Reverence (A gothic Romantasy)

Chapter five

Josie

Josie woke with a start, her heart pounding in her chest as she remembered that today was her first magic lesson. A wave of nervousness washed over her; she couldn't control her powers, couldn't summon them at will, and wielding them was a chaotic, unpredictable affair. Unlike combat, where she felt confident and in control, magic was a wild, untamed force that she struggled to harness. With a groan, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her muscles aching and spasming from the intense sparring session with Jane the day before. Perhaps she had pushed herself harder than she should have, trying to prove her physical prowess despite her magical insecurities.
Rising slowly, Josie made her way to the adjoining bathing room. The warm water provided a brief respite from her worries, soothing her sore muscles as she bathed. She tried to calm her thundering heart, but the anxiety about her upcoming lesson gnawed at her. What if she couldn't summon her powers? What if she turned out to be the weakest link among her peers? The thought made her stomach churn, but she knew she had to face the challenge head-on. With a deep breath, she reminded herself that everyone had to start somewhere, even if her beginning felt particularly daunting.

After drying off and dressing, Josie took a moment to compose herself before stepping outside her dormitory. The crisp morning air did little to quell her nerves, but seeing Jane waiting for her brought a sense of comfort. Jane greeted her with a smile, their camaraderie a small beacon of normalcy amidst the day's uncertainties. "Hey, how are you feeling after yesterday's training?" Jane asked, concern flickering in her eyes.
"A bit sore," Josie admitted, rubbing her shoulder. "I think I might have overdone it."
Jane chuckled softly. "You always push yourself to the limit. But today's a different kind of challenge. Magic training is about understanding and connecting with your inner power. It's not like combat where it's all physical. Our instructor will guide us through the basics and help us find our footing. Just remember, it's okay to struggle at first. We all do." Jane's words were reassuring, and Josie felt a bit of the tension ease from her shoulders. She nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thanks, Jane. I needed to hear that. I might get my ass handed to to me, but I'll worry about that later." As they walked together towards the training hall, Josie couldn't shake the lingering doubt entirely, but she felt a renewed determination to face her fears and embrace the unknown world of magic.

                                    
                                        ꕥ

Josie walked into the training hall with Jane by her side, her nerves buzzing with anticipation. The large room was filled with students, and the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and apprehension. As they found their places, Corbyn joined them, giving a nod of acknowledgment. The hall of students settled onto circular mats arranged in a large circle, the instructor standing in the center, poised and calm.
The instructor, a tall woman with an air of quiet authority, began to speak. "Welcome, everyone. Today we will begin our journey in understanding and harnessing your magical abilities. For some, this may come naturally, while others might find it more challenging. Remember, do not be discouraged by initial difficulties. Mastery takes time, patience, and perseverance."

Josie glanced around the room, noticing the mix of first-year, second-year, and third-year students. It was comforting to see others who were also at different stages of their magical training. She felt a bit more at ease knowing she wasn't alone in her struggles. "Adelaide, would you come to the center and display a small amount of your power?" the instructor called out. A girl with short sandy hair and matching eyes stood up and moved to the middle of the circle. Adelaide took a deep breath, and Josie watched as sparks began to shimmer through her veins, crackling out from her fingertips. The magic was controlled, precise—Adelaide was an energy wielder, and it was clear she had honed her skills well.
Next, the instructor turned to Corbyn. "Corbyn, please join us in the center." Corbyn rose gracefully, her white hair catching the light as she moved. She seated herself in the middle of the circle and closed her eyes, starting to murmur chants softly. Josie leaned forward, her interest piqued; she had seen Corbyn's power briefly on her first day and was eager to see more. As Corbyn's murmurs grew louder, her eyes began to glow with an ethereal light. Her body lifted gently off the ground, levitating as if she were weightless. The room fell silent, captivated by the display. It was a powerful and mesmerizing sight, and Josie couldn't help but feel a sense of awe mixed with envy at Corbyn's control and grace.