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. ...