A Gentle Touch of Paper

Warmth settled along my chest, and my claws felt the firm ground beneath me. I inhaled slowly, finding balance in my wings. Three books lay before me, resting side by side in the quiet light. Step by step, I moved toward them, feeling each muscle respond with steady ease. I reached out one front talon and lightly rested it against the worn edge of the nearest cover. The paper was dry and firm under my touch. Satisfied, I folded my wings and remained standing right beside them.