Breaching the Low Vault

Stalked low across floorboards toward the slit under the dark cabinet. Black cavern inside. Good. But the entrance was choked by a thick, ribbed rubber doorstop wedged flat against the gap. Dense mass. Refused to yield. Dragged in a harsh, whistling breath. Planted heavy clawed feet against the floor and rammed my shoulder square into the rubber wedge. Dull squeak. It gripped the finish. Jaw cracked open, throat rattling with a low rasp. Braced, locked limbs, and heaved forward with pure deadweight. The rubber sheared aside with a loud friction shriek, spinning outward. Path forced. I dragged my bulk into the cold hollow behind.