Heart of Brass

The rhythmic clinking beside me was too precise to ignore. I crouched near the flank of the heavy brass clock, letting my talons lightly touch its cold metal casing. There was an open lattice panel along the rear. Pausing to gauge the tension, I hooked one claw inside and parted the small latch. Inside, miniature gears turned in seamless harmony, brass teeth catching and releasing with absolute discipline. I leaned closer, letting the mechanical vibrations hum through my metallic knuckles, studying how each spoke sustained the relentless momentum.