Just then, the first rays of sunlight started painting the horizon gold and pink, filling the clearing with a peacefulness that seemed to drive all shadows back but left in the air a sense of menace.
Lily and her friends were holding themselves up, panting hard but full of triumph, and Clara clutched her son to her as the relief of knowing that they were safe washed through her.
"We did it," she said through the tears, glistening in her eyes. "We really did it!
Lily nodded; the weight of the battle still rested heavily on her shoulders. "But we must remain vigilant. The darkness won't give up easily."
The group returned to the sanctuary, gathering in the main hall, sharing their stories and the strength they'd found in one another as they spoke. And so the bond was formed, which reached across fear, knitting together as a community united against the shadows.
We have faced the darkness and are stronger because of it. But this is only a start. We need to prepare for what is coming."
Weeks passed on, and the buzzes in the sanctuary began to spread. Forthcoming meetups were held to solidify their union as well as to teach each other about the supernatural and mastering this light inside of them. Lily conducted workshops on protection and meditation and spiritual growth where others would find their own strength to overcome some fears as well as confront the shadows standing at the gates of their existence.