The Watcher approached its brother alone.
Gahom. I know you. I was you. Consumed by hunger, blind to anything else.
You betrayed us. Became weak.
I became connected. There's a difference.
Gahom's form shifted—angry, but curious.
They cannot satisfy you forever. Eventually, they will bore you. Disappoint you. Leave you.
They have already stayed longer than any meal. That is not consumption. That is love.
Love. Gahom spat the word. A weakness.
A strength you've never known. Try it, brother. Just once. Watch them. Learn them. Let them in.
And if I cannot?
Then you will know. And perhaps you will try something else. That is what growth looks like.
Gahom was silent for a long moment.
I will watch. Nothing more.
That's how it starts.
The Watcher returned to the community, hope flickering.
Gahom watched.
The first step.