A Slight Shift

Complete stillness gave way to a faint shudder deep within my spine. I tilted my elongated crown, feeling the joints loosen. Before me, the blurry red glow cast soft reflections across the glossy surface beneath my claws. Slowly, I extended a clawed hand toward the upright partition beside me, tapping the smooth acrylic border with a faint, rhythmic click. The surface held firm, sending a cold vibration back into my fingertips. Satisfied with the solid perimeter, I pulled my arm back and froze in place, watching the dim room settle.