Chapter 35: A Difficult Promise

Valina woke just as a sunbeam found its way through the forest's dense canopy, passing over her face. It took her only a fraction of a second to remember where she was. Tavin's back was still pressed against hers; it was so welcomingly warm, like an inn's hearthfire after a long journey.

There was something more to the feeling though that made her feel at ease, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She could hear his deep, steady breaths that came during the depths of sleep. He was snoring, ever so faintly; somehow she found it endearing.

The difference in height between them was small, but from here, with her so close, he suddenly felt so much bigger than her. She had never needed another person close by in order to feel protected, but since he was here... the feeling was nice, in a strange way. Even so, there were pressing matters at hand.