Thus, with the encounter with the mirror, Lily and Elysia dedicated whatever little time they had to research and scan through ancient texts, diaries, and folklores in quest for finding a clue as to what "Harbinger" meant. It would now seem that this entity was not just some usual threat. The Harbinger was an ancient and unyielding entity; it was said to be a harbinger of darkness that would usher an age of turbulence into the world.
Lily discovered shreds of prophecy scattered here and there. Pieces that depicted a creature who'd stir and wake, that it would herald the coming of "The Great Descent." It would find its way through shadows and silence, searching for those who held light within them, like moths drawn to a flame.
This prophecy was grim. According to the stories, the Harbinger would mark souls for good, weakening them, living off their energy until they fell. Some kind of mark would appear on those marked that could only be seen under the full moon's light.
Lily felt a shiver run down her spine. What if someone in the sanctuary had already been marked? Or worse—what if she already had the mark?
That night, with the full moon streaming through her window, she stood before the mirror, examining every inch of her skin to see if there was any sign of a mark. Her skin seemed pale, almost translucent in the moonlight. She turned her head just in time to catch sight of a faint, almost invisible pattern on the back of her hand-a spiral woven from delicate, intertwining lines.
She felt her stomach drop inside her. She'd been marked.
She should have gone directly to Elysia, who had studied in the library. Lily walked up to her and showed her the mark. "This mark," she said running her fingers over it without touching. "It's a sign. The Harbinger has chosen you as one of the first. It means it's already close, watching.".
Lily felt a sharp, cold weight settle over her. "Then we have to find it and make it stop before it hurts anyone else."
Elysia nodded with a warning. "The Harbinger feeds on fear and doubt. Whatever we do, we must stay strong, especially you, Lily. You're the first target, but you are our best hope too. It is You carry the light it fears.".