Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 30 - Amelia

The cool breeze of the Venetian evening stirred the air as Amelia followed closely behind Ezio through the winding streets. Her movements were still measured, her body aching with the lingering soreness of her recent injury. Each step reminded her of the gash that had nearly cost her everything, but she ignored the discomfort. Healing had its limits, and time was no ally in their mission. She'd rather be on the move, contributing to their cause, than remain cooped up in Leonardo's workshop, even if it meant enduring a bit of pain.

As they approached the meeting place, Amelia couldn't help but notice the lively hum of Venice around them—the gondoliers singing, merchants calling out their wares, the soft murmur of the canals as they reflected the lantern-lit walkways. But beneath the beauty, tension buzzed in the air, as though the city itself sensed the unrest lurking beneath the surface. She glanced sideways at Ezio, catching the determined set of his jaw. His focus was unyielding, yet there was a softness when he glanced back at her, a silent question in his eyes: Are you sure you're up for this?

She responded with a faint smile, pushing back the ache in her side. "I can handle myself, Ezio. Don't worry."

He offered a wry smirk in return. "I've learned better than to doubt you, Lia. Just... don't push yourself too hard."

They arrived at the designated spot, where a shadowy figure awaited them. Antonio de Magianis stepped forward from the gloom, a confident smile tugging at his lips. He was a lean man, his posture hinting at a lifetime spent navigating the undercurrents of Venice's streets. Amelia sized him up quickly—his sharp eyes, his relaxed stance. He looked like a man who knew his way around a blade as well as he did a negotiation.

"Please, enter!" Antonio greeted, gesturing for them to come closer. "Your good work has restored us to our former strength, Ezio. We are ready to strike." He was a lean man with sharp features and a confident air stepped forward, his eyes flicking between Ezio and Amelia with a discerning look. Beside him stood a young woman with a cocky smile, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders as she studied Amelia with interest.

"Amelia, this is Antonio de Magianis, leader of the thieves here in Venice," Ezio said, gesturing toward the man. "And this is Rosa, one of his best."

Antonio inclined his head with a welcoming smile. "Ah, so this is the infamous Amelia I've heard so much about. Welcome to Venice, signorina. Any friend of Ezio's is a friend of ours."

Amelia offered a polite nod, noting the calculating look in his eyes. He seemed like the kind of man who could charm you with one hand and cut your purse strings with the other—a skill set she could respect. "Grazie, Antonio. I'm glad to finally meet you. Ezio's spoken of the work you do here. It's impressive."

Antonio's smile widened slightly, though his eyes remained shrewd. "It's not often we get visitors like you in our city. And if Ezio vouches for you, then I have no doubt you'll be an asset to our cause."

Rosa, meanwhile, gave her a once-over, her gaze lingering on the bandage peeking out from beneath Amelia's sleeve. "Ezio mentioned that you had gone through a rough patch. He has been eager to see you back on your feet."

Amelia met Rosa's gaze evenly, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "And I hear you've been teaching Ezio a few tricks—mind if I borrow a lesson or two?"

Rosa's smile widened into a genuine grin, and she gave a nod of approval. "You might just fit in around here after all, signorina."

Ezio placed a hand on Amelia's shoulder, his touch warm and grounding, even through the tension of the moment. "Antonio and Rosa have been helping me prepare for what comes next," he explained, glancing at both of them before looking back to Amelia. "They've agreed to join forces to take down Emilio Barbarigo. We'll need all the help we can get. Just tell us what needs to be done, and I'll see that it is."