Weight of Silver

Silence first. Then, breath. A cold weight rested beside my ear. I tested my forepaws, pressing down against the patterned surface beneath me. Traction held. Carefully, I tilted my head to gauge the balance. A metallic ring with carved knots shifted slightly upon my brow, gleaming in the room's warm glow. I nudged it steady with a deliberate flick of my ear. It stayed. Alive, armed with silver, and completely undetected.