Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 38 - Amelia

The canals of Venice glimmered under the fading light of the setting sun, turning the water to molten gold as Amelia and Ezio made their way toward Antonio's hideout. The air was thick with the briny scent of the lagoon, and the distant clamor of the city mingled with the creak of the wooden bridge beneath their feet. Amelia's gaze swept over the winding alleys and narrow waterways, her senses alert despite the momentary lull. She knew that every step they took was closer to their next confrontation, and the city that had once felt like home now seemed full of shadows.

As they crossed the last bridge, one of Antonio's men came rushing toward them, his breath coming in labored gasps. "Ezio! Ezio! Ser Antonio wishes to speak with you."

Ezio offered a nod, thanking the man. "Grazie for the message."

Amelia glanced at him, a question in her eyes. "You think it's about Silvio?"

"Could be. We'll find out soon enough," Ezio replied, a hint of tension in his voice. He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, the gesture gentle despite the urgency in their steps. "Stay close."

Amelia nodded, feeling a warmth settle in her chest at his touch. It was the small gestures that made her realize how much their dynamic had shifted over the years—how they had gone from reluctant allies to something closer, deeper. The thought made her heart ache with both hope and uncertainty.

They soon arrived at Antonio's hideout, slipping through the familiar doors and into the dimly lit interior. Antonio was already waiting for them, leaning against a table with an easy, if weary, smile. But it was the sight of the man beside him that made Amelia pause—a man with the same sharp nose and angular features as Marco Barbarigo, though there was a solemn weight in his eyes that his brother had lacked.

"Ah! There you are!" Antonio greeted, straightening up as they approached. "Come, Ezio. I'd like to introduce you to an... associate. This is Agostino Barbarigo—soon to be Doge of Venezia—thanks to you."

Ezio offered a respectful nod, his expression guarded but polite. "E un onore fare la vostra conoscenza, illustrissimo. I am sorry for the loss of your brother."

Agostino let out a dry laugh, his lips curling into a bitter smile. "He had it coming. He was bought and paid for by the Borgia, a mistake I have no intention of making."

Amelia observed him carefully, noting the way he held himself, the way his words carried a mixture of bitterness and determination. She couldn't help but wonder if he would be any different from the rulers that had come before him—or if Venice would suffer under yet another false promise.

Antonio wasted no time, motioning for them to join him at the map spread across the table. "Come, Ezio! We have much to discuss. We've located Silvio Barbarigo for you. He's fled into L'Arsenale."

Agostino scoffed, crossing his arms. "Hah! Fled? You mean occupied—and joined by two hundred mercenari, no less."

Ezio's brows furrowed. "You're Doge now. Can't you command them to stand down?"

Agostino's expression tightened. "The committee of forty-one has yet to confirm my ascension. And this little stunt of Silvio's has only made things worse. He has an entire army at his command!"

Ezio exchanged a look with Amelia, a silent understanding passing between them. She could see the resolve hardening in his eyes—the same look he always had before diving headfirst into danger. It stirred a mix of admiration and worry within her. He could be reckless, but he always faced the impossible with that same unyielding spirit.

"Then help me to raise my own," Ezio declared, his voice firm.

Antonio smiled wryly, as if he'd been expecting this. "I figured you'd say as much. Bartolomeo D'Alviano is the man you seek. He and his men have little love for Silvio. He resides within the military district—southwest of L'Arsenale."