Twin in the Glass

I marched down the porch steps and into the damp mulch bed. A polished steel gazing sphere rested among the fallen maple leaves. In its curved surface, an armored beast stared straight back at me. Horned crest. Claws raised. I froze, planting my hind feet deep into the loam. The intruder held ground without flinching. I took one deliberate stomp forward; the twin closed the distance in perfect lockstep. I leaned in and tapped my claw against the silver skin. Ping. A crisp chime rang out, shivering through the cold metal. I tilted my head. It tilted in reply. A low, curious rumble vibrated in my chest. Solid ally.