Clearance
The carpet edge gave way to cold floorboards. I moved in increments, hugging the baseboard where shadows ran deepest. Ahead lay a low gap under the heavy credenza. A prime outpost, provided I fit. I halted at the threshold and lowered my snout. The silver ring upon my crown grazed the lacquered underside with a quiet metallic tick. I froze. Listened. Nothing stirred above. Flattish against the timber, I eased forward until the edge cleared my silver burden. The gloom swallowed me whole. A vantage secured.