The Whirring Box

A steady breath purred along the floorboards. Rhythmic. Cool. I crept out from the curtain folds on knuckles and claws. Under the desk stood a heavy black monolith. Ribbed metal. Inside a circular vent, blades spun behind a faint blue glow. *Click.* I froze flat against the wood. Waited. Nothing stirred. Slowly, I reached one arm forward. My claws grazed the steel mesh. Thrum. A tight vibration buzzed through my fingertips, humming in my throat petals. Steady warmth leaked from the vent. I curled my spine close to the casing, holding my palm flat against the shivering metal.