"It's... quiet," he said, trying to focus on the presence he felt. "It is like there is an absence of being, a stain upon our world. No sound dares to disturb it, because they are afraid." His focus wavered, and in that moment he thought of his condition. When did he start sensing the darkness? Has his Light waned? [i]No matter[/i], he thought, [i]nothing can stop me now. I'm too close.[/i] Once he had regained his focus, he told Seraphim, "Be cautious; I have no idea what cruel amalgamation of darkness lies ahead."