Reverence (A gothic Romantasy)

Chapter four

Josie

Josie leaned against the stone pillar, watching the strategic sparring session unfold in the castle's training hall. Her keen eyes followed each move, her mind absorbing the subtle maneuvers and tactical decisions of her peers. As she observed, memories of her own training sessions flickered through her mind, and she mentally noted techniques that could prove useful in the future.
Her attention was particularly drawn to Celeste Quinn's sparring session. Celeste was known for her formidable strength, evident in every precise strike and defensive block. However, Josie couldn't help but notice a vulnerability: Celeste seemed less adept at protecting her left side and lacked the swiftness to counter rapid attacks. Josie filed away these observations, recognizing that understanding an opponent's weaknesses was just as crucial as knowing their strengths. In the center of the hall, Professor Aric monitored the sparring matches with a critical eye. His presence commanded respect, and his voice cut through the clang of practice swords as he offered constructive criticism and strategic advice. "Remember, no magic in these sessions," he reminded sternly, pacing the perimeter. "In the real world, relying solely on magic can leave you defenseless when it fails you. Master the art of physical combat—it could save your life one day."
Beside Josie, Jane nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the ongoing duel. "Celeste is a powerhouse, but she's predictable," Jane remarked quietly, her voice barely audible over the noise. "You could exploit her left side if you ever face her in combat."
Josie said with a smirk, her mind already strategizing. "Good observation. I'll keep that in mind. You know, mastering these techniques might just make us unstoppable." She glanced at Jane, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "When is it my turn?"

"You think you can take on a third year?" Jane smiled teasingly, her challenge hung in the air between them, a playful spark in her eyes as she asked, "Care to spar, Josie?" Josie's smirk was immediate, her confidence bordering on cocky as she accepted with a nod. "Sure, but don't expect me to go easy on you," she retorted with a wink, a glint of challenge in her own eyes.
As they circled each other in the training hall, there was a brief exchange about taking it easy, though both knew their competitive spirits would not allow such leniency. Josie's movements were fluid and calculated, each step a calculated dance as she taunted Jane, effortlessly dodging her strikes with a cocky grin. With uncanny precision, she anticipated Jane's next move, turning her playful flips of the practice dagger into swift, controlled strikes that danced just shy of connecting.
Jane regained her composure and managed to surprise Josie, a well-timed kick sending her sprawling. Josie hit the ground with a grunt, momentarily winded, but she quickly recovered, her determination flaring. With renewed focus, Josie found her rhythm, weaving through Jane's defenses with swift, tactful movements. In a decisive maneuver, she disarmed Jane and held the practice dagger to her throat before Jane fully comprehended what had happened. The gleam in Josie's eyes was unmistakable as she held her victory, the blade a silent reminder of what could have been in a real confrontation.
"Well, just Josie." Jane said through slightly winded breaths while bracing both of her hands on her hips, "Me and you, three times a week, on the Kraven grounds. You hear me? We are training together." Josie let a small smile spread across her face and nodded. "Why the Kraven grounds?" She asked with a chuckle. "Blackmore doesn't have training grounds, we have a training hall, but for what you and I are going to be doing, we need some room." With that, the pair decided to spar again, and again, students began crowding, and Josie never failed to disarm Jane every time.

                                         ꕥ

In the dead of night, Josie awoke with a start, her pulse racing as if a storm raged beneath her skin. A compelling force tugged at her very essence, drawing her inexorably towards Odessa's Lake. With her long black hair unbound and a flickering candle in hand, she navigated the dimly lit castle halls, her steps guided by an unseen energy that resonated within her core. Each footfall echoed with a strange intensity, the power vibrating through her veins with every breath. As she stepped outside into the biting cold, the wind snuffed out her candle's flame, leaving Josie to navigate through the darkness by memory and instinct alone. The castle grounds were silent under the pale moonlight, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch and dance around her. Despite the chill in the air, Josie pressed on, an inexplicable determination urging her forward towards the tranquil expanse of Odessa's Lake.