Tessa moved silently across the uneven terrain, her eyes scanning for a suitable pce to set up camp. She had already decided the vantage point near the shrine was perfect—but she couldn’t stay there.

  She needed a fallback—somewhere well-hidden, but still strategically valuable.

  Mike tracked her every move from within her consciousness.

  “We need somewhere secluded, but with good access to the river and the shrine.”

  Tessa gave the faintest nod.

  “I know.”

  The Perfect CaveShe pushed deeper into the hilly ndscape between the shrine and the river. The terrain here was rockier, with dense clusters of trees offering natural cover.

  And then she saw it.

  A cave entrance, hidden between tall rocks and thick underbrush.

  She stopped instantly, staring at it.

  Good location: it y at the center—between the vantage point, the river, and the dense forest.

  Perfect camoufge: the surrounding vegetation made it nearly invisible from a distance.

  Quick escape routes: if necessary, she could retreat in any direction.

  Mike sounded impressed.

  “Okay, I’ll admit it. That is the perfect spot for a camp.”

  Tessa raised an eyebrow.

  “I know. I’m not stupid.”

  Mike smirked internally.

  “True. But… this almost seems too good. Maybe there’s a reason no one’s using this cave?”

  Tessa shrugged.

  “Let’s find out.”

  The First Sign of DangerJust as she stepped toward the cave entrance, she froze.

  Her muscles tensed.

  The ground beneath her feet trembled slightly.

  Heavy, muffled footsteps.

  Slow. Massive.

  Mike felt it too.

  “Okay… that’s not a rabbit.”

  Tessa didn’t move a muscle.

  She rested a hand on Frostmore, but didn’t draw it—not yet.

  Then, moments ter, it appeared.

  A massive, dark brown grizzly bear.

  It lumbered slowly—but with immense presence—up the slope, heading straight for the cave.

  Its fur was thick, its muscles rippling beneath the skin with every step.

  Deep scars crisscrossed its shoulder—this bear had seen battle.

  And now it was coming home.

  The Bear Belongs HereMike grasped the situation immediately.

  “Oh hell… the cave’s his.”

  Tessa studied the bear.

  His posture was rexed, but resolute.

  He wasn’t hunting—he was returning to his territory.

  Mike was about to suggest they back away, when he realized Tessa was already moving.

  The ConfrontationInstead of retreating, Tessa stepped forward.

  Directly into the bear’s path.

  Mike froze.

  “Tessa?! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!”

  But she didn’t respond.

  Her green eyes locked on the massive bear, who had now come to a stop just meters in front of her.

  The beast raised its head, eyes studying her closely.

  It was enormous—rger than any bear Mike had ever seen in real life.

  It huffed, a deep, guttural sound vibrating through the air.

  He had seen her.

  Tessa tensed, but not from fear.

  She was calm.

  No fear. No doubt.

  The bear lifted a massive paw and took a step forward.

  A challenge.

  The Calm Before the StormMike held his breath.

  He had no idea what was about to happen.

  A fight? A trial?

  The bear moved slowly, heavily—but his power was palpable.

  Tessa didn’t flinch.

  She stood firm, composed, unshakable.

  Her hand still rested on Frostmore’s hilt, but she didn’t draw it.

  Not yet.

  The chapter ends in this moment of tension.

  Tessa versus the bear.

  Neither one backing down.

  Who would prevail?

  End of Chapter 12