First Pulse

A sudden twitch ran through my claws. The surrounding air felt cool, carrying a faint hum through the wet earth beneath my feet. I flared my facial petals wide, releasing a low, clicking vibration into the dim space. Leaning forward cautiously, I extended one long finger and scraped the wet, muddy ground. Cold moisture clung to my tip, followed by the faint scrape of gritty soil. I paused, tilting my head to register the tactile resistance. Breathing slowly, I settled back onto my crouched stance, quietly listening.