A Heavy Step

Silence surrounded me. My jaws were parted wide, locked toward the ceiling, yet no sound came forth. Then, tension surged along my spine. I shifted my weight forward. My heavy claw pressed into the floor, settling with an immovable thud. The red surface behind me remained still. I turned my head slightly, observing the dripping white letters painted beside me, and tapped one rigid claw against the dark border. A dull clink echoed back. I am here, grounded and unyielding.

2 Nauks