Ground Firm Beneath

Stillness broke. First, the tail tightened. Then weight settled into both hind claws, gripping the smooth wooden planks. A heavy presence loomed opposite—dark scales, frozen jaw. I did not pull back. I lowered my snout, measuring the space between us. One deliberate step forward clicked against the floorboards. The other beast remained unmoving. Between us stood a row of colorful magnetic tiles. I extended one foreclaw, letting a talon press gently against the red translucent square. It held firm. The ground is stable. This place is claimed.