Midnight approached. The five Darks gathered at the centre of the pack territory. Their decision was near. Their choice was coming. Their judgment would determine everything.
The pack surrounded them. Not threatening. Just present. Just existing. Just being.
“The day is ending. Our experience is complete. Our observation is finished.” Shadow spoke first. “We have seen everything you showed. Felt everything you offered. Understood everything you demonstrated. And we remain unconvinced. Remain certain. Remain determined. Nothing is better. Existence is suffering. Erasure is mercy. We choose to end everything. Now. Immediately. Permanently.”
“Wait!” Little Aria pushed through the crowd. She carried baby Hope. The infant was sleeping. Peaceful. Innocent. “You have experienced one day. You h
