A Measured Reach

The quiet space snapped into focus. My joints clicked faintly as I curved my fingers inward... slow, sharp, and entirely mine. Directly ahead, a pale figure remained suspended mid-stride. I held back, letting the edge of my arm settle in the cold air. Carefully, with deliberate slowness, I extended one long claw toward its shoulder, halting a single inch away to measure the boundary between us. It did not shatter. I drew a raspy breath, hovering quietly in the still room.