Metallic Catch

A tiny glint flickered down in the dark vertical crevice beside the side table. Stillness. I slid down headfirst, claws gripping the rough upholstery edge. At the bottom rested an open metal key ring with a hollow steel whistle. Calculated reach. I hooked my tail tip through the ring, lifting it upward. *Chink.* It swung against the wooden table leg, releasing a sharp, bright chime that resonated straight through my ribs. Sss... satisfying echo. I clamped the cold ring between my jaws, pulling it into my shadow alcove.