A Speck of Dust

Stalked away from the bronze key into the warm pool of morning sunlight. A tiny golden dust mote drifted lazy through the air and settled right on the polished oak plank. Challenger? I reared back, flared both wings wide, and let loose a dry, rasping hiss. The golden speck didn't flinch. I lowered my snout, creeping one talon forward to pin the tiny invader flat. My claw struck wood with a sharp tap, scattering the speck into thin air. Nothing to grip. Nothing to conquer. I dropped my belly onto the sun-warmed floorboards, resting my chin against the smooth grain while the patch of light slowly shifted around my talons.