Chapter 30: Warm Meals and Small Moments
Third Person POV.
The van rolled smoothly along the forested path, weaving past the shadows of towering evergreens. The early morning light had begun to spill golden streaks through the tinted windows, catching on the faint mist that clung to the lowland borders of Stormveil.
Inside the van, Meredith sat comfortably, her stomach no longer making loud demands. Deidra leaned over from her seat with a warm smile.
"No need to worry, my lady. We packed enough food, snacks, and drinks to last the entire trip."
A quiet sigh escaped her lips—she hadn’t even noticed the tightness in her chest. "Thank the stars. I thought I would have to starve my way to Duskmoor."
Azul, seated at the edge near the aisle, gave a small smile. "You will be served your breakfast now. Since you didn’t get to eat before we left."
Meredith’s eyes brightened slightly as she nodded. "I’m ready."
Deidra reached for one of the insulated travel bags tucked near her feet and unzipped it carefully. From inside, she retrieved a sleek thermos lunch box and passed it to Kira, who had already pulled out the hidden tray table folded neatly into Meredith’s seat.
Meredith blinked in mild surprise. She murmured about how the van keeps getting better while running her fingers over the smooth, polished surface of the wooden table.
With practiced hands, Kira unclipped the lunch box and lifted its compartments, revealing the dishes: warm congee, a clear chicken broth, soft-boiled rice with sweet corn, and a cup of fragrant lemon tea still steaming in its insulated flask.
The aroma wafted upward and filled the space with a comforting scent. Meredith’s lips curved into a soft smile. There was nothing extravagant about the meal, but it felt thoughtful. Personal.