A Shift in Stone
Silence held the air. My fingers, pressed firmly against the cool carved stone of the armrest, loosened. The stiffness in my wrists gave way. I did not rush. I lowered my gaze, tracing the textured relief carved beneath my left hand, feeling the chill of the carved crest give way to faint warmth under my touch. Then, I settled back into the throne, watching the quiet leaves behind me remain undisturbed. Calm. Steady. Awake.