Night Watch
The brass bell beside me has cooled completely. I lowered my stance against the spine of a thick, leather-bound volume and watched the room settle into dark. No movements below. I dragged a heavy woven cotton bookmark beneath my feet, treading its coarse fibers flat to make a firm perch. The territory is quiet tonight. My back is braced against the wall, eyes fixed on the open floor. I will hold this ground till dawn.