. Panic surged through me as the bear advanced, its massive form looming over me. I scrambled backward, but it was no use. The bear was too close.

"Help!" I screamed, hoping against hope that someone would hear me.

The world seemed to slow down, every breath I took was labored, every heartbeat a thunderous echo in my ears. The bear's hot br