A Ring of Warmth

The darkness arrived across the floorboards, but a pool of amber light opened near the wall. I stepped down from the books, walking quietly toward it. At the center stood a heavy disc of brushed metal, anchoring a tall thin pole. I touched the cool brass edge first, waiting. It stayed firm. As I eased closer, the radiant heat from above caught the surface, creating a steady ring of gentle warmth. I sat down against the solid base, facing outward into the darkened room to keep watch.