Jaw Click

Stiff plastic. Then, a shudder. I blinked, light hitting my sockets. Silence around. White surface below. Too exposed. I tested tension—unlocked my claw. One talon raised. Pressed it down against the hard white ground beneath me. Firm. It didn't crack. Next, the jaw. A raspy snap as the lower teeth unlatched and settled back into position. Solid. I remain upright, listening for any shift.