Reverence (A gothic Romantasy)

Chapter ten

Josie

It was late afternoon when Josie and Jane strolled through the castle grounds, enjoying a rare day without lessons. Josie was thankful for the break; her training with Creed the previous morning had left her body feeling bruised and sore. As they walked, Josie's mind raced with thoughts about how to tell Jane about Creed's training. She felt a mix of nerves and guilt, knowing how close she had grown to Jane and how supportive Jane had been, despite her rigid ways.
Josie decided to rip the band-aid off. "Creed is training me," she blurted out.
Jane stopped chewing her apple and faced Josie, her mouth still full as she narrowed her eyes. "What?" she managed to sneer through a mouthful of apple.
Josie frantically explained that she needed to be pushed harder. Jane looked offended, but Josie quickly reassured her. "You're an amazing instructor and an incredible fighter, the best at Blackmore, but because we're friends, you're hesitant to really push me. I need to be able to fully take on an opponent. Life or death."
Jane paused for a few moments and then she sighed in understanding. "He is better than me," she admitted reluctantly. "I hate to say it, but he put me down at last year's tournament, so that must count for something. But remember what the headmistress said about him, Josie. Be careful."

Josie nodded and hugged Jane's arm softly. "What tournament?" she asked, curious.
Before Jane could explain, Celeste approached them and knocked shoulders with Josie. "Watch it, first year," she sneered.
Josie scoffed and replied, "Watch where you're going." Josie said as she knitted her brows and turned to face Celeste.
Celeste stopped in her tracks and slowly turned back to Josie. "What did you say?"
Jane stepped forward with her arms crossed and raised her eyebrows. "She said, watch where you're going."
Celeste came closer, her expression menacing. "I heard what she said," she stated, looking directly at Josie. "I was giving you the opportunity to say something smarter."
Jane laughed, and Celeste took a step back. "Watch your back, Celeste. This little first year is a light wielder."
A hole seemed to open in Josie's stomach. Celeste looked at her friends beside her and they all started laughing uncontrollably. "If I wanted to know about myths, I'd be in the library," Celeste sneered.
Jane stepped in front of Josie, an undeniable challenge in her eyes. "Want to put that to the test at the tournament?"

"Sure, kitty. Why not," Celeste replied with a smirk.
The tension was palpable as Celeste and her entourage walked away, leaving Josie and Jane standing there. Josie felt a mix of fear and determination. "What's the tournament about?" she asked, her voice steadying.
Jane explained, "It's an annual event where students from both Blackmore and Kraven compete in various combat and magical skills. It's a way to showcase our abilities and gain respect."
Josie nodded, understanding the importance of the event. "And you just sold my soul to Celeste?" Jane laughed. "Something like that" she said. Josie looked at her friend and asked, "So you think I'm ready?"
Jane looked at her with a mix of concern and confidence. "You've come a long way, Josie. With Creed's training and your determination, you might just surprise everyone, including yourself."
As they continued their walk, Josie felt a renewed sense of purpose. She knew the path ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face it head-on.

Later that evening, Josie and Jane found themselves in the training grounds, going over the basics of what to expect at the tournament. Jane showed Josie some advanced techniques, while Josie practiced tirelessly, her mind focused on proving herself.

The dining hall buzzed with the usual energy as students from Blackmore and Kraven academies mingled. Josie sat at the long wooden table, the warm light from the candles above casting a cozy glow over the room. As she picked up her knife and fork, she noticed the headmistress standing, prompting the hall to fall silent.
"Good evening, students," the headmistress greeted, her voice carrying easily across the room. "I have a few announcements before we begin our meal. First, I would like to commend you all on your hard work and dedication in your studies and training. Remember, the tournament is just around the corner, so keep pushing yourselves."
After a few more updates about upcoming events and a reminder about the importance of camaraderie between the two academies, the headmistress sat down, and the chatter resumed. The aroma of honey-roasted pork and roasted chicken wafted through the air as the food was brought out.

Josie eagerly started cutting up her meal, feeling the hunger that always followed her intense training sessions. Corbyn, who had taken a seat beside her, was equally enthusiastic about the food. Jane sat across from them, and Jasper had managed to secure the seat next to her, as he seemed to do every week.
As Josie took a bite of her pork, Corbyn leaned over and said, "I've been trying to grow some herbs, but the weather just won't cooperate."
Jasper laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Corbyn, I never took you for a gardener."
With a playful grin, Corbyn picked up a few peas from her plate and tossed them at Jasper. The tiny green orbs bounced off his chest, making him laugh harder. Josie covered her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter as she chewed, while Jane picked up a pea and put one in her mouth, shooting a mischievous glance at Jasper.

Josie looked closely at Jane and Jasper, noticing an attachment between them that felt almost tangible. She sensed she might be intruding on something pure by observing them so closely, so she quickly looked away. Her eyes scanned the room for something else to focus on, or rather, someone else.
She felt the familiar sensation of being watched and knew exactly where to look. Across the hall, Creed's intense gaze was fixed on her. The tension between them was palpable, making Josie's heart stumble in her chest. Every dinner, it was the same; Creed's eyes never left her for long, and tonight was no different. Trying to shake off the unsettling feeling, Josie turned back to her meal and focused on the conversation around her. Corbyn was explaining the different herbs she was attempting to grow and the challenges she faced with the unpredictable weather.

"Maybe you need a greenhouse," Jane suggested, ever the practical thinker.

"That's actually a great idea," Corbyn replied, her face lighting up. "I might try that."

Jasper, still grinning from the earlier pea incident, chimed in. "I'll help you build it if you need an extra pair of hands."

"Thanks, Jasper, but I would like the greenhouse to survive the winter." Corbyn said, her smile genuine that broke into a laugh.

Josie felt a warmth in her heart as she listened to her friends. Despite the complexities and pressures of their lives, moments like these reminded her of the simple joys of friendship and support.
As the meal continued, Josie found herself glancing back at Creed occasionally. His presence was both a comfort and a source of anxiety. She couldn't deny the strange pull she felt towards him, even though their interactions were often filled with tension.
The hall gradually became livelier, with students sharing stories of their latest training exploits and academic achievements. Josie felt a sense of belonging among her peers, even as her mind occasionally wandered back to her unique powers and the challenges she faced.
Jane noticed Josie's distraction and nudged her foot under the table. "Hey, you okay?"

Josie snapped out of her reverie and smiled. "Yeah, just thinking about training."
Jane nodded, understanding. "It's a lot, I know. But you're doing great, Josie. We all see it."
Josie appreciated Jane's words more than she could express. "Thanks, Jane." She look Jane's hand and squeezed it gently.
Josie felt a surge of gratitude for her friends. Despite the complexities of their lives and the challenges they faced, their support was unwavering. She knew that with them by her side, she could face whatever came her way.
As the evening wore on, the dining hall began to empty as students drifted off to their dormitories, Josie couldn't help but glance one last time at Creed. He was still there, watching her with that unreadable expression.
With a deep breath, Josie turned back to her friends. They walked together through the castle corridors, their laughter echoing off the stone walls.