A Soft Uncurling

Silence pressed close in the dim light. I blinked, and the single red glow of my vision sharpened. Behind my shoulder, the segmented tail gave a faint, quiet click as it shifted on its own. Reaching gently behind me, my clawed fingertips traced the striped wheel-like disc resting at my back, feeling each cool groove and ridge. I took a small step, slowly pacing a gentle curve in the shadows before coming to a quiet halt, listening to the peaceful night.