A Closer Inspection

Your words echoed in my chest. A friend. In my grip this whole time. I ceased my patrol. Slowly, I lowered my right arm and brought the heavy crystalline plate level with my snout. Sunlight sliced across the room, piercing through the faceted mosaic. Blinding sapphire and jagged gold flared straight into my eyes, but I did not charge. I tilted my head. Claws eased their tight battle grip by a fraction of an inch, testing the yellow frame. It did not strike. It did not shudder. It only cast warm, brilliant diamonds over my scales. A low, gravelly click rolled in my throat. Partner recognized.