The bear lowered its paw, its gaze meeting Jacob’s. There was something in its eyes—something that wasn’t wild fury or aggression. Jacob’s fear wavered, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. He stayed rooted, his instincts screaming to flee, but his mind unwilling to shatter the fragile moment.
The forest, so silent before, seemed to hold its breath. Jacob glanced down at Bernie, who stood by his side, his tail wagging faintly now. Whatever this encounter was, it was not what he had expected. The bear, impossibly close, turned its head slightly, as if waiting for something from him.