Reverence is a dark academia romantasy, a tale of all consuming love, gut-wrenching betrayal, unbreakable bonds and unspoken truths.
Nineteen year old Josephine Carmine was orphaned at five and passed around to multiple foster families, three of wh...
After the tournament, Josie soaked in a piping hot bath for an hour, letting the heat soothe her sore muscles. The water steamed around her, and she felt the tension slowly melt away, but her mind remained restless. She replayed the events of the day in her head, the surge of power, the fight with Celeste, and Creed's intervention. Despite her best efforts to relax, the day's intensity clung to her thoughts. She tried to muster some remorse for what she had done to Celeste, but it was a futile effort. Celeste had killed a student during last year's tournament, a brutal and senseless act that had left a dark stain on the academy's memory. In Josie's eyes, Celeste deserved every shard of light that had cut into her. The justice of her actions felt clear and justified, a balancing of scales that had long been tipped in favor of cruelty and violence. As she lay in the bath, Josie's resolve hardened. She had shown the academy that she was not to be underestimated, that she possessed a power and a will that could not be easily broken. While the bath soothed her physical aches, it did little to quell the fire of determination that burned within her. Celeste's fate was a reminder of the harsh realities they faced, and Josie knew she would continue to fight for what she believed in, no matter the cost.
After the bath, Josie stepped out and wrapped herself in a soft towel, her muscles feeling considerably more relaxed. She dried off and dressed quickly, eager to meet Jane for their planned sunset stroll across the far fields. The day's intensity still lingered in her mind, but she looked forward to the tranquility of the evening and the chance to unwind with her friend. Josie found Jane waiting for her at the edge of the fields, the setting sun casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The two friends began to walk, the tall grass rustling gently around them. As they strolled, Jane turned to Josie, her eyes filled with admiration. "I was impressed by your power today, Josie.. I knew you had potential, but seeing it in action was something else." Josie smiled at the compliment, feeling a sense of pride and camaraderie. "Thanks, Jane. It felt... overwhelming, but in a good way. Like I finally tapped into something real." She hesitated for a moment before asking, "I know you're a shifter, but what exactly do you shift into? I've always wondered but never had the chance to ask."
Jane chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in her eye. "It's not a secret, just something I don't flaunt often. I shift into a fire griffin. It's a bit unusual, I suppose, but it's been a part of me for as long as I can remember. The agility and heightened senses are incredibly useful, especially in situations like today's tournament." She paused, looking at Josie thoughtfully. "We all have our unique gifts, and it's how we use them that defines us. Your power is extraordinary, Josie, and I have no doubt you'll master it and use it for good." Jane looked at Josie and said.. "Want to see?" Jane asked Josie as the sun glimmered on her hair, "Obviously!" Jane laughed.
Jane smiled, taking three steps backward, the sunset sky casting a brilliant array of colors behind her. The knee-high meadow bristled in the warm wind, the grasses swaying rhythmically. With a serene yet focused expression, Jane rolled her neck, and an aura began to emanate from her, shimmering like a heat haze before it enveloped her completely. In the blink of an eye, the aura flashed, and Jane stood before Josie in her beast form. She was a magnificent blend of lion and phoenix, her coat glowing with a golden hue that matched her hair in her human form. Her powerful, leonine body was crowned with fiery, phoenix-like plumage that radiated warmth and light. Jane walked closer to Josie, emitting a soft, melodious purr that conveyed both strength and gentleness. Josie was absolutely in awe of Jane's transformation, her breath taken away by the sheer beauty and majesty before her. "Jane... you're magnificent," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine admiration. The sight of Jane in her beast form was both inspiring and humbling, a testament to the incredible powers they each possessed and the deep bond of friendship that linked them.
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