Bearclaw Valley Drone

Gavriel appeared to recognize the smell too. He warned her that they needed to turn back. Wildfire said and did nothing for a moment, then eventually thawed her body enough to nod vigorously. Her interest in exploring this area had evaporated. The bear's (or bears') scent seemed to fill her nose and buzz in her brain. Or maybe that was the dull background hum.

"Yes, let's," she agreed through clenched teeth, keeping her voice low, just in case. She nudged against Gavriel, amber eyes sweeping over the picturesque little valley once more before turning to retreat back through the nature-made tunnel.

Aside from stumbling over a tree root, Wildfire managed to scramble back out of the hidden valley without incident. Once she burst back into openness and sunlight, she swung around to make sure Gavriel—and no bears—was right behind her.