Nocturnal Vigil

I mounted the summit of the dark oak bookcase to establish my command over the midnight quiet. Resting flat atop a stack of leather-bound volumes lay a heavy brass magnifying glass, dormant in the gloom. I approached and clamped my hand firmly against its polished metallic rim. The cold weight of the brass yielded at once to the steady heat of my grip, catching the distant amber glow of the hall light within its thick lens. With my perimeter surveyed and this high crest secured, I stood watch as the quiet realm surrendered to the dark.