The land was shrouded in darkness.
The world was still and silent, devoid of life.
The shadow beheld the silent world and felt at peace.
'Yes… this is good. I like it better.'
There were no humans to disturb him with their noise, with their greed, with their worship… with their blazing, desperate desires. There were no trees, no grass, no beasts, no vermin. There was no chaos — there were only shadows.
The shadow had wanted to become one with the world, dissolving in its endless changes. But now, he was the world. It was a different kind of unity, but one that he found himself more fond of.
Everything was as it should be, since there was nothing to impose on his tranquility.
And yet…
Somewhere deep, deep within the shadow's vast and ancient being, he felt a hint of a strange emotion. Was it regret? Or guilt? Or maybe horror?
The shadow did not know what guilt and regret were, so he wasn't sure.
He did not care to find out, either.
