Reverence (A gothic Romantasy)

Chapter seventeen

Three days had passed since they found Adelaide's body, and the heavy cloud over the school had not subsided. Professors remained on high alert, and the headmistress had enabled stronger wards on the grounds. Despite the somber mood, the ball was not canceled. Josie, Jane, and Corbyn decided to get ready in Jane's room. It was adorned with golden drapes and a matching bedspread, with red scatter cushions that glimmered when the light hit them. "Do you think it would be best to wear my hair up or down?" Corbyn asked, fiddling with her loose curls in the mirror. "Whatever makes you feel best," Jane replied, her tone light and encouraging.
Josie sat on Jane's bed, painting her fingernails a deep shade of emerald. "I like it up; it frames your face a little bit more," she said with a smile.

"Thank you, Josie," Corbyn said, a hint of relief in her voice. "Some actual advice." She pulled a face at Jane, who responded with a playful bump to Corbyn's arm. Jane took up a spot next to Corbyn to brush her hair. "I heard that the professors will be escorting everyone to the grand hall—new safety precautions and what not," she sighed.
"It's understandable," Josie said, looking up from her nails. "What happened to Adelaide was horrific, and I actually think it's a good thing that the schools are on alert."
"Enough about this," Corbyn snapped. "This is supposed to be fun. I want to get into my dress, dance all night, get loopy off of two glasses of wine, and enjoy my evening," she declared, almost in a tantrum. "She's right," Jane agreed. "All that matters tonight is that we keep our wits about us and have fun." She pointed her hairbrush at Josie and Corbyn, a determined look on her face.

Josie nodded, appreciating their attempts to lift the mood. She finished painting her nails and started on her makeup. The room buzzed with the sounds of laughter and chatter, an attempt to drown out the underlying tension that had gripped the school.
As they prepared, Josie couldn't help but think about the ball. It was a chance for them to escape, if only for a night, from the fear and uncertainty that had taken hold of their lives. She wanted to see her friends smile, to dance without a care, and to feel normal again, even if it was just for a few hours.
Corbyn twirled around in her dress, a light blue gown that shimmered with every movement. "What do you think?" she asked, her eyes bright with excitement.
"You look stunning," Josie said, genuinely impressed. Jane nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across her face. The three of them stood together, admiring their reflections in the mirror, a moment of camaraderie and anticipation before the night began.

Josie wore an emerald dress made of silk, with a gorgeous shimmer material layered over it, joined at the waist with a bodice. Her hair was down in loose curls, swaying when she moved. She felt good about tonight. As she walked towards the two massive oak doors that led to the grand hall, two staff members opened them for her. Inside, she was greeted by the enchanting sight of light blue butterflies, glowing and leaving stardust trails as they flew.
A twelve-piece orchestra filled the air with melodious tunes, and a large, dazzling chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the hall with a warm, golden glow. Corbyn gasped beside Josie, her eyes wide with wonder. "Do you see, Josie?! Aren't the butterflies incredible?"
Josie smiled, equally astonished. "They're wonderful," she replied, her voice full of awe. She took in the grandeur of the hall, feeling the magic in the air.

From across the room, Jasper walked toward the girls and stopped in front of Jane. He looked at her with an intensity that made Josie certain she saw love in his eyes. "Ladies," he said, nodding to Josie and Corbyn, "you look beautiful." He then turned his attention back to Jane, staring a little longer before saying, "And you, Jane, are ravishing."
Josie saw a blush rise to Jane's cheeks as she smiled slightly. Jasper held out his hand to Jane, inviting her to dance. She took his hand, and they walked together to the dance floor, leaving Corbyn and Josie smiling at the scene.
Josie felt a pang of joy for her friend as she watched Jane and Jasper move gracefully to the music. The warmth of the hall, the enchanting atmosphere, and the beauty of the moment filled her with a sense of peace she hadn't felt in days.
Corbyn nudged Josie playfully. "Look at them, so cute together," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Do you want to dance too?"

Josie laughed softly, shaking her head. "Maybe in a bit. Let's just take it all in for now." She felt content just being there, surrounded by her friends and the magic of the night.
As they stood there, Josie couldn't help but glance around the room, taking in the smiles, the laughter, and the joyous atmosphere. She felt a sense of belonging, a connection to the people and the place that had become her home. For tonight, at least, she allowed herself to forget the worries and fears that had been weighing her down, and simply enjoyed the beauty of the moment.

Josie stood by a table offering various snacks and drinks. She popped an olive into her mouth before picking up a glass of wine. Turning around to look for Corbyn, she was suddenly met with sapphire blue eyes. Josie jumped slightly, almost spilling some wine from her glass. "Gods, Creed. You need to stop doing that," she said while chewing her olive.
Creed didn't say anything at first, letting his eyes freely roam over Josie's body. All of a sudden, she became acutely aware of how tight-fitting her gown was. She cleared her throat nervously. Creed wet his lips with his tongue before meeting her gaze again.
"You're divine," Creed said in a raspy voice that had a tinge of growl in it.
Josie did not expect the compliment and was frozen in place. "Y-you look nice too." Nice was not the word. Creed's hair was slicked back, emphasizing his jaw and sharp features. She could see every silhouette of muscle through his suit. Gods, why did she even notice how good he smelled?

Creed took a step closer, the intensity of his presence almost overwhelming. "I love the colour on you, it makes your skin look heavenly," he said with a smirk, his eyes never leaving hers. The warmth of the room seemed to rise a few degrees. Josie felt her heart race. "Thank you," she managed to say, forcing a smile. She took a sip of her wine, trying to calm her nerves. Creed's gaze was magnetic, and she found it hard to look away.
Creed leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "You know, Josie, I've been watching you. Not just tonight, but always. You're impressive. More than you realize."
His words sent a shiver down her spine. She was unsure how to respond, so she took another sip of wine, buying herself a moment to think. Finally, she looked up at him, meeting his intense gaze with a determined one of her own. "Thank you, Creed. I appreciate that."

Creed turned to Josie, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Would you like to dance?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.
Josie shook her head, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I'm not a dancer, Creed. I'd just embarrass myself." Creed's smile widened, and without a word, he took her hand. Josie started to object, but then downed the rest of her wine, feeling a surge of courage. She allowed herself to be led to the dance floor. They found a spot amidst the other dancing couples, and Creed slid his hand around Josie's waist. His touch was possessive and dominant, making her breath hitch. He then took her other hand in his. "Just follow my lead, it's not that hard," he said softly. Josie laughed nervously. "Well, don't blame me if you have broken toes by the end of the night." Creed pulled her in closer, and they began to move to the sound of the orchestra. Despite her initial hesitation, Josie found herself enjoying the dance, the warmth of Creed's body against hers and the way he effortlessly guided her across the floor.

A few minutes later, Creed leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Walk with me," he whispered. Curiosity piqued, Josie nodded. Creed led them out of the grand hall and into the gardens. The night air was cool and refreshing, and the moon cast a soft glow on the stone path that led to the lake. "Creed, where are we going? We aren't supposed to be outside; you heard Headmaster Barlow," Josie said, a hint of worry in her voice.
Creed chuckled cockily. "Just trust me," he replied, his grip on her hand firm and reassuring.
They continued down the path, the sounds of the ball fading behind them. The lake came into view, its surface shimmering under the moonlight. The garden was quiet, save for the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. Creed stopped by the water's edge, turning to face Josie. "I wanted to show you something," he said, his voice softer now.