Tanner’s heart swelled as he saw the joy on his friends’ faces, their relief mirroring his own. As they reached the boats, Mallory pulled Tanner into a tight embrace, his voice thick with emotion. “We were so worried,” he murmured, his eyes glassy with unshed tears.
As the boats pushed off, leaving the iceberg behind, Tanner looked back one last time, the memories of their ordeal still fresh in his mind. He glanced at Iqaluk, who was gazing out at the horizon with a peaceful expression.