Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 18 - Amelia

As the first rays of dawn crept through the thin curtains, Amelia stirred from her slumber, feeling as though her body was still submerged in a sea of sleep. The warm embrace of the bed felt both unfamiliar and comforting, like a lover's arms. She nestled deeper into the soft linens, relishing the sensation of being cocooned in warmth.

But suddenly, she felt a rush of heat wash over her body, and she shifted instinctively, startled to find herself pressed against a firm chest. Her heart raced as she opened her eyes, panic rising within her. In that moment, she realized with a jolt that she had ended up in Ezio's arms during the night. Gasping, she recoiled, scrambling away as quickly as possible. But in her haste, she lost her balance and tumbled over the edge of the bed with a loud thud.

Ezio jolted awake at the sound, his assassin instincts kicking in immediately. He leapt from the bed, scanning the room for threats before his eyes landed on Amelia huddled on the floor.

"Amelia!" he exclaimed, moving towards her with concern. "Are you alright?"

Amelia's breath came in short, panicked gasps as she pressed herself against the wall, her eyes wide with fear. "Don't touch me!" she cried out, her voice trembling.

Ezio froze, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice filled with remorse. "I didn't mean to frighten you. We must have moved closer in our sleep."

Amelia's heart raced as she tried to calm herself. She pressed her back against the wall, leaning her head back and her eyes wide with lingering panic. "I'm... I'm sorry," she managed to say, her voice shaky. "I just... I forgot where I was for a moment."

Ezio slowly lowered himself to the floor, keeping a respectful distance from Amelia. His eyes were filled with concern and understanding as he watched her try to regain her composure.

"There's no need to apologize, amore," he said gently.

Amelia nodded, taking deep breaths to slow her racing heart. As the initial panic subsided, she felt a wave of shame wash over her. "I hate this," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I hate feeling so... broken."

Ezio's expression softened, his heart aching for her pain. "You're not broken, Amelia," he said firmly. "You're healing. And I'll be here with you every step of the way, for as long as you need."

Amelia's eyes welled with tears at Ezio's words, a mixture of gratitude and frustration washing over her. She wanted so desperately to be the woman she was before, to fall into his arms without fear, to love him freely. But the memories of her captivity still clung to her like a shadow.

"I want to be whole again," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I want to be the woman you fell in love with."

Ezio's gaze softened, his eyes filled with unwavering love. "You are that woman, Amelia. Your strength, your spirit - they're still there. They've just been buried under the weight of what you've endured."

He shifted slightly, careful not to move too close. "May I sit beside you?" he asked gently.

Amelia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Ezio moved slowly, settling himself beside Amelia against the wall, close enough for comfort but not touching. They sat in silence for a few moments, the early morning light casting a soft glow across the room.

"I feel so conflicted," Amelia said softly, breaking the silence. "Part of me wants nothing more than to be in your arms, to feel safe and loved. But another part..."

"...is afraid," Ezio finished gently. "It's alright, Amelia."

Amelia nodded, grateful for his understanding. She took a deep breath, as she looked over at him. She could see that time had worn on him. His once youthful face had aged and his face now held a stubble that was clearly being left alone to grow.