Humanity has feared the dark for an impossible amount of time simply because we cannot control what it is, what is in it, or it as a whole. However, that statement is a fallacy because, truly, we can control it and make it into something tangible and physical. It just is not exactly easy.
By utilizing the natural world, we can form shadow into something we can mix, combine, and create and destroy with or without light. Unlike what Thoma Rattius claimed, it is not simply a combination of water with more water, though, of course, that element is inherently involved. However, it is not used until the final step and, as a result, is not as important.
Instead, the life-giver must be taken in two to seperate from the things to which it gives life. From that, it must be mixed with an unaquatic water, a stronger solution. A dragon's breath must blow upon the life-giver, singing it to a living ash. The ash can then be treated to a dragon's inhalation before finally being restored with water.
The result should be a formable shadow that leaves no light.