The house was enveloped in quiet stillness, save for the crackling of the fire. Jamie lay nearby, his eyes closed or at least pretending to be, his face turned towards the warmth of the flames. Claire carefully settled on the hearthrug, mindful not to disturb him. It was a rare moment of solitude they shared, the first since the harrowing events in the dungeon of Wentworth Prison. The weight of time and distance seemed to stretch between them, casting a shadow over their connection.