Slender Shadows

A narrow gap between two heavy reference books offered safe passage along the dark shelf. I slid sideways into the crevice, letting the thick paper blocks frame my silhouette. Ahead rested an open brass compass, its needle trembling under the dim lamplight. I extended one claw, tapping the curved edge until the metal gave a faint, resonant ring. The needle spun twice before settling northward, slicing through the deep gloom.