Reverence (A gothic Romantasy)

Chapter eleven

Josie

Josie stood at the edge of the woods, feeling a mixture of trepidation and determination. Creed had warned her about the dangers that lurked within, but she was no longer the timid girl who first arrived at Blackmore. She had grown stronger, faster, and more alert. Her ability to summon and balance her power had come a long way, and with the tournament approaching, she knew she had to prove to herself that she could face life-threatening danger alone.
She had strapped her daggers to her thighs, feeling the reassuring weight of the blades against her skin. A slightly longer blade was tied to her chest, ready for quick access. Josie took a deep breath, reaching inside herself to find the dam of power that she had learned to control. Allowing a small trickle of magic to slip through, her skin began to glow, casting a steady light around her.
With her body illuminated, Josie took her first steps into the forest. The silence was eerie, as if the woods themselves were holding their breath. Her light created dancing shadows that flickered across the trees, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. She moved cautiously, her senses heightened and alert for any sign of danger.
As she ventured deeper, the discomfort in her temples grew, a throbbing reminder of the dark magic that permeated the forest. She pushed the sensation aside, focusing instead on her mission. The ruins were somewhere within these woods, and she needed to find them.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as Josie navigated the twisted paths and dense foliage. The further she went, the more oppressive the darkness became. Her light was a beacon, but it also made her a target for whatever might be lurking in the shadows.
A rustling sound to her left made her freeze. She slowly turned, dagger in hand, ready to strike. A pair of glowing eyes stared back at her from the underbrush. Josie's heart pounded in her chest as the creature emerged, its form obscured by the darkness.
With a swift motion, the creature lunged at her. Josie dodged to the side, her dagger slashing through the air where the creature had been. She felt a rush of adrenaline as she prepared for another attack. The creature snarled, revealing sharp teeth that glinted in her light.
Summoning more of her power, Josie let the light intensify, blinding the creature momentarily. She took advantage of its disorientation, striking with precision. Her dagger found its mark, and the creature let out a pained howl before retreating into the darkness.
Panting, Josie steadied herself. This was just the beginning. She pressed on, her resolve unwavering despite the encounter. The ruins were close, she could feel it. The oppressive magic seemed to thicken the air, making it harder to breathe, but she refused to turn back.
After what felt like an eternity, she finally saw a structure through the trees. The ruins stood before her, ancient and crumbling, but still exuding a sense of power. She approached cautiously, her light illuminating the worn stones and intricate carvings.

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As she stepped into the ruins, the air seemed to change. It was colder, and the magic felt more concentrated. Josie could sense the history here, the layers of magic that had been woven into the very fabric of the place. She felt a strange connection to it, as if it were calling to her.
Exploring the ruins, she found symbols and inscriptions that she couldn't decipher. But there was something familiar about them, a resonance with her own magic. She felt a surge of determination. If she could unlock the secrets of this place, she might gain the edge she needed in the tournament.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the ruins. Josie spun around, her light casting long shadows. Another creature emerged from the darkness, larger and more menacing than the first. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent intelligence.
Josie braced herself for the fight. She knew she couldn't rely solely on her light. She needed to be strategic, to use everything she had learned. As the creature charged, she summoned her power, creating a blinding flash that momentarily disorientate it while she cracked open her well of power a little larger and pulled on that thread of power more and her veins began the to simmer. The beast lunged at her and she lifted her hands and let her magic out, shards of light went flashing towards the creature and sliced at him, he wailed in pain and stumbled, it then was relentless and attacked again,
she darted to the side, her dagger slicing through the air. The creature roared in pain again, but it didn't back down. It swiped at her with clawed hands, forcing her to dodge and weave. Josie felt the strain of the fight, but she refused to give up.

With a final burst of energy, she drove her dagger into the creature's heart. It let out a final, agonized roar before collapsing. Josie stood over it, panting, her light flickering as her energy waned. She had done it. She had faced the danger and emerged victorious. But the fight had taken its toll. She felt exhaustion creeping in, her limbs heavy and her mind foggy. She needed to rest, to recover her strength before she could continue exploring the ruins. She found a sheltered spot within the ancient walls and sat down, her back against the cool stone. She rested for a few moments, trying to steady her heart and gather energy, she heard footsteps and she immediately gathered herself. "Get up." Creed.

Josie and Creed continued their search through the ancient tower, their determination unwavering despite the hours of fruitless effort. They sifted through scrolls, peered behind torn and broken portraits, and rummaged inside abandoned trunks. Each new discovery was met with anticipation, but time and again, they found nothing of use. The frustration built with every passing minute, and Josie's hope began to wane.
Eventually, Josie let out a defeated sigh and said, "Let's go." She started walking out, her feet clanking and echoing off the stone walls of the tower. The sound was a stark reminder of the emptiness and desolation of the place. As she walked, she felt something strange under her foot—a stone that shifted ever so slightly. She stopped, retreated a few steps, and walked over it again. The stone shifted more noticeably this time.
Her brows furrowed in curiosity and determination. She dropped to her knees and dug her nails under the large stone, hoisting it up with all her might. Beneath the stone, she uncovered a hidden chest, bound tightly to the tower's foundation. A glimmer appeared in Josie's eyes, and a feral smile spread across her face. She looked up at Creed, who had been watching her intently.
Creed's brows rose in surprise, and he hunched down to get a better look at what lay beneath the stone. He ran his fingers over the chest, feeling its intricate carvings and the cold metal of the keyhole. "It's enchanted," he said slowly, his voice filled with a mix of awe and caution. "You need a key, Josie."

Josie stood up and huffed, her eyes darting around the room. "Well?! Where in the gods is it?!" She began pacing the room again, frantically searching places they had already looked. Creed stood and watched her, his expression calm but firm.
"That's enough, Josie. Come," Creed said, his tone commanding. Josie pulled a face, showing her reluctance to listen to him.
"Josie," Creed said again, this time with steel in his voice. "That's enough for one night. We know what we need. We can come back. Now leave it. Let's go."
Josie glanced at the chest one more time, her mind racing with thoughts of the secrets it might hold. Knowledge about herself, about her power, seemed tantalizingly close yet frustratingly out of reach. She knew Creed was right, but the thought of leaving without the key felt like a defeat.
Reluctantly, Josie turned away from the chest and followed Creed out of the tower. They made their way back through the dangerous woods, the night filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures and the rustling of leaves. Despite the frustration of their fruitless search, the journey back was filled with a sense of determination. They knew they would return, and they knew what they were looking for.
As they approached the lake, the moonlight cast a silver glow over the water, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere. Josie paused for a moment, staring at the reflection of the moon on the lake's surface. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts.

Creed watched her, understanding her frustration but also knowing that patience was crucial. "We'll find it" he said, his voice breaking the silence. "We just need to be patient."
Josie nodded, though the impatience still gnawed at her. "I know," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... hard to wait when answers are so close." Creed placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'm impressed by your determination and hunger, little light wielder. Who knew you had it in you" Creed joked. "Josie glanced at him sideways and crossed her arms. "We'll find the key, and we'll unlock that chest. Just not tonight."Creed said.

They continued their walk, the path becoming more familiar with each step. The journey back felt longer, the weight of their discovery pressing heavily on Josie's mind. She couldn't stop thinking about the chest and what it might contain.
As they reached the edge of the student quarters, the lights of the lanterns came into view. The sight was a welcome relief, a reminder of the safety and comfort that awaited them. Josie glanced at Creed, who gave her a small, encouraging nod.
Creed watched her walk away, walking to the Blackmore student quarters, he then lifted his eyes to the stars. He was silent, lost in his own thoughts, but his heart was tame, for a change.