The knowledge that Claire had willingly sacrificed herself for his sake only intensified Jamie’s feelings of guilt and worthlessness. It should have been him enduring the unspeakable pain and degradation, not the woman he loved. He questioned his own strength, doubting his ability to fulfil the solemn vows he had made to protect her at all costs. The raw pain of witnessing his wife’s suffering etched itself into his soul, leaving scars that would forever haunt him. He wept for her pain, for the loss of her innocence, and for the burden she had shouldered to protect him.