Chapter 8: Into the Jungle

Ethan stirred from his restless sleep, the damp ground beneath him cradling his body like a natural bed. He blinked against the dim light filtering in from the mouth of the cave, still disoriented from the events of the night before. His limbs were heavy, and his head ached from the adrenaline and fear that had coursed through him.

 As he cautiously pushed himself up, he noticed the soft bed of leaves that had cushioned his fall. The pungent earthy aroma of the jungle enveloped him, both familiar and foreign. Shadows danced along the rocky walls as he ventured further inside the cave, but he needed to see more than just darkness.

 The sun began to rise outside, sending rays of golden light cascading into the cave. Ethan shuddered at the sudden temperature drop as a cold breeze swept through. He stood up slowly, taking tentative steps toward the cave entrance, when a low growl rumbled behind him.

 His heart sank as he turned to meet the gaze of an enormous brown bear, its eyes narrowed in irritation. Ethan's breath caught in his throat, time freezing as the bear awoke fully, a deep roar echoing off the cave walls. Panic surged through him as he bolted from the cave, the bear's roar fueling his primal instinct to survive.

He sprinted away, charging through the thick underbrush, but the thundering steps behind him told him the bear was not far behind. Just as he thought he might escape, a flash of movement caught his eye—a snake, coiled and ready to strike. Before he could process it, the snake lunged at him, sinking its fangs into his calf.