Into the Darkness
Steve moved down the rope, careful not to jostle the loose stones lining the well. Water dripped from somewhere below, echoing through the shaft. Hana gripped the rope with trembling hands, adjusting for slack as Peter monitored his position from a handheld tracker. Steve’s voice echoed up. “I see them!”
Hana leaned over the edge, heart in her throat. “How many?” Steve paused. “Four, maybe five. They’re huddled together, some hurt.” Peter whistled low. “This is unreal.” Steve added, “They look just like the one we treated. They’re terrified.” Hana’s grip tightened. “Let’s get them out. Carefully.” The bear stepped closer, watching.