Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 8 - Amelia

As the first gentle rays of sunrise filtered through the drawn curtains, a warm golden glow enveloped the room, highlighting the intertwined bodies of Ezio and Amelia. Lost in each other's arms, they basked in the peaceful stillness of the moment, cocooned in a bubble of pure love and tenderness.

Ezio stirred, feeling the soft curves of Amelia pressed against him. He smiled playfully as he slowly woke up, his eyes lingering on her sleeping form. "Care for another round?" he whispered huskily, his voice laced with desire and mischief. Their playful banter was just a prelude to the passion and intimacy that awaited them once again.

Amelia let out a soft moan, her eyes fluttering open in a haze of desire. "As much as I want you," she whispered, trailing her fingers lightly along his chest, "the pain in my side is too much." She shifted closer to him, seeking comfort and solace in his embrace.

But their moment was interrupted by the distant sound of cannons firing, jolting Amelia back to reality. Her heart raced with fear as she turned to Ezio for reassurance. He pulled her close, his arms protective and comforting.

"It's just training exercises," he said soothingly, but Amelia could see the worry in his eyes. Despite the danger outside, they found solace in each other's touch and the warmth of their love, clinging to each other as the echoes of gunfire filled the air.

Before she could even speak, a loud explosion shook the room and a cannonball came crashing through the window. In a split second, Ezio was on top of her, shielding her from the debris.

The room filled with dust and the acrid smell of gunpowder as shards of glass and splintered wood rained down around them. Ezio's body tensed, every muscle coiled and ready to spring into action. His eyes darted around, assessing the damage and potential threats.

"Are you alright?" he asked urgently, his hands moving over Amelia's body to check for injuries.

She nodded, her breath coming in short gasps. "I'm okay," she managed, though her voice trembled.

Ezio rolled off her and sprang to his feet in one fluid motion, his naked body silhouetted against the gaping hole in the wall. Outside, chaos reigned. Ships in the harbor were ablaze, their masts toppling as cannonballs tore through wood and sail. The air was thick with smoke and the screams of panicked civilians. Ezio's jaw clenched as he took in the scene, his mind already racing with strategies and escape routes.

"We need to move," he said, his voice low and urgent. He turned to Amelia, who was still huddled on the bed, her eyes wide with fear. "Can you walk?"

Amelia nodded, forcing herself to focus. She pushed aside the pain in her side and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Ezio was already moving, grabbing clothes and tossing them to her.

"Get dressed quickly," he instructed, pulling on his own breeches and shirt with practiced efficiency. I have to go find Mario and gather our soldiers,"

Amelia's hands shook as she fumbled with her dress, but she managed to get it on. Ezio helped her lace it up, his fingers moving deftly despite the urgency of the situation. As he finished, he cupped her face in his hands, his eyes boring into hers with intensity.

"Listen to me, Amelia. I need you to get to the underground tunnels beneath the villa. Do you remember how to access them?"

She nodded, her throat tight with fear. "Through the study, behind the bookcase."

"Good," Ezio said, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. "Go there and wait for me. I'll come for you as soon as I can."

Another explosion rocked the building, sending a fresh wave of dust cascading from the ceiling. Ezio's expression hardened as he moved to the door, pausing to grab his hidden blade and strap it to his wrist.