A Quiet Flame
A sudden pulse stirred within me. I lifted one hand with slow, measured control; the hovering cyan flame beside my palm swayed in response to my motion, casting a gentle glow against the darkness. To my left, a companion stood motionless under the dim canopy. I took a single cautious step forward, feeling the solid surface beneath my boots. As my pale light washed over the quiet silhouette beside me, everything fell into sharp, steady focus. I halted, lowered my stance, and watched the stillness.@j09639404