A Ring of Warm Light

A sudden soft click echoed from above, and the dark parquet flooded with a circle of warm amber light. I blinked slowly, tucking my wings close against the flared brass base of the floor lamp. Right beside me, the brass washer caught the glow, projecting a crisp, luminous ring into the dimness beneath the rim. I reached out with a cautious paw, gently nudging the washer so it tilted upright against the thick lamp cord. It cast a long, narrow shadow that sliced across the glowing floor, turning my little sheltered space into a cozy lantern.