The moon was gone, but to the magician's eyes the unicorn was the moon, cold and white and very old, lighting his way to safety, or to madness.
The disappearance of the moon leaves the magician in a state of contemplation, transforming the unicorn into a celestial symbol for him. To him, the unicorn embodies both beauty and mystery, serving as a guiding light in his uncertain journey. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, as the unicorn represents something ancient and pure.
This metaphorical comparison hints at the dual nature of the unicorn’s presence: it can lead one to safety or plunge them into madness. The unicorn, just like the moon, serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the tenuous grasp on sanity that the magician must navigate in his quest.