Reverence (A gothic Romantasy)

Chapter nineteen

Josie and Creed landed gracefully on a cliff on the side of a mountain range. Creed gently lowered his neck to the ground, allowing Josie to dismount with ease. She slid off his back and took in her surroundings, the stunning view rendering her speechless.
Before her lay a breathtaking forest, its lush greenery stretching endlessly until it met a river that sparkled under the sun's rays. The water wound its way through the trees, catching the light and reflecting the sky's vibrant colors. The clouds glowed with a golden hue, creating a picturesque scene that seemed almost otherworldly.
Josie was in awe, her eyes wide with wonder. She turned to look at Creed, still in his magnificent beast form, and noticed a softness in his eyes that she had never seen before. It was as if he, too, was moved by the beauty of this place. She returned her gaze to the view, feeling a sense of serenity wash over her. Suddenly, a flash of black magic shimmered behind her, and Creed stood beside her in his human form. He looked at her, his expression more relaxed than she had ever seen it. "Do you feel the peace?" he asked, his voice calm and introspective, as he took in a deep breath of the crisp mountain air.

Josie nodded, her own breath steadying as she absorbed the tranquility of their surroundings. "I do," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of the nearby trees. "It's beautiful here, Creed. I can see why you love this place."
Creed smiled, a genuine, soft smile that transformed his usually stern features. "It's my sanctuary," he admitted. "Whenever the world becomes too chaotic, I come here to find solace. I'm glad I could share it with you." Josie felt a warm connection with Creed in that moment, a bond forged in the quiet beauty of the mountainside.

Picture created by author via AI

Josie broke the silence with a hesitant voice. "We should be getting back. Jane is probably wondering where I am." She turned to leave, but Creed gently grabbed her arm, pulling her closer to him. His grip was firm yet tender, and she could feel the warmth of his touch seeping through her skin.
He brought his face closer to hers, their breaths mingling. Josie's heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears. Creed's eyes lingered on her lips, and without a word, he kissed her. The world seemed to fade away as she melted slightly in his arms, her thoughts consumed by the sensation of his lips against hers.
Creed's hand slid around her waist, pulling her even closer, while his other hand cupped her face, deepening the kiss. Josie let out a soft moan, the sound barely audible but filled with the intensity of the moment. She moved her hand to his broad chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingers.

Time seemed to stand still as they embraced, the connection between them growing stronger with each passing second. Josie felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her—excitement, desire, and a touch of uncertainty. But in that moment, all that mattered was the way Creed made her feel, the way he held her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
Reluctantly, Josie pulled back, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She looked up at Creed, their foreheads still touching, and saw a fire in his eyes that mirrored her own. "We really should go," she whispered, her voice trembling with the intensity of the kiss they had just shared.
Creed nodded, but he didn't let go of her. "I know," he said softly, his voice filled with a rare vulnerability. "But I wanted you to know how I feel, how much you mean to me." Josie's heart swelled at his words, and she felt a deep warmth spreading through her chest.
With a final, lingering kiss, they reluctantly parted. Creed stepped back and shifted, he sided Josie on mounting him and he leaped off of the cliff, his wings steady and sure.