A Lattice of Shadows

A pierced brass lantern stood dormant upon the corner sideboard, its intricate scrollwork swallowed by the room's evening gloom. Gathering the tiered lace of my gown, I stepped across the polished walnut and peered through its open arched door. Beside the footed base lay a loose faceted crystal drop, detached from an antique chandelier. Gripping its cold facets, I rolled the heavy glass bead across the threshold, easing it precisely onto the brass floor's central boss. The faint amber glow from the streetlamp outside struck the crystal at an angle, instantly projecting a sharp web of geometric shadows and violet refraction across the wallpaper. I rested against the lantern's fluted pillar, admiring the newfound geometry.