The terrain changed subtly, rising and dipping beneath her feet. She stumbled a few times, grabbing onto low-hanging branches for support. The bears never stopped to wait, but they never left her behind either. Their pace was exacting, purposeful. And yet… they didn’t seem lost. That thought chilled her. They knew exactly where they were going.
After another stretch of silence, Evelyn summoned the courage to speak again—this time to the bears. “Where are you taking me?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Of course, she didn’t expect an answer. But the smaller bear—almost in response—paused, turned its head slightly, and gave a low grunt before continuing forward.