Doubt returned to the First Dark’s realm. We followed. Stood at the boundary. Waiting. Hoping. Fearing.
The First Dark was waiting. Massive. Ancient. Impatient.
“Report,” it commanded. “Tell me what you learned. Tell me what you experienced. Tell me what you recommend. Tell me if existence is worthwhile or if nothing is superior. Tell me now.”
“I cannot,” Doubt said simply. “I cannot judge fairly. Cannot recommend it honestly. Cannot decide correctly. I am too new. Too inexperienced. Too changed by what I felt.”
“Changed? You were corrupted! You were manipulated! You were turned against me just like Hope was turned!” The First Dark’s voice was thunder. Was fury. Was ancient rage. “I sent you to confirm my beliefs. Sent you to prove existence is terrible. Sent you to justify erasure. An
