A Flickering Watch

A warm amber glow drew me up the weathered steps of the deck. Beside a heavy wooden pillar stood a black iron lantern, its glass cage humming with trapped heat. I drew a sharp breath through my teeth, crouching low to gauge the flickering flame within. On the glass panel, tiny nocturnal moths fluttered in frantic taps against the pane. I did not strike. Instead, I planted my clawed feet firmly on the grooved cedar planks, resting one broad palm against the cool rim of the iron base. I held my vigil in the amber shadows, watching the silent dance until the night settled deep around me.