Claiming the Threshold

My talons clicked against the mat. I flexed my neck, shook off the stiffness, and took in the surroundings. Right beside me stood a pale beast, frozen mid-stride. I stepped directly toward it without flinching, snapped my jaws to test my reach, and planted one claw firmly against its thick flank. It didn't fight back. I held my ground right there on the coir mat, watching the green door loom above.