Static Threat

My joints responded first. A slight flex in my right wrist, followed by the subtle release of tension in my shoulders. Two red predators stood frozen on either side, jaws parted mid-lunge. I stepped forward, boots pressing firmly against the damp stone, and reached out with one gloved hand. My knuckles grazed the textured jaw of the beast on my left. It was completely rigid, fixed in place like the carved pillars behind it. No breath, no heartbeat. I lowered my sidearm slightly, keeping my footing centered and my senses tuned to the clearing.