He held her close, clinging to her fiercely as though his very presence could shield her from the crushing pull of the stone circle. Gradually, her tears subsided, leaving her spent and exhausted. She rested her head against his comforting chest, enveloped in the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat. The darkness of the cottage surrounded them, yet they remained intertwined, unwilling to release their hold on one another, not even for a moment to ignite a fire or light a candle. Jamie held her throughout the night, his murmurs a gentle lullaby, calming her restless spirit.