The warmth of Elias's hand in hers lingered long after they reached her small cottage by the cliffs. Amelia had never brought a stranger home before, but something about him made her feel as if they'd known each other far longer than a few moments. His silence was heavy but not uncomfortable. It was as though words weren't needed—at least not yet.
As she handed him a towel to dry off, she couldn't help but steal glances at him. His dark hair fell over his forehead, still damp from the sea, and his eyes held a depth that made her wonder what he'd seen. His clothes, though simple, had an almost antique quality, like something out of an old painting.
"You can sit by the fire if you want," she offered, lighting the small hearth in her living room. The flames flickered to life, casting a soft orange glow across the room.
Elias nodded, moving toward the warmth, though he still seemed distant. He sat down in the armchair by the fire, his gaze distant as he stared into the flames. Amelia watched him for a moment, her curiosity growing. Who was this man, and why had he appeared on the beach like that?
"Do you remember anything at all?" she asked gently, sitting on the couch across from him.
He hesitated, then slowly shook his head. "I remember the storm. It was fierce, unlike anything I've ever seen before. The sea was... alive. And then there was light—bright, blinding light—and I was here."
Amelia frowned. "Here? As in this town?"
"No," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Here, in this time."
A chill ran down her spine. "This time? What do you mean?"
Elias looked up at her, his green eyes glowing faintly in the firelight. "I'm not from this world, not as you know it. I was... lost, caught in a storm that should never have existed. And somehow, I've ended up here."
Amelia's heart raced. The logical part of her brain screamed that this was impossible, that he must be confused or suffering from some kind of shock. But something in his voice, in his eyes, made her believe him. There was truth in his words, no matter how unbelievable they seemed.
"Do you know how to get back?" she asked, her voice barely steady.
He shook his head again, a trace of sadness in his expression. "No. And I'm not sure if I'm meant to."
Silence settled between them, thick with unanswered questions. Amelia wasn't sure what to say, her mind spinning with thoughts of time travel, magic, and the strange pull she felt toward this man. She had always been drawn to the ocean, felt its power, but she never imagined it could bring something—or someone—like Elias into her life.
"You're safe here," she said after a long pause, unsure of what else to offer. "You can stay until we figure this out."
Elias's gaze softened, and for the first time, a hint of a smile played at his lips. "Thank you, Amelia. You've already shown me more kindness than I deserve."
Her breath caught at the way he said her name, as though it held more meaning than she realized. But before she could respond, a loud crash sounded outside, shattering the stillness of the night.
They both jumped to their feet, Amelia's heart pounding in her chest. She rushed to the window, pulling back the curtain to see what had caused the noise. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight: the sea, which had been calm moments ago, was now violently churning, waves crashing against the cliffs with a force that shook the ground.
"What's happening?" she whispered, fear lacing her voice.
Elias was at her side in an instant, his face pale as he stared out at the ocean. "It's calling," he murmured, his voice tense. "The sea—it knows I'm here."
Amelia turned to him, confusion and fear warring in her mind. "What do you mean?"
Before he could answer, another crash sounded, even louder this time. The waves seemed to rise higher, almost unnaturally so, as if something beneath the surface was trying to break free.
"We need to leave," Elias said urgently, grabbing her arm. "Now."
Amelia's heart pounded as they rushed out the door, the sound of the raging sea echoing in her ears. Whatever was happening, it was tied to Elias—and it was far from over.