Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 6 - Amelia

Amelia's eyelids fluttered open, and she was immediately greeted by the warm, familiar scent of herbs and lavender that filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of wood smoke from the hearth. The dim light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting soft shadows across the room and creating an ethereal atmosphere that felt both comforting and surreal. For a moment, confusion enveloped her like a heavy blanket, pulling her deeper into the haze of sleep.

She blinked slowly, trying to clear the fog that clouded her mind, but the effort felt like wading through thick mist. As her vision began to sharpen, she became aware of the plush, canopied bed surrounding her, the soft linens cradling her exhausted body like a cocoon. Each breath she took felt laborious, her chest rising and falling unevenly. The chill in the air seemed to seep into her bones, yet she welcomed it; the coolness kept her alert, a stark reminder that she was still alive.

However, a dull ache radiated from her side, a persistent reminder of her ordeal. As she instinctively tried to move, a sharp jolt of pain shot through her, jolting her into clarity. She gasped softly, the intensity of the sensation stealing her breath for a moment.

"Stay still, my dear," a soothing voice murmured softly, pulling her from her thoughts. Amelia turned her head to see Maria, Ezio's mother, leaning over her with a gentle expression. Maria's hands worked deftly, adjusting the bandages wrapped around Amelia's waist. The coolness of the fabric contrasted with the warmth of her skin, bringing a brief relief.

"Maria," Amelia breathed, trying to sit up but feeling weakness seep through her limbs like cold water. "What happened? Where's Ezio?"

Maria's expression shifted, and the silence that hung in the air felt heavy with unspoken fears. "You were injured in Rome," Maria replied, her voice soothing yet laced with an undercurrent of worry. "Rodrigo Borgia's blade found its mark, but you're safe now. You're home."

"Home..." Amelia echoed, the word a small comfort. Yet, the knot of anxiety in her stomach tightened. "But where is Ezio? Do you have any news?" The question slipped from her lips before she could think, desperation clawing at her throat as she fought to suppress the swell of panic rising within her.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Giovanni stepped into the room, his expression serious and filled with concern. He met Amelia's gaze, and his demeanor instantly shifted as he saw her awake. "Amelia!" he exclaimed, rushing to her side. "You're awake! Thank the heavens!"

"Giovanni," she said, a wave of relief washing over her. "Do you know where Ezio is? Is he safe?"

Giovanni's expression darkened slightly, and a cold chill swept through Amelia as she felt her heart plummet. "He stayed behind in Rome to deal with Borgia," he explained, his tone steady but heavy with concern. "We have had no word from him or Mario just yet."

The news hit her like a physical blow, and she instinctively tried to push herself up, her mind racing with fear. "I need to go to him," she insisted, urgency flooding her voice. "I can't just lie here while he's out there—"

"Amelia, no!" Claudia exclaimed, rushing to her side and grasping her shoulders firmly. "You mustn't move! You're not strong enough."

"Claudia, let me go!" Amelia protested, her voice rising with urgency as she looked into Claudia's worried eyes. "What if he needs me?"

"Amelia, please," Giovanni interjected, stepping closer, his expression a mix of firmness and sympathy. "You need to focus on healing. Ezio will return, and you must be strong for him."

"Strong?" she scoffed, frustration bubbling within her. "What if he's in danger? What if I—"

"Ezio is strong," Maria said softly, her voice steadying Amelia's resolve. "He has faced many dangers, and he will return to you. You must trust him—and yourself. You need to save your strength."