A Steady Tick - Aethel-X part 2

I stepped off the copper rim and ventured across the wooden desk toward a ticking sound. A brass-cased mechanical clock stood near the edge. Its rear housing was unlatched, exposing an intricate escapement wheel rocking rhythmically back and forth. I braced one hand against a wooden pencil to stabilize my footing, leaning close to examine the tension spring. Each oscillation released a fraction of stored force with absolute precision. I took a measured step back, listening intently to the cadence until the tempo settled firmly in my mind. #Aethelx #Theguardiansofchaos #Kreecykeproductions #September2026