Perched on the sturdy branch, Valine felt the rough bark beneath her fingertips and the whisper of leaves as the wind played through the canopy. From her elevated vantage point, she gazed out at the land. A sense of childlike wonder bubbled up within Valine as she let her gaze wander through the labyrinth of branches. She leaned on the tree, closing her eyes and letting the song of the forest pull her to sleep.

"Wake up gorgeous' ' Dimitri's deep voice cut through the silence of the forest pulling Valine from her sleep.

Startled, Valine turned to find him standing at the base of the tree, his gaze fixed...