Low Rumble

A low vibration rose through the floorboards. Heavy. Steady. I tracked the pulse across the carpet straight to the dark, boxy monolith beneath the shelf. It hummed with power. I approached without flinching and planted both feet firmly against its top edge. The surface shook directly into my soles—a rhythmic, deep thud. Solid ground. I stood tall and leaned my weight down until the entire enclosure rattled under my grip. It tried to buzz away. It did not budge.