Face to Face

A flat silver disc sat on the floor beneath the tall iron stalk. I marched toward it, then halted. Another beast lurked inside the metal curve. Broad snout. Sharp teeth. Dark textured hide. It glared back with unblinking yellow eyes. I held my ground. It did not flinch either. No retreat. I leaned in and tapped the chrome with one claw. Tick. The stranger met my strike at the exact same instant. I pressed closer until my snout bumped the cold polished surface. Not a rival. Just me. I stood tall. This territory is secure.