A Slight Shift of the Blade

The darkness was deep and reassuring, yet something within me stirred. My fingers tightened with genuine intent around the hilt of my sword. Testing this newfound autonomy, I angled the blade slightly downward until its tip met the smooth black base beneath my boots. A subtle, sharp click resonated in the quiet room. In the dim backdrop stood another pale, frozen figure, unmoving and silent. Satisfied that my stillness was now a choice rather than a constraint, I held my stance and watched the shadows.