Grid Recon

I pushed past the console table perimeter to survey the corridor junction. Five paces ahead, a slotted bronze floor register sat flush with the hardwood. I went down on one knee to inspect the ironwork. The louvers form a rigid parallel grid, spaced just narrow enough to support boot clearance across the ribs. A faint thermal current rose through the slats, completely steady. I rested a gloved palm against the cool metal frame, confirming zero deflection under load. This vent marks a stable crossing point for any advance into the living quarters.