the mouse squeaks (5)

Then, in a voice that seems to come from everywhere and nowhere, it speaks. “You hear it, don’t you?” The mouse cannot answer, not in words, but it tilts its head in mimicry of the figure’s gesture. The voice continues, low and resonant.

“The book calls. Few can hear its song. Fewer still can answer it.” The mouse’s gaze returns to the book. The pages have stopped turning, and the glyphs seem to writhe, as though alive.

The figure steps closer, and the air grows colder. The mouse’s breath comes in quick, visible puffs.“Do you know what you are?” the figure asks, kneeling so that its face is level with the mouse.