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Through the many years since Maria's victory over Gabriel, she began hearing whispers and voices in her dreams.
Countless eyes glared at her from beyond the void.
"It's time."
"It's time, Maria."
"It is time for you to repay."
"To repay our favor."
"Repay our favor, Maria."
"Feed us."
"We hunger, Maria."
"Feed us the worlds."
"The worlds blossoming with life and rich essence."
"The most delightful and delicious."
"We gave you all that power for a reason."
"Now, it is time for you to officially join us and feed us the worlds."
"The worlds!"
"Feed us the worlds!"
"We hunger!"
"We cannot contain this hunger!"
"FEED US!"
"FEED US!"
"FEED US!"
"What?!"
Maria's eyes snapped open as she screamed, gasping desperately for air. Sweat drenched her entire body. She had deliberately returned her form to that of a human, for these raw, mortal reactions to fear were what kept her feeling alive. They anchored her sanity against the cold eternity of an undying cosmic god.
