Lily and Elysia wasted no time rallying their allies. She needed every one of them to bolster her strength and resilience in preparation for what was waiting in the future. Clara, Marcus, and Elara were among the first to arrive, their expressions tense but determined as they listened to Lily recount her visions and encounters with the mark.
Clara took Lily's hand, her eyes ablaze. "Whatever this Harbinger is, it won't find us weak or divided. We will face it together."
Through the following days, even more people came, each drawn by rumors of otherworldly happenings and Lily's bravery. Prized practitioners, mystics, and even simple folk of the town joined to unite for one reason alone: to defend their people from the darkness.
As the sanctuary flourished, Lily's hope swelled. In every new ally, they gained strength, a beacon that would lead against even the darkest forces.
Together, they had rituals and crafting of talismans that could battle against the influence of the Harbinger. Fears and hopes and determination to stand strong were shared with no cost.
But Lily knew that time was running out. The Harbinger was closing in. And each passing night, she felt its existence more acutely: a cold shadow at the periphery of her vision, waiting for the right moment to strike.