A Ring of Amber

A tiny metallic click echoed across the desk, and a warm circle of light blossomed right beside me. I glided softly toward the heavy brass base of the reading lamp, clutching my cross close to my chest. The metal was cool at first, but a golden glow spread across the desk surface, illuminating tiny wood grooves and a stray brass paperclip. Carefully, I nudged the smooth paperclip with my edge until it settled into the pool of light beside me. Resting there in the hush of the night, watching the quiet glow softly warm the polished tabletop, felt deeply reassuring.