A Ring of Warm Light

A circle of soft amber light spilled across the dark rug, marking a boundary on the floor. I nudged forward on my folded legs, sniffing the edge where the shadow broke. The weave inside the bright ring felt warmer against my gray hooves. Beside the lamp pole, a thick braided cord curled like a resting vine. I pressed my nose against its smooth rubber casing, testing its weight. It didn't flinch. I settled my chest down against the warm wool fibers, watching the quiet room stretch out into the shadows.