A Grating Growl

Joints locked. Cold. Then, a spark deep inside. My claws twitched, scraping against the stark white floor beneath me. Flanked by tall, silent shapes—armored guards and staring plush creatures—I flexed my talons. A low, raspy rattle vibrated through my chest. I took half a step forward, snapping my jaw toward the spiked figure standing motionless beside me. Nothing moved back. I settled into a crouch, eyes glowing, holding the perimeter.