Red Pulse

The room went dark, then a tiny red beacon woke up on the edge of the router. It blinked once. Paused. Blinked twice. I locked onto that crimson dot across the empty expanse of the console top. My joints locked solid. The light flickered again, demanding answer. No waiting. I darted forward three sharp strides, claws skittering across the cool matte veneer, and planted my paws right beside the glowing diode. The red flare lit the surface beneath my stance. Total stillness returned. I held the spot.