Will lay awake, listening to the sound of the storm brewing outside of the small room he and Tessa had rented in the Welsh countryside. He had been trying to sleep for hours, but each time he felt close to sleep another irritating thing would startle him, and he would have to start the process all over again.
The rain certainly did not help, but he was used to it. He had grown up here, and had become immune to the restlessness that usually accompanied these types of storms long ago. No, it was Tessa.
She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. He could think it now. Without fear of jealousy or death, Will could finally say that she was the most beautiful and angelic being he had ever seen. It hadn't been long since they were married. Love and happiness were fresh in his mind, and a new wave of joy rolled over him every time he saw her. His bride.
Tess looked particularly sweet now. The lightning and moonlight worked together to illuminate her face, her features looking softer with the white light. Her soft, brown hair was all over the pillow. Her body was curled against Will's, her delicate arms lying carefully on his chest, her legs tangled with his own. He could feel the material of her nightgown, taunting him. Her head was sprawled on Will's shoulder, so he could feel each breath she took.
He was vaguely surprised she hadn't moved in her sleep; her position looked extremely uncomfortable.
Will noticed Tess shivering and drew the sheets up around them. But she didn't stop shaking. He drew her closer with his arm. His hand moved to brush her hair off her cheek. But her cheek was damp with tears. Will pulled his beautiful wife closer as she erupted into loud sobs. She buried her face deep into his shoulder, and he gently stroked her hair.
After what seemed like an eternity like that, safe in each other's arms, Will slowly drew his face back. He looked into Tess' keen, grey eyes. "Let me help you." He thought he saw the corner of her mouth twitch up. But the smile was gone instantly. She began to cry again, softly. But Will held her face still.
"Tess. I love you, and so I want to help you. Please. What was it? What can I do?"
Tess now gave him a sad smile. "Just- " She was obviously struggling not to break into tears. "I had a dream. A horrible, horrible dream. We were fighting again, against the Magister. And…" She inhaled sharply. "But I couldn't save you. He killed you, and there was nothing I could do, and…" She buried her face in her hands.
"Oh, Tess…" It had been so long, but both of them still woke up screaming about that fight, when everything seemed hopeless.
It killed Will to see his Tess this way. Her eyes had become red and puffy from crying, her skin was clammy. She seemed sickish, like she might vomit.
Will pressed his lips to her forehead. "I am here. I am here, Tess. I will be here for you as long as I can."
Tessa smiled, because despite everything that had gone wrong, Will was with her. He grinned when he saw her meek smile.
"Come here," Will said, and opened his arms for her.
She crawled into them gladly, snuggling close to Will's chest. And together they lay, side by side and content, without any more awful dreams that night.