First Pulse

The emerald glow felt thick against my skin. My right arm was already outstretched, frozen mid-motion. I tightened my fingers. They moved. Deliberately, I leaned forward and pressed my fingertips against the cold, rough wall before me. Stone-hard plaster, solid and real. My footing held firmly on the round pedestal. The air was silent. I lowered my hand slightly, eyes scanning the illuminated angle of the corner, ready for whatever this perimeter held.