Nolan’s heart hammered against his ribcage as the shriek of the Arctic wind tore at his ears. Through ice-shrouded goggles, he saw a moving shadow lumber across the frozen horizon. There was no time to think. Instinct told him to run, but his feet felt rooted in place.
A tremendous roar shattered the frigid silence, echoing across the vast tundra. Panic coursed through Nolan’s veins when he realized the bulk of white fur was a polar bear, massive and menacing. It locked eyes with him, the chuff of its breath rising in an ominous cloud.
He tried backing away, but his boots skidded on the slick ice. As he tumbled backward, helpless and exposed, the bear reared up, looming over him like a specter of doom. He fumbled for his radio, but the creature’s paw stomped it to pieces instantly.