Meal Together

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 on her with amusement. The sunlight painted his features in a subtle glow, emphasizing the sharp angles of his face and the intensity in his eyes. Valine felt a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. A sheepish grin tugged at her lips as she tried to play it off with a casual remark. "Caught me sleeping in the view, huh?" she quipped. Dimitri's lips twitched, almost forming a rare