Reverence (A gothic Romantasy)

Chapter twenty-six

Josie sat in an emerald-covered chair in Headmistress Ashgrove's office, feeling the weight of the ancient book pressing on her mind. The headmistress, as beautiful and composed as always, gave Josie a small, encouraging smile. "What can I help you with, my dear?" she asked, her voice warm and inviting. Josie swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to her hands as she struggled to find the right words. "Headmistress, I want to start off by saying that I have done something that I might be reprimanded for severely," she began, her voice trembling slightly. The headmistress's smile faltered, concern flickering in her eyes. Josie took a deep breath and continued, "Myself and Creed ventured to the ruins. I was told that there was knowledge about my heritage and my magic there." She tried to sound firm and resolute, but her nerves were getting the better of her. The headmistress leaned back in her seat, her expression thoughtful. Josie took this as a sign to go on. "And there was. We found a book," she said, her voice gaining strength. "The Bloodline of Light Wielders." The headmistress said softly as eyes widened slightly, and she leaned forward, her interest piqued.

Josie stopped, looking at the headmistress in shock. "You know it?" she asked, her heart pounding in her chest. The headmistress nodded slowly.
"Yes, I thought it was a myth. The book is known to be filled with knowledge long lost to our time. It is said that the book will teach a light wielder how to strengthen their powers, learn the old ways of the magic, and how to harness one," the headmistress said, her voice filled with sincerity. She looked at Josie with a depth of understanding that made Josie feel seen and valued. Josie swallowed hard, her eyes filling with tears. "Tell no one," the headmistress said firmly. "Use it, Josephine. Learn all you can. You are the first of your kind in five centuries, and you play a vital role for magic." Josie nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude and a newfound sense of responsibility. "Thank you, Headmistress," Josie said, her voice thick with emotion. She got up to leave, but the headmistress stopped her with a gentle call of her name. "Josephine... make sure Creed does not speak a word about this," she warned. Josie nodded again, understanding the gravity of the situation. She left the office with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace the journey ahead.

                                  
                                          ꕥ

Jane, Corbyn, and Josie sat on the library floor next to the hearth, the warmth of the fire casting a cozy glow over the room. Nine other students had gathered around, eager to hear the old scribe's tales. The scribe, dressed in brick brown robes with a grey-white beard, sat on a stool in the center of the circle, exuding an aura of ancient wisdom. The students clapped softly as he finished his last story, and he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Would anyone like to hear another tale?" he asked. Josie's hand shot up eagerly. "What of the tale of Odessa and her prince?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and anticipation. The students murmured their encouragement, and the scribe smiled, nodding in agreement. "Ah, yes. Our beloved Odessa," he began, clearing his throat. Josie settled back into her spot, ready to absorb every detail.
"Five hundred years ago, Marcellus Kraven founded Kraven Academy, and his three daughters, Elvira, Daella, and Odessa Kraven, founded Blackmore University," the scribe began, his voice rich and resonant. "One of Marcellus's daughters possessed a very rare and precious magic. Odessa Kraven was a shadow wielder, and she fell in love with Prince Alister Cross, it's been told that the Prince lacked magical ability, but he was widely respected throughout his kingdom," the scribe went on, but Josie couldn't help but think about what she had learned about her heritage, how she was a descendent of the prince himself, and how nobody ever knew that he was a light wielder. She focused on the elderly scribe,
Josie's heart felt heavy as she listened to the tale of her ancestors, the story stirring emotions deep within her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and focused on the scribe's words. "Odessa's father did not approve of the pair and forbade Odessa from seeing the prince. But Odessa and the prince did not heed his warning. Their love was too strong to be constrained by Marcellus's disapproval." The scribe's voice grew somber as he continued. "In a fit of rage, Marcellus killed the prince as well as his daughter and bound their souls to the lake. He tried to harness her power for himself, but the power did not allow it. It shot itself into the sky and disappeared, leaving Marcellus with nothing but regret and the remnants of his daughter's magic."
The room was silent, the students hanging on to every word. Josie felt a profound connection to the story, a sense of belonging and responsibility that was both overwhelming and empowering. She glanced at Jane and Corbyn, who were listening just as intently, their faces reflecting the solemnity of the tale. The scribe paused, letting the weight of the story sink in. "Odessa's magic was lost, but her legacy lived on. The love between Odessa and Alister was a testament to the power of light and shadow, and their story has been passed down through generations as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the bonds that cannot be broken."

Josie felt tears welling up in her eyes, the story resonating deeply with her own journey. She had always felt a connection to her heritage, but hearing the tale of Odessa and Alister brought it to life in a way she had never experienced before. It was a reminder of the strength and resilience that ran through her veins. The scribe smiled gently at the group. "Remember, my dear students, that the power of love and magic is not to be taken lightly. It is a gift and a responsibility. Odessa and Alister's story is a reminder of the potential within each of you, and the importance of using your gifts wisely."
As the scribe concluded the tale, the students remained quiet, lost in thought. The ancient book she had found held the key to her past and her future, and she was more resolved than ever to master her powers and honor the legacy of her ancestors. With a deep breath, she looked around at her friends, grateful for their support and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

                                       ꕥ

Josie walked with Jane to the east side of the castle, their footsteps echoing softly in the stillness of the evening. They journeyed in silence for half an hour until they reached the graveyard, a somber place bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Josie took Jane's hand, offering a silent promise of support, and together they approached Jasper's grave. Jane dropped to her knees in front of the headstone, her shoulders shaking with the weight of her grief, while Josie remained a respectful distance away, allowing Jane the privacy she deserved.
"I—" Jane started, her voice cracking with emotion. "I never got to tell him that I loved him," she sobbed, her tears falling onto the ground. Josie's heart broke for her friend, the depth of Jane's sorrow palpable in the air. She wished she could do something, anything, to ease Jane's pain, but she knew that this was a journey Jane had to walk herself.

"He said it to me at the ball. I laughed it off and we continued dancing. I should have told him, Josie—" Jane rested her forehead on Jasper's headstone, her cries growing more intense. "I should have told him that I loved him. I'm so sorry, Jasper. I love you." Jane's anguish was a raw, open wound, and Josie couldn't bear to see her friend suffer alone. She found herself at Jane's side, cradling her in her arms as they both cried together.
They sat there for hours, the silence between them filled with the echoes of their shared sorrow. The weight of love and loss hung heavily in the air, a silent testament to the depth of their feelings for Jasper. Josie felt the ache of her own tears, but she held Jane close, offering the comfort of her presence. The sky darkened slowly, but they remained, finding solace in each other's company.
"You know," Josie began, her voice hoarse from the hours of silence. "I read once that they say grief never ends, but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith, but it's the price of love." She spoke the words softly, hoping to bring some measure of comfort to Jane. Tears welled in Jane's eyes again, but this time they seemed to hold a different kind of pain—a pain that was slowly starting to heal.

Josie kissed Jane's head gently, feeling the connection between them strengthen through their shared experience of loss. They sat with Jasper a little while longer, the night growing cooler around them, but they remained, finding strength in their bond and in the memories they shared. The stars began to twinkle above, casting a gentle light over the graveyard.
Finally, Jane took a deep, shuddering breath and stood, brushing the dirt from her knees. Josie stood with her, their hands still intertwined. "Thank you, Josie," Jane said softly, her voice steadier now. "Thank you for being here with me." Josie nodded, giving her friend a reassuring squeeze. "Always, Jane. Always." Together, they walked back to the castle, their hearts a little lighter, knowing that they had each other to lean on through the darkness of their grief.