In that moment of flickering, Maya understood.
The Unseen wasn't evil. Not exactly. It was lonely—the oldest, most isolated being in existence. It had fed on connection because it couldn't create its own. Consumed unity because it couldn't build it.
"You're not our enemy," Maya said softly. "You're the most tragic being I've ever met."
The shadows stilled.
What?
"You've been alone so long you forgot what connection feels like. So you took it from others. But taking never satisfies. You know that, don't you?"
Silence.
Then, barely audible: ...Yes.
"You don't have to be alone. You could join us. Learn what we've built. Be part of something instead of feeding on it."
Impossible. I am too old. Too hungry. Too—
"Too what? Too scared to try?"
The Unseen had no face, but Maya felt its shock.
No one has ever—
"Offered you a choice? That's what community does. We don't just fight together. We grow together. Change together. Heal together."
The shadows trembled.
I don't know how.
"Neither did we. We learned. You can too."
Long silence.
Then—impossibly—the darkness began to recede.
Not attacking. Not retreating.
Waiting.
Wondering.